Psalm 136 ~ His Steadfast Love

Expectations of a New Year

Philippians 3

12 Not that I have already obtained all this,
or have already arrived at my goal,
but I press on
to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

The Work of Mankind is to believe.

David and Christmas.

Christmas is a creation of God and includes amazing and true wonders of God. Expectations from Archangel visits and prophetic announcements. Shepherds arrive. Holy men understand and see and profess.

Christmas is about discovering the Light of Christ.
David - 22 years - finding out being anointed of God is really about finding the journey life is. David had rejection, existed where life gave little opportunity. The suffering had sharp right turns. David existed in armies he created, doing what we all would hope not to do. David discovered dreams within his grasp darting away with the on-lookers sure of his failure. David discovered the emptiness of success. When self-serving turns up only disappointment. We are never told, but it's entirely possible a few people told David to ignore the anointing of God and live comfortably with the skills he had.


We are presented with the Glory of God. We have Mountaintop moments.


Hosea 6:3

"Let us acknowledge the LORD!

Let us press on to acknowledge him! 

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear! 

He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth!”

God's Creation of our lives is every single day. Creation is yesterday, today and tomorrow.

We are not building a flash of a photo. We are building the Light of Christ within our eternal property, our soul.

What tool will we choose of all the Words of God?  What will we use to do the work of believing?

Psalm 136

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;

4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;

5 to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;

6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;

7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;

8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;

9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever;

11 and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;

12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever;

13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever;

14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever;

15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;

16 to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;

17 to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;

18 and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;

19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;

20 and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;

21 and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever;

22 a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures forever.

23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever;

24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;

25 he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

We will build a Meaningful Christmas when we use the Words and Deeds of Steadfast Love.

When we believe Father God saw the Children of the Exodus through, they didn't drown, starve, dehydrate, they (we) only suffered from lack of faith. And yet merciful God gave them time to process and 'sojourn'.

We are building.
Upbuilding. Like the Exodus. Like the stock market. Like David. Like Mary. Like Abraham. Seasons of sojourning. Learning to make Christmas in our heart every day. To discover the tinkering and helping and annoying and comforting of Steadfast Love. To weep, to laugh, to have joy, to learn to Believe God. Doing the Work He has given us. Believing Days May Come. Believing Steadfast Love.

We are building. We are maturing. We are discovering. We are planting the seeds to present our soul to our Father God with the overwhelming and outstanding Mercy and Glory of Jesus Christ. We persevere for a very good reason - Love.

Abba,

For our blessing, we ask You, Abba gives us Jesus for our blessing. Thank You.

Giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His Steadfast Love endures forever.

We give thanks for Jesus Christ. 33 years Jesus gave us grace upon grace. Jesus our comfort with grace and truth daily. Yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His Steadfast Love endures forever.

Genesis 1:2 And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters Father God planned for the Holy Spirit to live within believers and have talks in the Garden of our soul. 

Giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His Steadfast Love endures forever.

Moses Deuteronomy 18:18 He will tell them everything I command him. Jesus is God's Plan. 1500 B.C.

Giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His Steadfast Love endures forever.

Isaiah 700 B.C. Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given

Giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His Steadfast Love endures forever.

The Exodus an instant miracle. 40 years Moses was a Shepherd, 40 years Joshua Loved and served. And in 1000 B.C David secured the tribal lands of the Tribe of Judah.

Giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His Steadfast Love endures forever.

Mary waited for her family to unite. Acts 1. 33 years. Even Jesus waited for His Loved ones.

Giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His Steadfast Love endures forever.

Giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His Steadfast Love endures forever.

Peter asked to walk with Jesus. And immediately, as he drowned, Jesus gave His Hand and lifted him. Peter knew the Words of Life are with Jesus.

Giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His Steadfast Love endures forever.

Jesus overcomes. Jesus is the way, truth and Life.

Giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His Steadfast Love endures forever.


 Jesus is our hope, faith and Love.

We thank You for the Truth of Your Word. To read Your Word and find the truth warming our
souls.

Giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His Steadfast Love endures forever.

All of God's Children, we pray receive His Steadfast Love and know His Tender Mercy.

For all His Believers praying more Heaven on earth,

Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Psalm 97 ~ Love the Lord

Psalm 97

1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!

2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3 Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.

4 His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.


(our backyard)


6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

7 All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!

8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, 
O LORD.

9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

10 O you who love the LORD, hate evil!

He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.

12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!

Wonderful Blessings to Pray for the New Year in the Song
Profoundly Lovely. Lovely.

I've had so many conversations this week. We have been Up, Down, Round, Back, Good, Blessed, Concerning, Worrying, Frightening, Joyful, Memories, Future, Full of Guests, let down, Health failing, Hope - all over the map.

And we are all at the time we are all having so many conversations.

Eventually, you reach the discussions of meaningful life. Happiness. Sustained Happiness.

What Paul had to say having observed Jerusalem and Promises, Historic Holy Spirit Places, Danger, Heavenly Antioch, Greece carried the Flame of Jesus for a 100 years and then flamed again, Spain. Victory over Caesar. House arrest. Spain. Joy. Remarkable roots there. More Roman roads. Friends. New Situations. Shipwreck. Mob Riots. Being Stoned. Writing from the homes of Beloved People. Joy. Jesus. Miracles for the Millenniums. Love for the people he spoke to of Jesus.

Philippians 4

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord.

I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

The God of peace will be with you.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.


The most important aspect Paul has learned -

I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

When we love, God makes us fills us with Him.

Abba, our Father,

We ask for All Your Blessings in the Song. Astonishingly knowing Your Love.

To have living water of Jesus flow unendingly as Love. To be encouraged and helped as we do Your Willing Plan You do have for us all. You do more than we ask or imagine.

God Blessing All of us.

To know as Jesus spoke of Living Water and gave You a new Heaven and a new earth, we find Your Throne in Your Kingdom by walking beside the shining water leading to Your Home.

Flowing, filling, seeping in all areas of our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind, for ourselves and the ones we Love. Filling us.

We are born of Water and Spirit and enter the Kingdom of God.

As we are on Your Path, we ask Your help to stay on the Path. We ask Your Love to know the daily steps. And looking back on our lives, knowing we present our Soul to You.

In Jesus name flow over our Nation and to the believers, today and tomorrow of the world. Amen.

Mark 12:28-44 ~ listened to Him with delight

Listened to Him with delight

Mark 12:28-44

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

 

35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, 
"Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:
" 'The Lord said to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet." '

37 David himself calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?"

The large crowd listened to him with delight.

38 As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."

 


41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

Matthew 25:14
For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.


A puzzle.  
Life is filled with opportunities to grow and solve and become more a Child of God.

 
Proverbs 14:10
The heart knows its own bitterness,
and no stranger shares its joy.

The parable is an internal mirror. 

The fruitfulness of our lives is something to pray about. 
We are in His Hands. What I can do with my work, my words, my actions, I shall endeavor for Him. The results of my faith He is who He says He is. My Hope. I understand His promises are for me. And the Love He gives me in my weakness, in forgiveness and He never fails. I Love because HE continues to love me. 

Making Christmas Memories ~
on the Teeter Totter.

The Hap, Happiest Season of All. Yes, it was a Good Christmas. No, Christmas was not, not-at-all perfect.

Interesting - making memories at Christmas - and you have "made" a Memory.
Sharpie Pen Memory.

Take a Christmas where we were all happy. Relaxed, calm and Grateful.

Thursday -  to have my dog (Springer attacked almost to death by a medium sized and returned foster dog) today -  fight our elderly, recently fall down the stairs, Husky - over treats. (Our Grand-dog Husky was a Shelter  Dog 9 years ago.) I'd say this happens once every time the dogs reunite. My husband grabs the dog and throws mine - to the side. Accidently, lands on the counter. Bloody mouth. Apply Hydrogen Peroxide.

My son sees this as death was looming. Anger. Very Angry. (His nose is going to heal from the 3 punctures from his Husky Dog biting my son a week ago as he fell down the stairs and then it bled for over an hour - this will heal.) (Thank God, Thank God. Thank God.)

I calmly argue there was no blood. And my son and husband start talking about legal witness and hearsay and amount of dog fur and over-ruled. I am the only one who witnessed the entire fight and it was loud and unrelenting - however - when our Grand-dog played with a puppy at Law School recently - he bled from the puppy play. This time the Husky did not have one any drop of blood.

So we made a memory.

Are we having a fruitful life? Yes. We had a prior family pet who died of old age (14.2 years of age) who at age 4 drew blood from all of us - minus me. Then - we lost it and people Yelled and Cried and Prayed and Begged and Ordered. That one lasted for two weeks or two months - memories differ.

Fruitful. Let everyone have a reaction. Try not to interfere too much. Stay calm. Don't yell. And the last time was, say, two months. This time about an hour of taking a rest - then discuss this.

Trouble.
We all have this as part of our life experiences. Jesus Promised we would all see trouble. Haggai said scraping out an existence after war - Creating giant blackened Temple stones. Destroying all the fruit trees. Vineyards smashed. Completely starting over with destruction in a complete remodel - we are able to find Joy. Hope. Happiness. Love.

Paul said he had faced stoning, been slipped over a wall in a basket and had Been To Antioch.

Philippians 4
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. 11Not 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. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

We are always supposed to give thanks. This isn't always easy. We want to be genuine. Today I could give thanks for having an Anxiety Attack, then Peace, followed by the dog attack (without blood) bringing the biting dog to blood. The Peace was surely tested and held. For a very logical reason - we had seen this before. And this time - we were able to deal calmly after having all making huge Noises.

I found when we really, very heartily cry to Father God, He hears us. And when I have wept - so many times I feel Peace for having been heard.

The situation is - God has Really Helped.

God helped when Isabelle died and tears flowed for hours and days. Each time, I was calm and happy again. God had heard me. The trouble a child died. The response - God helped. Making a lifelong memory - God helps us in severe trial. No one wants severe trial. Yet, knowing God helps.

2002, our beloved and favorite dog decided to bite 3 of the family. He had Rage. We all debated putting him down. Some stitches. It was very traumatic and we survived training him in time out for two years. God gives us experience, endurance and the chance to sail again much better.

It's astonishing as life progresses to find we are the teeter totter. Finding Faith in trouble makes prayer and prayer makes peace. Hindsight Peace seems easier - by far.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 12:12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

John 16:24

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. 

Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Proverbs 17:22

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Psalm 118:24

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 34:8 8 

Taste and see that the Lord is good

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him

Psalm 102:16

The LORD will rebuild Zion; He has appeared in His glory.

Psalm 4:7

You have put more joy in my heart

Revelation 21:11

Shining with the glory of God. 

Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper stone, 

clear as crystal.

Abba, Father God, 

Help us to as Your fruitful Children with Your Willing Blessings.

 Keep us faith fighting the good fight. And our hearts to be open to You.

Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

Help the ones I love to remain with me on Your Path. Where we are held in our gifts and talents to please You. In doing so - You are pleased.  

Bless the people You have given me. Bless our Churches, States, Nation and all of Your Beloved all over the World.  

More Heaven on earth says Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Luke 2:8-14 ~ The Glory of the Lord

Luke 2:8-14

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

Hebrews 1:7

7 Of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels winds,

and his ministers a flame of fire.”

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. 

 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 

First Christmas Lights, Light of the World

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a Multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

We have been reading and thinking about:

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


One would think of the Angels, Shepherds and the Multitude of Heavenly Host as providing Peace.

Usually, when great works, wonders and angels of our Father God Almighty present themselves - there actually is discomfort and fear. The Scriptures go on to say - trembling.


And yet Joshua was told after 40 years of persisting near the Wonders of God Almighty to draw strength and comfort from being near the unrelenting, un-forsaking, enduring Holy Spirit. To be centered, not too far to the emotional right, not to far too the steadfast rules and tradition law left.

This is something we can all be familiar with. Einstein has a famous quote saying if we persist in doing the same thing - we are crazy to think we get new results. Perhaps, but Olympic athletes would say no. And parents teaching children would say no. And people training their household dog would say no. Joshua would say no, after 40 years. A lot of married people would say no!

Let peace transcend us today in Jesus the Lord!

The perfect Season to begin this new year as a brilliant year. A better season in life to feel more joyous. A perfect season to see chores and projects - make the list and check it twice. 

We can make our life a pineapple and swallow this in one bite. Or we can call on Jesus and rest asking His Help and see His mercies renew each day. Believing - today - I will do what Jesus helps me to do today. And - more than probably- again - tomorrow, as He helps.

Psalm 131

A song of ascents. Of David.

My heart is not proud, Lord,

my eyes are not haughty;

I do not concern myself with great matters

or things too wonderful for me.

But I have calmed and quieted myself,

I am like a weaned child with its mother;

like a weaned child I am content.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord

both now and forevermore.

 

The Light of Jesus Lights All Mankind

Father God,

Let me be willing to do Your Plan, You have given to me. Be with me to say Your Good Will be accomplished.

Give me Your Blessing.

Help me, please to help my spirit be a place of rejoicing and oasis for Your Holy Spirit.

Your thoughts are so plentiful about me, they are more than the grains of sand. You are more than mindful of me, You are my Savior.

In the Highest Name of Jesus the Lord we pray for those we Love, for this Nation, the communion in prayer of the believers and as Jesus told us to pray, "More Heaven on earth."

Jesus our God, Son of God. Amen.