Philippians 4:1-7 ~ peace of God, which surpasses all understanding

 

Philippians 4:1-7

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

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.

Did you ever wonder why The Star of the Nativity was part of the announcement 

and not the Heavenly Host to the world? 

Angels have long looked into the salvation. Why weren't Angels the announcement of the Birth of God's Only Son, Our source for Salvation.

We could only glimpse a glimmer of the idea God plans. God arranged for the Annunciation to the world, the Light of the world arrives and Light of mankind, Light of the nations, Light of Heaven would soon live as Grace upon Grace.

Gabriel was busy and went first.

God first spoke to the Children of Israel, and they were shaken, God was loud. God did not Use His Voice to have the Annunciation.  Why didn't God stick to Gabriel announcing?

Hebrews 1

“I will be to Him a Father,

    and He shall be to Me a Son”?

6 And again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, 

He says,

“Let all God's angels worship him.” 

And God, the Almighty God of the Universe, did not ask only one Angel to announce His Only Son. And did indeed have the Heavenly Host announce Him.

Why the Star?

John 1:9

The true light, 

which gives light to everyone, 

was coming into the world.

1 Corinthians 12:4

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit

John 12:28-30

“Father, glorify Your name!” 

Then a voice came from Heaven: “I have glorified it, 

and I will glorify it again.”  

The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. 

Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. 

In response, Jesus said, 

“This voice was not for My benefit, but yours.” 

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts 

but the same Spirit

There are different forms of service but the same Lord; 

there are different workings but the same God. 

Who produces all of them in everyone. 

To each individual, the manifestation of the Spirit 

is given 

for some benefit.

 

Why would some see one angel, the Heavenly Host, or just the star? Episcopalians honor many types of gifts and workings of His Holy Spirit, calling this, The Middle Way.

Philippians 2:13

 

For it is God who works in you, 

both to will 

and to work 

for His Good Pleasure. 

For God is working in you, 

giving you the desire

 and the power

 to do

 what pleases Him.

 Abba, Father,

Thank You for the rain, the cooler temperatures

and the sunshine, You have sent.

Thank You.

We pray to be resilient like the Trees, with the rain.

Help the people to be resilient

as we seek to recover from

this Covid cold and the Pandemic 

stress creating so much hardship.

Bless the Nations seeking You.

Dwell in us, please, Father.

Dwell in those we Love.

Help us to seek You first.

In Jesus Christ, we will finish well.

To see

to bring

to be

more daily

Thy Kingdom come

Thy will be done

on earth

as in Heaven

In Jesus Christ is 

Our Love, Joy and Hope.

Thank You for Jesus.

To You, our Father, be the Glory

Amen and Alleluia

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yay Lord Jesus 

Matthew 11:29-30 ~ in heart

 

Matthew 11:29-30

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; 

for I am gentle 

and humble in heart, 

and you 

will find rest for your souls.  

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

This passage isn't the easiest of passages when the years have been Plague Recovery. 

Last year, I had Covid. And the Post said, "I'm cheerful to know I'm not dying."

One of the benefits of reaching the 6th decade of life: looking back and seeing The Blessing. When enduring something difficult, we don't always know. Memories see challenges were met. And we have two ways to look back, we can feel badly we were not omnipotent, or we can see we endured. Did our best and met the situation. But instead, it's really best to see we are overcoming with all the prayers and hope set on Jesus Christ.

Queen Elizabeth said, "Good memories are our second chance for Happiness." Yes, exactly. We realize we can meet the situations with faith. 

Even when we have been to concerts and listened to comedy stand up, the people living the beautiful life, the golden lives, have some intense and profound things to say about meeting the Plague and the emotions of the planet becoming rocky. No one particularly feels life is offering applause and a pillow with medals, bestowing generous love and warmth. We could all, everyone, each of us, the worldwide people of God and ALL use some gentleness, gentleness of heart, rest for the soul and ease and light. Of Jesus Christ. 

We don't want to be the people who submit to a yoke of slavery. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

The Revised Common Lectionary is a wonderful, beautiful three-year cycle of weekly lections used to varying degrees by the vast majority of Protestant churches and Roman Catholic Churches. Since the early church, and seems to have developed out of the practices of the second temple period. This touches Hebrews 9, speaking of the ongoing operations of the Second Temple.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

As we have seen with great intensity 

and hopes for the Pew Attendance to increase worldwide, 

we have to wonder on... ponder, think about the Lectionary asking us to begin - at the end of the Scriptures.  It's difficult to speak of the end, as we have done this for several years, on many different levels.

World War I and II have been faulted for rolling the Lectionary and not bringing to the forefront the stress and anguish of war. Many left and the Churches declined to follow in the calendar instead of insight. 

In no manner, in no insinuation am I suggesting The Word of God in the whole, entire, glorious manner should be avoided. I'm saying, we should have the ability to stop the train, if the train track has been halted, interrupted or is in danger. If it would be refreshing, to study the end of the world after Easter has been Celebrated. A Celebration of the importance of What God has Won for Us All in Jesus Christ. 

Christmas can be stressful. In economic times. In grief. Times of upheaval. And to go to Church and studying death, can become a time people avoid. Asking the Church population and the Clergy to increase and build in size, while adding straw to make bricks.  Let me emphasize, if one time the Lectionary is changed, then it must be, must be, and completely must be placed into the Church year. We need the Lectionary as much as we need the Hebrews 9. Ecclesiastes 3. The Resurrection.  We need to have all the Word of God read. But when people head to Church to be with the Joy of the Season and encounter ideas of death - perhaps this isn't the time.

Suppose you have a new neighbor, so the neighborhood gets together to celebrate the new arrival. If one of the neighbors decides this is the time to talk about the new Funeral Home with great rates and new opportunities to be buried together - the new neighbor might not come back for the next time.  It's a BBQ and discussion of cremation.  Is this rude. Not when I remember my college friend who wanted me to tell her why we only discuss some people at Church, what did they do? Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 

How far out are we from Biblical Illiteracy? Not as far as we used to be. And yet.

Why can't we have the ability to have an "if the train looks down the line to see the life and death needs of the train population". It's Only ... Salvation. Not Church by Church, but as the Body of Christ, the Head would vote upon never, never, never elimination of the Lectionary, but moving the flowers to show the entire arrangement in Strength, Love and Joy.

Would Jesus do this? Yes, when He discusses the payment plan of Matthew 20. God doesn't just pay the men who work all day. Some are paid, who show up for an hour. 

Is the discussion merely conflict? No. This is Salvation in Jesus Christ. 

We have the 2nd Chance for More Happiness. 

Good memories are our second chance for Happiness

The clarity of remembering the detrimental power of overcoming adversity and finding the Lectionary created many to leave the Church after World War I and II. NOT forsaking any Word of God but placing the Liturgy to speak to the events shaking and shaping the world in an orderly manner. Creating Less Chaos and Building the Gift of Reconciliation to Every Word of God. Happiness of Creating Interest in the God of Love, God of Wisdom, God of encouragement.  Jesus would eat the grains of wheat, saving from falling on the ground, even on the Sabbath.

"Often a child's helplessness and vulnerability bring out the best in us.”

Queen Elizabeth.

"I am sure I have always thought of Christmastime… as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time… the only time… when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely"

Charles Dickens

The wise men considered all of God's wisdom, they did as Abraham did and the Shepherds and traveled to see what God was doing. Seek and ye shall find.  Remember, Jesus said, no one is Good. Only God. And then the wise men knocked on King Herod's door and asked to see the King of Kings, not without consequences.

The next time we have made mistakes, have doubts, and feel poorly - God did not banish the mistaken "Wise Men." God did not remove His favor from Moses or Paul. God didn't send out Pink Slips on Holy Saturday. And perhaps, we should all be glad that the Wise Men are given acclaim forever in God's Word as His Chosen People.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; 

for I am gentle 

and humble in heart, 

and you 

will find rest for your souls.  

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

James 2:13

For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. 

Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Perhaps, this is a mistaken idea. And maybe not. Or there is a possibility to have more Churches follow a Lectionary they would see would increase the Hope of the Children of God.

We would weep with those who weep. And rejoice with those who rejoice. Comfort, Comfort His People.  And see less diversity and more of Love, Encouragement and His Joy.

Matthew 4:4 

“It is written, 

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, 

but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God 

and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, 

and for training in righteousness, 

that the man of God may be complete, 

equipped for every good work.

The Joy of The Lord

to leave Heaven

to be born to an unwed mother

put, in peril, to travel 80 miles to give birth 

in conditions unknown.

To leave the Promised Land

and travel

to Egypt to avoid the sword

and return home

where a young, heavily, pregnant woman

was allowed to travel 80 miles

for tax reasons.

No velvet cushion for His infant head.

Brave and courageous parents.

Shepherds in awe and glowing from 

The Presence of the Heavenly Host.

To the One who is Good

Walks on Water

and pardons sinners, loudly,

by removing the dust

of death

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; 

for I am gentle 

and humble in heart, 

and you 

will find rest for your souls.  

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light

Abba, Father,

Serving the Children of God, 

in the things have been announced to us, to you,

through those who preached and preach

The Good News to you by the Holy Spirit 

sent from Heaven, 

things into which angels long to look.

He's got the whole world in His Hands.

He's got the wind and the rain in his hands.

He's got the whole world in His Hands.

He's got the Little Tiny Baby in His Hands. 

He's got the whole world in His Hands.

He's got you and me, brother, in His Hands. 

He's got the whole world in His Hands.

He's got you and me, sister, in His Hands. 

He's got the whole world in His Hands.

He's got everybody here in His Hands. 

He's got the whole world in His Hands.

In Jesus, we ask

Dwell in us, Father

Send Your Holy Spirit as Helper

Dwell in those we love

and 

Help us to seek You first

And in Jesus,

we will finish well.

We pray for the Peace of Israel.

For those in war, to have lasting and 

meaningful Peace.

The Reconciliation of Jesus

and the Unity of

the faith worldwide.

Our God is working. His Son, 

Jesus is working.

And we say Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Bless the Lord Jesus

Thank You Jesus

Luke 2 ~ My eyes have seen

When the Heavenly Host appears

the Bethlehem Field of the Shepherds is kept

for:

The Lord, 

many, many people

and the Shepherds

Luke 2

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 

2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, 

keeping watch over their flock by night. 

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

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 

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!”

 Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

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,

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to Your Word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation

that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

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.

Abba,Father

We ask Your blessings. 

May Our Father turn HIS face to the righteous

with compassion. 

And we rejoice, knowing Father God hears and answers. 

Thankful for the day and more and better to arrive.

Asking God to bless our Loved ones 

and

 our Nation Trusting in Him.

 For All of God's Beloved around the earth.

Please pray for the healing of so many people and situations.

For Jesus blessing upon 

His Children as we Pray 

The Lord's Prayer and ask more Heaven on earth.

 Thank You, Father God. Amen in Jesus Christ.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †