Acts 13:1-5 ~ Now

Acts 13:1-5

Now there were in the church at Antioch
prophets and teachers,

Barnabas,
Simeon who was called Niger,
Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch,
and Saul.

2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.

Archaeology. Something you sift through to find meaningful analysis. Like Historical evidence. And God's Word.

God Word, 1 John 4, tells us never be afraid to examine what we know for truth.

Dang. Don't you wish the Disciples had been literate?
Dang. Wouldn't it be great if the Bible had been written before 400 A.D. and we hadn't had to deal with these dirty, illiterate, yutzes that "God" mistakenly chose?


Well. Maybe. When God said the creation was good, how many times? 11 times. God rarely repeats Himself like that, maybe God was supporting 11 Disciples. Saying these 11 men were wonderful. Chosen, special, loved.




Let's explode for all time some pop culture and look at Archaeology.
God has built Archaeology to be a clue for the faithful.
A tool of seeing with wonder what God has done.
It will be rare when something of Archaeology brings Salvation.
And yet, why would we ignore what others have found and in their experience - publish.








Home of Peter and Andrew in Capernaum. Next door to the Sea of Galilee and the Capernaum Synagogue. Became a House Church. Then had hundreds of pilgrims leave messages in the Plaster.

Peter and Andrew. Always looked for what God was doing. They were very aware of John the Baptist. Andrew knew from John about the Divinity of Christ. When we see their house, beside the Synagogue - we find plaster walls. A large home. Not a hut. Not something you'd find for dirty, illiterate men of little wisdom.

The spacious home of fishermen, was next door to the Synagogue - they knew kosher. Cleanliness. And water. See the Sea of Galilee.

Papyrus 46 which is owned by the University of Michigan. And lists 300 chapters of the New Testament in almost perfect condition. Argued over - are the verbs - 1st or 2nd Century?

Who was alive then? John the Beloved Disciple. A great historian called Polycarp. Polycarp was the Disciple of John the Beloved Disciple. Polycarp records John's approval after 'reading' the Gospels of Matthew, Mark (who wrote for Peter the greatest Chapters under popular discussion of Peter's recollections) and Luke (illiterate Physician?) - who stayed to the end with Peter and Paul.  Peter and Paul are historically recorded in Mamertine Prison as being imprisoned and executed for believing in Jesus Christ. Polycarp records literacy, among other useful information.












And so we leave Jerusalem, where 16 years after the death of Jesus, 340 years of Roman Emperor terror about Jesus Christ.  And 340 years later was still being investigated about 'that' Jesus as God. Unlike little Judea, which came to be known as Jesus' area. We leave and head to Syria - which was considered a Post worth having as a Roman Official.

And we look at  

ANTIOCH

You have your little Judea, your better Syria, but ahhhhhhhh Antioch. You've arrived. This is the Place. Beautiful Antioch. Twenty-one times the New Testament says 'Antiahhhhhhoch'.

Who was here?

1. Barnabas, Cousin to John Mark, Mark's gospel, with Peter to the end. Barnabas took some of the oldest Scripture to India.

2. Simeon who was called Niger, This is the Gospel. This is the first Civil Rights Movement. This man took the Gospel to Alexandria.

3. Lucius of Cyrene, Simeon probably traveled with Mr Libya. They are taking the Gospel to the Next Continent.

4. Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch  You are "Absolutely" in trouble for running around with Christian infidels if you are a pal of Herod. This Herod is Herod is Herod Antipas. A lesser known Herod? Oh noooo. This Herod is put on the throne by Census taking Emperor Augustus. Nephew of Caesar. King since 4 B.C. Married to his sister-in-law Herodias, this Herod is rather Touchy. One is in Danger traveling with the Christ Disciples

Giving a whole new meaning to - "Men the Roman Empire is upset who is running around Proclaiming Jesus as God."

5. Saul. Believe me, they were not grubbing around in Antioch. Paul was one of the best educated at the Temple by Gamaliel - himself. Paul had the best credentials.

Later...

6. John - This is the first man adopted by the incredible Sacrifice of Jesus. He is now the son of Mary, Mother of God. Plenty of courage. John stayed to the last breath of Jesus Christ.

These tile Mosaics - are they found in Judea - yes, thanks for thinking of this - yes, they are found in Caiaphas - High Priest Home. "Worship no 'Image'".

Antioch tells us - Living was not just hand to mouth. Not desperate times and desperate measures to worship "Something". Telling us just like Paul's superior education. Peter's superior style of living and gracious house.  Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch - not just the men who could squeak under the prosecution wire. Not just the outsiders.  The Light of Jesus Christ was reaching across Impossible Borders and Boundaries. Not just Susanna wife to Herod's Steward.





Antioch, northern Syria near the Turkish border. 300 B.C., Antioch was a very important political and cultural center of the Hellenistic East and one of the great metropolises of the Roman Empire.

Howard Crosby Butler, Princeton professor of Art and Archaeology and the founder of the School of Architecture, led a series of archaeological expeditions to Syria (1899-1900, 1904-5, and 1909). The collective aim was to record the remains of ancient buildings and settlements. The results of those expeditions were published in several volumes that remain standard research tools for the study of late antique architecture in Syria. Some of the buildings are from 200 A.D. He discovered a city blended from 200 A.D. to 500 A.D.

Although Antioch was mentioned in many literary sources, very little was known about the physical city until 1932, when a consortium of institutions led by Princeton University conducted the first of seven seasons of excavations that would eventually uncover a remarkable wealth of finds, expanding our knowledge of the metropolis and its culture. Despite the challenges posed by the fact that much of the ancient city had been buried by up to 10 meters of soil washed down from the slopes of Mount Silpios, which towers above the town at the east, the excavations there
and in the surrounding area were able to uncover the remains of more than
80 buildings,
including two theaters,
six public baths,
a hippodrome,
and two major churches.

In addition to these public buildings, some of the porticoed streets for which Antioch was famous in antiquity, were unearthed, along with numerous residential structures.

200 A. D.


Butler deemed this suburban residence a villa of a well-to-do family from nearby Bostra. The huge residence, measuring ca. 80 x 60 meters in plan, was later transformed into a village. Symmetrically organized around a central courtyard, the entire complex, including the residential wing, was enclosed by a high stone wall. The focus of the residential wing was a large (10 x 10 meters) two-story room, internally divided by a large arch resting on massive engaged piers. Probably introduced for structural reasons, internal transversal arches of this type became ubiquitous features of residential buildings in Syria.

These houses still had walls, 1700 years later. You can bet in Antioch, these visitors were not taken in lightly.

Now

Let's be real and frank. This is the statue of Minerva. Found as decoration for one of the Baths. 200 A.D. Just as archaeology does not create believers, not all people adored Jesus and flocked to Christ. What's the point in bringing this up? We see the Gospel and Acts of the Apostles have amazing, spectacular miracles. And many people think - well, God has gone to sleep. No matter the time, no matter the season, no matter the Disciple, Prophet, Preacher or Teacher - Jesus God told us, we will always have difficulties in this life. Jesus told us to expect some are wheat - some are weeds.

And with Love - bring forth the God of Love. The God of Encouragement. Our Father God Lives. Abba is working, Jesus, too, and His Word is the power upholding the universe, the galaxy, this planet and our very lives.




Our Abba,

From the first of the Gospels we find out:

Luke 1:37
For nothing will be impossible with God.

From the time of Kings

2 Chronicles 15:7
But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.

Isaiah saw Jesus 700 years ahead. He was not part of the New Covenant. And proclaimed:

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

And with this courage and this faith. We will believe 5% of life is in our control. About 95% is faith. Meaning we are flowers of the field and God alone is God. Prayer is really our most important work and brings forth our children and the people we love. The people we are given. And the people we hardly know or will see again. Prayer is the force changing hearts and calling up the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Abba, You alone are God. And in Your Great Love and Tender Mercy. God of Love and Encouragement, we tenderly place our cares for our loved ones, the people You have given us, our own concerns, our hearts and souls, the things we think are dire today and maybe not in a year. The issues of supreme importance. And give a moment of thought of Thanks for Your answers we have experienced. And will know. Wrapping with great care- Your Love around our workplaces, Schools, Churches, Cities, States, this Nation and cover the Creation with Your Love.

Knowing Your Tender Love for Edward, Steve, Paul, ears, Mother, Elaine, Jack, Maggie and Nick and the prayers you heard for Martha and Bill. For our beloved Children. Adult and child. For the dire prayer requests. For the laid back prayers.

We Entrust All this to Your Loving, Capable and Willing Hands. For Eternity begins today.


The riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 

That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,  which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.


Jesus bless us All in His Righteousness. Amen in Jesus Christ.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Mark 2:1-12 ~ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son"

Mark 2:1-12

 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 

Capernaum frequently turned out the entire town of 1,500 people to hear Jesus.

3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” 

So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 

12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. 

This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”


Psalm 126

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

We know this event in the life of Jesus Christ because the Gospels were written by men who knew the call of Jesus to speak and teach of The Son of God.

Someday, because of the gift of Life from the way of Jesus our Lord - we will see the Life, the entire Life of Jesus Christ. This very event just as Jesus saw this in it's entirety. Just exactly as the event really happened - because those people who have had glimpses of Heaven know that the creator of Heaven created earth.

I'm saying Jesus will make His memories alive for us to see. Our technology - our wisdom - is merely "seeing through the glass darkly" and Jesus will show us His life exactly. We will,  in Heaven, sit with Jesus and see His Life!!!

This day will be a prime example of the Joy Jesus had living here with us. As a man and fully God.

When we think of going to Church - we know Church is made up of people - and we all fall short of His Glory. But know this - Jesus died for His Church. The Church continues after 2,000 years from Jesus explaining a non-existent Church would be here to glorify Jesus. When we go to God's House on Sunday, we are sitting in the House of God.

God will feed us - the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Staying in step with the Spirit - we do away with:
sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like - those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The way Jesus ministers - He cleansed impurities. He did not try to hide sin exists. The man in the painting demonstrates helplessness and weakness - but God makes all things possible. God is his strength, healing, and grace. Jesus turns this time into His Father's Glory. God is the center. Because Father God is sufficient - Jesus, The Son of God, calls us His.

The purpose of the Church is to Worship God. To encourage us to live the life God gives us. To press on in humility when the victory is unseen. To give us His Grace when life is good. Walking the path of our lives with faith, in all seasons of our lives.

Father God,
Please be the center of me and the ones I love. 

We hold on to You, Father God - look to Jesus -  for the free gift of Salvation - be within us as the fruit of Your Holy Spirit. 

We are nourished - in all seasons of our life - we will depend on You  and Your steadfast Love will see us through. 

Amen always in Jesus.

Psalm 76 ~ God is known: His Name is Great

Psalm 76

A Psalm of Asaph.

In Judah God is known;
his name is great in Israel.

2 His abode has been established in Salem,
his dwelling place in Zion.

3 There he broke the flashing arrows,
the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. 
Selah

4 Glorious are you, more majestic
than the mountains full of prey.

5 The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil;
they sank into sleep;
all the men of war
were unable to use their hands.
6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
both rider and horse lay stunned.

7 But you, you are to be feared!
Who can stand before you
when once your anger is roused?
8 From the heavens you uttered judgment;
the earth feared and was still,
9 when God arose to establish judgment,
to save all the humble of the earth. 
Selah


10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.

11 Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them;
let all around him bring gifts
to him who is to be feared,
12 who cuts off the spirit of princes,
who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.



Asaph has seen Israel recover from King Saul. From Civil War as multiple monarchs are crowned and deposed. Asaph is seeing the battle riddled Israel grow spectacularly in King David's shepherding care. David believes so strongly in peace, he has built the King's Palace outside the safety walls of the city to observe the view of 3 hills.

The Kingdom and Palace was so unshakable we can find architectural highlights from David's Palace today.

And this Palace was still in use as the King's residence when Nebuchadnezzar II began to take over Judea believing this is of God from Isaiah Chapter 13. Nebuchadnezzar entered the palace to free a prisoner from the puppet Davidic king's palace prison in David's Palace. Nebuchadnezzar II released the prophet Jeremiah from the prison and in archeological digs, we have found the seal of Baruch ben Neriah (Hebrew: ברוך בן נריה Bārūḵ ben Nêrîyāh "'Blessed', son of 'My Candle is Jah'") (c. 6th century BC) was the scribe, disciple, secretary, and devoted friend of the Biblical prophet Jeremiah.

The Bulla is of interest, not only because of the origin in the Palace of David found according to Biblical definition by second generation Archaeologist Professor Eilat Mazar, but because it has a fingerprint on the seal - probably of Baruk.

Currently housed in the Museum of Israel. Jstor contains all current, official information on the treasured Bulla of Baruk from the Museum of Israel.

Why has Psalm 76 abided? Been Celebrated? Remembered? The goal of war is not continued war, continued police state, the goal is met - Hope has been found. Peace. Prosperity - the building of a Nation.

The People see Peace. A Gift of God.

Israel has almost always been crowded by larger Empires. The Palace of David was built in 1000 B.C. In continual use, outside the safety of Jerusalem City Walls, for 400 years.

David found Allies of the Phoenicians. He had been employed by them during the time Saul was tracking him. He liked their style and built his palace.

Artifact of David's Palace.

1800's Photo of Israel - how Jerusalem typically looked for millenniums. The Walls hold the Palace of David.




The Visuals below show the Kidron Valley, allowing you to see the City Walls, old and new, with the placement of King David's Palace.

Remember with me, armies arrived for David to be concerned and for all 400 years this Palace was freely on display. This Palace was so boldly in view we could hang this flag from David's Palace.

In Texas, this looks about like this!!!

Abba,

We read in Psalm 76 about Your Belt. Ephesians 6:14 tells us Your Belt is Truth. And Peace is freedom, Your Word says the Truth sets us Free.

David carried on for 22 years knowing his anointing only by faith. We always want the Victory Your Word celebrates. Endurance, produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Father God, pour Your Holy Spirit of Love into our souls. Give us this Strength of Your Joy. We ask this for the one's we love. Carry this forth to the people we pray for. To our work places, Churches, Neighborhoods, Cities, States, Nation and the believing world. We pray for the Strength of God to provide us more peace. Heaven on earth. Prosperity, Hope, Faith and Love. The Strength of Your Steadfast, Unshaken Kingdom, God Sized Love.

In the Highest Name of Jesus we pray this in our vows, households and daily life. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Daniel 7 ~ Ancient of Days

Ishtar Gate of Babylon, Daniel lived with. Pergamon Museum in Berlin.

Daniel 7

 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. 

Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter. 2 Daniel declared, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. 3 And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. 4 The first was like a lion and had eagles' wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. 5 And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’ 6 After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.

9 “As I looked,

Thrones were placed,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat;
his clothing was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames;
its wheels were burning fire.
10 A stream of fire issued
and came out from before him;
a thousand thousands served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him;
the court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.
11 “I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

13 “I saw in the night visions,

and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.

15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me. 16 I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things. 17 ‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. 

18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’

19 “Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet, 20 and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions. 

21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.

23 “Thus he said: ‘As for the fourth beast,
there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth,
which shall be different from all the kingdoms,
and it shall devour the whole earth,
and trample it down, and break it to pieces.
24 As for the ten horns,
out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise,
and another shall arise after them;
he shall be different from the former ones,
and shall put down three kings.
25 He shall speak words against the Most High,
and shall wear out the saints of the Most High,
and shall think to change the times and the law;
and they shall be given into his hand
for a time, times, and half a time.
26 But the court shall sit in judgment,
and his dominion shall be taken away,
to be consumed and destroyed to the end.

27 And the kingdom and the dominion
and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven
shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;
his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,
and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’


28 “Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed, but I kept the matter in my heart.”




Who would Parallel Daniel? Appealing to all except those seeking power promoting themselves with other gods.

Joseph is found in History. Egyptian History.

The name of the city Jacob-El was recorded for the first time in Thutmose’s III  era.

Thutmose III actually created Egypt’s wealth. Thutmose III possessed the archetypal qualities of a great ruler. A brilliant general who never lost a battle, he also excelled as an administrator and statesman. 1479 – 1425 BC

 
Yahweh was also recorded for the first time during Thutmose III.
Ramses II spent Egypt’s wealth on massive building projects where as Thutmose III actually created Egypt’s wealth.
During this time period, according to Egyptian historical documentation, Israel was not a recorded as a name, the people were recorded as hyksos. 
On a statue of Amenhotep III (monotheistic Pharoah) at Kom el Hetan is Amenhotep’s funeral statue and on the base of the statue is Joseph-el. Joseph of God.

Egyptian Topographical Lists of Cities and Records

Names	Tuthmosis III (1481 BC)	Amenhotep II (1440)	Amenhotep III (1386)	Seti I (1291)	Ramses II (1275)
Jacob-El	yes				yes
Joseph-El	yes		yes
Asher			yes	yes	yes
Yahweh			yes		yes
Shasu		yes	yes	yes	yes
Hapiru		yes		yes

See ANET, 242-3.

1. In Ramses II's topographical list (ca.1275 BC) the place-name "Jacob-El" (#9) appears again (ANET 1969, 242; Simons 1937). The first appearance was in Thutmose III's list. This means that this city of Jacob has been around for two hundred years. Another interesting name that was found is yhw which is "Yahweh" in Hebrew (Horn 1953, 201; Giveon 1964, 244).
2. It seems abundantly clear from all these topographical lists concerning Canaan that the Hebrews were in Canaan at this time, but they did not use the name "Israel" until there league of tribes was well formed by the time of Merneptah.

3. On a statue-base of Amenhotep III at Kom el Hetan which is the funerary temple of Amenhotep III there is a topographical list with the place-name Yspir (Series a:1; Kitchen 1965, 2). This is the same name translated "Joseph-El" in Thutmose III's Topographical list (ANET 1969, 242). After Yspir in both lists the place-name Rkd appears (Series a:2 in Amenhotep III's list, and #79 in Thutmose III's list; Simons 1937, 112). Rkd is the same place-name as Ruhizzi in the El Amarna letters (EA 53:36, 56; EA 5426; EA 56:26; EA 191:2; Rainey 1982, 354). The ruler of Ruhizzi is Arsawuya who seems to be located in northern Palestine or southern Syria (EA 53:36, 56; Moran, 125)

Isaiah was perfectly understood. The Messiah would be King of Kings and the theologians knocked on the door of King Herod to see the Messiah.

We won't understand all things. God has not given us to interpret His Plan. My opinion from Luke 1 is our God has tied the end of the earth with the supernova of the sun. The falling of the skies and the red moon.

Luke 1

78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”



Peace is to be preferred. An honest peace with freedom.

How shall we interpret this? The Bible repeats and repeats only to assure us with God all things are possible. Jesus told us there would be wars and rumors of wars. Men would always point to the return of Jesus.

And just as Daniel is similar to Joseph, Daniel 7 of 500 B.C. points to Hebrews 1. A day to God, Peter tells us, is thousands of years. Jesus tells us what Daniel tells us.

Hebrews 1

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways,
God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,
whom he appointed the heir of all things,
through whom also he created the world.

3 He is the radiance of the glory of God
and the exact imprint of his nature,
and he upholds the universe b
y the word of his power.

After making purification for sins,
he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.


Why was Daniel employed, with all of his many God given talents,
to see this battle? To speak of Battles of the Most High?

Daniel was in a unique position having seen his secondary nation - Israel taken in recent history and destroyed by the Assyrians. Daniel had lived seeing Judah reduced to puppet state and destroyed by a fake uncle king, who refused to be a proper puppet king in his own arrogance, echoing the faithlessness of the people. 3 Times Judah was rounded up and finally finished in fire. Daniel walked 1,000 miles through tough terrain, and was a slave raised up in a foreign nation as emissary.

Daniel was shown all of this because he would relate it with emotion to the readers of millenniums. We would understand Daniel found the violence terrifying. And we would see God is in charge and there is hope. Daniel was picked correctly by a God of profound understanding. Daniel's heart felt experience is living in these descriptions. God chose Daniel to relate as a slave, an emissary of God, chosen as we are God's Beloved. God chose Daniel's heart to relate the Truth of God's Word.








And will we worry about the end of the world?
We will not.
God is in control.

We should have more Joy of the Lord. We read so many dire things we can do nothing about.

We can do something important. Love.

Pray.

We can do something powerful. Be Grateful.

Find, hold, believe, celebrate Good News. Today, 2/3rd's of all college educated people have marriages that last to death. Families see vows taken and upheld.

We seem to believe the world is going to have a massive riot sometime soon. And we forget to celebrate the peace we know. And expect.

We have a small chance of violence. When it strikes, it's like lightning and terrible. We have forgotten to believe in the stability of our lives as a Gift of God.



If we can pray for the people we love and mostly have confidence for them, why can't we pray for strangers and expect God is going to help? And as we continue to pray, God is going to give us an opportunity - not to fall and fail, but to have the ability and the talent to help.

God wants His Beloved to help each other and not feel like failures and unable.

God does the heavy lifting in life. With God our burdens are light.

God says when we cannot help - He will.

I know a very recent story in my life of a Minister of God. Someone who did like we all do - set their child on a path of college and career. This Minister fasted when the college year and semester began and prayed for the Light of Jesus Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit to protect all the students and comfort the Professors. Praying simply for the miraculous. The child believed in Jesus until more and more friends pressed in. The now adult child decided to sell Drugs. A contact point was made, the Drugs would be delivered. The Minister's adult child was pleased to have extra funds. And as the Narcotics were to be delivered, the contact showed up with 2 Policemen in Uniform. Angels really. The Minister's child went into another room and wept. Life would become very bad. The contact slipped into the room, handed the Drugs over and said the police had not caught on. And left. The would be drug dealer would not sell Drugs. The Minister's child realized how far this cared for person had fallen. And for years, the Minister was not informed and did not know how many prayers are answered and go undisclosed.

God is so Good.


Our Ancient of Days
is not on a Throne far away
waiting for someday far away, to help us.

Our Abba is not waiting on events down the path
to draw up His Power.

This is Our God. Our Mighty Father.
He LIVES.
He REIGNS.

Our ABBA Loves You. Loves me.

Blessed be the Living Name of God. Our Father. 
Blessed be Wonderful Jesus.


Our Heavenly Father is not held apart by space and time.


Our Father is Ancient of Days takes His Seat;
His Holy Spirit dwells in the Faithful.
His Word is Living and Active.

For the Word of God is living and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword,
Our God pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.

Our Father and His Powerful Word is able
to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight;
everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.


We know our Father has Clothing was white as snow,
and the Hair of His Head like pure wool

Our Father's throne has fiery flames;
its wheels were burning fire.

Living.
A stream of fire issued
and came out from before Him

Thousand thousands served Abba,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stand before Him.
As Gabriel stands before our God. Our Father.

He is able and willing
God of Love
God of Encouragement.
And His Will will Prevail.

Jesus our Christ. The Only Son of our God.
He is the Radiance of the Glory of God
and the exact imprint of His Nature,
and He upholds the universe by the Word of His Power.

After making purification for sins,
he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on High
His Court will sit in the judgment,
and
the books are opened.




Our God is the Alpha and the Omega.
Creator of All

Even the darkness is not dark to You;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with You.

For You formed my inward parts;
You knitted me together in my mother's womb.


I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are Your works;
my soul knows it very well.


My frame was not hidden from You,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;


In Your Book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

Blessed be our wonderful Jesus Christ.
This is where our cares are held.
He cares for us. Tenderly.

Thank God. Our Father. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †