Philippians 4:7 ~ minds in Christ Jesus †

 

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, 

which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts 

and your minds 

in Christ Jesus.

The First Noel, the angels did say!

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter's night 

that was so deep

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel

They looked up and saw a star

Shining in the east beyond them far

And to the earth it gave 

great light

And so it continued 

both day and night

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel

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 too far to the steadfast rules and tradition law left.

Mary is called upon to be persistent and enduring.

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. Plenty of married people would say no!

Let peace transcend us today in Jesus the Lord!

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.

Mary, what did she do to Cope with Unrelenting Stress? 

When meeting the Archangel Gabriel, Mary was polite. And faithful. The Stress of Zechariah giving pert, snappy answers didn't help their meeting - for many months.

Mary knew if anger was erupting

Like from Heli, the father of Mary, listed in Luke 3 and the Talmud records.   

Flee. With Great Haste.

Anger. 

The Talmud records exist, in Scotland, of the Sanhedrin discussing the 'situation' with Jesus Christ. Of course, they insult Jesus left and right and go back and lie about his trial. Which the historic letter to Emperor Claudius, written by Pontius Pilate and referred to by 3 Roman historians, Epiphanius (Heresies 50.1), Justin Martyr (First Apology, Justin the Philosopher, A.D. 150) and Tertullian (Apology, A.D. 200). The Acts of Pontius Pilate were kept in the Roman archives, Commentarii principis.  The letter has fully disappeared. And false letters of Pilate to the Emperor, are shared outside of fact, social media, not following the historical references. 

This will now be included in Western Wall Tours. City Hall from 20 A.D. This might have been where the Sanhedrin Met for Temple Business.

The Talmud records are interesting. In the computer age of fact finding, we know how the computer sorts in binary. But the Talmud was like following a map for latitude and longitude. You would arrive before the Sanhedrin. And you'd be discussed like this, as an adopted, graphed in Child of Jesus, Child of the Almighty: Tribe of Judah, Line of David, but if you were graphed into Mary, they would say, diversion from the King's Line because, oops, you aren't a son of Solomon, but Nathan, the son named after the prophet, who was merciful in telling David he had fallen from Grace. 

(by marriage Joseph) the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,

the son of David

Biblical Genealogy

The Scriptures point out James and Jude, the brothers of Jesus Christ, share in the ideas of Mary in the Magnificat. They have a theme, family life, would share.

The Talmud, record of the Sanhedrin, are the leaders and are both Pharisee and Sadducee. Their governing body, arranged by rank, although all are allowed in some, most, meetings. Then you'd be explained where you live in the Tribal lands, arranged by Joshua.  And your great-grandfather, grandfather and father would be explained by the local synagogue because the priests all perform religious rituals in order in the Second Temple in Jerusalem. And the historical truth is, after the Babylonian Exile, the Tribe History went back to being oral.  But in the time of Jesus, they had time to accumulate 400 years of history they could fully understand.  Mary is addressed as Heli's daughter.  And Heli's reputation, in the Talmud, is one who is explained like this as well:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

    and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him

    from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with his arm;

    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

    and exalted those of humble estate;

53 he has filled the hungry with good things,

    and the rich he has sent away empty.

* Notes on the Talmud, Mary is besmirched. When? Very important, critical, question - when Jesus has undergone a trial that is completely historically done differently than the Talmud records, according to Roman Empire records, amended after the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Frankly, the Talmud hopes to cover their impromptu murderous trial of Jesus, done without the full Sanhedrin leadership. The records seek, primarily to almost completely of, make sure the Romans couldn't kill them for killing a man without proper procedure.  They emphasize, falsely, due procedure and time taken.  Then they affirm who Mary is and then falsify her credentials in Nazareth, incorrectly placing her in the city of Jerusalem.  Reading the Talmud records. Is like reading Ezekiel, the Sanhedrin decided is too inflammatory for the average mind.  The Talmud is a nasty report, contrary to Roman Empire Records. However, if one watches television or listens to vulgar language, Jesus is defamed daily. And we do not agree with this at all, at all, at all. 

What does the Talmud provide, having sorted out the facts the Sanhedrin did not bring up and what the Talmud said: What the lineage of Mary is. This would be highly unusual not to get the genealogy correct. Answers the immediate family of Mary, within eyewitness accounts. Confirms the Magnificat of Luke's Gospel, Chapter 1 and Chapter 3.  And within the confirmation, we see the human being, Mary, Mother of Jesus. The woman who had struggles and obstacles of this life. We understand more of her reasoning and her life experiences. Truly touching.  This was a young woman of no significant means, a great deal of pride in father's background, not necessarily a helpful part of life to Mary, pushed harshly from the nest, she became a waif and left the ability to easily allow for Joseph to have a living.  Cast homeless into Egypt.

Get out of the way. Mary went with haste to see her cousin Elizabeth. Move in Great Haste!

Finding the Shelter God provides

Mary believed good counsel, sheltered, greeted, refreshed, in faith, about her blessings from Elizabeth. Mary, evidently, treated the lack of Zechariah's hospitality with calm.  In the company of Elizabeth, we assume, Mary had the time to accept her blessings and to rejoice. 

Mary has quite a lot to say in the Christmas Story, yet, she never comments on Joseph in the Gospels.  

Trusting. 

We find she is with Joseph in a stable, for the birth of her child.  Mary accepts Joseph's loyalty has returned. Joseph is stepping Up. Way up. The way, the truth, the Life.  Again, Mary accepts her Blessings. She has the baby Gabriel has announced to her.  Scripture reports Mary is warm in her heart, calling the feelings she is having as the Treasure of Her Heart. 

Adversity

The Mother of God isn't reported as married as she is in The Temple with Jesus. And she is looking to see ... what surrounds Jesus. Looking to Jesus is a very fine example to have peace.  And she and Joseph marvel at life unfolding. And in this marveling, they will flee to Egypt. They are not naive.  And move away from what is violent. 

Proverbs -  is about wisdom. 

The Christmas Story isn't about walking on water. It is about coping with stress and finding joy. We can well believe, a girl who could be stoned to death, was looking, praying and believing every tool in the faith toolbox. 

Miracles in Tight, Dead End Corners.

The Book of Esther is without many supernaturally apparent miracles. Enduring with faith. Mary walks beside Esther in some ways. Trust enduring throughout the culture of the day. When the waves of life are angry.  Walking outside the normal, hopeful patterns of life and watching for God's goodness.  Important Key: Mary shows us as she requests Jesus to begin His Ministry - something important - Mary has witnessed the reliability of Jesus as the miraculous Son of God. Mary believes Jesus is miraculous in the dead end, tight corners of life's struggles.

An important commentary on Mary's Life.

Believing God

Responding Politely

Faith that the Plan of God will succeed and she will be enabled.

Avoiding violence and danger, even if heading away by herself.

Seeking help from those who are known to her, lifelong.

Not looking for reasons to have a fuss.

Not blame finding on others.

Believing what comes her way, she will have what she needs to deal with the onslaught.

The Gospels record Mary seeing her Blessings. Especially after Jesus is born. 

Nazareth

Sharing the Faith, important

We would have to add, as Mary returned from Egypt, she doesn't doubt Joseph about his Angelic dream, where they will settle to live their lives. Evidently, their first idea was Jerusalem. Instead, Nazareth. Mary, in her experiences and speech with Gabriel, believed Zechariah had seen an Angel in her willing acceptance to visit. And believed Joseph had been worthy to have dreamed of angels as well, to reunite. Mary accepts others to understand about God and is open to hearing their thoughts.  Much later, Mary isn't as accepting of Jesus being put in danger, probably, in her wisdom and in what had been said when Jesus was presented and blessed as holy, as an infant, in the Temple.

 And while looking to Jesus, they have a seamless family life Nazareth admires.  

 Human, frail, flawed

Courage

Mary only falters when she puts her desires ahead of the Son of God. Showing up several times to try to get Jesus to be quiet and come home.  And even then, like Abraham, Mary is concerned with the welfare of Jesus, her sons. In her failings, Mary is merciful. And Mary is loud.  Persistent, even when dealing within the Authority of God. Life has not snuffed out the bold courage of Mary.

Mary's house in Ephesus,

was found by mystics. 

Not fully recognized by the Church.

But fully described and found. 

Very similar to the undisputed John's 

cave on Patmos.

And we find, looking at Mary's entire life, 

God was helping her each step of the way she had not imagined. 

Abba, Father,

Let the Circle Be Unbroken

Lord 

We pray Peace of Jesus Christ Risen Triumphantly

Peace

The World is the Lord's

And the Fullness Thereof 

Peace for Israel

Peace for Ukraine

Peace surpassing and healing the cold culture

Peace for the Word of God entirely upheld

We pray Peace of Jesus Christ Risen Triumphantly

Peace

And it came to pass.

To live and move and have our being

in

Jesus Christ the Lord.

When the Liturgy

is read pray the Word of God

will seasonally build up

the Body of Christ.

Liturgy is important to read

all of God's Word.

When the daily prayer is a Compline Collect:

Be our light in the darkness,

O Lord,

and in your great mercy 

defend us from all perils

and dangers of this night,

for the love 

of your only Son, 

our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

We come together to pray 

and ask You to be present, 

hear this prayer, please,

in Jesus Christ.

Dwell in me,

Dwell in us,

Dwell in those we Love,

Help us to seek You first.

And we will finish well, in Jesus Christ. 

Help us find and bring

to become

 more Heaven

to this earth.

Your Plan, Your way,

Your Son is best.

Establish us on your path,

help keep us near You

and on the path.

Your Wonderful Plan.

You Include All in Your Plan.

Encourage us in Love

Encourage us with Your Joy.

Jesus, teach us to follow You

more closely in Your Word.

Correct us in Your Love

to remain with You.

Help us when the path isn't seen

Protect us to remain with You.

Your Love is

where I want to be.

Forgive me for my 

flaws, weakness and sin.

Because You are God of Love

and I need you in my life.

Help us with our needs

today

and You will help us tomorrow as well.

Bless Israel with peace,

Bless families with living, loving hearts,

Reawaken God being first.

Bless this Nation.

Bless the Nations who need You.

In Jesus,

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Thank You, Lord Jesus 

Matthew 8:5-20 ~ I will come and heal him

 

Matthew 8:5-20

Capernaum was a new town to Judea, a place to fish and to farm. The Romans had need of

many food sources. Jesus chose Capernaum as His adult Hometown. 

When He had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to Him, appealing to Him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 

7 And He said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 

8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 

10 When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who followed Him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. 

11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 

13 And to the centurion Jesus said, 

“Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” 

And the servant was healed at that very moment.

14 And when Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve Him. 

16 That evening they brought to Him many who were oppressed by demons, and He cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. 

17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 

“He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

18 Now when Jesus saw a crowd around Him, He gave orders to go over to the other side. 19 And a scribe came up and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

You have to love Matthew 8. Jesus speaks to the realization for others, He has no adult home and chooses His dwelling. Jesus is saying He dwells where He has found faith. 

Our hearts find joy, when we see Jesus making decisions we all make. When we see Jesus making choices we make today.

Jesus could focus on His Homelessness, being in a beautiful town and unable to have a home. Or Jesus could put His Focus on the immediacy of the travel, the fatigue from doing God's Will for our lives. Jesus didn't say come back tomorrow. I'm so, so busy. Everyone is always talking to me. They all have things they need.  In all of Israel, I don't see a lot of faith.  I'm always trying to please everyone. Jesus could say, all I see are ill people and diseased, demon filled people. And I know for a fact, they won't end up well. I've seen the Kingdom of Heaven dinner table, and they aren't there! 

Why would we take a look at a comical side of the Lord? 

Well, it's Biblical. John 21 says, the men gathered with the Risen and Victorious Son of God and were having breakfast. Jesus had cooked and provided. Jesus Alive with them! And ... Asked Him about the hierarchy within the Jesus discipleship and their local governing and Empire. What they thought was due to them.

So many paintings, of centuries, depict Jesus as serious, contemplative and unhappy. Jesus probably did not run around grinning like a people pleaser. But John 14, 15, 16, 17 assure us Jesus felt Joy. As He spent time in Prayer. Walking to the next town and the people He came to meet.  Jesus is and was authentic.  And when He sailed, this was faster, but you know, and I know, Jesus had many joyous days on the water.  Jesus is God. 

If we are so close to the tradition of the Word, let's not forget what Jesus could have said. It is the ability of Jesus to wake up in a foreign, yet adopted place and find this IS Where He wants to dwell. The deliberate time to be alone and quiet to dwell with His Father.  Not allowing the Disciples to decide His day.

As we see ourselves daily. Daily, we know we will and want to put our focus on what God wants us to see. And in looking in the direction God wants for us, we have Fellowship with the Lord and we are invited.

Invited like Aaron to the Holy of Holies. Messy, is what we are. Not always deliberate. And the same could be said of the Disciples.  Mary explains the vagueness of the wealthy, they are so busy looking down the road - scattered in the pride in the thoughts of their heart. Fading in the midst of their pursuits. The Disciples see Jesus and miss the FOREST for the Trees. 

The Christmas Story is a Dwelling Story. 

And Matthew 8 has many levels of dwelling. In the home, the heart, the good hope for those around us. The time to truly listen when so many situations and people press in. Preconceived notions, like smoke from a fire not seen. How will we perfectly address so many notions, words, innuendo, work, and be at peace. Only in Jesus Christ.

Signs and Miracles. Matthew 8 is filled with signs and miracles. Many of the Christmas decorations we have, have a deeper and more profound meaning. Like a wreath. Eternal and steadfast Love. Forever Love. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The Star that leads us to the Lord. Wise men still seek Him.

Jesus chooses where He dwells. Another reason He calls Himself Living Water.  What He focuses on. Jesus deliberately chose His pace. Jesus yesterday, today and tomorrow.  The Word of God assures us millions of years is a day to God.

Abba, Father,

Psalms 46:4-5 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, 

the holy place where the Most High dwells. 

God is within us, we will not fall; 

God will help us at the break of day.

Jordan River photos

Psalms 68:19-21 

Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, 

The God of our salvation! 

Selah 

Our God is the God of salvation

 Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; 

His mercies never come to an end; 

they are new every morning; 

great is Your faithfulness 

Abba, each of the Psalms would continue, either before

or after, to complain or extol the virtues of praying

in a difficult situation. Exactly like every day

in the Gospels, Jesus walked as Grace upon Grace.

Help us to daily choose Your Joy.

God of Love

God of Encouragement.

You are our focus, Lord Jesus.

Please pray for my family.

we are apart.

And for Edward,

who won his tournament

and put himself in rest for the last 2 days,

he doesn't feel well at all.

Dwell in us

Dwell in those we Love.

Help us to Seek You First

and in Jesus, we will finish well.

Jesus Bless us, we ask:

Jesus Bless us and Keep us

Jesus make His Face Shine upon us

Jesus be gracious to us as always.

Jesus lift His Face and smile upon us,

Jesus give us Peace.

His Peace.

Jesus cover us in His Highest Name.

Increasing the Peace of the Believing world 

- Light of Christ for All.

Joy in our daily Life believing the Word and Promises of You.

We Thank You for the 

Willingness of Jesus,

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Thank You Lord Jesus 

Luke 2:8-15 ~ Glory to God in the Highest Heaven

Biblical?

May God, our Holy Father, lift His Face and Smile upon us to explore humor. Numbers 6

Isaac - Abraham was good at believing Father God. Most of the time. And in believing Father God - Abraham is counted as Righteous and known as a Friend of God's. Isaac ~ Long awaited is called "Laughter."

Sarah laughed at the Angels to hear them tell that old tale about a baby to people long past the time. Her laughter was forgiven, God Blessed them and her Laughter was made part of of His Story and Isaac was Named.



There are many books written on the Humor of Jesus in the Gospels. Scholars report when they laughed reading the Bible and, sometimes, no one else found it as funny. Two people agree part of the Gospel is funny and someone else disagrees.


The Truth - when the Scriptures are read with Love and warmth - there are funny parts in the Scriptures. What is funny today, might not be humorous in a month. The Bible is Living and Active. Comforting and Teaching.

And on the Road to Emmaus - The Disciples found their hearts were warm. Jesus has told us several times in the Gospels - "Blessed is he, who finds no offense in Me." The key word is "Blessed." Jesus came to fulfill the Law and to be Freedom. Liberty!

Our God made breakfast on the beach for the Disciples who had run off. And after Breakfast was finished, our Disciples, we love with Jesus - had a sibling argument about John. Jesus is God, He lasted 40 more days with His Disciples. And still gave the Holy Spirit. And Jesus will come back.




What stays with me as Humor in the Gospels? John 1 - Nathaniel doubts anything good comes from Nazareth. Another one -  turn the other cheek. This matches with Proverbs about opening the mouth and shutting the mouth with wisdom. I always feel comfort with "turn the other cheek". I feel as if Jesus has placed me under His Wing and we smile. This is tender to me. Let us build 3 tents and stay right here.

Luke 2:8-15

Thinking about Luke 2...

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the Highest Heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”



The Tenderness of our Father. The Shepherds would not have left a flock in great distress. The sheep were not afraid of the Heavenly Host. Our God is Tender and Mercy.

John 5:17

Jesus said to them, 

"My Father is always at His work to this very day, 

and I, too, am working."

Abba, Father,

You love our Christmas Blessing Finding.

Psalm 116:17

I will offer to You

the sacrifice of Thanksgiving

and

Call upon the Name of the Lord.

Our Thanksgiving is 

the continual finding of good works from our Father God.

 In Jesus, we live, move and have our being. 

We put our trust in You. 

And give thanks. 

Amen. In Jesus Christ,

Lord of All.

Christmas Past

Christmas Present 

Christmas Future 

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Bless the Lord Jesus

Thank You Jesus