Psalm 96 ~ oh sing to the Lord a new song

Psalm 96

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1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; [of holy attire]
tremble before him, all the earth!

10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the Lord, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Our Church family small group had been studying Bill Hybels' (Pastor of Willow Creek) book, "Just Walk Across the Room." One of the things I've enjoyed about this reasonable study, looking for the opportunities to share God's love with others. We are studying the 5th week, the video was pretty hilarious and we laughed a lot.

The main theme today is being more clear on having a one minute personal story - how God's love changed our lives. The video gave rave performances - not to be too long, rambling. Avoid being fuzzy, unclear, wobbly. Not to be weird and give God stories best shared in a small group who love you and know you. No to lots of esoteric Religious speak - i.e. too many thee's and thou's are not easy or comfortable. And flee from giving holier than you, speak downs.

Years ago, I went to a Christian renewal weekend. During my time with this group, I realized they had a love for the Lord causing them to glow with joy. We were in the very rural country and it was so dark outside. We were in the Chapel, and the priest said the light in the lantern represented the Presence of Christ. We were asked to remember Jesus as the Light of the World. We were asked to decide, did we indeed believe or would this merely be a light. It was a question I had been asking myself. I knew I had a decision, I knew Jesus as Lord. Suddenly I was given a peace, a joy, a Love. I was filled with the Light of Christ. I'd never felt such love wash over me.

Over the years, as I've journeyed as a follower of Jesus Christ, I've felt the Light - the free gift of salvation - given to me - strengthen me in times of need. Lift me higher in joyful times. Giving me more compassion to others. Growing me to go home to the Lord. The Lord is my rock.


John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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Psalm 134 ~ may the Lord bless you from Zion, He who made Heaven and earth!

Evening Prayer, by Jean Francois Millet


Psalm 134

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Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
who stand by night in the house of the Lord!
2 Lift up your hands to the holy place
and bless the Lord!

3 May the Lord bless you from Zion,
he who made heaven and earth!


Years ago, the Roman Empire began to crumble when inner corruption, greed, overcame trade. Christ then began to be proclaimed as Son of God and propped the Roman Empire for another 200 years. Then cities became afraid again, we slid into the Middle Ages and major fortification was established as cities became walled in and lives became walled in. Distrust and starvation set in and the Churches, acting as stewards of Jesus Christ were the first to feed and to care for children of God and provide hospital care. At the end of the plagues, when people began to leave serfdom all over Europe, the Church was the first place built outside of the fortified walls. Churches were responsible for people beginning to trust their environment. People left the walled enclosures to attend evening prayer. The Evening Service is called Vespers, people would, and do, gather to give thanks. A blessing for the Lord.

Here is a sample of the prayers:

Jesus said "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp to put it under a bucket, but on a lamp-stand where it gives light for everyone in the house. And you, like the lamp, must shed light among your fellow man, so that they may see the good you do, and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Almighty God, we give you thanks for surrounding us, as daylight fades, with the brightness of the vesper light; and we implore you of your great mercy that, as you enfold us with the radiance of this light, so you would shine unto our heart the brightness of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2

Yours is the day, O God, yours also the night; you established the moon and the sun. You fixed all the boundaries of the earth, you made both summer and winter. Psalm 74:15-16

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not fall. Psalm 16:7-8

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you. Psalm 139:10-11

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 15:13




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Acts 28 ~ and welcomed all who came to him

Tomb of St. Paul

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (the Aurelian Walls, city walls built between 271-275 for Rome's seven hills. Unfortified area of Rome.)

Earlier this week we remembered the monuments to Paul, all over his travels. Here is Paul's current house, dedicated to His LORD. It was built with his tomb at the altar. The Basilica named for Paul was built in 354 by Constantine. It was fortified in the 9th century and burned by roof repairs in 1823. Rebuilt in 1840.



Acts 28

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1 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people [barbaroi that is, non–Greek speakers] showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice [justice] has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, [honored us with many honors] and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods [Greek gods Castor and Pollux] as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers [brothers and sisters; also verses 15, 21] and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement:
“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.
27 For this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’’

28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, [his own hired dwelling] and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Paul knew he was probably on the voyage ending his life.

Acts 21:11
And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

While shipwrecked he stayed with the crew. Healing along the way. In each stop, Paul meets brothers and sisters in Christ all along the long journey, just 26 years after Jesus rose again. Paul has been told he will meet his death at the hands of the Gentiles, yet Paul is here to proclaim to all ~ Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior.

Just as it was since 60 A.D., all are welcome at the house of Paul. Paul's house is always the home of the Holy Spirit.

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Philemon 1:7-20 ~ refresh my heart in Christ

Photo Compiled by Investigation Bureau of Germany. I'd think it would be the compilation of the numerous icons of St. Paul. Usually Paul looked more cheerful in the early Christian art.


Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior
Titus 1:1-3




Philemon 1:7-20

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7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. 8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— 10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, [Onesimus means useful or beneficial] whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. 15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave [bondservant] but more than a slave, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

The Books of the Scriptures are not placed in date order in the Bible. When Paul wrote Philemon, with the Holy Spirit, there was more to be written: 1st & 2nd Timothy, Titus and Hebrews. There is so much we don't know of Paul. We don't know with certainty he completed his plan to travel to Spain. There are fragments of documents to guess Paul's plan was complete.

What we can know of Paul, the Holy Spirit has placed well within our hands, in the Scripture.

Paul is credited with affirmation of slavery. Really Paul was saying, to be content with our lives, knowing that in Jesus Christ, we live according to His Plan. When it is said Paul affirmed slavery, it sounds like we confuse St. Paul with Father John Newton, the British slave trader who converted to Christianity and wrote Amazing Grace.

Paul, again and again, is the living example of the Holy Spirit's words. Paul is in prison, yet he is speaking comfort, love, joy, freedom, free will, consent. Paul is sending Onesimus back into his slavery, to be freed. Paul doesn't charge Philemon to be a better slave owner, or bondservant master, he asks Onesimus be treated as a brother of the household. Paul's prison allows Paul to set others free - not just Onesimus from slavery - but today, us. We are to be set free from our fears, from our prejudices, from our circumstances. Not just to accept our "lot" in life, but to reach out with the compassion of God shown in Jesus Christ. To do all, in our own joy, to refresh the hearts of others, for the sake of Jesus Christ.

The next time you hear Paul accepted slavery, remember what an imprisoned Paul actually did for a slave. Remember we have earned death, but like Paul gave, today, we have been given life!!!!

Refresh our hearts in the truth of Jesus Christ.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Chains of St. Paul, found in Rome in St. Paul's Basilica.
June 2009 - Pope Benedict announced excavation results in the tomb of Paul, at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The sarcophagus was not opened but examined by probe. It revealed pieces of incense and purple, blue linens and small bone fragments. The bone was radiocarbon dated to the 1st to 2nd century,confirming the tomb being Paul's.

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Acts 25 ~ let them bring charges against him

Marcus Julius Agrippa II, grandson of Herod the Great
Caesarea - aerial view


Acts 25

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1 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”


13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”

23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”




3d Reconstruction of Caesaria - mostly the theater. The palace is undergoing actual partial reconstruction as a tourist path from the theater to a seaside walk ending at the Crusader Fortress Wall.

We know the story of Acts, perhaps too well. Paul wants to go to Rome, partially to avoid being killed by assassins who swore never to eat or drink until they'd killed Paul. One never hears of them dying of hunger or thirst. Paul also knew Jesus brought the disciples to Caesarea, Matthew 16, to hear Peter proclaim Jesus to be the Christ, the Messiah. Using Caesarea as a symbol of Rome, Jesus told Peter he was the rock upon which the Church would be built.

Charges are never brought formally to Paul. Instead 2 governors - Felix, later Festus, continue to keep Paul in prison for 2 years.

When we look along the routes Paul traveled, there are memorials all over his journey. What did Paul leave behind for his 2 years? We know Paul did not put aside his love for Jesus Christ, even when we hear Paul was in prison and in chains. Paul loved the LORD.

Let's briefly look at Bernice, granddaughter of Herod the Great. How can it be that a Queen of Judea (Israel) was so unaffected by the Holy City during the Second Temple? Bernice disappears from history after having an affair with the destroyer of Jerusalem, the soon to become, Emperor Titus. When Titus banishes Bernice, she becomes unknown to history, sinking into obscurity.

Agrippa II was known to Paul, in Acts 26, as a believer of the prophets. Jesus never had reason to say any Herod family were believers. Perhaps, accordingly, this Herod doesn't end his life poorly. Agrippa was recorded in history as being a believer. So much so, he incited Jewish revolt with the way he raised and exiled Priests in the Temple. Agrippa was exiled to Rome for dabbling with the Temple too many times.

Agrippa was a close friend of Josephus', the son of a priest, a military man capitulating to Roman historian, as they lived out their lives in Rome. While Agrippa lived to old age & never married, Josephus married four times, divorcing twice. Josephus kept two of the letters he received from Agrippa. For both men, the Scripture applies:

Mark 9:40
for whoever is not against us is for us

Matthew 12:30
He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters

The Scriptures apply because: Paul is not handed over to the assassins, Acts records Paul being called to speak to the Governor endlessly without a conversion written about, justice could have arrived at a solution there and then without Paul being in prison and in chains without clear charges. Paul's 2 year imprisonment instead of sending him off to Rome. Agrippa was the legal leader of the Temple, but vacillation appears to have been the leadership. As the born king of a client state, one would have hoped for more allegiance from both Bernice and Agrippa. While Josephus admires the Christians, he does not continue to write about their non-violent intentions. Paul is willing to wade into whatever fray occurs to promote love and mercy over sacrifice and mere rules. The others do not even add contributions to peace.

Paul fought the good fight. He finished his race. Greeted by the Lord Jesus, as well done, good and faithful servant. Paul's words, written with the Holy Spirit, are living and active.

Paul helped us to know more about the nature of God, Himself.

Love never fails.

Rejoice in the Lord always.

We live by faith, not by sight.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

If God is for us, who can be against us?

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

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Romans 8:22-23 ~ For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now

Romans 8:22-23

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22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

The Scriptures are unique because we don't think of an entire letter, or chapter, and remember it in times of need. God just gives us a few words and we are comforted.

Gardeners know something my grandmother cherished and prayed. Camellias are unusual flowers, vibrant, they drop to the ground almost whole to be collected by The Gardener.

We see suffering in the world. It can be fierce. There is a Plan. And the One Who loves you most, will come to you in your suffering, your purpose will be fulfilled. The promises of the LORD are sure. One of the places of Sanctuary for you, look for the holiness of your Church, as you are still, pray for your Church.

1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Isaiah 55:11

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

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Psalm 24:1-6 ~ who shall ascend

Psalm 24:1-6

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The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, [and all that fills it ]
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

Gratitude would be the aspiration for the day. What can we give the LORD that He has not already given us. Thanks from our hearts.

Oh Lord, our rock and redeemer. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our heart be always acceptable in Your sight.

In the name of Your Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

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Luke 20:27-38 ~ afterward

Luke 20:27-38

27 There came to him some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, 28 and they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man [his brother] must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. 30 And the second 31 and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. 32 Afterward the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife.”

34 And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, 36 for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.”

In our first Scripture paragraph -

Paul, yesterday we read in Acts 24, drew his summary point of his arrest to Felix being his belief in the resurrection. Paul said this is the reason the Jews wanted Paul arrested. This is a point Paul would know the most about having been a zealous Temple official and educated at the feet of Gamaliel.

In the second Scripture paragraph-
Jesus is called Lion of the tribe of Judah. This type of situation exists in His family. One of his women ancestors was Tamar, she had been given in marriage to a second son of Judah, Jacob/Israel 's grandsons, upon the death of her first husband. If the second husband had impregnated Tamar, their offspring would have been counted as the first husband's child. It was not an uncommon practice. This practice was biblically discontinued in:

Leviticus 20:21
21 If a man marries his brother's wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless.

Combing these -
Jesus could have addressed this issue with quoting Leviticus 20:21. Instead Jesus wanted to talk to them about new life. Why? With the New Covenant, Jesus created a new heaven and a new earth. He was giving them the Kingdom of Heaven. Not laws and all that is seen by the visible eye, but straight to the point of mercy, kindness, to walk humbly with the Lord. Jesus took their bickering and gave them the mercy of abundant life in Father God. He didn't promise life for all, He told them of the abundance and the reward of those looking to Father God.

When we are trouble by the details, the small irritants of life, remember Jesus refocuses attention away from the death we deserve and opens up a glimpse of God's Kingdom for those who look up to Father God.

Blessed are You, Father God, You are our redemption.

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Acts 24:10-21 ~ verify that

Marcus Antonius Felix

Acts 24:10-21

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10 And when the governor (Felix) had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

Felix (Marcus Antonius Felix) already heard of the plot to kill Paul in the Acts 23. He was aware of the tensions between Paul, the Jews, and an substantial increase of people following the Way. For two years, Felix kept Paul as prisoner and spoke with him on many occasions. Felix was known to be corrupt and sought bribes, but Paul was clearly not offering bribes. Paul was now a missionary, tent-maker, and former aspiring Temple official with a good Temple education and good Temple name.

Felix is a historical figure with a a lot of sway - the heroes people were interested in before mass media were the politicians. They were all people talked of in their day and were famous. Felix's father was a Greek slave to Emperor Claudius and his 1st wife, Antonia Minor (daughter of Mark Antony / Marcus Antonius). His father was freed, Felix and his brother held fantastic Empire jobs for sons of a slave/freedman.

Felix was a rock star on jet pack ice skates. Fame touched this man from all directions. Felix's first two wives were both named Drusilla and both were very exalted noble women politically. Drusilla, wife 1, was a cousin to Emperor Claudius. Emperor Claudius' 4th wife was Felix's niece Aggripina Minor (who had a little nephew named Nero that Emperor Claudius became very fond of and adopted.) Druscilla, wife 2, was the daughter of King of Judea Herod Agrippa. These are the faces that would have filled the grocery store glossy magazines, if that had existed. Instead they had coins. When Mount Vesuvius erupted, his second wife and child were about the only 'famous' people who died while visiting Pompeii. When Felix was hauled to Rome to face charges of bad government, he didn't have a lot to worry about - Felix's brother was the Emperor Nero's man.

The Scripture ideas and discussions between Acts 23 and Acts 25 are really pretty entertaining. False accusations near the Holy of Holies (where the Ark of the Covenant does not reside), murder plots, nephew saves Paul by telling Centurion, Centurion pulls out the big Calvary to save Paul, they all know of the plot to kill Paul along the road to Jerusalem. Everyone pretends not to know. Felix asks Paul if he'd like to go to Jerusalem, while moving Paul to extensive guard to Herod's praetorium.

If you aren't interested, clean out your ears, wipe the sleep from your eyes - this isn't just adventure, but huge politics, the beginnings of Jesus Christ sweeping the continents without the benefit of mass media - people are interested in this Jesus of Nazareth. In 16 years, the Emperors of Rome are going to be very uncomfortable - doing and saying foolish things.

It is already starting here... the Temple is getting ready to lawyer up with High Priests, the Governor, Lysias the tribune, just to name a few. Delay of judgment to avoid being the enemy of some important factions.

22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Not just the big doings - look at the people involved. 'Paul - would you like to go to Jerusalem?' 'Why no, I believe I will go in the opposite direction.' The tremendous will of God is being accomplished just as easily as a conversation.

What was this Felix up to? Felix' history involves governing, a vague reference to putting down another Egyptian messiah claim. Felix feels Paul can help him to control the factions swirling around this Middle East situation. Paul has worn some powerful hats and Felix wants to know what Paul knows.

Felix has plans, Paul has plans, but God's plan is moving forward.

Two Years of conversations........It's interesting to remember Felix and the important question. Paul speaks of it immediately. What becomes of the people who have so much to do, so many opportunities, what is the real meaning? The question of 2,000 years ago is the question we ask ourselves of the people we would like to know the saving love and salvation Jesus Christ offers today.

Acts 26:28-29
And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

Jesus also dealt with long-term problems of faith and belief with a lot of the truth and grace the Father bestowed upon His Son.

Mark 9:21-27

²¹ Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.


Luke 18:1
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

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Psalm 87 ~ the city He founded

Living in the internet age is a blessing, when I am not able to put my finger on the Word, I look through pages on sermons & commentaries for the meaning I am looking to express.

St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland, the human snakes inciting war & human sacrifice. He did this without a-how-to-book, without a phone call to a spiritual guidance counselor, without visual aids. Patrick had his faith and the word of God. Led by the Holy Spirit of God, his life made a huge impact.

St. Patrick ~ Thomas Cahill, Catholic author of the best-selling book How the Irish Saved Civilization ~ "Some 1,500 years ago a teenage boy from what is now Great Britain was kidnapped and enslaved by marauders from a neighboring country. Not since Paris absconded with Helen of Troy has a kidnapping so changed the course of history.

The invading marauders came from fifth-century Ireland. The teenager they captured eventually escaped, but returned voluntarily some years later. In the meantime, he had become convinced that he was handpicked by God to convert the entire country to Christianity.

Apparently, he was right.

In the process of converting the primitive people of Ireland, however, the former slave experienced a conversion, too. In the years that followed, he not only shared God with the people of Ireland, but also grew in his understanding of God through them. Cahill says, "The early Irish Christianity planted in Ireland by Patrick is much more joyful and celebratory [than its Roman predecessor] in the way it approaches the natural world. It is really not a theology of sin but of the goodness of creation, and it really is intensely incarnational." His use of biblical quotations, Cahill says, "is far more accurate and appropriate than many of the Fathers of the Church."

It's hard to grasp just what an accomplishment that was, says Cahill. When Patrick decided to "willingly go back to the barbarians with the gospel," Cahill explains, "he had to figure out how to bring the values of the gospel he loved to such people. These were people who still practiced human sacrifice, who warred with each other constantly and who were renowned as the great slave traders of the day.

"That was not a simple thing. This was before courses were given to missionaries in what is now called inculturation—how to plant the gospel in such a culture," Cahill says. "No one had ever even thought about how to do it; Patrick had to work his way through it himself.

These two brief documents, Patrick's Confession and his "Letter to Coroticus," are the basis for all we know of the historical Patrick. The uncontested, if somewhat unspecific, biographical facts about Patrick are as follows:

Patrick was born Patricius somewhere in Roman Britain to a relatively wealthy family. He was not religious as a youth and, in fact, claims to have practically renounced the faith of his family.

When Patrick looked back at the end of his life on his service to Ireland, Cahill says, he must have been pleased with his accomplishments. By the time of his death, or shortly thereafter, "the Irish stopped slave trading and they never took it up again." Human sacrifice had become unthinkable. And although the Irish never stopped warring on one another, "war became much more confined and limited by what we might call the 'rules of warfare.'

"I think that though he probably died knowing that he had succeeded in his mission," Cahill adds, "he also died hoping that success would be permanent and not temporary."

In fact, Patrick's success couldn't have been more permanent. Not only had he accomplished what he'd set out to do—convert the nation to Christ—but in the process he'd retrieved from obscurity the primary objective set by Christ for his apostles: the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth.

And so it was that a young Briton named Patricius died an Irishman named Patrick. And neither Ireland nor Christianity was ever quite the same."

Psalm 87

1On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
O city of God. Selah

4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush —
“This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her”;
for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The Lord records as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah

7 Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.”Selah

John 7:38
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

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Psalm 46 ~ though its water roar and foam

Jordan River

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present [well proved] help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah




Niagara Falls



Jordan River



Jordan River reverses its flow during the Blessing of the Waters January 18, 2006 - the video is not clear and full of chatter - the reported events were by Fr. Milovan Katanic:

This specific video was recorded through a cell phone camera on the day before Epiphany Day in 2006, during the blessing of the waters which takes place every year on the same day in the Jordan, at the very same spot where Jesus Christ himself was baptized.

Those who have visited the Holy Land or those who plan to visit in the future, should know that when one stands on the Israeli side the current of the Jordan always flows toward the right. This can be confirmed by anyone who visits the Jordan at any time of the year.

"During the blessing of the waters, the same miracle is repeated (some years with more intensity) that, according to our Holy Church, occurred when Jesus entered the Jordan to get baptized by Saint John: “the Jordan reversed its flow!”

On January 2006, I had the opportunity to witness the occurrence of the miracle and along with more than 4,000 pilgrims from various nations, observed in awe this Great and Unique miracle, which was recorded with a cell phone camera by one of the pilgrims we knew and which we considered our spiritual responsibility to share with you as infallible evidence of our Lord’s presence amongst us.

During the ceremony which was led by Theophilus the Third, the Patriarch of Jerusalem (who was standing on the same bank with us, that is on Israel’s side), and by one of Jordan’s Orthodox priests (whom we were able to see on the other bank of the river, on the Jordanian side) the waters continue to flow as usual toward the right. However, as soon as the Patriarch and the Jordanian priest dropped the Cross into the river, chanting “En Iorthani Vaptizomenou Sou Kyrie” (that means “During your Baptism in Jordan, Lord”), the waters started mysteriously to bubble in places. The bubbling then spread, and the river developped two currents (!), one running to the right and another running to the left, with the two currents finally merging into each other! Eventually, after a few minutes, the miracle was completed! The new current was steadily flowing! The Jordan had reversed its flow like then, when God Himself was baptized in it and Blessed it!

This miraculous occurrence lasted (more or less) as long as the two Crosses remained in the river. Right after the Crosses were taken out, the Jordan started reverting to its original course (to the right) until the change was complete.

In the next few days the news of the miracle started spreading all over the world. For example in Russia, the news service “Interfax-Religion” reported the news as follows:

“Moscow, 24 January 2006: around 5,000 pilgrims from around the world became witnesses of a miracle, which took place in the holy river Jordan on Epiphany day.

Immediately after the blessing, the waters, the Jordan started flowing backwards, exactly as it did after Jesus’s baptism, as the daily newspaper Zhizn (Life) wrote.

At the very moment when the silver crosses were dropped into the calm waters after the blessing, the river started bubbling, and there was turbulence in the water, while the flow of the river was reversed for several minutes.

A yell of surprise and awe from the 5,000 people present enlivened the Judaic desert. People had difficulty believing what their very own eyes could see, exactly as it was 2,000 years ago, when Jordan reversed its flow the moment Jesus Christ entered its waters.”

With God all things are possible. Perhaps for us today, we should realize if the waters of our life are smooth and peaceful - God is there. If the waters are mountainous, roaring and foaming, God is there - in all seasons - Be still, and know that I am God.

Blessed be You, Father God, creator of Heaven and Earth. Blessed be Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, hovering over creation in the beginning and today existing in all the people who believe You are the Lord. Amen.

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