Matthew 2:1-12 ~ overwhelmed with joy

Jezreel Valley ~ Nativity Trail

Matthew 2:1-12

~ (New Revised Standard Version)


In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage."

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.' "

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage."

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.


Isaiah 60

1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.

3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the arm.

5 Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.

6 Herds of camels will cover your land,
young camels of Midian and Ephah.
And all from Sheba will come,
bearing gold and incense
and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.



Oh the Levels of the Word of God.

Historically. Factually. Abundantly. Radiantly. Yesterday. Today. And Tomorrow.






Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.





Isaiah is telling us of many, many things. Ahaz carefully leads the people to worship away from the Temple. To make a new traditions. Because Ahaz intends to save his own wonderful son Hezekiah. God is subtly announcing Hezekiah. A reign second only to Solomon and much more known for faith. Hezekiah and the people dug the tunnels in faith, we could see today. And the people of Hezekiah were asked to work for God and they Did.

Imagine how many more aspects, levels, emotions, stories Father God sees in every Word, every single Word of His.


Isaiah 7

The heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.

3 And the LORD said to Isaiah, "Go out to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer's Field. 4 And say to him, 'Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands, at the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah. 5 Because Syria, with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has devised evil against you, saying, 6 "Let us go up against Judah and terrify it, and let us conquer it for ourselves, and set up the son of Tabeel as king in the midst of it," 7 thus says the Lord GOD: "'It shall not stand, and it shall not come to pass. 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. And within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered from being a people. 9 And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.'"


10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, 11 "Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven." 12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test." 13 And he said, "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.



Abba,

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God.

Abba, live in us. Live in the people we Love. Guide us, lead us, let Your face, Shine upon us. We thank You for Your Graciousness. Lift Your Face, Smile, Give us the Peace You Know so well. Cover us in the Name of Jesus. Bless us we ask.

Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Romans 5 ~ Peace with God

Romans 5

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 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.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.




This passage points out a truth I've rarely thought of. Verse 13, many people in history, and alive today, who have never been told about the 10 Commandments are similar to the time before the Law. The 10 Commandments - all law is based upon these. Even today, people exist in ignorance of His law. So, interestingly, we have three steps during the millenniums of HIStory. Before the law, The Old Covenant and The New Covenant.

So, that works out neatly for the uninformed. No. Not really. When Jesus died on the cross for sinners, He did not just forgive the people standing on earth the day of His Sacrifice, He forgave all people.

Jesus is life, and His life IS the Light of mankind.

Jesus is Genesis. He is the beginning Word; Word with God, and the Word is God.

The Gospel, for it is the Power of God, is Salvation to Everyone who Believes.

For the righteousness of God is revealed faith for faith. Given faith, we grow in faith when we believe.

For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. This is from the first chapter of Romans.

Romans 10:9
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Matthew 10:32
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven."

Those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness....
reign in life - through Jesus Christ. Now, that is an interesting promise.

Psalm 106:30,31
Then Phinehas stood up and intervened,
and the plague was stayed.
31 And that was counted to him as righteousness
from generation to generation forever.

Phinehas was a stand up kind of man.

In The New Covenant - grace reigns through righteousness - leading to eternal life.

2 Corinthians 7:10
For having sorrow in a godly way results in repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets. But the sorrow of the world produces death.

The free gift is not like the trespass, grace reigns through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Jesus Christ the Lord calls us to be salt and light. Having flavor. Being joyful and bright. Lean not to the left of asceticism, nor the right of judgement. Thanks be to GOD, I do not have to judge, it is mine to point to Jesus Christ the Lord. He leads me in His paths of righteousness for His name's sake. I have been justified by faith, I have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are saved by His life. 



 



Abba,

To YOU who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We will Behold, Abba, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him  “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Our Father God is like the sun shining in full strength.

Jesus says “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades."

We pray to a Powerful Father God. Knowing with God we Rise up. Knowing He is our security. And in this Love, we entrust the people we Love to Father God. We give to Him the people He gave us.

And in this Jesus' Love - we trust all of our lives, the nation, the world to Jesus.

Amen Father God for giving us Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Psalm 110 ~ He will Lift Up

Psalm 110

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool."
2 The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!
3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.
4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
6 He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth.
7 He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.


Consider Huffington Post's Article:

RELIGION

Bible Video Game Will Tell The Story of King David’s Meteoric And Often Violent Rise To Power

EMANUEL MAIBERG Motherboard

Consider this:


The Fantasy Roleplaying Gamer's Bible 2nd Edition 2nd Edition
by Sean Patrick Fannon (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars

Yesterday I was in a Bible Study considering if Abraham understood the Giving God of the Old Testament. Abraham's flaw comes from deciding God cannot do all He has said and Abraham must contribute to the Plan. Abraham must do the Word of God and His Work by 'helping'.

If we role play David, will we consider Moses worked for 40 years as a Shepherd. Will we consider Joshua worked 40 years as an Administrator to Moses, not a bad job, in the Desert covered by Cloud and Pillar of Fire.

Father God has chosen serious, life hard-bitten men to be partnered in with God. We have few of Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, and Mulan. Nary a Tiana, Rapunzel and Merida, nor a Princess Moana.

Add to this, the audacity of God to not wrap up these stories in an hour. How does God extend the play? New ways of death. New ways to be hurt and fail and be betrayed.  New ways to freeze, famine and fry. And consider - is the life of David going to be G or PG rated? The reality was the almost word for word movie "David" (with the erroneous promotion of Samuel as the 'politically bloodthirsty power') is PG-13. Why not contemplate David when the world is still contemplating David? In fact role playing with cultural views of David - is not a bad idea.

We see David is seen as Worthy. Brave. Enduring. All of these characteristics play well in the movies. Even incorrectly labelling Samuel as blood thirsty is movie intriguing.






David had some qualities that would take the supposedly 'cultural' values to the dog house.
David had concubines.
David ignored incestuous attacks.


Why would God ever employ this Neanderthal? (And we all could pause and say David has difficulties Really.)

3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.


David has something similar to Moses.
David believes God is Holy.

David is like Moses.
David is not a paid Shepherd.






David does not rise like Moses. Culturally - we all believe David rode the elevator and "Arrived." Instead, 3 kings are crowned after Saul finally dies. David wins when we see - surely David is not going to win. David is washed up. David is not going to see God's Word fulfilled.

Again and again and again David - does not rise up.
And ~
What does David believe? Again and again David takes this to His Father God with his complete heart and all his emotion. David is very, very audaciously real to a very real Living and Holy Almighty God. David believes he can hurl himself into a Holy, Holy God and find compassion.

And in the midst of this failure - very few people enter in to help David. David's heart and soul do not become a rattling raisin. David sorts out the companions who want to stone him. David sorts out the friends who later want to climb around him. David sorts out the people who want to now become part of David's Victorious Army. David does this like Jesus Christ. David says welcome my nation, my beloved of God. Welcome to being David's cherished people because God is Father to them. Welcome to David's Shepherding.





Consider the Career of Moses. Surrounded by Acts of God discussed 2,500 years with awe and wonder - Moses dealt over and over and over with people discarding their belief. God bolsters Moses directly, God bolsters Moses to be God's representative. Moses Believes. David Believes.







The New Testament tells us don't just swim with the Salmon. Have renewal of your mind. And in doing the representation of God - these men - Believe.

Role Play? Sure. Represent God. And in defending God and His Goodness - we see Gideon, Mary, Joshua, John the Baptist. John. Defend God. Is any Battle or any Quest or any Journey more worthy?

Not many of our 'every day" look like an Amazing Journey. Yet to God of Love willing to walk among us as Grace and Truth... Maybe your day to day journey looks very promising.


St. Augustine said our little lives are pleasing to God when we Love the People He has given us. St. Augustine knew he was living a quiet life. You are an eternal being. God is going to know you for many years to come. Not all the Highways of Heaven run n s e w. Father God sees you. Defend God. How? Love.




Abba, Abba,

You delighted to say, "Life is Good" and created the waters. Jesus chose to live by the waters, where the people came to him and He sat teaching beside the beautiful sun blessed Sea of Galilee.

Jesus knew, always the willingness of His Good Father, and our's. As Jesus journeyed, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. Not the loveliest profession or honest profession to His Israel. And Matthew answered Jesus' Words. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.

Jesus would know our culture and our songs. As Jesus reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

Jesus Defends us. Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Help us to soak in God's Grace as they did by the Beautiful Sea of Galilee. Bask in the Light, the Warmth of Jesus. The Miracle of Jesus feeding us with His Word continues. We are fed like the Multitudes fed by the Sea of Galilee. We are part of the Goodness of Jesus. We are all healed by Jesus. Help us with Love to Defend our Father God with Joy and the ability to speak of His Love.

And in Jesus Christ the Body of Christ without borders and without constraint - all say may Jesus be King of all. God of our souls. Our Shepherd Savior Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Psalm ~ Journey with integrity

Psalm 101

1 I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music.

2 I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me?

I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;

3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

4 A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.

5 Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.

6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.

7 No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.

8 Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.

Surely an interesting age we live in. Consider placing a Living Word in front of us, one we don't consider often enough, "Fiction". Entertainment is mostly fiction. Something the Middle Ages and up until the Age of Industry - fiction was considered to be not very enduring. Never in the life times of our great grandparents, grands, and parents - have we had so many leaving entertainment aka Television.

Podcasts are up. What's up here? Basic programming generalizations are being told, "No."

When we look at the news, we are still fed Republicans to the right, Democrats to the left. Winston Churchill believed strongly life is a perpetual tennis game. He moved to acquire political seats. He tested out areas to see what neighborhoods thought. I believe there is a very untapped misunderstanding in what Americans believe. George Gallop, Jr. looked to see the Holy Spirit reawaken in the USA. He gave speeches saying our polls generally are biased and sway to the poll taker. By inflection. By extremely careful study in the questions asked. George Gallop Sr. was a pioneer, his son was known to say the business had not been earnest. Before 'fake news' was talked about George Gallop, Jr. was concerned.

We are from families immigrating to find better. Evidently our family programming is turning off rote media programming.

If we have 'fake news', we also have 'real news'. And I have hope, as we rediscover the Spirit within us as Jesus, we have increased hopes for more Heaven on earth. This awakening comes all over the Nation. And is created by kindness and forgiveness. Yesterday I was listening to a podcast reporting re-locating for work - is becoming a thing far less considered. For the people very concerned with End Times, this goes against this prophetic flow Dramatically.

We are on the brink of new times again. Not just invention of new astonishing abilities in technologies.

We are on the brink of family again. Long ago, large companies kept down the workers (especially in New York City) with devices like rent and company stores. Men were working to death to have nothing. The Coal Mines did this. We have seen in the news technology companies build their stock up 30% with company labor diligence and announce with blasé reason to spin off 1/3 of the company to give stock speculators a gain. The result?

Two career families - have options. They say, "No."

Political truths are being re-examined. And in Boston - Good News is applauded. Martin Luther Jr.'s Dream is Very Much Alive. Polls tell us Americans move this way - and then the reality shows another thing.

Christian Radio has never been larger. Christian Movies - are increasingly about real truths and not Fiction. And are widely available. God is Opening Doors and Opening Hearts.

Trends we need to look at and pray over with due diligence. 1. The News. 2. Schools, families, police, neighborhoods provide a new tier level to Social Services to find and bring healing to the violently disturbed. Probably something monks knew well! Action and activities with listening participating in the decrease of violence of the walled fortress cities of the Middle Ages. Something like animal care, food or beverage production and the distribution. Something warm and not so clinical. 3. Diligence in research of signs shown and who had knowledge to find proper help and mercy for the violent. For their victims. 4. A Rapid and Continuous Decrease in knowing the names and the glamor of the violent. 5. The Families have a site to tell of the goodness of the attacked. A Christian way to pray for the families. Their continued journey in healing. This is news we would all like to have.

Our Histories do have times of increased violence and do have decreased violence - we need to examine History for good possibilities for Peace.



Father God,

We pray for joy for those with many trials in life. For those with extreme testing of life and attitudes we pray a steadfast program for full effect. Perfect and complete, lacking nothing for the those in severe need who would fall back into violence.

We pray for the wisdom of history, to ask God and the programs the Churches have had. We pray for this program. We pray this program for the poor and the poor of spirit, we pray a steadfast program of work, care and joy in the fulfillment. We pray for a good gift and perfect gift for a solution. Coming from You, Father. We pray for the implanted Word, the doers of the Word, the blessing of God upon this doing. Religion, God's love has provided this before. For the spiritual orphans and widows - helping all of the Body of Christ.

We pray for our Loved Ones to have the Joy of our Father. The people God has given us. The Increase of the Holy Spirit to the hope of the World. Remembering with Love the Blessings of Jesus and the embrace and kiss of Jesus upon us. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Matthew 11 ~ find rest for your souls

The Body of Christ defies boundaries. Borders. Class. Denomination. Language. Nationality.

Uniting the Body of Christ in Jesus. Jesus pulls us together in Love. Creating an orchestra. Making The First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas our House too. One Body.

Matthew 11

1 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?"

4 And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, "'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'

19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."

20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you."

25 At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."



If we push all aside and say in realization, "God has all things under His Feet." We realize the Words of God seek to find rest for our souls. We can overwork so many things. And not have rest. God desires us to know God is Love.



Father God,

When shocking events occur, we rest all of our burdens on You. Knowing the Battle is Won. The Glory and Victory are Your's. And when we rest these burdens with You, we rest in Your care. Your's is the Vast Victory. Your's is the Eternal Salvation.

We pray for our Nation and the world - to all of us be far from Harm. Johnnie Langendorff and Stephen Willeford. Willeford saw the gun battle outside the Sunderland Springs First Baptist Church, both men and made sure the battle did not continue. We bless the unnamed man with him, as well.

These people held fast to You in Love, and You will have them with You. Your people hurt, You will comfort.

,

We pray for an increase in the Holy Spirit. We pray for the arrow of violence to pass us all by.

In the Name of Jesus and His Power and Glory. Amen.




We know we have seen too much of this in recent years. This type of violence has occurred in Texas before. September 16, 1999 a shooting during a youth rally at Wedgwood Baptist Church with 7 dead. “This has the appearance of being a very troubled man who for whatever reason in his own mind sought to quiet whatever demons were bothering him.” FBI agent Bob Garrity told reporters in 1999. What Agent Garrity told reports held true as they discovered the shooter's problems. Yesterday, the local Sherriff interviewed by KSAT 12 said this shooter was a, "Gutless coward. One we have seen to much of the likes of him in these days."









Is it possible we can help? What can we do? We Will Help.

When we acknowledge God as the One in Charge, we remember Jesus told us to pray and not give up hope.

God is saying we can all help.


With God's Help we will find Grace and Peace.

We will ask Jesus to pray with us. We will pray with the emotion of love for those we pray for. We are going to remember the depth of our care. Not only for the people we Love. We are going to think of the sanctity of small town America. Our grass roots. We are going to remember the faith and the steadfastness of hope we have in Jesus, our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are going to remember how we and others we love have been so helped to sit in the pews of Church and Thank God for His Steadfast Love. We are going to be grateful for the people who worship with us. We are going to Thank God for the faith and labor of love and the steadfastness of Hope Jesus truly gives us. We are hopeless no more. Jesus has empowered us to Pray.

The Word of God is not just a word. The Word of God is Power in the Holy Spirit and has full conviction.

We will remember Johnnie Langendorff. Remember December of 2016 outside of Honolulu, Hawaii. Samoa Tokelau Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Banyan Street in Kalihi was saved by a Church Elder for grabbing the shooter's hand holding the gun. Knowing Todd Beemer and the Heroes of Flight 93. We know what kind of men you proved to be among us.

We know we want the Word of God to brim and spill over with Love and Peace. Yet in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, we will not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. We will be in expectation of God's goodness, with informed belief about those who sleep in death to rise with Christ Jesus.

Our faith in God, in Jesus Christ, has gone forth everywhere. We will be in Living Hope and Expectation. Serving the living and true God, waiting for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us. We are delivered from wrath, I believe by praying. We will pray for the violence to end.



Matthew 11:12
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.


Witnesses in Sunderland Springs, Texas say the shooter began by shooting the neighborhood outside of the Church. He then targeted people going into the First Baptist Church - upon seeing them take Sanctuary in the Church - he became evil and entered into God's House.

The Children of God, His Beloved, His Babies were Hurt. In the aftermath, the people, who by instinct, ran into the First Baptist Church of Sunderland Springs, Texas to help and were horrified to see the massive wounds and life taken. Some had to turn back, not knowing what to do. We know Father God bled with them.

Where was God, some will ask.

The Wrath of God was invoked and Justice was swift. The shooter's violent path ended with the fury, savagery of running.

The Lambs of God will be treasured and Live.
The Lambs of God will obtain Mercy, Solace, Care, Kindness and Love.
The diligence of steadfast process in Jesus.

Jesus has told us, "Today, you are with me in Paradise."



(However, we can only publish Posts when I remember to push the Publish Button on Monday. For good brain health all around, Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. Amen.+)

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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 †