Matthew 25:31-46 ~ before Him will be gathered all the nations

Matthew 25:31-46

31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.

32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

33 And he will place the sheep on his right,

but the goats on the left.

34 Then the King will say to those on his right,

'Come, you who are blessed by my Father,

inherit the kingdom prepared for you

from the foundation of the world.

35 For I was hungry and you gave me food,

I was thirsty and you gave me drink,

I was a stranger and you welcomed me,

36 I was naked and you clothed me,

I was sick and you visited me,

I was in prison and you came to me.'

37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

40 And the King will answer them,

'Truly, I say to you,

as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,

you did it to me.'

41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.'

44 Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?'

45 Then he will answer them, saying,

'Truly, I say to you,

as you did not do it to one of the least of these,

you did not do it to me.'

46 And these will go away into eternal punishment,

but the righteous into eternal life."

We start out in the same boat. On the same Journey. With the same Destination. Jesus Christ.

And we face the scariest thing on earth.

"Life or death."

In the beginning, God our Father saw Eve wanted to eat of the Tree, follow her own ideas, explore without God, determine good and evil. And God says today the world is worthy to be saved in Jesus Christ. We find out as children - we are not immortal. There is a day we look at our healthy bodies and realize we will perish. What we do with this idea is going to cause Life or death.

We are in the same boat as children when we find out we are perishable.
(They also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?')  God says we all want to know what Salvation is.

Jesus tells us He is readily available to us. In His Word and in prayer conversations. Jesus could do all manner of things. The Theory of Relativity tells us in John 6, the Disciples were making their way very slowly, Jesus came into the boat and "Immediately" the boat was on the other side.

Jesus could have done this every day. Instead, Jesus chose to show us "Give us the Day." Jesus chose to do the life we have and travel with us. Jesus is telling us He found Joy in conversation. Joy in the day. Joy in the time. Joy in the Journey. Joy to heal. Joy to help. Jesus was 'in the same boat.' By choice. Telling is to find His Creation Good.

Jesus is explaining how to "Give us the Day." And this is familiar:

We have a long voyage in front of us from childhood. When Captain Cook arrived in Hawaii, he found the Hawaiians had discovered the mainland in some very shaky native boats and returned.

One of my most memorable discussions in the grocery store line was a man about 58 years old telling me after 30 years of marriage and in-law family - we all become who we really are. Similar to Mrs. Walter Cronkite saying she couldn't hold her stomach in indefinitely. We exhale eventually and we find out what we have done with our Spiritual Journey. Truly - this is the Journey that Matters.

Jesus tells us to have the faith of a child for a long, long journey.

We are finding we ride the boat with Jesus to discover the ferocious wind and waves and cry out, "We are Perishable."

If we jam our halo on too tight, eventually we are going to feel the pressure and pain. If every answer is a Sunday School Parable - we are in Trouble. And if the Scriptures were merely words - we would be the most to pity.

Leading us back to the question - what halo will we wear. The Bible has the Excellence of Truth.

We will all wear the halo of failure. Sin. And we will sink if we do not call to Jesus - He is the only One to walk upon the waters of our doubt and false belief what-was-past-is-always-the-future-Realism-not-Hope.

God is Living in our Soul when we only ask Him to. We have the Light of Hope as we pray. What shall we cry? What shall we pray? To Know God's Will is Good for our lives. To Believe He is the Way, Life and Truth.

We have to learn what will put the real way and truth to have wind in our sails - Life. It's a fight when the sails do not have a lot of wind in sight. One would want to walk on the water. And doubt and despair threaten.

Jesus rode the sea and fished when the fish were not biting. And He did say He would be with us always.

This is the Jesus boat. It was discovered in fierce drought. The finders were horribly worried to even pay the rent. For 2,000 years the boat of the Sea of Galilee waited. Like Israel itself. God jumps from one thing to the next - and we should have wind in our sails even when it's faith.

Suddenly, the men could see why having no fish, no work, drought - might make something greater. Jesus told a parable to us in all of the Bible - to pray and not give up Hope.

Operation Hope is not to be like an overly tight Halo.

Jesus said He came to fulfill ever dot of the Law. What is the Law? Actually - God's Word is Law.

Hope works when Hope is - Real.

We don't know how to do what is on the blissful Lamb.
And Guilt is like driving your child to play on the Highway. Guilt tells us we don't do Enough to Please God. With that kind of parent - we are going to leave Home.

God wants to save that little boy in the photo because he is pure. Not exactly, God has seen and knows all of our days.  God knows that child as an aged old man. God wants to give the boy the saving truth. God wants to take the broken old body - the old man who would have changed a few things and make that body new and have His Kingdom and Love. Father God says mankind - when He looks deeply into His creation - is Good. Worthy of Saving in Giving HIS Only Son. Jesus.

The Bible says take the Light of Jesus and go forth. It's a little vague - Really. In fact, what is noticeable is Jesus says - sometimes you have to tell your loved ones - "No." You have to remember to put God first - over what you can see, touch, and relate to. This, beloved, of God, is - Interesting. God is worried, He yearns for us to come home like the Prodigal Son - God yearns for us to carry the Light of Christ Forth. To remember people are people and will just let you down because they can't do all the Work of the Lamb photo that well.

God looks at mankind and says "Worthy and Worthy of His Only Son." In relatable terms - that is a lot of in-law marrying your Child adoption. If we are picky about spouses for our children - Father God is AMAZINGLY OPEN.

God sees Amazing Goodness in Examining the Core of People.

God doesn't give a lot of tips on Evangelism. He says carry the Light of Jesus forth. And He gives us the Good Samaritan. Telling us - what falls in your path - Take Care Of. Don't say, "It's a rough week, year, day." God is saying 'helping others' is going to fall into your path. This is God saying help.

And even more amazing is God having to tell us - don't love your family as first priority. They might steer you like a submarine. Remember Who walks on the waters of doubt to provide Eternal Love.

Why does God provide the warning - like 11 Disciples. Because He is in Charge. He is God. He does not tell us we are Third. He does not say Love the Goats so much that you become a Goat.

God does not provide the Triumphant Palm Sunday for Peter or for Paul. In fact, God shows us clearly Peter and Paul have a few, narrow gate, people who remain. God is telling us 11 Disciples are not going to all desert for all of life - do not despair in mankind. And do not expect to be God.

Hope we have to see the GOOD!!! The Sheep and the Goats will continue to parade through Life for the Ancient of Days to observe. And if we were to take the Words of Jesus, we would say - Love One Another. God will fill in the dots. Give Mercy. God is in the business to Decide and Judge. He knows Better. And always say, "To Love the Lord God with all our mind, heart and soul - is to know the Way, the Truth and the Life."

Billy Graham said he had an analytical son. Always figuring things out. We can relax and Love. Billy Graham didn't find his halo too tight. Billy Graham found the Word of God would tell us this turns out well, God has written the final chapter. We can Trust God to be God. Always.

Abba, Daddy-Heavenly Father,

Your Word is Law.

Fear not little Flock. It is Your Father's Good Pleasure to GIVE the Kingdom.

Dreary old day? Dreary old Pentateuch? Na.

Deuteronomy 16:14
14 Be joyful at your festival — you,
your sons and daughters,
your male and female servants,
and the Levites,
the foreigners (like Moses in Midian or in-laws),
the fatherless
and the widows who live in your towns.

Leviticus 9:24
Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering
and the fat portions on the altar.
And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell face down.

Father God, We will ALWAYS PRAY WITH HOPE!!!

Father God,

We Believe.

The Lord will bless us and keep us;

the Lord will make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us;

the Lord does turn his face toward us and give us peace.

We will have Grace and peace to us from God our Father
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

The God of peace is with all who call on Him and put on that halo with sincerity!

The Blessing of Helping renews each Day. Giving the Day Life. Thank You for the Fun.
Jesus is Good.

Amen in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 ~ the Life of Jesus

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that 

the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.



Yesterday we thought about the Bravery of Jesus facing death the next week, in good health, and having a moment to rejoice in Palm Sunday.


The Scriptures will perfectly explain The Scriptures. The Word of God always supports Jesus.

We can truly grasp and know and revere the Lord Father God knowing Living Word was in and filling and strengthening Jesus on Palm Sunday:

I can do all things through Him who strengthens Me.

Philippians 4

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 

5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

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

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

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

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.






All that Jesus gave.

All that Jesus endured.

All of Jesus and the new Heaven and the new earth became.

All of Israel destroyed for One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-six Years.

And God gave Israel to be the Land of Milk and Honey. Israel was not worthy. Jesus makes us Righteous in the eyes of His Father.

Not Hawaii. A Palm Farm near the Sea of Galilee.


May the Lord Bless us and Keep us.

May the Lord God the Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth make His Face Shine upon us.

May the Lord God be gracious to us.

May our Father Lift His Countenance, Smile,

Giving us Peace. The Peace of our God Himself.

May the Lord cover us in the Name of Jesus.

And Bless us.

All things work together for Good, for those who Love the Lord our Father and
Work according to His Purpose.

Praying for Dee, who is in the Lord God - to be strengthened and helped.

Amen in Jesus. His Grace and Mercy prevail.

God's Word is true. Alleluia Jesus Christ.

Psalm 91:10 ~ come near

Psalm 91:10

No evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.


We all need time to adjust, just like the seasons and years in the Prodigal Son. Jesus is never portrayed on Psalm Sunday as crying. For the reason of "King Jesus today and death later next week." Jesus, instead, even looks over His Israel, His Jerusalem, His Temple and remembers Solomon's reign. Jesus is even enjoying the infants and toddlers proclaiming the Goodness of Jesus. No tears. Joy of life - Jesus tells us in John 14,15 and 16. Jesus has Peace of God transcending all knowledge. Most people if told "death next week", when healthy, are going to be Quite Upset.


My friend in college was the son of a Priest of the Episcopal Church. His dad would go out with salt and blessings, lay hands on the family cars and pray for total victory and never having an accident or breakdown. I asked how often he did this. About every January. How did that go? Perfectly. In fact, his entire congregation liked to know this. I asked if there were ever any drawbacks. He said one male townie almost fell over laughing - seeing the sight. Did his dad tell the townie? Don't know, the townie isn't around much and had departed upon seeing the clerical collar.


Jesus would understand this. A Holy life, blessed of God and with virtue. Jesus was hammered daily with Pharisees. I think the Pharisees went to see Jesus even in the far-flung little towns. And Jesus spent His poor life arguing the merits of Jesus and why the Pharisees were this and they were that and what they said and "how it isn't so much - how - they said, it was more the - way - They Said It." Nope. Nada. Not happening.

Why? Easy. Breezy. Jesus was never afraid of the Pharisees. Jesus had an I-didn't-even-plan-my-Winston-Churchill-"impromptu"-remarks. Jesus just Said It as It Was and He Meant This.
Where did this come from?

...Through Him, all things were made 
John 1:3

...In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind
John 1:4

… Thou shalt call His Name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins. 
Matthew 1: 21

…His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God,

The Everlasting Father, 
The Prince of Peace 

Isaiah 9:6

… God hath made that same Jesus… 
both Lord & Christ 
Acts 2:36

…Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world! 
John 1:29

…they sing the song of Moses zthe servant of God,

the song of The Lamb 
Revelation 15:3

…Behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah 
Revelation 5:5

..and the Bright & Morning Star 
Revelation 22:16

..and our hands have handled, 
the Word of Life 
1 John 1:1

…we have an advocate with the Father, 
Jesus Christ 
The Righteous 
1 John 2:1

…whereby the Dayspring from
on high 
hath visited us. 
Luke 1:78

…Before Abraham, I Am. 
John 8:58

…And I saw, and bare record that this is 
The Son of God. 
John 1: 34

...Shepherd and Bishop of your souls 
1 Peter 2:25

…We have found the Messiah, the Christ. 
John 1:41

…I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, 
no man cometh unto the Father, 
but by me. 
John 14:6

…through the knowledge of the Lord 
& Savior Jesus Christ. 
II Peter 2: 20

...a name written 
King of Kings 
and Lord of Lords. 
Revelation 19:16

…I am the Light of the World. 
John 8:12

…The true light, 
which enlightens everyone, 
was coming into the world
 John 1:9

…I am Alpha & Omega 
the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, 
which is, 
and which was, 
and which is to come

The Almighty 
Revelation 1:8

 Today in the town of David 
a Savior 
has been born to you; 
he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10

John 1

49“Rabbi,” Nathaniel answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

50 Jesus said to him, “Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.”


We always wonder what could possibly be greater than Jesus. I'd guess what we see the most - would be glimmers.

1 Corinthians 13:9
For we know in part

Centenarians display a talent God loves us to cultivate - not to worry. Centenarians tell us they feel problems will work out, simply a matter of time. Others say difficulties are interesting to see how Father God will unfold life. Rick Warren says we are always coming into a problem, working our way into success - a constant process.

Jesus forgave with forgiveness in all entirety. Jesus always felt His life was in the hands of His Loving Father. Jesus did not fear and he did not worry.

David dances the Victory Dance.




Abba, Holy Father,

When the Saints, when the Saints go marching in - how I want to be in the number - When the Saints go marching in.

When the Saints, when the Saints go marching in - how I want to be in the number - with the non-worrying Saints of God!!!

And Innomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti ~

Nous élevons nos âmes et nos vies

Amour pour remplir nos amours

Jésus pour remplir notre terre et nos gens

Amour, Joie et Paix

Plus de Jésus, Jesus, Jesus

Joie de vie!!!

Alléluia Amen Amen et Amen

Luke 1:1-38 ~ nothing will be impossible with God

Luke 1:1-38

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah,of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared." 18 And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." 

19 And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." 

21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 "Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people."


26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." 

34 And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" 

35 And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God." 

38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."

And the angel departed from her.

Early this Sunday morning, the angel departing struck a thought within me. Living Words the way the Bible changes and your heart is in thought and care.

And Mary left the conversation as the Angel departed. If we had to live as Mary, would we clutch the Angel Gabriel and ask him to stay? Doubtful. Angels have to say, "Fear Not."

This is my opinion - my thought on the Angel Gabriel appearance (with a white robe):

We all have a pretty fine opinion of the Angel Gabriel who also helped Daniel. Gabriel is what you think a really great Messenger or Christian is - God is Good All the Time and so are these Blessed of God who treat you nicely in rain, shine, High water, hell conquered and Light and Kingdom of God everlasting.

Was Mary sad to see Gabriel go? "Wait, Gabriel, come meet Heli, my dad. My dad will surely want to meet you." The truth is "Fear Not" is not going to interrupt, wisely, the Purpose of God.



We are all in the same life, at times, as Mary. "Help Father God, send an Angel, I need one." We might even whimper to ask. And being like all the people of the Bible, we'd find the fix has its own issues. Because we live in a world where Jesus states "Lead us not into Temptation." Every situation we face is defining ourselves to God and our soul being presented to God. I believe Jesus is saying "Help us do our best for Father God to be pleased."

And also given Gabriel had some words with Zechariah, we might understand why Mary didn't ask him to come home to meet her mother and father. Mary might have been being kind to her unrecognized Biblically parents. In fact, we have all considered Mary - we'd have to agree - Mary was probably being nice to her parents.


And what did God do with this need for Guidance? With Mary's extraordinary faith, God gave Mary this:

Let's be real, honest and frank. Father God gave Mary "haste" to see her cousin Elizabeth almost 80 miles away. The "solution" did not appear. Mary was given the 'opportunity' to walk by faith. God is letting Mary do her best. The Light was indeed given, but was the basket going to fall on the lighted next step?

Something to think about on 'those days' and 'days may come'.

And then an upgrade -

Joseph did not tell Mary he'd divorce her, but he didn't say he'd have her stoned to death - either. Mary had the bliss of God leaving this part out. Instead, God comforts Mary to find out Joseph's decision to "Believe" a dream Father God gave and support her. God kindly skips her parents and they don't even get to be part of History. God is good all the time. Mary is seeing a Shining Light. Walking by faith - is working.


And that faith Light is Shining better and better. Isaiah said donkeys are available.

(My nephew 'accidently' let his pet donkey in the house - I've heard my family tell me donkeys (have 3) are better,smarter and more loyal than dogs and give body/wraparound/donkey hugs.)

Mary and Joseph have comfort to go 80 miles with help. And in daylight. Joseph shows up in Nazareth to claim Mary - another Light is Shining. This faith walk is going better, but looks pretty difficult.

Luke 1 tells us The Light of the World arrived with Jesus.




Where is our Light of Christ?

Like Mary - we walk by faith.

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

Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:8
"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

Luke 21:36
Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy.

See, do your best. Don't fall into temptation of envy, laziness, selfishness, greed, immorality, drunkenness and we could name about 100 different things.

2 Timothy 2:1
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 16
13 Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

John 13:34
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

1 Peter 4
Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so you can pray. 8 Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.



Jesus is going to lead us down amazing paths in life. He promises to be there with me. And with you.

Abba, Holy Father,

We are counting upon the Blessing of Your Word, "Nothing will be impossible with God."

We are counting upon the Blessing of Your Word, "I will be with you always."

And we want Your Living Words to cause us to Rise up. For ourselves and our concerns. For our Loved Ones. For the people You give us. Rise up. For our schools, job, state, nation. For the people of the Beloved today and tomorrow. For the Nations Trusting in You. Your Peace. More Holy Spirit Heaven on earth. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory.

 Amen in our Lord Jesus.

Jeremiah 17:19-27 ~ Take care for the sake of your lives

Court of the Gentiles to the far right. The gate was open to all people. The People's Gate.

Jeremiah 17:19-27

19 Thus said the LORD to me: "Go and stand in the People's Gate, by which the kings of Judah enter and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem, 20 and say: 

'Hear the word of the LORD, you kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who enter by these gates.

21 Thus says the LORD: 
Take care for the sake of your lives, and do not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. 

22 And do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your fathers. 23 Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction. 

24 "'But if you listen to me, declares the LORD,
 and bring in no burden by the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but keep the Sabbath day holy and do no work on it,  25 then there shall enter by the gates of this city kings and princes who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their officials, the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 

And this city shall be inhabited forever. 26 And people shall come from the cities of Judah and the places around Jerusalem, from the land of Benjamin, from the Shephelah, from the hill country, and from the Negeb, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and frankincense, and bringing thank offerings to the house of the LORD. 

27 But if you do not listen to me, to keep the Sabbath day holy, and not to bear a burden and enter by the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem and shall not be quenched.'"



When you look at the photos of Sabbath rest, the pictures generally look like misty death.

The concept of rest is foreign to us. After all, Jesus said the Sabbath is made for mankind.

We have all encountered being tired and unable to sleep. The other day I wanted to rest and knew I needed rest. No sleep was occurring.  I pictured a huge umbrella covering me and I thought of His Word lining the umbrella, "And on the 7th Day, God Rested." Suddenly I felt I had permission to rest. As if I had walked all day with Jesus ministering and we all decided to camp out and rest in the beauty of God's Creation. Suddenly I felt very peaceful.

I remembered the Garden of Eden. And slept beautifully.


Is this a Topic for Holy Week? Yes, actually this is the Common Lectionary Plan for The Two Year Bible Completion. And why would Father God put rest in front of us as we gear up for Celebrating Easter? Easter is more than a family meal.









Burdens used to be carrying trade. Making a living. Burdens are still about our living. It's difficult to fuss and worry and not relax. If we are in constant 'go' mode, we are not taking advantage of the Rest God tells us of. The difficulty is we embrace Forging into the Great Upward Sweep of God's Adventure and Doing our Best. Like Abraham. Abraham and Sarah were determined to 'help' bring forth 'God's Plan." God did not ask them for their 'assistance.'







































Jesus says His burden is easy, come to Him and rest. To believe God is God and we will do what we need to do, letting God worry out all the details. In this capacity, we can do our needed requirements for life's work, but also do this in a relaxed manner. Believing in Jesus - problems will arrive and then go.

Evil wants us to be upset and believe God's Word isn't the People's Gate. We hold on to Jesus and we will Rest. Evil will insist that we do not deserve God's Grace. We are a special 'case.' All people fall short. Believers know we hold on to Jesus. God is God.

We believe God's Grace is for us. We are God's Beloved.

We sing songs of Praise.

We tell Father God and we have had Renewal
We have Nourished our Eternal Soul.
A Filled Soul has Joy. The Holy Spirit.
We have Rest and feel Rested - a vacation. Better - Renewal.

A Time to tell God - Thank You.
To Let us Love Father God.
To Appreciate our Jesus as God.

Psalm 95:1
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Psalm 104:33
I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Psalm 100:1-2
A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

Ephesians 5:19
Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart

Psalm 150:1-6
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! .





Abba, Our Father,

We ask Jesus to always pray with us, increasing the Holy Spirit within us.

And we remember Your Word in our Prayer.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Father with Your Help we ask to do this daily and in Your Church,
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Finding Your Mercies Renew each day. Not just the morning.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

In Christ, we are a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

With Your Willing Word, Father, we shall renew our strength; mount up with wings like eagles; run and not be weary; we will walk and not faint.

With Jesus Christ's help, we will see Your Willingness does more than we ask or imagine, for our loved ones, the people You give us, our Churches and ministers, the Beloved of God. New believers. Nations who trust in You.

We will be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Amen to be covered in the Name of Jesus and blessed. Amen.