Micah 6:8 ~ your God

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Yesterday I was asked what this blog writes about. The reply is, "What Jesus is saying, what aspect of Jesus is present - Today - living and active. God of Love."

Today and two weeks ago I was asked if being a Christian implies you blindly follow being kind. As if having an invisible friend makes you about 4 years old, as if you are a Linus with a blanket. A zombie to the rules.

Nothing is further from - The Truth.

God could very, very easily have flown the Children of Israel to the promised land. He required them (Hebrews 11) to "Believe God." A real step of faith to walk between an ocean being parted so far - that the walls of water - do Not Reveal the Other Side.

God expects us to be doing the right Spiritual Worship. We please God and He sees we are never possibly going to be creating people, and substances, not even a planet, much less a Universe. God answers the prayers of those who just - purely - genuinely believe - I cannot do the Law. I cannot be good enough. I cannot be God. I need the Loving Father so very much. In this Joy and Comfort of God, He provides the Strength, the diligence, the wisdom, to do each day with - Love, Faith, Hope, Peace, Joy and Wisdom.

Daily we need God. Daily He gives us firm footing on the path as if we were Peter put in the boat on the Sea of Galilee. Daily we have the assurance in the wild winds of Life - God is going to call for Calm and Peace and Provide.

God does not put Christians on the path of His as idiots. He clearly tells us to expect the people around us to work, to be honest, to not free coat ride. We should not feel God ever places us as the god Atlas to hold up our lives and enable those around us. Because we are never God, we will have bullies, we will have those who feel they will control us, we will have those who feel sorry for us to Love Jesus.

However, what this type of human being does not see - the Light of mankind Shines. And Shines.

The Adventure of Life - is the Love God puts in us as Strength. God is a very firm foundation.





When a Child of Abba, loves the Father - even his enemies live in peace with Him.

I had a feud I never called for put on my life. About 2005. This was someone who is part of my life and she is a Christian. She decided we needed peace a few years ago, 2012, and called my house with the tone in her voice saying, "Yep. Both Christians and you are going to get into my washing machine and I am going to run the spin buttons" and the words said, "Come on over, I have two of my best pals here and we want to have you for lunch." I really did not feel like being lunched upon that day and I declined. And about a year ago, a well meaning friend put us together to make peace for the feud the other lady had called for. I spoke with her and the tone was back, "Oh let's be friendsies, why not." I said, "This makes me uncomfortable for the glib way you are so easy breezy with peace when your best friend will not speak with me until you have left. And then she is quite friendly. I think this speaks volumes about the water still going under the bridge." She said she was the better Christian. I said, "Love does no harm to a neighbor."

The truth is this. Peace - Real Peace is real and hard won when one side is not at peace. Peace requires truth. Peace is a process even for the Prodigal Son's Father.

The point of the story? The adventure continued. My husband is not always well, but he is a walking miracle to have joy and purpose with each day. Edward placed us in a restaurant exactly beside this long time friend and feuder. I began to wave and speak, but was greeted with a stone wall. We pretended a distance of 5 feet made us oceans apart. I felt in my soul. Searched. I had done no harm, I would not suffer someone else and their agenda. This is God's Day and I will find the Love and Joy. I had a great time at the restaurant and decided life is a gift, I have today and I will find the Love and Joy.

Is the woman a Christian? You bet. And is she wrong? You bet. I've been wrong in my life. I do not need to cast a stone or sling a barb.

What happens with Christians? I love to walk. I get about 2 to 4 miles a day. When I don't have a project that takes hours and is my exercise. I ran into this lady and we stood and were rueful of the years this has taken. We recognized our similarities. We recognized our differences. We stood and remembered years we were friends. And enjoyed each other. She spoke words of future plans that put an end to the feud. Real words of a real acknowledgement of wrong and of change. This is peace. God has made a division and God will plan a better Peace. God does not say nicey and friendsy and no problemo. Abba says I love you. Abba says there is no partiality and paths separate. And Peace can begin in God being accepted.

Peace.


Celebrate the day. We can be the Princess with the 40 mattresses and the pea. Celebrate - a chore you had help with. A huge project several people helped you with and you Love them. Celebrate working hard and the food tastes so good. Celebrate God provided. Celebrate being healthy enough to go for a walk. Celebrate the survival of a parent and listening to good times and being glad to even have the grumps of real life. You've never missed a parent more than they are too ill to even dial a phone for 4 months and one day the phone rings and this is YOUR PARENT.

Celebrate when life moves slower and you slow down with someone you love. The memories become a little more cherished. The dog with way too much energy will slow down and one day you will walk ahead of your pal. Remember that when the yard is trampled. Celebrate the other side of the bed is occupied with the same person for 30 years. Celebrate the chores God puts in your hand to do. My Grandmother Anita had a very well known prayer my mother has typed up and framed for lots of people. "Thank You God for the awesome and auspicious privilege of doing dishes for the people I love." I never could really wrap that around me, and now I fully can appreciate that.

Celebrate an 8 year old ringing your doorbell to have "friendship party day" and the day is your facebook birthday. The Light of the world is shining. Better never forget to enjoy seeing Jesus work His amazing Mission Plan. Enjoy your old cat, one day he is your sweet memory.

Awesome and amazing, Jesus blessing us to see the Father Day.
Amen Jesus! And even if it is Lent - Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
God has heard our prayers, His Word is True, His Love is Permanent.
God is always Good. Thank You, Jesus. I place my loved ones with You with adventure and expectation. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Matthew 4 ~ Follow Jesus

  

Matthew 4

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,’

and

“‘On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.


12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people dwelling in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
on them a light has dawned.”

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”


18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”[b] 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 
22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.


23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. 

25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

A Great Sermon at HopePointe Anglican Church
Oxford University's
The Rev'd Dr Simon Vibert  - Sermon Link
Director of the School of Preaching at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
A joy and privilege to have him with us! He has a strong interest in training the next generation of Preachers. https://www.amazon.com/Simon-Vibert/e/B00DXKAMPC/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1


The Bible is Living and Active. And when we concentrate on Jesus, we are going to read a Scripture verse or chapter and see something different. We are all part of the Body of Christ and will have a different Purpose in Jesus Christ. This enables us to have conversation and reach out to the entire Body. This will provide a different viewpoint on Scripture - The Word of God is Nurture and Nourishment.

Why Matthew 4 During Lent?

Good point. Jesus was fulfilling the Word of God. When a ministry is begun - all of us will do something God does as well - Proverbs tells us - count the cost.

Lent is a season of preparing for the jolt of Holy Week. Remembering again the Terrible Cost of Amazing Grace. Jesus died for me. We are thinking of the absolute Gift of Jesus.

Jesus Servant King as a very auspicious presence in counting the cost. Someone who very dearly wants Jesus to count the cost as too high, too dear, too tragic, too messy, too uncomfortable, too ignoble, too insignificant for God, too inconspicuous, too ill advised, very un-glamorous.

God wants Jesus to be fully informed. The presence will use God in Deuteronomy to try for the path of good intentions.

What is the Cost to Minister Jesus

Jesus is - fully, completely informed of the cost. The Cost. Jesus has seen Nations and Glamor and Power. Jesus has Chosen to be - My Redeemer. Your Redeemer. The Redemption of your children. The Redemption of your grandchildren.

This is Truly the Son of God. A man fully - who has given wellness, healing, hope, encouragement and Love. His Blood will flow, His Heart will break - causing the murders to cry out, "This Truly is The Son of God."

What we Need to Represent God

Evil knows that to represent God - we are not sufficient. And Evil begins to plot what to ask Jesus to do. Tell us Your Strength. Tell us What You Can Do for Us.

Evil is not terribly creative. Evil repeats and repeats. Turn stones to bread. Feed The People. Give them something they will WANT you for. There are variations. Evil would say you deserve to be 'stoned'. You deserve the adultery - you hurt. You deserve to overspend. You deserve to be selfish. Evil starts out by saying "Give them something they Want."

Jesus - could do this. In fact Jesus rebukes the massive crowd fed after John the Baptist died and Jesus fed them to look beyond the visible. Jesus refuses to put on - a show.

Jesus The Lord -  is going with Truth. We will go with Jesus.

What We Think We Need to Represent God

Evil tries again. Be Spectacular. And reveals how Spectacular Spectacular can be. Jesus knows He is not a Rock Star, Jesus is the Foundation of God. The hope of mankind - our very Light and Life.

Jesus is our Righteousness. Jesus Tells us Be Confident and Bold before God Himself.

Hebrews 10:19
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus


1 Corinthians 1:26-30

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.

27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus,
who became to us wisdom from God,
righteousness
and sanctification
and redemption,
31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

The Response - The Word of God

Luke 10

18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”


Jesus did not want evil to be part of His Father's House. Jesus said rejoice your names are written in "Heaven" and plan on excluding what is not God's. Jesus was giving His Father. Giving. A new Heaven and a new earth. Giving.

Lent would be a good time to refrain from many things not pleasing to God.

The Deeds of God

Jesus did not plan on His Rise to Power. Jesus did not plot to take down Herod or Herod's children. Jesus did not plot to take over the Temple. Jesus did not say, "Set up tent here, lads." In fact, Jesus had a different response to the Treasury of the Temple.

Jesus frequently asked for privacy. Jesus frequently healed taking the dear beloved one privately and using gestures that the deaf could understand or the blind would have sensation to be involved.

Jesus frequently spoke in the wilderness. Jesus did not ask for money - Jesus asked for hearts. For lives of ministry. Sadly, Jesus rarely received gratitude outrageously. And Jesus received the gratitude after the Cost was given. Telling us, our fathers and our children and grandchildren "You will want to see the Days of Jesus."

Pleasing God Himself in Jesus Christ Our Righteous Lord

Father God, We want more of You.

Dwell within us, help us bring more Heaven to earth. We count on Your Righteousness to be our life. Help us to see Your Willingness daily. Send us there. We want to be pleasing to You as we work daily to be Loving, Mercy, Justice, humility, Hope, Faith, Joy, Peace, Goodness. Enable us and strengthen us to put You First, Jesus Christ.

Remind us to have Gratitude for Your Blessings. Call us to see Your Mercies Renew each Day.

We are not sufficient and call upon Your Mercy for those we Love and the people You have given us. Help us to lift Your Face to Shine and Smile. Give us the Joy Jesus tells us is His. Cover us in the Name of Jesus, Abba. And we will have Peace. Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

1 John 4 ~ whoever loves God must

1 John 4

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them,
for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us.

By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God,
because God is love.

9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

This morning I woke up and was very busy. I wanted breakfast and thought of many breakfasts, fast, sleepy, unaware - with people I love. Some are asleep in the Lord, some are Home with the Lord. Some I spoke with today at home and on the phone.

We moved 2,000 lbs of rocks and 800 lbs of dirt on a project for the yard and this will create a flower bed and better drainage in the back yard. Hard day? I Love to Garden and this was pure Joy. I surely bought small flowers and herbs living in the sub-tropics and seeing spring emerge on the new-leaf green tress.

I gathered my family and we headed out to arrive at a crowded restaurant - bone deep tired and hungry - this would not do. We traveled on to quieter Crisp - where they had their weekend Brunch going. Perfect. I was as happy as Bilbo Baggins, Hobbit before Long Lake arrival. Food has never tasted as good as anticipated and surprised with Joy and accompanied by Love.

View from John's residence, Patmos, Greece.

What we want to come Home to. The Scriptures tell us of our destination. Father of The House. Father God's Kingdom.

Quite a view.

John, the Beloved Disciple had lived seeing Jesus. Infused, soaked, satiated with the ability and loving understanding to stay with Jesus. Remain with Jesus. Placed by Jesus to care for the only woman to take a group up - several times, in the life of Jesus - to save the life of Jesus.

When we see John's view of Jesus - we have - an eyewitness of God. God's witness. John survived seeing evil kill God's Son. He has a real understanding of evil. Better by far - John begins with Genesis - the Light of the World. Incredibly complex beginning to place the Light of the World feet on the ground. To the 21st Chapter - amazing feet on the ground becoming the Fulfillment of God's Word.

John can take a complex story and make Solomon's Hubble Cloud in the Temple alive and seem as if we can see Jesus this day.

When we read John, we see Jesus. Merciful. Good. Where we want to be. God's Love. And in the warmth of God's love, we want more.


Blessed Father,

Bringing us Jesus - to be able to see You.

Let us have more of God.

Jesus our Wonder, Joy, Love and Savior. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 18:9-14 ~ God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

Luke 18:9-14

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’

13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”




Habakkuk 3

Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. "

The book "Rich Father" deals with growing up with great attitudes of hard work, self confidence, correct spending, correct saving. Most of us will have some seasonality.

I was told by a family friend, when I was in High School, to prepare for the future. I really thought my future would be made and was astonished to find out we had to learn solutions and have a different life than our parents. And finding the solutions was the joy. Finding good reason Habakkuk has joy. Truly, we have had season of being impoverished and I'd say - that is a terrible way to have to learn. Poverty is boring. Self depreciating.

When we find we have a needle and thread to our life and we are willing to work with what God's Blessing and woe provides - the beginning - begin not to be defeated. Find true hope, faith and Love.

And usually, the people who are willing to work with respect within Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" - people who give reassurance, polite responses, diligent respect - are not going to end up with a life so clean - that sterile looks dire. Human warmth. Diligently applied. Sincerely. God is right - treat people with respect - find a path in God.



How is your Lent going? I was mildly gastro ill and tired. I have not done my exercises, I have not done all I planned. Things on the to do list pile up. And then I had compassion on a pressing chore from my son and friend. And this was a result of not going on excursion planned due to gastric illness. I'd say God has blessed me with several jaw dropping kindnesses and I am in the position of receiving kindness. What a wonderful feeling.

I have not fasted. I have fallen in all I hoped to do.

And I will say this to kindness given to me today, this week, in abundance:

Philippians 4 ~ To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

And I hope that next Easter time, I rediscover this Lenten Post and remember how very touching this is. To re experience Gratitude for this week.

My family has had some true failings, but one of our successes has always been humor. To finally laugh at ill humor. To see the humor in being a jerk. We have always called that "Whoa. Stop. Anderson Do Over Day." And we begin again.


1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Isaiah 43:18
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Internal change. Your mood for the day.

Your ability to have faith for the large issues in life.
Your ability to have faith for the pressing and scary issues in life.

The important portion here is - your soul and your belief in Change with wisdom. Believe in this Change yourself. Love God. Love Yourself.

Rejoice in the Mercy of God. 

Romans 8:27
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

The Grace of God in Salvation



1 Kings 8
38 whatever prayer or supplication is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart, and spreading his hands toward this house; 39 then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know, for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men

Deuteronomy 4:31
For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 

Jesus prayed to find God's Willingness. Jesus wanted to go where Father God would take Him.

We live in a world with calendars and events and lists. Jesus went where God placed Him.

Jesus healed at the waters of the Pool of Bethesda, The Pool of Siloam, using His saliva. In His Willingness to continue healing even when He was told this was evil - lives changed longing for more of Jesus.

Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 6:2
For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Gideon, Jonah, Peter - God kept helping them. God is not going to quit or drop you on your head.

John 16:33
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”


Our Father,

Thank You, You hear prayers and Your Glory answers. We will have our Amen in Jesus with Joy. This is where we want to be. Almighty Father God.

Jesus the Lord!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Philippians 4 ~ To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

University of Michigan owns Papyrus 46. Dated late first or early 2nd Century. These two pages are Philippians 4. Easy to read. Very probably the Disciple John was still alive. The Bible is truth. http://earlybible.com/manuscripts/p46.html

Philippians 4

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.


4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.





8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.


14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.


21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.


23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.



We know this passage. We know the verse well, "I can do all things in God , Who strengthens me."

James wrote many times not to show partiality to rich or poor. And here is Paul traveling all over. Speaking to the lame and the blind. And in verse 22 we find Paul has met many, many saint - even in the Household of Caesar.


The letter is placed about 62 AD, about 10 years after Paul's first visit to Philippi. A Caesarean imprisonment (Acts 23-26). Caesar would be - Nerō Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. Generally, this would not be where Christians would seek employment. And to be this high up - would lead to the death of Paul. Emperor Nero, allowed the Jews back into Rome, but then, after the Great Fire of Rome of 64, Christians were persecuted.


How is Paul doing, being in the Lion's Den - Caesar's Household ?

• Stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved
•  
• Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
•  
• Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God
•  
• The God of peace will be with you.
•  
• The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
•  
• The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Paul writes of the beloved of Jesus, in the Holy Spirit:

Hebrews 12:2
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

John 14
1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Jesus.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul did have anxieties sometimes. And God would not have us apart from the rest of mankind. Paul is saying God has enabled him to walk the Plan and Path God has chosen for Paul. Just as God would do this for us as we walk in His Plan and Path.


Why would Paul do this?

God has shown Paul His Love.

Colossians 2:14
By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Astonishing to be at peace in what Paul calls Caesar's Household.

2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Titus 3:5-7
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.



Abba,

You promise us life. And tell us in Ephesians families live in Heaven together. Generations.

Because You've given us faith, He gave us the Right to become Children of God. So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Eternal Life - the kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 

Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, with Love. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.


So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Father, You know we are not asked to do Good Works every day. And yet we can. We are invited to pray.

Father God, Catholic priests tell us Catholics routinely pray to end well. To have death as a friend and not a worry, a lingering suffering. We pray preemptively for good health and to live abundantly healthily during our days. Loving good health. Saying thank You for times of rest. Asking for health for Paul, Diane, Edward, myself for ears and sinuses.

Giving thanks for my mom's and Jackson's health. For the pleasant passing of my cat. For the blessing of having people to love each day. For the elderly we pray for each day. For the Nation and the up building of marriages, family, Churches, our Nation and the entire the Body of Christ world wide.

We come to You, Father, in prayer it is not that I have already taken hold of faith, or have already attained perfect faith abilities, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess Christ Jesus, since Christ Jesus dwells in my soul. In God's blessing and forgiveness, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, to God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus , we pray. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

1 Kings 19:4-8 ~ went in the strength

1 Kings 19:4-8

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree; and he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am no better than my fathers."

5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree; and behold, an angel touched him, and said to him, "Arise and eat."

6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank, and lay down again.

7 And the angel of the LORD came again a second time, and touched him, and said, "Arise and eat, else the journey will be too great for you."

8 And he arose, and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.


This might have been like the Disciples felt during the seismic type storm on the Sea of Galilee. About to die. Jesus is asleep in the boat. And then to Live!



08/09/09
My oldest son was traveling home from Houston on I-45. It hasn't rained in a long, long time, we are in a stage 4 drought. At about 10 a.m. he slid, on new tires, across 4 lanes of traffic with cars all around him. During the slide his car rotated 540'. He narrowly missed a concrete barrier. When he came to a halt, he was facing oncoming traffic. All the cars and all the objects had been missed and he was not harmed. Thank God for His mercy.


We have prayed for my ears. This is tied to my Thyroid and some days my ears are better and some days not as good. Not too bad for the yellow car covered pollen times of spring.

We are praying right now for a lady who is 101 years old and her recovery is pretty typical for elder recovery 2 steps forward, a detour, a recovery and a new thing and still a recovery.

Not all prayers are answered in a linear fashion. The storm the disciples encountered is very much like wind sheer rushing from the Golan Heights that could push a plane from the sky. A storm fishermen would want very much to avoid.

Jesus Slept? Yes. Jesus Slept.


And to tie these points together like a mosiac with a repeat pattern - recently I watched the Spike Lee movie, "Do the Right Thing." All of the people were experiencing distress. Poverty, family loss, heat wave, angry sons fortunate to have a job, unhappy to be part of the family business - facing life in the pizzeria. Angry people inflicting hurt on antique cars. Angry demands instead of wisdom. Handicapped people as seen as unhealed and unhappy. A struggling pizzeria man, struggling to support a son and wife, put down for his color. A man running his business unhappy to see one son unwinding in racism, hateful and ungrateful at all turns. A boycott planned just to show jealousy. Peace is found in - - - convenience. Finally instead of turning a polite answer - instead of turning off the lights. A victory becomes a tragedy for the self-righteous anger of a victory, a momentary peace - denied. And explosion that lead through the whole area.


Not all prayers are answered in a linear fashion.

Jesus knew something about this - the week of the Transfiguration - coming down from His momentary Victory - the Disciples are upset they could not heal a young boy.

And being Jesus - He did not throw up His Arms and Yell - He just needed time and space and let Him alone.

The father who professed doubts about all the healing and the seriousness of his son's terrible, terrible problem - Jesus said emphatically, "Yes you can trust me, yes do not doubt." The father didn't start screaming life had been hard for him too. Instead the father finds the way, the life, the truth - and tells the truth. "I have faith! Help me to have more faith!"

Amazing, holding on with hope, faith and Love. What Truth will bring. One more calm reply. One more picking up the tempo. One more apology. One more healing. One more Miracle.

Gives Jesus and Life so many more times that Mercy will bring a new path, a new plan, and a whole new path - for the boy who was healed by Jesus instantly.

And for us? Jesus did not say to the Disciples like a Rock Star, "Wow lucky I was here for that boy. Wow!"

Jesus knows what He is about - Ministry. Jesus gives Life. Words of Life.

"This one requires Prayer."

Jesus told the Parable about not being a corrupt Judge. Having prayer with the idea Jesus is Willing. And Good.



For Lent? what will we bring? Maybe something more meaningful than the loss of Chocolate.

Something Meaningful. Life provides opportunities. For good health, exercise - the Temple of God - our bodies.
Helping with multiplication tables. Listening to a litany of health concerns. Less alcohol. More prayer for a sick friend and a suffering wife. Remembering the day of an operation. One more errand to make someone's day. Give someone some Light.

Our Father, Father who gives us Jesus.

Finally and always, in the Goodness of God, rejoice in the Lord. He has given us Jesus.

Worship by the Spirit of God!

And glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. The surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Thanks be to God for the righteousness coming from You, depending on the Faith You have given — that I may know Jesus and the power of His Eternal Life, and may share in becoming like Him. From today on - Life everlasting. Trusting You for Good in all circumstances.

Thanks be to You Father God, who alone is Good. With You, I will press on to make the Life of Christ Jesus my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. In GOD, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

With His Help, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

In Jesus we will hold true to what we have attained.

We will place the ones we love in God's vast framework where You, Father God, will find the path and the hope for those we love. We will rejoice in the day You have brought. We will lift up those we pray for with Expectation of Your Goodness. We will pray with Hope for the Nation and the concerns of all the people You have given us. And By God, We Will Find the Joy. Today.

Jesus is Lord. This Lent help us to be Light Bringers. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †