Through us

 

Hebrews 3:14

For we have come to share in Christ, 

if indeed

we hold our original confidence

firm to the end. 

2 Corinthians 2: 12-17

12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia. 

 14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. 

15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 

17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, 
as commissioned by God, 
in the sight of God 
we speak in Christ.

Yesterday, our Post was about least in the Kingdom of God to greatest. 

Vatican rooftop.

Oh, the Places He will go!

Hebrews 12

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses

We tend to want the Holy Spirit to speak to the Light within all of creation, Light of mankind, and let us diligently follow Him, together.  However, when the Lord told us:

Matthew 28:19–20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8 

And He said to them,

“Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel 

to ALL of creation.”

And Being Help, Helper, Comfort, Comforter, God of Love, God of encouragement, He wanted to tell us we aren't orphans, 

“And Behold, 

I am 

with you always, 

to the end of the age.”

When we say the meek inherit the earth, well, we know, the fullness of the Lord is all of creation,  we are saying:

1 Peter 3:15

 

 Always be ready to give an answer 

to anyone 

who asks you 

about the hope you have. 

Be ready to give the reason for it. But do it gently and with respect.

What does the Lord mean to you?  He has gifted you with unique gifts and talents, for us all.

Have you experienced a warmth in your heart? When you knew, Jesus Christ was part of your heart, your soul.  

When did you discover the Lord was completely earnest, His Heart was open to you? And forgiving? 

When you go to Church, do you feel He has held You in His Pinions? Steadfast Love and Grace. 

How has the Joy found in the Lord, strengthened you? 

When you tussle with the ongoing portions of life, do you feel He is your Friend?  Does His steadfast Love give you the Hope you can pray for what you need? Jesus said God sees Himself as someone who would give a Judgement of Mercy, like a Judge who is Badgered. 

When we know The Lord, we want to see Him more in this life. His Will done on earth as it in Heaven.

Rev Bill Hybels, Sr. Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church wrote a book, "Walk Across the Room." This huge Church is a pulpit and a place where hearts are turned to the Lord. Bill Hybels decided they all should experience speaking of Jesus to all of creation. Equally and together.  

Quickly, it was VASTLY discovered, most people, most of the time, do not want this conversation. Not even with the famous of the pulpit! Not even in their good lives long. Not with a soldier, a priest, a fierce wild beast. No, not the least.  I wouldn't want to do this too. 

Not Stalked. Not for a day. Not 3 years. Not 29 years. God Help us. Amen

Not like the ages past, hundreds of thousands still. Where are the bright, joyous saints we so loved and knew.  We mostly love to do Jesus' will. Even in the Pew Report.  You'd think to have the conversation in Church, Sure. But in school? In Lanes? Are we at Sea? In shops, at tea, for the Saints of God are folk like me, and you, and we intend to be one too. Amen.

But in the Conference of the Design Team, Bill Hybels and Willow Creek decided they wanted this to work.  And Bill Hybels said if they do a movie about this, the young Soccer Team moving mooooving mooooooving down the field away from the Famous Preacher to avoid the conversation would be very entertaining.  It was soccer parents rolling suddenly with the ball and super intentionally radar, eagle eyed on jr soccer.  And the others were not having joy in the assignment as well.  Next they were designing the street corner.  This does not yield great results. Mostly. Like deep arguments on FB.

And they dug further to find. Yes, within the people we Love. And never with anger. And with the Love God has for the people, we exactly are. The DNA God put in. We have our gifts, our flaws and our Love. 

Bill Hybels discovered what Mark was doing, helping Peter have a list of the most important things people wanted to know about Jesus in the 1st Century.  People wonder about the Miracles of Jesus. If you know one, share with those you love, and then let God be the God of Salvation. 

Billy Hybels over the next 2,3 years, found a man he knew Jesus would want in Heaven. And as he walked with him in life and joy, they opened the Gate of Heaven and Salvation was found for an entire family. Good times and terrible times were shared.  The events of life come to us all, and we find that what started out as fun or not fun, sometimes has an enormous part to play in finding the Path of Good and leaving what is evil.  

This is what St. Augustine's mother lived. Love. 

In our youth group, we had the brightest apple on the tree. Not the tree of knowledge. 

Just the American Apple Pie of Apple. Smiling, bright light in his eye. Eager to do the Bible Studies, his parents gave the children the golden opportunities to experience in life.  And school seasons changed, and he messed up with a party and was sent to Christian School.  In our neck of the world, this can be the wealthier kids who have found out how to do what you want, with the appearance of groups having wholesome fun. He had a whole new fun crowd, who invited him to meet their out of school, previous school funnnn time.  

And soon his parents were going out of town. He was really excited to have these 50 kids over, as his parents were far removed from the party. His parents came home very early and found 50 people carrying out their belongings out of the house.  He was super glad to see his parents, come on in! And was surprised to find they thought their belongings were being carried down the sidewalk and out the door forever.  And he let his parents know, they were mistaken.  Wisely, his parents said little to him beyond putting him calmly to have a nice sleep. 

The next morning, he began to realize all of his favorite things were now missing from an empty room.  And he couldn't find the camera to even take pictures of the empty spaces because ... the phone was noticed as missing first.  And the remote to the TV was gone, with the TV. Plural.  His parents noticed it could become a very dull day. But they had a new friend for him.  Oh. Yes, someone to talk about habits in life and priorities and emotions.  His new friend has an office geared to teens. 

When he complained, his new friend, with the teenager geared office, offered to call his 50 friends to come visit again. He was somewhat concerned they would continue to visit. He wisely pointed out, he was without phone, to give the numbers out. 

Friends don't let Friends, they love, go forth into dire straights. 

Are these events exaggerated? No, not in the least.

How does this become part of Walk Across the Room? When this shining young man realized his parents would discuss having all his friends over, he realized, he was responsible. Responsible for his family. Responsible for their safety, even as they went to get pizza for dinner. His safety. Not having an empty, dull life. Sitting until new entertainment could be earned and earned and earned back.  He didn't want to try to afford to pay for more TVs and remotes and cameras.  Nor think about having his friends near the ones he loves. 

Friends don't let Friends, they love, go forth into dire straights. 

Our Apple Shining Friend, never missed Bible Study. Which was one of the reasons he sincerely was brought into Responsibility. 

He said with tears in his eyes, I've learned so much, but when I try to tell all the people I know from both schools, they don't want to hear me.  I had a huge collection of cigarettes stashed away and, now, I don't even want the smell of that.  And I can't even talk one person into sobriety and not even giving up cigarettes. I am a terrible, terrible, terrible advocate.   

Suddenly, most of the older portion of the room, could relate completely.

But when he discussed his revelation of sobriety, one of his own heroes was his much older brother.  The meek inherit the earth, man! Love doesn't let Loved ones, they love, go forth into dire straights. 

We are all glad to know, the rest of the story. Our Apple shining young teenager, went forth. He graduated from college, changed his major a few times, kept going.  And in his early 30s, met a wonderful young woman, who loves the Lord, they got married in white lace and promises, with a kiss of luck, and on His Way. 

Abba, Father,

Who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you 

with love and compassion

With Your Help, 

believing Jesus walks on water.

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. 

HEAL OUR NATION

We have 63 days

until 

our National Election.

Please Vote 

and Vote

 responsibly.

For Children in their Schools, all safety.

For those who protect and defend the USA,

protect us from arsonists.

Keep our food supply safe.

Support the Police.

For Worldwide Peace.

And the Peace of Israel. 

Those who protect

and defend

All The Word of God.

Freedom in our Churches.

Wholeness

Holy.

Goodness.

And the Nations of the world,

Your Good Creation,

Calling upon You.

Lord Jesus Christ,

Bless those working for

Post Pandemic Healing

and Care.

The healing and safety of Your people.

The safety of those

helping the earth 

to heal.

Let evil and practicing evil

depart far from us

and our children.

Worldwide Peace

Prosperity and

Peace.

Worldwide

Peace!

And in Jesus - this Hope, 

Faith and Love - we will rise up believing Jesus. 

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes The Lord Fulfills His Purpose

Thank You, Jesus

†

Psalm 56:9-13 ~ In God, Whose Word I Praise

 

Psalm 56:9-13

 This I know, that God is for me.

10 In God, Whose Word I praise,

    in the Lord, Whose Word I praise,

11 in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

    What can man do to me?

12 I must perform my vows to you, O God;

    I will render thank offerings to you.

13 For you have delivered my soul from death,

    yes, my feet from falling,

that I may walk before God

    in the Light 

of Life.

The good news. The arrival Jesus promised of the Holy Spirit continued to grow. Like the First Easter, with the Disciples hiding as the day began, Christianity spread through meeting in places like the catacombs.

Why remember the chaos of the beginning of Christianity? 

To point out, that times of distress can form thoughts and goals. The building up of mankind.

Christ, the Good Shepherd. Found in the Catacombs of Priscilla 200 to 400 AD

Catacombs are the billboards of yesterday. 

Christian Art has been discovered only in recent decades. What an amazing time we live in. I grew up thinking Pontius Pilate was a myth. And the census of Augustus driving Joseph to bring Mary to give birth to Jesus Christ in Bethlehem is now discovered.

The Catacombs have major art. They are now famous for Christian burials beginning in the 2nd century. The white tombstone is the Funerary Steele of Licinia Amias, one of the most ancient Christian inscriptions. Upper tier: dedication to the Dis Manibus and Christian motto in Greek letters ΙΧΘΥC ΖΩΝΤΩΝ / Ikhthus zōntōn ("Fish of the Living"). The other art is Jesus as Shepherd and the Eucharist. Peter's home in Capernaum was covered with praise inscriptions as well.

Why was this such a time of great change? Only a carpenter's son was condemned after Pontius Pilate declared him to be innocent. We know from written history, other political zealots had declared themselves to be the Messiah of God.


Jesus was unusual for the lame walking, the blind seeing, the deaf hear and the poor had good news preached to them.

Acts 5:12-16 ~ American Standard Version

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders

 wrought among the people;

 and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. 

But of the rest durst no man join himself to them: 

howbeit, the people magnified them; 

and believers were the more added to the Lord, 

multitudes 

both of them and women; 

insomuch that they even carried out the sick into the streets, 

and laid them on beds and couches, 

that, as Peter came by, 

at the least his shadow might overshadow 

some one of them.

 And there also came together the multitudes 

from the cities round about Jerusalem, 

bring sick folk, 

and them that were vexed with unclean spirits: 

And they were healed every one.

Quite a change. From hiding behind locked doors, the disciples are preaching Jesus Christ the Savior in the 36 acres of the Temple Court.

John 20:19-20

On the evening of that first day of the week, 

when the disciples were together, 

with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, 

Jesus came and stood among them 

and said, 

"Peace be with you!" 

After He said this, 

He showed them His hands and side. 

The disciples were overjoyed 

when they saw the Lord.

Newly found Roman Road to Jerusalem about 2012.

Just found, with Pilate coins

Found in the Roman Road near Bethlehem:

Coins — a coin minted by Roman prefect of Judea, Pontius Pilate from 29 AD, a coin minted by Agrippa I from 41 AD, dating to the second year of the revolt against Rome (67 AD) and a later Islamic coin from the Umayyad period.

John 20:28-29

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; 

Blessed are those who have not seen 

and yet 

have believed.”

Luke 18:1

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them 

that they should always pray 

and not give up

Abba, Father,

Blessed Be the Name of Jesus

and those who call upon Him

Blessed be those who have

their hope in You

Thank You for hearing our prayers

and answering us

as our Father.

Forget not all His benefits -

Who forgives all your sins

and 

heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you 

with love and compassion

Father, You are working

and so is Your Son, Jesus Christ.

The Power of the Holy Spirit.

Turn again

to the Lord.

With Your Help

We will act justly

 and to love mercy

 and to walk humbly with You, our God.

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. 

Lord Jesus Christ,

Bless those working for

Post Pandemic Healing

and Care.

The Healing of our friend Will.

Will is so much better.

Lord Jesus.

Thank You, 

for hearing us.

The healing and safety of Your people.

The safety of those

helping the earth 

to heal.

Let evil and practicing evil

depart far from us

and our children.

Worldwide Peace

Prosperity and

Peace.

Worldwide

Peace!

HEAL OUR NATION

We have 47 days

until 

our National Election.

Please Vote 

and Vote Responsibly.

For Children in their Schools, all safety.

For those who protect and defend the USA,

protect us from arsonists.

Keep our food supply safe.

Support the Police.

The Preservation

and Honoring

ALL of our Constitutional Rights.

Veterans fought for us.

For Worldwide Peace.

And the Peace of Israel.

 

Those protecting

and defending

All The Word of God.

Freedom in our Churches.

Wholeness, Holiness.

In the Highest Name of

Jesus, Alleluia,

Amen

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yay Lord Jesus 

Mark 12 ~ the things that are God's.

Mark 12

And He began to speak to them in parables. 

“A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
11 this was the Lord's doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

12 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.





13 And they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap Him in His Talk. 14 And they came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” 

15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 

They said to him, “Caesar's.” 

17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at Him.


18 And Sadducees came to Him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked Him a question, saying, 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 20 There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. 21 And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. 22 And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. 23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.”

24 Jesus said to them, 

“Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.”




28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that He answered them well, asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall 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: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 

32 And the scribe said to Him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that He is One, and there is no other besides Him. 33 And to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 

34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, 

“You are not far from the kingdom of God.” 

And after that no one dared to ask Him any more questions.


35 And as Jesus taught in the Temple, He said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 36 David himself, in 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. So how is He his son?” 

And the great throng heard Him gladly.




38 And in His teaching He said, 

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”


41 And He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 

43 And He called His Disciples to Him and said to them, 

“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Jesus told us "Days Will Come."

And being Savior of us all - Jesus knew the Scripture and the Power of God.

There was a young woman who had seen her nation fall into one class splendor. Her Father had one of the most magnificent courts in all of 16th Century Europe. And 1 of 3 people starved to death. Her sister attained the throne and began to burn people on pyre's for 2 and 3 days to death.

The young woman was placed in the Tower, to die/await trial, as the sister's husband began to realize the wife was dying and the younger sister was single. At age 20, the young woman had an idea from her prayer life - this was an auspicious day. She sat under a huge Oak Tree at Hevor Castle and waited. Word came to her - she was now Queen Elizabeth I of England. Age 20.

And as her hand was kissed,  "Long Live the Queen", Elizabeth spoke Psalm 118. Mark 12.

This was the Lord's doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes

Elizabeth knew she would either be queen or killed by political factions. Mark 12 perfectly summed up the placement of her life.







History is interesting - when we get to the 500-year marks - vast changes happen.

1500s Church was being protested for keeping God's Word in Latin and away from the vastly increasing reading population who did not speak Latin. The Word of God was becoming sought after and read. The Church had several new Protestant growing areas of the Holy Spirit.
For the first time, people had the open freedom to pursue the idea, "What does worship, the Bible and the intent of God look like in my life?"



We are in the process of unique change. 

Our God is Living and Active.

Elizabeth I found Mark 12 helped her in crisis of country, personal crisis, and witness to living in the Glory of God and His Plan. Thriving.

We are Living Mark 12.



Just as the Churches believe Jesus and the Bible prosper - so do the hopes of those who love their children and pray. Parental concerns.

We pray for the blessing for our families and children.

The Exodus is a God movement saying God loves what His People have in freedom. Freedom to choose. Freedom to have families and liberties without worry. A light is dawning. We rejoice to see the Son rise. In so many areas!!!

I believe we live in a Time to be in awe, with Gratitude of Answered Prayer.

One day, tells its tale to another.

Abba, Father,

Forget not all His benefits -

Who forgives all your sins

and 

heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you 

with love and compassion

Father, You are working

and so is Your Son, Jesus Christ.

The Power of the Holy Spirit.

Turn again

to the Lord.

With Your Help

We will act justly

 and to love mercy

 and to walk humbly with You, our God.

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. 

Lord Jesus Christ,

Bless those working for

Post Pandemic Healing

and Care.

The Healing of our friend Will.

Will is 92 and has been

incredibly spry. 

Will is having intense lower back, leg pain.

We ask Jesus to speak the Word of Healing

for Will, who has cared for his family

and speaks of them

for decades.

Lord Jesus.

Thank You, 

for hearing us.

The healing and safety of Your people.

The safety of those

helping the earth 

to heal.

Let evil and practicing evil

depart far from us

and our children.

Worldwide Peace

Prosperity and

Peace.

Worldwide

Peace!

HEAL OUR NATION

We have 48 days

until 

our National Election.

Please Vote 

and Vote Responsibly.

For Children in their Schools, all safety.

For those who protect and defend the USA,

protect us from arsonists.

Keep our food supply safe.

Support the Police.

The Preservation

and Honoring

ALL of our Constitutional Rights.

Veterans fought for us.

For Worldwide Peace.

And the Peace of Israel.

 

Those protecting

and defending

All The Word of God.

Freedom in our Churches.

Wholeness, Holiness.

And in Jesus - this Hope, 

Faith and Love - we will rise up believing Jesus. 

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes, The Lord Fulfills His Purpose

Thank You, Jesus

†