Matthew 3:11-12 ~ with the Holy Spirit

Matthew 3:11-12

11“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Jesus told us there is a Kingdom of Heaven and of hell. Wheat is used as example of this. The chaff surrounding the grain is tossed in the air. The Wind, or Holy Spirit, carries what is to burned, the chaff, away.
This was done in a circle. On a Threshing Floor for more accuracy for keeping more wheat.

We are all going in the same direction - to Jesus. Only Father God will decide if we have obtained the Salvation of Jesus in our beliefs, words and actions. Even demons believe. James 2:19

Romans 9:16
It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy.


Ruth 3:1-18

1 Then Ruth's mother-in-law Naomi said to her, "My daughter, should I not look for a home for you, so all will be well with you? 2 Is not Boaz of our family, with whose women servants you were? See, he is dividing the grain from the waste at his grain-floor tonight. 3 So wash yourself. Pour oil on yourself and wear your best clothes. Then go down to the grain-floor. But do not let the man know who you are until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, watch where he lies. Go in and take the covers off his feet and lie down. Then he will tell you what to do." 5 Ruth said to her, "I will do all that you say."

6 So Ruth went down to the grain floor and did all her mother-in-law had told her to do. 7 When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and his heart was happy, he went to lie down beside the grain. Then Ruth came in secret. She took the covers off his feet and lay down. 8 The man was surprised late in the night. He turned and saw that a woman was lying at his feet. 9 He said, "Who are you?" She answered, "I am Ruth, your woman servant. Spread your covering over me. For you are of our family." 10 And Boaz said, "May the Lord bring good to you, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than your first by not going after young men, with or without riches. 11 Now my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you whatever you ask. For all my people in the city know that you are a good woman. 12 It is true that I am of your family. But there is one closer than I. 13 Stay this night. In the morning, if he will have you for his own, let him take you. But if he does not want to have you, then I will take you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning."

14 So Ruth lay at his feet until morning. She got up before the people could see each other. For Boaz said, "Do not let it be known that the woman came to the grain-floor." 15 And he said, "Bring the coat you are wearing and hold it out." So she held it, and he loaded her with six jars full of grain. Then she went into the city. 16 When she came to her mother-in-law, Naomi said, "How did it go, my daughter?" And Ruth told her all that the man had done for her. 17 She said, "He gave me these six jars full of grain. For he said, 'Do not go to your mother-in-law with empty hands.' " 18 Naomi said, "Wait until you know what is going to happen, my daughter. For the man will not rest until the thing is decided upon today."

Photo~ Threshing Floor for Grain Bethlehem and Threshing tools

Boaz has a happy heart. That day the chaff was burned away. Work had been done culminating from a diligent season. The wheat was gathered.

Ruth had also done work from a diligent heart. She had moved herself from growing up in a family of various gods and had understood God Almighty's desire for loyalty when the family had had multiple deaths of the sons and the father leaving Naomi with no one. She walked through the desert with Naomi to find a town where work was always required to harvest food. This was not a lush town. Ruth had made difficult choices and was a foreigner.

Was Ruth happy? I'd have to say reading about Ruth - she was a happy person. And understood emotional diligence.

This Third Chapter of Ruth is Matthew 3:11-12. God is gathering. He is piling up His wheat to make a path for Jesus Christ to have family. There is desert, death, desertion, poverty, bitterness, work for small rewards, being foreign,
...and ultimately choosing God.

When God is allowed to be God and is seen as God that Naomi's sons did die. That Naomi's husband did die. That it was difficult and probably frightening to walk that far between countries. To chose to go with a widow walking away. To gamble a future on putting yourself on the threshing floor.

This is part of the humility and trust that God is going to care about your life, your actions given to God and that there is a plan with life seems only harsh.

Hardship, work and hope in the harsh realities of life. Faith that who we are makes a difference.

This Chapter of Ruth three is the Celebration. God is in charge when the threshing of life occurs. And there will be a banquet - if we Trust God to Be God.



This unusual Chapter can be related to Luke's Gospel Chapter 10.


Jesus sent His Disciples two by two. Just like the 7 pairs of clean animals in Noah's Ark. Ruth is sent by Naomi. Eventually Ruth is the disciple with Boaz and Naomi is the disciple with Naomi's son. Luke 10.

Ruth does not rest there, she returns to Naomi. Luke 10.

Both women "wait to see the will of God", acted upon by Boaz. Luke 10.

Who and why is he merciful to Ruth? "Her merciful neighbor" is Boaz. Luke 10.

Who has "chosen a better portion" - Ruth chose Naomi as godly and needing of her assistance, more than the gods of her father's house. Her sincerity was shown in her diligence. She spoke of her goal. Luke 10.

This is an unusual Bible Chapter. And in the honesty of Scripture, truth is discussed. Jesus chose people as his ancestry on both his mother and father's side.


Father God, we lift our loved ones up to You. Your hand is that of Love and Salvation. We lift up our cares, tomorrow's cataract surgery at 2 pm. We lift up our friends, Church family, Churches in our area, our State and States. Our Nation to be One under God. The Nations near us to be blessed by God. In Jesus we pray, Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Matthew 7:15-29 ~ Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Matthew 7:15-29

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’


24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

How are we to know? Jacob prospered with spotted sheep. David was a little spotted and God said David was the apple of His eye because David would do what God wanted him to do. God would have His only Son come from David's descendants.

Noah had troubles after completing God's long term project. So did Moses - toward the end. Joshua or Yeshua - his name was very like Jesus' name - and he hung in there.

Hezekiah was part of the splendor of a nation remarkably and miraculously spared from becoming any part of the Assyrian Empire.  He stripped the ancient gold from the Temple doors to sell.

The Proverbs of Solomon - who spent many years on the hilltops asking God to speak with him and playing his own life his own way -

Proverbs 24:12
If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?"

Paul agrees with Solomon. Even when we judge ourselves. can we be entirely right? God has given us Jesus. Paul tells us to lean upon Jesus.

John agrees with Jesus is Love. John decided that he would continue with Jesus beyond what was comfortable for him. God rewarded John with historically very long life. We know he was exiled on Patmos and Roman historians record John survived unscathed being boiled in oil - giving the Coliseum something to think about for a long time. John in old age, history records, was given the ability to be engage in life to a large degree in the 2nd century A.D. John was continuing to make disciples who were carrying the faith and ar the go to Biblical studies of the 2nd Century and his disciple Polycarpus was still in Jesus Christ and leaving Papyrus to the 3rd Century. So - following Jesus is to make us lean forward and try for Father God's love to go forth.

Bad lamb. Balaam was asked by Moab to curse the Children of Israel and God swept in and changed that to be a blessing.

Deuteronomy 23:5
However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you.

This is a stunning thing to say.
God is at work to sweep together all things to work together for good for those who Love the Lord.

The Expectation of God. Saying I know Father God, I believe Him, I trust Him.

Being honest about sin. Like the people of the Scriptures. Looking in Glad Expectation of God and the signs of our Living Father God.

President of Baylor University, Ken Starr sent out an email saying that Baylor University takes a stand against Sexual Violence. Saying Baylor had an incident in the athlete student population. We can take a moment when we get an email like this to agree with Ken Starr and pray for our Nation where this happens to one in six men in the USA. Christians believe God hears and answers our prayers for our loved ones, friends and the Nation. This is a sign to pray. Prayer makes us braver. Bravery defeats "situations."

Matthew Perry was in the news 2 days ago saying he has benefited from his public announcements concerning his substance abuse troubles. Matthew says he is an award winning alcoholic and with the publicity of his troubles, he has opened Perry House (his own former house) and supports Phoenix House. “I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my life and a lot of wonderful accolades,” he told THR, “but the best thing about me is that if an alcoholic comes up to me and says, ‘Will you help me stop drinking?’ I will say, ‘Yes. I know how to do that.’”

Matthew Perry was in a movie about Pro-Life in 1997 called "Fools Rush In" part of the the main characters salvation was looking for the signs God provides. When we trust God to be part of our lives - seeking Him - HE IS!!!

Proverbs 8:17
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

John 6
68 Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 69 "We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."…


Father God, We call upon You to cover us in the Name of Jesus the Lord. Keep us in You, Father God, the ones we love, our friends, neighbors, co-workers and Church. Keep our States and Nation in You, Jesus. Amen.


 

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Matthew 17 ~ Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours

Matthew 17

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

10 The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”

11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”

17 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” [21] [a]
Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time

22 When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”

25 “Yes, he does,” he replied.

When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?”

26 “From others,” Peter answered.

“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”


This passage amazed me when I discovered it the first time. I had to read it again. God meeting Jesus' financial need. And Jesus needed money. A really prime example of Jesus as a man. It wasn't until many years later I saw Jesus sharing what He received with Peter. Rarely done in the world of taxation! It has to be right up there with the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

Isaiah 29:18
In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see.

So, Peter was saved financial expense. It wasn't what kept Peter's heart.

Peter ran from Jesus during His time of greatest need. And Peter hid himself for days thereafter.

When Peter saw Jesus several times after His Resurrection, Peter was the first one (not to walk on water to Jesus, Peter was done trusting in his own righteousness) to swim to Jesus. Why? Jesus was willing to forgive Peter. Peter knew he would be forgiven.

Forgiveness expands our lives in all directions. And possibilities. God works all things towards good.

John 21:7
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.

Father God, We open our hearts to You to dwell in us. Help us to make this place where You delight to Dwell. We ask Your blessings upon us, the ones we Love, our friends, neighbors, coworkers and Church. Be with us as we travel and play an "A" tier tournament. Please be with Jacks, Dee, Mary, Fred, Edward, Cal, Xander and me. Blessings upon us and this State and Nation. For my cataract surgery on Monday. All things are possible in Jesus. Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

1 Kings 21:17-29 ~ Go

1 Kings 21:17-29

Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying: Go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria; he is now in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession. You shall say to him, "Thus says the Lord: Have you killed, and also taken possession?" You shall say to him, "Thus says the Lord: In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, dogs will also lick up your blood."

Ahab said to Elijah, "Have you found me, O my enemy?" He answered, "I have found you. Because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord, I will bring disaster on you; I will consume you, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel; and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked me to anger and have caused Israel to sin. Also concerning Jezebel the Lord said, 'The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the bounds of Jezreel.' Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat; and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the air shall eat."

(Indeed, there was no one like Ahab, who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord, urged on by his wife Jezebel. He acted most abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord drove out before the Israelites.)

When Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth over his bare flesh; he fasted, lay in the sackcloth, and went about dejectedly. Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: "Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster on his house."


Ahab is remembered for being an evil man and king. Elijah brought him The Word of the Lord, but Ahab didn't like Elijah and thought of Elijah as his enemy. The Lord was more impressed Ahab reached beyond the messenger to hear The Word. We can be glad that the Lord hears our prayers, even sinners have the Lord's compassion. Good news for all of us!

However, we can always hope not to just have one encounter with compassion, but to foster the way of our lives bringing more Heaven to earth.  Finding ways to tell someone of their gifts and abilities their Father God loves and admires in them. A Father Jesus proclaims 100 times is "Our Father.."

Ahab down. Compassion forward. With this willing of a heart, makes you wonder what Ahab would have done with meeting Jesus. Lord, if You will - Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will".


Father God, You have said You Equip us with all good things to do Your Will. Help us to encourage the people You have brought us to see their Talents, Gifts, Abilities, the aspects You have given them as our Father to melt Your heart. Father God, You are a God who runs to us as we saunter on. Father God, You tell us to be encouraging and honoring to each other. Father God Thank You for not being a finger shaker. Instead You are the God of Love John proclaims You to be. You are the warmer of hearts - Your disciples said who walked with You.

Help us to bring Your Love forth to those who miss this. We ask Your blessings upon ourselves, our loved ones, coworkers, loved ones, Church and friends. In Jesus we pray for new students and teachers, Jacks, Dee, Hope, Mary, Fred, and my cataract surgery the 24th. For this State and for our Nation- In Jesus. Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 17:5-10 ~ have faith

Luke 17:5-10

5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

7 “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? 8 Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? 9 Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

Lamentations 3:19-26

I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”

25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.




Matthew 19
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”


Adversity, adversity is a learning tool. We learn installing an oven in 1,200 parts. Putting in floor joists.  We become a working knowledge with hope. Our daily bread - is like manna - daily. And the circle to give back stretches us more.

Adversity. Faith. Trusting God knows our heart. Our pain. Sufferings. And we can say to Him one of the most important aspects of Working to Believe God  -  Your will be done. Not in giving up, shrugging shoulders, but the servant going a little further. Dad, 

Father God, I trust You. I have aspirations, hope, needs, but I know You are my port. You slept in the storm. Knowing the winds blow and we don't always see where, but You do. In Jesus, Amen for our loved ones, friends, neighbors, co-workers, Church. Amen.

John 3:8
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

God is our Port. Our refuge. We trust HIM with our deepest desires. God knows ..... anyway. When we ask in faith, we are answered. No. Yes. Maybe. Maybe later. He is - always - going to say have faith. Faith the Way is forward and the Truth will be learning. And the Life, sometimes head before heart. However the soul asking with hope,faith, love is where HIS Heart is.

And the wind in the sail, stirring hope is that - all things - With God, all things are possible.

Your Will be Done.

Give us the Day.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Nehimiah 2 ~ The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.

Painting by Edwin Longsden Long

Nehemiah 2

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, 2 so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”

I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?”

Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

6 Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time.

7 I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? 8 And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.

9 So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.

10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.  

The ruins were charred with fire.

11 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days 12 I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.
 

13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 

14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; 15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate.

  16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.



17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” 


18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.

They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?”

20 I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”


God's Work. An unusual way to begin. One man started asking around and gathering up the idea to begin. Jeremiah had said this would happen in 70 years, and he was correct.

 The Archaeological Reliefs depict the return of the Jews to Israel in the Babylonian Kingdom.

Moses began by talking to Father God. Imagine what our prayers can still do.

John 5:17
But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”

Father God, We thank you for the rain in Padre Island. The wonderful smell of rain in the King Ranch. Our rain today. Texas is blessed with Your provision. Father God we ask for more as areas are very dry. 

Father, in Nehemiah's time - the ruined walls were black. Thank You in Jesus, You make us clean and white as in the Book of Revelation.

We lift to You our loved ones for Your mercy and Love, friends, co-workers, neighbors, the community, the encouraging signs on our roads about Father God, our State and Nation. We earnestly look to You, to build us up to lean to You. And Thank You Father, You delight in us. In Jesus. Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 2 ~ Good News of Great Joy

 

 

Luke 2

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.


41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

When the song of the angels is stilled.
When the star in the sky is gone.
When the kinds and princes are home.
When the shepherds are back with their flock.
The work of Christ(mas) begins:

The find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.

Alleluia! Unto us a child is born. ~Author Unknown


All of these people lived and believed the Good News Jesus Christ is the Lord.

In historical records we find Mary and Joseph were both from Bethlehem and no room was found for them in their ancient home town. God provided for them. Provision was found.

Shepherds overcame their fear and angels sang.


God's favor was found.
Shepherds went to find God. They spoke up to praise God.

Mary created memories to treasure and to grow from.

Good news of great joy.

Looking to what is noble, good - their son was consecrated - lifted to God.

Surrounding the event:
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21

Sovereign Lord, as you have promised!
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation!
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations!
a light for revelation to the Gentiles!
and the glory of your people Israel!

Simeon blessed them. The hearts of many will be revealed.

Coming up to them at that very moment,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required
and the child grew and became strong;
 he was filled with wisdom,
and the grace of God was on him.

Looking
Searching
Being in His Father's House

His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

In all Seasons knowing Change will happen.

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.


Father God, in our hearts reveal what You would want us to do. Relationship is not all receiving and is about giving. Teach us to Give to You.

 We lift up the ones we love for Your Goodness, our friends, Church, co-workers, neighbors, States and Nation. Let the Love and Light of Jesus Christ the Lord renew, resound, reestablish and resonant us to the completion of our souls to You, Our Father's Delight and Love. In Jesus! Amen. 



 

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †