Epheisians 1 ~ His holy people

Ephesians 1

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people
19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead
and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,


21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked,
not only in the present age
but also in the one to come.

22 And God placed all things under his feet
and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
23 which is his body,
the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.




Numbers 6

22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

24 '“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’

27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

The Power of God.
He is enlightening us in order to know the hope to which He has called you. God has placed all things under His feet. His incomparably great power for us who believe.

In the power of God:

By faith we understand the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

We have to believe in God's Word.

Noah did not see God, and Noah believed. And acted.

Abraham, did not see God, and he changed countries - going more than 1,000 miles. And he patiently waited for God. Until it was a joke, and Sarah laughed. God is so good - Sarah saw many good years. This is a Good God.

Isaac, Jacob and Joseph completely believed God was indeed blessing them. They lived in tents on land they did not own in great volume. Sarah's tomb land had to be purchased. And they believed themselves holding the Blessing of God and being capable to pass the Blessing on. Jacob believed so strongly he stole the birth right and ran as a thief, far, far away to be cheated. What did Jacob steal? Words?

Joseph was Vizier to Pharaoh - and he shows up in Tax Records and at the Base of the Pharaoh Statue. Instead of making plans for their future - Joseph - ex con - makes plans to go to a land they do not own - taking his bones from his Monument Tomb.

By faith Moses, walked back to Pharaoh's ability to have him killed. And kept going back. And kept going back. Daily dealing with people who did not believe God. For decades. And decades and decades and decades. (Let's all take a moment, think of our personal prayers answered and how we deal with this answered prayer!!!)

Consider the Wall of Jericho - archaeological TREASURE - this Happened. The people living in the desert for 40 years were willing to pray and march for 7 days and - wow - and to show up - do the work and continue on in the Treasure of God's Will and Word.

Consider the genealogy of Joseph. Prince of Israel. Descendants of David and the Kings of Israel well defined from the monarchy, past the Return of Babylon. Also recorded in the Babylonian cuneiform, the imprisoned King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar II. There are even the food orders placed for Joseph's 8th grandfather. And then this line is recorded in the Temple itself. Completely visible to the governing Sanhedrin Council.

Which brings us to Yeshua, Son of God. God did something very unique - He planned to use David's Beloved Family, his DNA to bring forth His Son. And just as Joshua was patient for 40 years - God was incredibly more patient. Genesis 49:10 is without a doubt a Prophecy of Jesus, Lion of the Tribe of Judah - King of Kings. God is much more far seeing than we are.

And in this unique quality -

We have a common thread of Life for all of us. Binding us all in God's Plan.

Jesus - known to His Father - knows where He will be placed - born into Life. Life is the Second Law of Thermodynamics. We are in decay. Jesus is placed with people who will decay.

Jesus is placed with a father who wants to divorce his mother. Jesus is placed with a mother who is subservient to a father who wants a divorce. Jesus is placed in a socially embarrassed family. Jesus is placed with a father who decides mercy and is willing to merely follow a "Dream" saying this is of God. Jesus and His family are now known in the Gospels - twice - as overcoming this. How are you going to do this in a small town??? This is a Work of God. Jesus is placed with loving siblings that are pure sunny side siblings? NO. Jesus is dealing with Siblings. Annoying, Heckling Siblings. We even know Jesus is telling James, "You really can ask God for Wisdom and GOD will give you this."

(How did Jesus really say this? Did He YELL and go purple in the face? Was Jesus weak at the time from fasting from dealing with James? Did He weep because "Finally" God had said yes to decades of prayer? Did Jesus laugh with relief because, Alleluia, James had finally asked for help? Did Jesus grit His teeth? Did Jesus have to cover up James eyes to say this - because this was so mighty???)

The point is - God did not Give Jesus the absolute 'perfect' family from Heaven. The siblings didn't show up on Good Friday. For most of us - this is a "Breaking Point". Instead Jesus is perfectly glad for them to join Acts 1 and pray all together with the Disciples (also accepted as imperfect) and His Mother. (They didn't just desert Jesus on Good Friday, Mary had a sister with her.)

Jesus has extreme work cut out for Him, even dealing with the extreme chosen people (His Holy People like Siblings and Disciples). Father God does not say that Faith is automatically Joy. God says FAITH IS THE WORK OF MANKIND.

How to obtain His Blessing - According to God the Father, Moses wrote the Pentateuch with the Holy Spirit (common 'knowledge' confirms this is the most boring portion of the Bible). But the diligence of every day live - where we dwell - where Father God wants to be. Our choices are our framework and choosing what God wants for us...Therefore, these is the choices we make sitting at traffic lights, on the phone and with our chosen people in every day conversation. This is the fabric of life. The detail. The thread of our goal.

Keep praying for all you know to be kept in this blessing. The Lord's Face shines on mercy bestowed and graciousness. The Lord turns His face to those who give earnest peace.

Bless those who allow mercy to be sown.

Jesus chose Brothers who made mistakes and bothered Him. Jesus chose them. Jesus sometimes told His Brothers to wait and sit outside. Jesus knew something about His Brothers and He expected their best to shine forth in time.


Jesus was teaching His beloved - God dwells within. Our souls - where people worship in truth. This begins within us, earnestly, living with Father God dwelling in our souls.

And Jesus left no doubt as to where He was going. Father God blessed all of those Jesus forgave with forgiveness. Peace arrived. The Brothers of Jesus wrote of Love. The disciples of God wrote of Love. Blessings arrived. Love earnestly. Love genuinely. Be patient. Love again.


God tells us the Great Problem Solver, "Love."

C.S. Lewis called this the "Deep Magic."

God who tells us this - is - "Ancient of Days."



Abba,

Love, Love, Love. Love, Love, Love, Love.

Live in me. See all of me, I open all of myself, very thought, cell and deed. Give me Your Amazing Grace. Let me Live in Your Love.

Fill the people I love so well with Your Love. Love, Love, Love. Jesus kisses each of them, seeing them as I see them.

Bless us with the Holy Spirit. And see us all loving the people God has given us. Covering the World with God of Love and the love we have for our loved ones and the people - You - Abba, Have Given.



With this Great Love, we ask Jesus. Amen and Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Psalm 103 ~ Bless His Holy Name! Jesus!

Jesus The Lord

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5 who satisfies you with good

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The Lord works righteousness

and justice for all who are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,

his acts to the people of Israel.

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 He will not always chide,

nor will he keep his anger forever.

10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

13 As a father shows compassion to his children,

so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

14 For he knows our frame;

he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

and its place knows it no more.

17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,

and his righteousness to children's children,

18 to those who keep his covenant

and remember to do his commandments.

19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,

and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his word,

obeying the voice of his word!

21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,

his ministers, who do his will!

22 Bless the Lord, all his works,

in all places of his dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul! 

Heaven - Will we worship like Joseph being of the Family of David - 1,000 years of Family. Will we worship like the Jewish Dispersion on Crete or Rome? Will we worship in the part of Heaven that is Middle Ages or Renaissance? Will we worship with Handel or Glenn Miller? Will we worship in a small wooden Church or with the Pipe Organs of Notre Dame? Will we have massive screens displaying the real life of Jesus Christ as Grace and Truth walking this life? Will we recognize all the instruments of the music?

How will we be garbed? Will we be in trousers or togas? We read Heaven is clothed in White.

Will the walls of our worship in Heaven be Jasper and precious stones? Will the walls be gold as the roads of Heaven and the Temple in Jerusalem? Will the walls be the Light of Christ?

Will we have choirs were we sing? Will the Angels only sing in the Heavenly Host Songs?

In Jesus - we will find the Way, Truth and Life.





Father God 
Earnest words ~ Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name.
Worshiping Father God - Thank You for the Day and Keep us Always with You. 

Bless the Lord, for all His Benefits. Forgiveness, Healing, Redemption, Steadfast Love and Mercy. Works of Righteousness. Justice for the oppressed. Gracious. Renewal of Youth. As High as the Heavens are above the earth, so Great is His Steadfast Love. Our Father shows compassion to His Children. His Kingdom Rules Over All.

The plentiful waves of His blessings continue to pour over us.

Bless the Lord, O you, His angels.

Abba, Father, We thank You for hearing our Prayers. And For Your Good and Gracious Will. Thank You Father. For our Loved Ones, friends, Church, co-workers, neighbors. For our State. For our Nation. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit in Jesus the Lord. Amen!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 12:35-48 ~ Blessed are those

 

Luke 12:35-48

35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 

37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 

39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

41 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 

45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 

48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.


Consider:

Philippians 4:11-13

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.


It's hard to fine the balance. 

The balance is why Joshua kept on for 40 years.
God named His Son - Yeshua. 

God is for perseverance.  In dire circumstance and in routine.

The example of the Disciples and the last man to see Jesus - Paul:

We say too much. Pushed aside.

We are thrust out of the inner group. We are suckered in. Made much of. Rejoiced in and relied upon.

We are used. Respected.  Why not stay home - with all comfort and ease - safety?
Traveling when home is loved.

We are in circumstance wildly beyond expectation. In a slow lane of regular old, rut.

We are in endurance. We are thriving. We are in joyful expectation.

Told to be bold. Told to hush.


Why not quit when no one is pleased?
Because. Usually, Someone is pleased! 

When you want to please God.
The goal is not applause. God is pleased and pleased more completely. 
Pleasing God is putting the steam in your soul to go forth.

Just like the beginning of Jesus Christ's Church. For four centuries. Evil days happen. It is our godly desire not to fall away and fall back away from doing the Call of God.

Usually, when someone will speak up to put you down - you did something.
Something worthwhile. Even Winston Churchill said so. Scripture can be difficult. Life can be difficult.

Few people comment on the outrageous aspects of their lives.

Some days are difficult. Really difficult.

 Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home.

We are Loved Cherished Believed Strong

Children of God. 




 Revelation 1

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea." 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.

But he laid his right hand on me,
saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one.

I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.


Consider, we know the Historical timing of Patmos Island for John. Beloved, long living John. John defies the old age of Ecclesiastes. In fact, John is recorded in History going forth boldly with the Gospel. Sorting out Gnostic knowledge versus the Love God has for us all. Arguing the humanity - real humanness of Jesus Christ. Putting aside factions. And all of this is in the 2nd Century. John is praying and joyous when he sees Jesus. John is content.







And then we have the days, we know we are blessed. But everything on earth irritates us. And we know we are petty, but so annoyed. Determined to stay level. Struggling apparently succeeding to - - - maintain. All is well, but we feel like imploding. The marvelous ability to tell someone and feel back to the Compass of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Consider the unity of Jesus Himself in Revelation 1.

Names - God names us our name is important and still the 7 Churches are unnamed. Because they blend, accepted, embraces, held, loved into being the Body of Christ in Heaven. In God's Heaven, in God's Home, in God's House, in God's Heart - we become - His - Jesus' Beloved. Filled with God's Love - living past all the trials - leaning to the Love and Joy. For Eternity.

I had one of those mornings everything required triple time, triple find, triple broken, triple effort, triple bad attitude, triple 'gr' at all things, triple pick up the attitude go far EFFORT. If we are careful who we invite to our home - to spend the weekend - then why would we doubt God's need to see us grow up in all circumstances? Gotta grow up. In my mother's office for 31 years, they labeled these days, "Put on your adult underwear and grow up." God might be more gracious and say "Gird up your loins with Truth and put on the Breastplate of Righteousness." Note to self: breastplates of righteousness don't find &%$^ certain words helpful, self.












That is what is important. 

Each of us is unique, important and special to God. Gifted of the Lord. And in life, the just and the unjust get rained on and sunny days. We get to decide we are living a life worthwhile.  We can focus on the stain on our shirt or on the immeasurable grace Jesus gives us daily. God will listen. Love. And Care. Always.

 

Father God, 

Thank You for giving us the ability to see real care. And the drive in the Holy Spirit to endure with hope - tough times. The gratitude of good circumstance. In Jesus, we find the joy of each day, the sufficiency and the ability to complain in moderation and rejoice in optimism. We lift up our lives to you and the ones we love - to be the people You are pleased to dwell and live with. 

 And Jesus' Words remind us - this present sufferings will not compare to the Glory Jesus has gone ahead to prepare for us.

To be gracious to us and allow real emotions - is a path of God. Father God - help us to be sensitive to the needs of others.  Thank You Father God for the bravery of people who have counted the cost - and go forth in Jesus for millenniums. 

Jesus is always needed. Jesus is found easily!!! Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Song of Solomon 3:8 ~ Each man

Song of Solomon 3:8

"All of them are wielders of the sword, Expert in war; Each man has his sword at his side, Guarding against the terrors of the night."


One of my favorite Sermons was made by Fr. Stephen W Bierschenk. He said he heard so many confessions of people who wander off during a Sermon - mentally. And then they pray so badly for the same reason. Fr. Bierschenk smiled and said, "God says welcome back, the yoke is easy the burden is light, welcome!" God fully is with us. God is fully for us. A Father who Loves.

Wandering off in prayer is easier when you're WORRIED. And is this detrimental and terrible? Probably not. Who ya gonna call? When we worry in prayer, we are showing Father God our concerns. When we plan, plan. plan and hope this that is ok - many times we are in God's Good Plan, just not trusting Him to provide.

In those times He says, "No" - we can be assured we are not forgotten. Learning and Spiritual Growth, one way or another, is occurring. When my cousin, my Ward, Maxine was in the Dementia Unit for mulitiple strokes, her minister did her funeral on the 12 years of Maxine being in different stages of stroke recovery. The Funeral Sermon said, "God put His Holy Spirit over the Waters." Father God had a plan.


Is all worry bad? God says this can be true. When we present ourselves as we are to Father God, He knows when we have done our best. Finding Peace with what is and God, has a real and vital part of life. When we can find Scripture Living in us. We have found the Word of God providing the Peace of God. Is this always immediate? We have to be real to have the real answer. We have to be at the basics with God in His Holiness.

When we find the Peace of God in prayer and in Scripture - we have found God made Manifest.

Ephesians 6
The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Song of Solomon 3:8
"All of them are wielders of the sword, Expert in war; Each man has his sword at his side, Guarding against the terrors of the night."

When Jesus is our foundation, we have built correctly.

The Rock. The Foundation.

2 Peter 5
You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

What would be a spiritual sacrifice?

Thanksgiving is one. Seek the Lord with all your heart.
His Mercies Renew.

Only now and then Does God work with Billboards.


Psalm 50:23 New Living Translation
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God."
English Standard Version
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”


Seeking Thanksgiving is a spiritual sacrifice. Putting away malice. Building. Encouraging. Keeping Earnest. Being Real. Drawing up strength of God and Joy. Expect others around you to do well and be contributors. Encourage them. See the Good. Find Thanksgiving for others. Deliberately picking up Scripture and Prayer. Picking up the Sword of God's Word to swing at trouble. Finding the Word of God where His Word fits into the situation and makes Your soul quiet.

Seeking Thanksgiving. Giving Thanksgiving. Being a Blessing.


1 Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning David to death.
David sought the Lord God many times during the 22 years he was surrounded by discontented people. And then he didn't. And quickly, David looked to the Lord Father God and His Love and Mercy.

Psalm 131:2
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

1 Samuel 24:10
Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered

Luke 21:19
In your patience possess you your souls.



Abba,

We wish us a Merry Thankgiving, we wish us a Merry Thankgiving
and a joyous filled soul.

We wish us a Merry Thanksgiving, we wish us a Merry Thankgsiving,
We pray for the joyous soul for
the people we love.

We wish us a Merry Thanksgiving, we wish us a Merry Thankgsiving,
and the goodness of You, Father God,
to have Your Living Water pour in all
the dry places
and little crevices
to bring Merry Thanksgiving, to bring Merry Thanksgiving
and many more joyous filled souls.

And if we want more plum pudding verses
we will have to add them ourselves.

In the Tradition of Handel. Alllllllllllllllleluuuuuia.
Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

All Saint's Day

Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.


8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14
“Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.



Mary
St Rita
St Catherine
Mother Theresa
The pulls of having a mortgage, child care

If I had to opt to pull to see one of them, as an example, my personal choice would be Mary.

St. Augustine said we all want to be the Book of Acts and if we take the 5 or so people God has given us, and love them - and believe in them.  And Love them. We have pleased God.

Jesus was not greatly thrilled Mary would rush in to bring Him home. But she did. And God won. God Bless Jesus and God Bless Mary.

Mary didn't want to push her family out. She went where God put her with His Blessings.

God could have picked any one in the Scriptures to be the Foster Father of Jesus and Mother of Jesus. He picked a very flawed couple setting out in a poor circumstance, relatively alone. God could have picked anyone to be the brothers of Jesus. He picked flawed people. God Bless God for picking the Good News of picking these 'people'. We can all use the message God picks flawed people.

Sometimes in life, there is a decision to be made. And you just wonder which way is the right path. I can picture a very wise teenage Jesus standing in a Nazareth evening, by a doorway, saying with complete certainty to sibling baiter, His Brother James, "Just ask God for wisdom - He will give Wisdom."

And God does.

Can you imagine being James talking to teenage Jesus. Jesus gave James many things to ponder in his heart.


God could have chosen Joseph, Vizier to Pharaoh to parent Jesus.
God could have chosen Daniel, adviser to Pharaoh to parent Jesus.
God could have chosen David. And He (probably wisely given David's parental batting average) did not. However, God Loved and adored David and would work within David's strengths. Strengths God placed in David to do his life.

Imagine how many people God could have deliberately picked to raise Jesus. And Father God deliberately picked the pulls and pushes of real family. Really annoying each other 'deciding' when Jesus should appear. Really rushing in to hush Jesus in hot water. Really gathering for a wedding. And when dust settles. Deciding they loved each other and still making familial history to the eyewitness of Eusebius of Caesarea in the 3rd Century - for loyalty.

God - proving once again - God picks like God Himself - Wisely.



Abba, Our Father,

The LORD bless us and keep us;
the LORD make His face to shine upon us and be gracious to us;
The LORD lift up His countenance, smile, upon us
and give us peace.

God shall put Jesus' name upon us,
and Abba will bless us.

In Jesus, Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

All Hallows Eve !!!

And if we see this aerial of the Sea of Galilee:

We are seeing a sight that Jesus has seen. Not Peter, Paul or Mary. Not even your great-great grandparents saw this.

Jesus has seen Marvels we only imagine seeing this in Eternal Life.

Psalm 139

A Psalm of David.


O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
3
You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
4
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5
You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is high; I cannot attain it.
7
Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9
If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.



Let's be real, let's be honest, let's be sincere:

It's not totally scary to hear these noises. Fear. Mankind likes fear to increase adrenalin. Interest. And God likes fear? He does not. Yesterday we learned God planned for 700 years to speak, physically, near Jesus. God prepared the Way. "This is my Beloved Son, Listen to Him!!!" God is not even about being scary in fear/surprise. Usually, the first thing an Angel of the Lord says is - "Calm the way down. Hold on there. Calm it. Hey, I'm not scary."

God being God - gets to the point very immediately, very fast. "Fear Not!"

God is good at calming fears. "Fear Not!"

In Hebrew, the word "Yar" is used. The film makers of "Hot Fuzz" have employed the village Lurch to say "Yar" a lot. It's an inside joke. It's a Biblical joke. Yar is not regular fear-fear. Yar is Reverent. Yar is exactly the way well raised, young people say to their beloved parent: "Sir?" "Yes, Sir!" "Yes, Ma'am!" A very wise way to address a parent when the car is dented. A word spoken fittingly is a silver basket of golden apples.





The Scriptures repeat - to make sure we were listening. To make sure our hearts warmed like Jesus walking with us to Emmaus.

So, let's go with All Hallows Eve Wonders.

7. Saturn - swoooooooooo. Ok, where would God have employed this noise? Just maybe the Sea of Galilee. Through the beautiful mountains where Jesus chose the prettiest milk and honey place to live. The Storm on the Sea of Galilee. Scarrrrryyyy. The seismic meters of wind here are like the wind sheer that can bring down a jet. Matthew 8.

August 2, 1985 I was returning from a business flight. Coming into DFW Airport. As we landed, this is what we saw in progress:

Delta Air Lines Flight 191 was a regularly scheduled Delta Air Lines domestic service from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Los Angeles, via Dallas that crashed on August 2, 1985, at 6:05 p.m. The Lockheed L-1011 TriStar operating this flight encountered a microburst while on approach to land on runway 17L (now marked 17C) at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The pilots were unable to escape the weather event and the aircraft struck the ground over a mile short of the runway. The flight hit a car driving north of the airport and two water tanks, disintegrating. The crash killed 136 people on board, including 128 of the 152 passengers and 8 of the 11 crew.

This is the force of the winds through the Golan Heights. A wind sheer tunnel effect. It's compared to Earthquakes. And is present today and guarded against by technology. Thank God.




6. Earth. That was as frightening as the wind in York Peppermint Patties commercials. The wind blows were it will. And in Jesus, we get on airplanes and we allow God's Planning to shape our lives. Going forth!




5. Neptune's Ferocious Storm. Biblically - who will we go with for ferocious internal storm? 1 Samuel 1. Hannah! Hannah had no child. And Eli thought Hannah was drunk. Hannah felt if she could come to the Temple to pour out her heart to our Living Father God - He would care. And just as the woman grabbed the fringe of Jesus' garment - God cared and healed. Interesting Neptune is so blue and so beautiful and makes such a noise. God is good with internal storms. Even giving strength to do our own lives properly in all kinds of storms. The 1980's yielded wonderful research on prayer and found - Prayer changes health. Amazing results. KSBJ is right - God is Listening.



4. Jupiter's Moon - This is a unique sound and to me - it's not scary - it sounds like the breathe a Choir will take before they sing. Or the beginning of Luke 1's Heavenly Host. Ahhhh's.




3. •:*¨¨*:•.SUPER.•:*¨¨*:•.AWESOME.•:*¨¨*:•.PERFECT.•:*¨¨*:•.THANKS - I have always wanted to know what the Sun sounds like! The Sun could roar and the sound is mellow like gentle electricity.

And presenting this Scripture, let's put out our hands for the Amazing blessing to be the first generation hearing the Sun, the Light God has given us. Thank You, Father God, Holy Spirit and Jesus!

Malachi 4:2
But for you who fear My name,
the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings;
and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.





2. Jupiter - desolate. And Jupiter is. Elijah felt desolate. Finding the still, quiet voice Jesus found in quiet moments, is the Living God. That inner voice - providing the warmth, Love and strength - to continue on to the great plan - hope and future (mixing our metaphors and prophets!!!) we, the Children of Living Father God, have living within us.




1. Vela Pulsar - now - that - sound can be the wind in my sails any day of the week!!! Limbo - Obviously God is celebrating the New Heaven and the new earth with the end of Limbo. Obviously... Selah.

Ok, where will we put that? Oh, these Biblical challenges... Challenge accepted. John 2. The Wine had run out!!! There you go, slam dunk. Jesus and His Disciples went to a Wedding in Cana and Mary was acting the part of "Mamma". Jesus and the Disciples then had a vacation. Maybe we should call this, "The Spectacular Vacation the Disciples Experienced with Jesus at a Wedding and THEN, They Got to Stay with Mary, Mother of God, for a Few Days."




Abba,

In the amazing aspects of the intricacies of DNA we can't build, or even water molecules we can't manufacture. The ability of technology providing us the ability to explore what You have created.

And the truth of Your Love.

Acts 3

But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Bless us, Father God, to travel each day with love and wisdom to walk the Plan and Path You have for us. Strengthen us and inspire us. Help us work with all the good fruits of the Holy Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

In our Love and eternity, Father God, in Jesus, peace and mercy be upon us, and upon our loved ones, the people You have given us.  Thank You for Your Word.

Bless us, Father, and Jesus walking with us. We thank You for our blessings. Prayers all over Your creation, Help, Help, Help the Holy Spirit helping us and those we love, giving us more Heaven upon earth. Help the Light of Christ truly shine in us. And we know You will.

Amen Jesus our Savior with us.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Mark 1:1-11 ~ the good news about Jesus the Messiah

All Prodigals want their Father God to want them and run to them

Mark 1:1-11 

1 The beginning
of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,
the Son of God

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” — 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”




To be prepared to hear from God the Father. To hear Him.

The Children of Israel had never heard a plane, a rock concert or a rocket - and yet - they begged Almighty God not to speak. The Loudest Noise they'd ever heard and they thought they'd die.

Father God wanted to prepare His Beloved Children He would be Speaking.

And He planned very carefully for millenniums. He spoke, "Let there be Light." God of God. Light of Light. Jesus Lord God.

And again, 700 years before He spoke again. Isaiah was blessed to visit and speak with God.

John came closer - preparing the way.

Jesus Christ gave obedience. The Words we long to hear from Father God.

"You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”




We read the Bible, go to Bible Studies, attend Church. Pray, speaking with Father God. We prepare. We believe. We are blessed. We will be blessed. God calls to us, preparing us.


Abba,

We ask You to prepare us today and each day to walk Your Plan and Path. We walk Your Path, were You protect us. Cherish us. Challenge us. Keep us where You would bless us. Please protect us and guide us and lead us as our Father. Where we would have You and Your Plan, father God.

Let us be bringers of Your Goodness. Let us dwell in the Framework You've Given. This we pray and hope for those we love. The people You have given us. Help us to be always pleasing to You.

Bless our communities, Churches, work places. Our culture and Nation. Blessing the earth asking for Your Blessings and Love. In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Genesis 2:15 ~ Work it and keep it

How are we going to get where God wants us to be?

God's Work Continues. Sometimes the work men go home. And the race is still on!


We have reached a time where people are still in some trailers outside their flooded homes Tonight, I saw Christmas lights put on trailers outside of homes being repaired. People have spoken of gouging and work crews are still heavily scheduled. Others are fixed up right, yet have the pain of the payments to have this repaired. Others have walked away from their homes and have left - some relieved - some with guilt and hard feelings.


When God held back the Red Sea by His Will, He easily could have flown the Children of Israel to the Promised Land. Instead Father God allowed the process and the journey. Mother Angelica of the Catholic News Channel was frequently heard to say, "Pray and pay the Electric Bill."


Jesus gave us the Parable of the Seeds. We decide where we work. And this diligence shapes us. We are given minds to understand, work for faith - we find God. Seek and find. Work for the winds and whims of life - only have the perishable.


Proverbs 16:3
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Genesis 2:15

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.


John 6:29
Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

The Process of Life. Diligence. Steadfast care. Continuous Love. This is not the immediacy of miracles, yet defines the Love and Care God has for us.

Luke 18
1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Jesus believes in diligent work, diligent belief, diligent prayer


Luke 11
5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’;

7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend,

yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.

9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.




We truly have been blessed, blessed, blessed to see the kindness of all of Houston's Harris County to those in need. Let's not forget the Blessing.

As life continues in a routine for most of us
- let's never forget
what we witnessed in the kindness of God's creation.

Abba, Abba, Abba,

With Jesus and His Holy Spirit - we will not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our mind, that by testing we may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

We, who wait for the Lord shall renew our strength; we shall mount up with wings like eagles; we shall run and not be weary; we shall walk and not faint.

We can do all things through Him, Who strengthens me.

We ask of You, Father and receive. Jesus said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”


We are Glad the Goodness of You, our Father Knows.

For You, Father God know the plans You have for us, declares our Father's Living Word, You have plans for welfare and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope. Today. And Tomorrow.

Thank You, Jesus, for the Love God the Father has for us, our loved ones and their cares. Surrounding the earth with You Love.

Thank You, Father God, what we have truly seen and witnessed in the goodness of mankind. You have fully shown us. Open our heart - we will never forget with the Help of God.

Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

#Post on Balaam and his life in archaeology
God's Continuance

Numbers 22:22-28 ~When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down
Diligent in God, for her life, the donkey succeeds
How we get where God wants us to be.
November 26, 2013