Psalm 106:1-5 ~ His Steadfast Love endures forever

Psalm 106:1-5

Praise the Lord!

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever!

2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord,

or declare all his praise?

3 Blessed are they who observe justice,

who do righteousness at all times!

4 Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people;

help me when you save them,

5 that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones,

that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,

that I may glory with your inheritance.

Yesterday we looked at:

2 Million People attend High Holy Days in the Ancient Jerusalem Temple of God.
24 choral groups with 288 musicians which took part in 21 weekly services.

And I suggested that Benny Goodman and European Drum line might sound like the Temple music.

Why?
Instruments included: The tambourine or timbrel (a frame skin-taut drum) is mainly a popular instrument. Miriam and women celebrate the crossing of the Red Sea; Tomić Psalter, 1360/63 Among the percussion instruments were bells, cymbals, sistrum, tabret, hand drums, and tambourines. Percussion instruments are those producing tones by being struck in various ways and have been used by bands and orchestras throughout history.[

The tabret, or timbrel, was a small hand-drum used for festive occasions and was considered ... a woman's instrument.

According to Jewish historian Josephus Flavius - horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, even bagpipe, and every kind of music.



Jewish musicologist Abraham Idelsohn says, "As many references in the Bible to the music performed in secular life testify, Israel enjoyed life through music both vocal and instrumental, and associated music with dance and wine in which men and women participated"




A Biblical Theology of Music Applied to the Contemporary Music Styles Debate
[an earlier version of this paper was delivered at the 50th annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society in Orlando, November 1998]
Gregg Strawbridge, Ph.D. Presbyterian Pastor

A study of the Psalms alone yield an impressive role for music in the life of Biblical people. The extolling of Yahweh through music is spoken of as congregational (149:1), individual (42:8) and for every situation (74:21).. Music is used to praise God joyfully, loudly (47:1), melodically (98:5), and with a variety of instruments (150:3-5), from chordophones (lyres, harps, kinnors), to membranophones (timbrels), to aerophones (flutes, shofars, pipes), to metalophones (cymbals).
(2)

Such praise is associated with bodily movement and common expressions of joy and gladness, such as dancing (30:11, 149:3, 150:4). The psalmists command praise with skill (47:7, 33:3), to "make His praise glorious" (66:2). They frequently call the nations to make the sounds of praise (67:4, 22:27, 117:1, 108:3). A fitting close to the Psalter is the call for all that has breath to hymn the worth of their Maker (150:6)

God says in Proverbs, man sharpens man.

The bold colors of the Ancient Greek Empire are found in Mount Vernon walls.

Elvis sings what Slaves brought from Africa when we were only colonies,  and before this - the songs are over 500 years old.

The Bible and Mitochondrial DNA place our Beginning with One Father - God of All.

God is indeed - Light of Mankind.

Now does this mean you have to accept a European Fantastic Drum Competition and Benny Goodman as your idea of Worship in the Temple of Jerusalem?

Absolutely not.

The Idea of the Music is to encompass Jesus Christ as God's Son 

Jesus as the Light of the world. 

Light of mankind. 

Light to the Nations.

Isaiah 49:6

He says, "You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. 

I will make you a light to the Gentiles,

and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."

a

Now Combine the Old Church Choir in our Souls
As Jesus Keeps Putting His Love in All the Unexpected Places

Reckless Love
Cory Asbury

Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me

Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me

You have been so, so kind to me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God

Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine

I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me

You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me

And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine

A Long, Long Time Ago...

The Children of Jacob knew they were the Children of Israel,
and yet, they had no Scripture and did not know the name of their God.

As Moses appeared they were so triumphant, a yet the Plagues were making sure they wanted the Journey God was Giving.

The Nation of Israel was going to walk, not be flown, to the Journey of Nation and Community.

Moses would use a Bronze Serpent, with the Power of God's Holy Spirit. An odd choice, rather Egyptian and still - it was Jesus being a Shepherd to His Beloved.

To become Israel.
It was a Fight.
Fighting the Good Fight...

Conflict... Jesus Himself, Light of the world, told us trouble was in the world.
Jesus said - Days May Come.

To have the path - there was war with God stepping in to save them from Pharaoh's Army.
Moses held up his hands with his brothers God gave him to make the path.
Days made - came - Jericho.

The Tabernacle Tent was created.
The Plan God gave was the traveling Pharaoh Tent.
Father God was giving His Children comfort of the familiar.

Even as David arrived and the City of David
the City of Peace
Jerusalem saw the Good Fight.

Walls were built. For good cause.

David knew to build his home outside the Wall.
God is God of All.
His Word upholds the Universe.
God is the God of all. Jesus is the Light of mankind.

The Temple was built. Who built the Light of the World's Temple?

The finest craftsmen of Israel built the Holy of Holies. Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

And the Trees came from Lebanon.

Gold covered the Inner Sanctum to please God.

The Gold Mines at the time were from Ethiopia. God is our Bright Morning Star.


Architecture was being Chosen.
David remembered Phoenicia and his time there.
God is Shepherd of our Souls.

The Temple Curtain was being woven.

Laborers came from Tyre to build the Temple of the Alpha and Omega.

More supplies were needed

The Ships of Tarshish would carry the supplies for God's Temple. Jesus is Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.


And at the completion of the Temple of God, The Presence of God filled the Temple. A cloud never seen before.

The Light of the World.

And mankind put up a sign outside the Temple.
The Good Fight had created a history.

Foreigners should stop.

And yet still the music played.



A Child was Born, A Son was Given.
Men came from Far Away. Men came from the East

And the family moved to Egypt to be safe.

Days Will Come

And the Master of All Feasts Went Forth

John 2

A Wedding in Galilee, at Cana

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine.

Abba, Holy Father,

All of History is Your Story.

The Water of the Nile became Blood Red.

The Temple cried out for Your Love and Mercy to Your Good Creation.

Jesus turned the water, not to blood, but to the wine for a wedding blessing Creation.
And God sees Life is Good.


By Your Blessing, each day we are renewed.

Your Grace, Your Mercy combines Your Good creation into a brief breath of mankind
needing You as the Shepherd of our Souls
placing Your Love and Grace to be our Strength and Courage
to let the Good Fight
cover all Your People.

We will look to Your Goodness
and Praise You in High Tide
and find Your Blessing in the ebb of tides.
Keep our heart open to Love.
Remembering Your Kingdom Choice is to have 12 Open Gates.

We Live in Jesus Christ.
Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Psalm 119:169 ~ According to Your Word

Since the beginning of time, we all earnestly desire our prayers to go directly to God.

Our Father is so very close to us, our Father has the aroma of our prayers in beautiful Revelation.

We so want our Prayer to be up in Heaven and near Jesus. Father God assures  us in John 14 and 15, He hears us. John's Gospel begins with God hearing Nathaniel under a tree - praying.


And even in the Second Temple - Jesus taught and walked through Solomon's Portico (left from the First Temple) - God's people have long thought about Prayers going up to God.

Psalm 119

169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD; 

give me understanding 

according to your word!

Gregorian solemn chant is a basic thought when we think of Worship in God's own Temple in Jerusalem. Solemn, secluded and quiet.

Josephus records:
High Feast Days the Temple had Worship rotation and housed during this time -  2 million people.

Psalm 119 has every verse being part of the Hebrew Alphabet.
And each verse  the Temple Choirs Temple were ascending and descending the Temple stairs. Reminding all of God's People every aspect of Life - going up and ascending to God - is one of the many grains of the sand on all the beaches - so God's thoughts are of you.

Psalm 139 

God tells us about Prayer and His Numerous Thoughts on you - His Child'

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.

Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm and is something all of the Children of Israel knew in High Festival Holy Days - Holidays As well known as "Come All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant!"

The Temple Court of Women

This is the Yearning and Tradition of the Faithful for a Millennium to have God 

Hear their Prayer. Psalm 119.

Let's consider what Biblical Musical History says:

Heaven is getting more lively every blessed minute!

Hear Oh Israel, The Lord Thy God is One.

Music historian Abraham Schwadron, "probably the most important musical contribution of the ancient Hebrews was the elevation of the status of liturgical music in union with ritual ceremonies." He notes the "high degree of musico-liturgical organization" from the descriptive accounts of King Solomon's Temple, such as the 24 choral groups

These choral groups consisting of 288 musicians which took part in 21 weekly services.

Despite the similar instruments used by the Hebrews which were also used in neighboring cultures, including Phoenicia, Egypt, Assyria, and Greece, Schwadron writes that "it would be accurate to state that . . . it is in the particular uses of music—sacred and secular, ethical and aesthetical—that ancient Jewish music made a unique contribution.

Music historian John Stainer notes that the earlier relationship between Abraham and the Canaanites "Probably caused his posterity to carry a certain amount of Assyrian music or musical instruments into Egypt. He adds four centuries "in so civilized a culture as Egypt must have largely added to their knowledge of the art."

(Now - just suppose - Elvis studied the African American tunes. And we know African American Gospel is the Old Church Choir singing in our soul!!! Heaven isn't just Bach.)

Although the ancient music of the Psalms and the other Bible books (which were all chanted), is often thought to be lost, the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Bible contains cantillation marks indicating a melodic line for the words. Following the French archaeomusicologist Suzanne Haik-Vantoura, some authorities now argue that these cantillation marks date from temple times and record the music sung in the temple. Attempts have been made to decipher them in modern musical notation.

After the fall of the Temple, Werner states the fabric of dreams spun about its earlier music included reminiscences, visions, and fantasies, as the Rabbis - took pains to eradicate - both its choral and instrumental traditions. "Their time had arrived, and their ideas on liturgy and music were radically different from those of the Temple priests."

Ecclesiastes 1:9

What has been 
is what will be,

and what has been done is what will be done,

and there is 
nothing new under the sun.

Tell us where this is in the Bible ...
Instruments included: The tambourine or timbrel (a frame skin-taut drum) is mainly a popular instrument. Miriam and women celebrate the crossing of the Red Sea; Tomić Psalter, 1360/63 Among the percussion instruments were bells, cymbals, sistrum, tabret, hand drums, and tambourines. Percussion instruments are those producing tones by being struck in various ways and have been used by bands and orchestras throughout history.[

The tabret, or timbrel, was a small hand-drum used for festive occasions, and was considered ... a woman's instrument.

Consider 288 musicians taking part in 21 weekly services.

The Trumpets were known to be shrill.
The wind instruments used in the biblical period were the cornet, flute, horn, organ, pipe, and trumpet.

ADD this Video to the next one together...

We have to add in Benny Goodman in "Sing, Sing, Sing" with zing, zing, Zing.

We are  probably looking at Easter/Passover Vespers due to the influence of Egyptian, Assyrian, Greek an Phoenician cultures alive and present in the Temple and in the lives of David, Israel and Solomon.

Ecclesiastes 3

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven

How interesting the way knowledge of mankind is allowed to progress in God's Plan.
We live when so many archaeological certainties present themselves. If we'd heard about Egyptian or Assyrian melodies - just a century ago - we would probably have dropped the wagon wheel.

Add the videos together, please! On 'Go" add in the second video.
And you can play Benny Goodman 3 times during the first video.

Acts 2:2
And suddenly
there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind,
and it filled the whole house


Ezekiel 37:9-14
Thus says the Lord GOD, "Come from the four winds, O breath,
and breathe on these slain,
that they come to life."'"

The breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet.


John 3:8
"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it,
but do not know where it comes from and where it is going;
so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

John 20:22
And when Jesus had said this,
He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit."




Psalm 98:1
Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

Psalm 40:3
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.



Isaiah 6:3
They were calling out to each other,
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven's Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!"




Consider this is not the 2 million of High Festival Jerusalem.

Abba, Holy Father,

Let the Glory of the Lord Rise Among us.

Let the Glory of the Lord Shine Among us.

Holy Spirit - Rise.

We ask our Willing Father the prayers of all His Beloved
More Heaven on earth.

The Glory of Jesus Christ and His Father are Working Today.

If you are Happy and You Know this
Bang the Drum
Stomp Your Feet
Jesus Christ is Born


In the Name of Jesus, Rejoice. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Mark 7:24-37 ~ Yes, Lord

Photos are of Tyre and Sidon as told in Ezekiel and the Gospels

Mark 7:24-37

24 And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. 25 But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter.

27 And he said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

28 But she answered him, "Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."

29 And he said to her, "For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter."

30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis.

32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him.

33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 

 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."

Zealously!!!

How did you get out of bed this morning?

Jesus did something every day just as Jesus did the same thing for the Syrophoenician woman and her child and the many who was deaf.

Matthew 5 - in all conflicts - we decide if we will be Peaceful or escalate to trouble. If you have to pick the Beatitudes - pick the part in the front - to be peaceful. Be at peace with all in your ability. Matthew 5 is very key, very cornerstone, very foundation of Jesus.


Jesus is bringing Peace. Peace begins with Forgiveness. Jesus is forgiving the people He heals. We accept God is God.


And then something is very exciting in God is God.
It's not the regular get out of bed day.

Jesus told us to pray to His Father, "Bring us more Heaven to this earth."

Jesus told us to believe, "The Kingdom is at hand."


We pray for so many things. Things to heal. Opportunities to prosper. Help for our children and those we love and people who asked us to pray. We pray for things to be fixed. We pray for parking spaces and blessings. We pray for health. All the many, many, many things we pray for. We could cover this by saying with Jesus, "I pray for Your Care, You care for me." Peter wrote this in the Power of the Holy Spirit.

And all these prayers would be answered by more of God's Kingdom and His Will done on earth.


Heaven on earth.


Hebrews 11

14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

The Kingdom of Heaven - more on earth. Opening the 12 Gates of Heaven to pour out a Blessing on us as we ask Father God in the Name of Jesus.

33 who through faith conquered kingdoms,

enforced justice,

obtained promises,

stopped the mouths of lions,

34 quenched the power of fire,

escaped the edge of the sword,

were made strong out of weakness,

became mighty in war,

put foreign armies to flight.

35 Women received back their dead by resurrection.

(When did women receive back their dead by resurrection. Elijah healed a boy. So did Elisha. Jesus was teaching 500 after the grave could not hold Him. We are assured in our hearts Mary and His Brothers were part of this. And the Resurrection of the dead told in the Gospels on the First Easter.)




Prayer and Heaven is at hand is a very real concept.

Malachi 3

10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.


Lately, I've seen prayers answered for tear ducts to be healed. Mouth scars to be gone. Immune systems to protect skin. Pancreas to process sugar. Bladder to do it's job. And this is more Heaven on earth. Bringing more joy to all and prayers answered.

Abba, Holy Father,

We ask Your Willing Blessings. Thanking You all things work together for Good for those who Love the Lord and work according to His Purpose.

Jesus told us to Pray in His Name. You told us Father God honors the Name of Jesus above all. We can go to Jesus with all confidence in times of trouble and always.

In Jesus, we bring our times of Victory to our times of struggle and Jesus Himself is the Good Shepherd in all seasons.

May every good thought bless you in Jesus Himself God. May Jesus cover us in His Mercy and Grace.

We pray more Heaven on earth as Jesus taught. We pray this Blessing flows in our lives and cares.

We pray more Heaven on earth for this Nation.

We pray more Heaven on earth for all nations trusting in Jesus.

We pray more Heaven on earth for those we Love. We pray for all of God's children blessing God in their prayers and thoughts and praying more Heaven on earth.

And in Jesus Christ we have filled us all with the measure of God our Father.

To God is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory in Jesus Christ.

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Ephesians 4:11-15 ~ measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

Ephesians 4:11-15

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

to equip the saints for the work of ministry,

for building up the body of Christ,

until we all attain to the unity of the faith

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

to mature manhood,

to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
Rather, speaking the truth in love,

we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.


To understand the Fullness of God
we find God will:

Give,
Equip,
Grow!

Creating a unity in the faith

To maturity from speaking the truth with Love.

Grow in every way.


God is giving us a Purpose statement of Life.
                 To know the fullness of God.

A God Given Purpose Statement. Filled with Grace and Mercy and Graciousness; God does not say rudely to "Grow up."

Our Father God is an Awesome God.

Abba,

Each day we rise to find Your willing Blessings.

The Blessings given to us to see in those we Love.

God is blessing our nation. The people seeking Jesus first.

The Christ of the Nations has us sharing international events and prayers. We are seeing more Heaven on earth

Thank Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Luke 2 ~ all the world should be registered

Luke 2

1 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 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. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress." 49 And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Anne Geddes Photography, Delighted Father and Happy Son


When we look at this generation, we see wonderful Good News. The Heart of God, our Father, and His Son, Jesus, is being sought.

Pew Reports 2013
85% of Americans pray Once a Month.
Over 33% report religion plays no part in life choices.
The Church in America was showing a 2% decline annually.

Pew Reports and Lifeway and Gallup of 2017 and 2018
A world high of 55% of the USA prays daily, feels heard and loved.
78% say Jesus Christ is the first of God's Creation and is the Son of God
38% report they believe God in part of all their decisions and consider themselves Very Devote.
Report 1% increases in Church Attendance


We would love to consider what is holding Father God's Heart in us, His Beloved, today.

Let's start with Luke 2. Thanksgiving isn't just remaining in food and food thoughts, Thanksgiving is when we all start considering how Christmas gifts and Christmas decoration are going to be showing the Light of Jesus Christ.

I feel very fortunate Thanksgiving is giving Thanks and being in thought about Blessings from Father God. The Perfect, Perfect, Perfect start to Advent - The Beginning of Christmas. We are even fortunate on Holiday placement. And we could be mindful the United States Congress held a Presbyterian Church on Sundays until the late 1950s.
The Church paid rent and this was fiscal responsibility. Reminding us Thanksgiving was placed before Christmas - by a very specific plan. A Good Plan.

What else would God's Heart be strangely warmed by this generation?

Babies. How many are in the Bible. Oh, exorbitant numbers - babies everywhere. No. Nada. Not. 16 mentions in the Bible. Another version in the Bible records 17 mentions in the Bible.

Consider the babies of Medieval art ~



It's not just babies were painted by commission from priests and monks - without babies. The Church had already won the battle ~ Jesus Christ is fully mankind and fully God. It was because 1 in 5 babies survived. It was not until after serfdom and the plagues finished when children were given a name before the age of 5 years. Babies were a bundle of getting your heart broken. Typically swaddled and hung on a peg on the wall to keep diaper rash avoided - bucket on the floor. And then they marry and move off. This isn't the Jewish method of houses built on houses. Being married at age 15 wasn't uncommon. Why display beautiful infants when you have lost yours? Expect ten years of parenting.

The Renaissance - when people began to name their children and have them painted. Serfdom is put down because we need people to collectively work on food growing and preparation. Literacy is improving. The Scriptures are being printed, known and read. Luke 2 is probably having an amazing effect on parenting.

Now in the Scriptures - before Renaissance - before the New Covenant -
Eli is told, correctly, his sons are criminals and no one - especially God - wants them to continue in the Levite Tradition of being a Rabbi or Priest. Eli is fine with this. Samuel is told his sons are not cut out to be Priests. Samuel seems a little sad and doesn't comment greatly. King Hezekiah is told his sons will never match his kingdom built with incredible faith of Hezekiah, Isaiah and amazing acts of the people building plans to be free to worship their God - seen in Israel today. Easily seen.

And then we participate in the Love as we read Luke 2. Joseph is taking Mary with him to be enrolled. She's "Pregnant". And included. Joseph is there with Mary during all the before and after birth preparations. Joseph is moving Mary in Matthew's Gospel to Egypt. Not shrugging there will be other infants.

Mary and Joseph continue to be very involved with Jesus. The Gospels record the family of Joseph to be very, very close.


When we consider The Great Depression

Centennial Series: The Children's Bureau and the Great Depression

Because home life was so difficult, many youth fled to look for work. These transient youth were not welcomed in the towns through which they passed. Times were tough everywhere, and an additional mouth to feed was a burden. Children's Bureau representatives visited States and spoke with those who interacted with these homeless youth, later reporting their findings to the Bureau. At a congressional hearing in 1933, Chief Abbott made a suggestion: "The experience with work camps in which there is an opportunity for training in a wholesome environment had been excellent. There ought to be opportunity for vocational classes and for work relief in the cities and towns." Her proposal was echoed in the Civilian Conservation Corps and the National Youth Administration, public work relief programs established as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal.

Results from the Bureau's study of unemployment during the 1921 depression indicated that economic struggle caused mothers to leave the home for work and children to leave school for work. The same trend held true during the Great Depression, and a breakdown in child labor law enforcement occurred. The Bureau published more than 30 reports on child labor conditions. Studies indicated the number of 14- and 15-year-old workers in the shirt industry had spiked. Thirteen-year-olds were working in Pennsylvania coal mines. Another study revealed that children younger than 11 slaved over piecework in their homes, earning less than $.10 an hour. In December 1932, an emergency conference was held regarding the Depression’s impact on child labor. The Bureau's focus on the effects of economic strife on children and families laid the groundwork for the crucial child welfare provisions in the Social Security Act.


And in this Generation - and mine - we are recognized for the Parenting we want to give.

We warm God's Heart because we want to parent as Jesus was parented.

And have all the relief God gives us knowing Mary misplaced Jesus the Christ of God.



Abba, Father God,

We Thank You for the many Awesome Blessings You willingly daily load us with.

We Thank You for Thanksgiving. And Your Good Plan.

We'd take the Willing Blessing You give us and bless our Loved Ones to be held tenderly in the heart of You,
Our Loving Father God.

We give Abundant Thanks for Your Beloved praying around the world daily for more Heaven on earth. Our cares held by You, caring for us.

We give Thanks for Your Shining Face being Light to our Nation. We give Thanks for Jesus as the Light to nations Trusting in You.

Blessings of Jesus Christ are upon us.

In the Holy and Wonderful Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †