Reading Scripture helps us know God's Love. Every Bible verse is written for you. Jesus Christ is all mankind's Light. John 1!

Monday, January 13, 2014

Luke 11:29-32 ~ no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah

Jesus heals in the Temple, painted by Tissot

Luke 11:29-32

29 When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.



What was Jesus thinking when He rode triumphantly in to the Temple on Palm Sunday? We are not sure if HE rode a colt with a donkey or a colt horse or both.


Matthew 12
I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.


Here was Jesus. The Son of God. Not born in the palace. Growing up an ex-patriot in many ways. Like the Children of Israel, Jesus spent time in Egypt. Jesus might have even spoken with a non-Hebrew accent. God making amends. When HE is not even called to make amends.

To whom did Jesus proclaim "I am the Messiah?" A woman. Well Dinah did not receive son-ship. Her descendants did not even receive biblical names in Genesis 46. The remnant left by the exile to Babylon were the Samaritans. Thrown out by the people with pedigrees. Now known to be 3 tribes of Israel. Jesus, in John's Gospel proclaimed His Son-ship to a daughter of Jacob. Cast out and with few choices in life. God makes amends when He does not have to. And His Ark did not reside in the Temple. Which is what the Holy of Holies revealed when the curtain was torn.


 


What was Jesus thinking when Matthew 12 was written

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.



1,000 years go by.
Why is God interested in signs, Jonah in 8 B.C. 
200 years after Solomon. And the Queen of Sheba...

Well the Queen of Sheba - Ethiopia - we see in history Ethiopia began to speak Hebrew during the years they mined so much gold from the ground. There is a copy of the Ark of the Covenant. The Queen of Sheba traveled on a personal pilgrimage to do her God given job/life and saw beyond Solomon to the Presence of God. The Legends took the good Queen into the arena of 700 of Solomon's women. In the day of the Queen of Sheba - Queens are precariously placed with rivals - one would become Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth I, or Guinevere for not being virtuous. The Queen left Ethiopia stronger today for her faith. Jesus was setting the record - straight. God making amends when He did not have to.

Jesus links Solomon back to the Queen of the South. Let's extrapolate together and say Solomon improved in his old age. Because Jesus remembered them together - perhaps it's like Africa today. The Church of England is seeing Revival because the flame was carried in faith and now the favor is returned by Africa. Just maybe, Solomon was wistful when he said who can find a good woman. After all, God does like to repeat situations in Scripture.

Let's think of another repeat. Definitely not the Buddhist repeat of souls. Because like the mathematician George Carlin said - suddenly the world has more people alive today than... in the history of ... the world.



Paul said fight the good fight.
Let's look and count the Score (mentions) of Luke 11.

Signs 16
Generation 5
Greater 3
Jonah 4
Nineveh 2
Queen 2
Solomon 2


God likes to repeat... i.e...as Jesus was coming back from the transfiguration...

Matthew 17
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

What??? Elijah was part of the Transfiguration! Jesus is saying that John the Baptist was a repeat of the task of Elijah - "Make Straight the Paths of the Lord!" Clear the way - Jesus is coming! This is the Good News and we are invited.

So, Jonah is the big question today.

Let's look at Jonah.



He is looking a trifle stunned.
 It's only because he is placed in the Sistene Chapel above - Judgement. 

[Where the story is ... Michelangelo gave Minos, the Judge of the Souls, the semblance of the Pope's Master of Ceremonies, Biagio da Cesena, who complained to the Pope about the nudity. Many other figures, as well, are portraits of Michelangelo's contemporaries. The artist's self-portrait appears twice: in the flayed skin which Saint Bartholomew is carrying in his left-hand, and in thelower left hand corner; who is looking encouragingly at those rising from their graves. The artist could not have left us clearer evidence from Michelangelo's poetry; at this point in his long, long life - he was feeling more devout and concerned about the fate of his own soul. He placed his self-portrait hovering precariously over hell and midway, in a diagonal line, between Christ, and the famous image of the man who has just realized that he is being pulled down toward hell.]



What in the world could God be repeating in...Jonah - who has his own Book in the Bible. 25 Times in The Old and New Testament he is mentioned.

Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher - begins in 2 Kings 14:25

Johan had said from the Lord that the Lord wanted the border of Israel restored, He would not blot out the name of Israel, so He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash, King of Judah. An intervention.

That is a heroic intervention. Wouldn't we all like to be remembered heroically.
Hero to Two Nations!

Next assignment - radically change more enemy nations - What???

2 Kings 18-19, which reports that Sennacherib's invincible army was laid low by the angel of the Lord, after which Sennacherib returned to Nineveh where he was murdered by his sons. Okay off you go Jonah. Easy. Well...maybe God had put forth a straight path. Rather like...

Nineveh was the Fort Knox of the day. Sennacherib’s “palace without rival” had reliefs depicting the campaign against Teumman of Elam and Dunanu of Gambula in 633 BC. One Particular relief would have caught his attention. On it, Elamite captives are shown being tortured. The caption above stated, “Mr. (blank) and Mr. (blank) spoke great insults against Assur, the god, my creator. Their tongues I tore out, their skins I flayed”

Good times. Good times. Off you go. Um not I, Captain Bligh. Swim with the fish.
Fast forward -

The nice part about being 'Written' - you can't fail. 
Jonah is supposed to love this generation.


  • Jonah goes up and down with Psalm 107.
  •  He is a Double National Hero !!!
  • He flees from Hearing from... THE LORD...
  • Jonah went:
 flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.
    • Jonah likes to talk. And tells a lot.  
    For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.
      • Jonah is a born negotiator -
      Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land
        • Jonah offers himself instead...The very definition of 'Ish' a moral man of God.
        • As a result of Jonah proclaiming God -
         Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.       Jonah is good at his job.
          • Jonah has this rare capacity to take misadventure, Praise and humor.
          But I with the voice of thanksgivingwill sacrifice to you;
          what I have vowed I will pay.
          Salvation belongs to the Lord!”

          And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.
          • Jonah could be sarcastic and drastic.
          Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”
          • Jonah - with a word he gets what he came for - “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, 8 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. 9 Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.”
          • And Jonah being the guy people actually like very well was pleased - except -
          But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry.
          • Jonah sulks. God adores Jonah and gives him instant comfort.But Jonah was just a mite too concerned with his own comfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. 7 But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered.
          •  And the Lord said, “You pity the plant?" God gets so mad, God stalks off leaving Jonah unanswered. Not like Job.

          Why would God want to repeat a situation like Jonah? Jonah did return to publish a Book in His Word. We pray good things for Jonah.


          Well. Gideon. God didn't want to leave a good man unsung.  Every now and then the Scriptures record God acts a little rashly. Remembering like Gad - to minister without love is not fruitful. God doesn't have to make amends really.


          What would you do if God told you that you were to go to Nations and be Jonah? 
          Doesn't He give all believers the Great Commission?



          Matthew 9
          Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore spray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

          Not fuss. Not fret.

          The Scriptures are quite real. Like the Cross this is a symbol of Life over death - this is where man intersects God. God equips men. Noah swung a hammer to a board. Not one of the workmen was perfect. The works went on. His Plan. They made mistakes they did deliberately. They were tired and worn out and weary and sometimes worried. The disciples spend a lot of time walking with Jesus is awe and in confusion and worry.

          Love the Lord and pray. Love others. Give Justice with Mercy. Walk humbly with God. When life is difficult, rest your mind upon His shoulder. Psalm 131

          Proverbs 16
          The plans of the heart belong to man,
          but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

          Commit your work to the Lord,
          and your plans will be established.

          The Lord has made everything for its purpose

          By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
          and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.

          When a man's ways please the Lord,
          he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

          The heart of man plans his way,
          but the Lord establishes his steps!





          It don't have a job
          Don't pay your bills
          Won't buy you a home
          In Beverly Hills

          Won't fix your life
          In five easy steps
          Ain't the law of the land
          Or the government

          But it's all you need...
          Love will hold us together
          Make us a shelter
          to weather the storm

          And I'll be my brothers keeper
          So the whole world will know
          That we´re not alone

          It's waiting for you
          Knockin' at your door!
          Every moment of truth
          When your heart hits the floor

          When you're on your knees then...
          Love will hold us together
          Make us a shelter
          to weather the storm

          This is the first day of the rest of your life
          This is the first day of the rest of your life
          'Cause even in the dark you can still see the light
          It's gonna be alright s´gonna be alright


          It's gonna be alright s´gonna be alright

          I've read the last page of the Bible, it's all going to turn out all right!

          1 Corinthians 15:57
          But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.



          <><



          Sunday, January 12, 2014

          Mark 13 ~ in those days!









          Mark 13


          And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”


          3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

          9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.


          14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.


          24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.


          28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

          32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”



          I'm shifting focus to the life of each individual in HIM.

          The Word of God is not merely a history lesson. This is your letter from your Father God. 

          We all have an invitation to leave this planet. Jesus told us God wants to save the world. All who call upon Him will be saved. He is Holy. A God of Wonders. He is the God who understood the man crying out  - "I have faith - help me to have more!" 

          He is the God who chooses to walk our life with us. Jesus sitting to teach, being comfortable with His people. Understanding us. And still reaching His hands in the water to pick up the religious.  He will take us by the hand and keep us.

          Still sitting with the woman forsaken and ashamed. Willing to do battle with the mighty confronting the weak. Being Wisdom in the language they would understand. Not breaking a bruised reed.  Delighting His Father - faithfully bring forth justice. Not lifting up His voice.  The still small voice - the coastlands wait for His law - loving others as Himself.

          And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”




          3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

          God sets us on a path. To grow up and go Home.


          Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 

          Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low— they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along,a and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets— before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.




          John 16:33
          I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

          Exactly.
          Life is a little bit like playing in the traffic. Some days you just want to go home. It's the willingness to get in there. Take the clip - the hit - see the win. Sometimes the win is the near miss!!!  The ticket is gratitude - seeking the Blessing - by giving the Blessing. Praying for others. People want to know you genuinely care. Taking the mercy, knowing to pray with great glee! For! The merciful! Always.

          Our Uncie lived to be 94. He was interested in giving - being in life. Not perfect. But watching his life - I can tell you - he interested Father God. Uncie bypassed Ecclesiastes 12:1-7.  As he passed on, he told us about seeing the Kingdom of God. Uncie lived love covers sin. The New Covenant is the Good News - the Kingdom of God - Never has closing gates.

          Jesus crossed the 13 mile Sea of Galilee three times in one day. He had people to see.  

          When Jesus told us when we see Him, we see the Father - Jesus was the Father of the prodigal children.  Jesus was running to see us. His Children.  Jesus meeting us where we need Him to be. Today. 

          Luke 9:27
          But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God

          The Disciples of God did not experience the ruin of Jerusalem and the Temple by Titus. They actually did not face decay, but died vigorous. This is the New Testament. Standing in Christ Jesus.


           

          9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

          What would give us the power to go forward?


          Romans 5:8
          God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.


          This is the song of the redeemed!


          Jeremiah 15:19
          Therefore thus says the LORD: “If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them."

          How?

          Malachi 4:2
          But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

          Romans 15:13
          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.

          Proverbs 7
          My son, keep my words
          and treasure up my commandments with you

          24 And now, O sons, listen to me,
          and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
          25 Let not your heart turn aside



          14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

          Jesus said -

          Luke 19:43
          The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.!

          And He said - this -

          1 Peter 4:12
          Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

          and this

          Luke 13:2
          And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.



          24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

          28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.


          Nahum 1:7
          The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

          Psalm 119:105
          Your word is a lamp to my feet
          and a light to my path.



          Revelation 22:8a
          I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down


          John goes on to say - do not add to The Word of God. And I will not. I will say by extrapolation that John lived abundantly by continuing to get in there - in mercy, in actions, in the willingness to engage in life. In a life of prayer. In Expecting God to bless him and his ability to be fruitful in life. 

          (Now you might argue with me and say John was a hermit on Patmos. Um, you think. Roman Emperor Domitian sent John to Patmos because according to Tertullian (son of a Roman centurion, a trained lawyer, and an ordained priest, 2nd Century) in The Prescription of Heretics, John was banished to Patmos. John was still being discussed as alive in the in history books in the second century. Because after being plunged into boiling oil in Rome and suffering nothing from it - it was said that all in the entire Colosseum audience were converted to Christianity upon witnessing this miracle. Domitian was the Roman emperor who was known for his persecution of Christians in the late 1st century. And the word traitor is coined from his reign of terror for Domitian's passion in destroying the Word of God. Interestingly enough, See the Ryland Papyrus. And learn with me, John's fate is debated in the - what - SECOND Century History books where he is recorded by early second-century Bishop Papias of Hierapolis, claiming John was engaged in a battle with the Jews over Religious Law and the Divinity of Jesus. Historians B.W. Bacon, Martin Hengel and Henry Barclay Swete, maintain these references to Papias are credible. Papias also has recorded John's support for the Gospels of Mark and Matthew. Papias wrote five books interviewing the accuracy of the sayings of Jesus by speaking with witnesses. Eusebuis quoted Papias from time to time.

          John's historically religious battle was in 100 A.D. with Cerinthus over the divinity of Christ undone - trying to restore Jewish Law to the early Church. Irenæus of the second century, Epistula Apostolorum, 2nd-century, confirm Cerinthus was an opponent of John. I do believe we far over-emphasize the hermit aspect of John. The early Church did not jump to the idea John were Assumed into Heaven as Jesus was. John's traditional tomb is thought to be located at Selçuk, a small town in the vicinity of Ephesus, 155 kilometers from Hierapolis.)



          John lived to OLD!!! Timothy lived to be old. Fruitful. John Mark lived to be old. Luke lived to be old. In Expectation and prayer - let's be like the people of Proverbs who laugh at the time to come. Expecting Jesus - Our Beloved - to do for us in the coming years. All we need is His favor. The disciples who did not show up for Jesus, Son of God, - did not live to be old.


          Many times in life - God expects us to get up and try again. Not hide behind locked doors.  He wants us to decorate for Christmas. Paint walls. Take cookies.  

          When the Song of the Christmas Angels are stilled. 
          When the star in the sky is gone. 
          When the kings and princes are home.
          When shepherds are back with their flock.
          The Work of Chrismas begins
          Fine the lost
          Heal the broken
          Feed the hungry
          Release the prisoner
          Rebuild the nate
          Bring peace amont brothers
          Make music in the hear
          For unto all ages, God who says He is Ages of Ages,
          A Child is Born.
          Alleluia.

          Life will take hard hits, Jesus says go  the second mile and shake off the hurt - be willing to go again. With Expectation.

          Matthew 8
          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.



           


          32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”


          Mark 13:37
          What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'"

          Psalm 130:5
          I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.

          Philippians 4:19
          And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.


          2 Corinthians 9:8

          And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.



          <>< !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!






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          हमारे गूगल भाषा अनुवादक पृष्ठ के तल पर स्थित है.


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          は、Googleの言語の翻訳は、ページの下部に位置しています。


          Το Google μας Language Translator βρίσκεται στο κάτω μέρος της σελίδας.

          我们的谷歌语言翻译是位于页面底部。


          우리의 구글 언어 번역기는 페이지의 하단에 위치하고 있습니다.

          About scripture-for-today.blogspot.com/

          We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He has saved all who call upon His name and rely on Him for His Grace. The Scriptures are living & active and are for understanding the Lord Almighty. Biblical readings are chosen from the Ecumenical Christian Church and the Nicene Council, 325 A.D., approved Apocrypha. People remember not just from reading, but by sight and orally- an image has been added as well as audio readings. God tends to link the passages together with fascinates - this blogger, Anne-Laurel Gardere

          A simple blog, scripture-for-today.blogspot

          This blog is pretty simple, but for a reason. This blog isn't about agenda or me, it is for the joy and love to found by reading the Scriptures. Ultimately, it is you and the Lord.

          The Scriptures are Father God's letter to you. He wanted you to know more, to know He loves you.

          Thanks for Joining us today!!!


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          About Me

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          Email registry at bottom.! “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). Men “moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21). The Holy Spirit carried men along, moving and guiding them as they wrote in their own words what God wanted them to say. The Bible is unique; comprised of 80 separate books, & written over a period of thousands of years by more than 40 writers with one Author, spanning the centuries, different states of peace & war & different situations in life. The Bible answers the question: of who is God, who is man & what can their relationship can be. Although the Bible was written on perishable material and copied by hand for many centuries, its accuracy is not in doubt, proven by Dead Sea Scrolls and papyrus from 2,000 years. The Bible has survived persecution & criticism to be read with great interest in each generation. The Bible gives witness to the greatness of the Creator. A loving Father concerned for all of his creation. With each verse of the bible witnessing to God is love and the multitude & vastness of His attributes. The Bible was written for you. <><

          Share the artist's name!

          Share the artist's name!
          Jesus, the Good Shepherd. If you see a painting or photo on this blog, know who the artist is, and I didn't, please email me: holdenll@hotmail.com



          New Posts by Subject Matter

          Overcoming



          The World Changed Rapidly after the first Easter

          Our God of All





          Posts by Subject Matter





          Blessings, Anne-Laurel





          Who Jesus Is
          1 Timothy 1:1-11 ~ God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope
          Matthew 16:13-20 ~ who do people say the Son of Man is?

          Good News for us to remember and Think Upon
          Animals are found in Heaven ~ 6 Prophets See Animals in Heaven

          Anger, Jealousy=Trouble




          The Bible explains the Bible, Prophetically

          Bible - in your hand, today

          Bible Accuracy



          Blessing







          Blessing our Father God

          Blessing - unaware

          Boundaries

          Brothers
          Christmas - His Word Upholds the Universe - December 25th


          Psalm 135 ~ who is in your midst
          John 1:1-14, 16, 29-51 ~ He was in the world

          Details - Putting it all together and discovering it is about God

          Psalm 108 ~ In triumph I will parcel out Shechem

          Determine your own path, just love Him

          Judges 16 ~ like any other man
          John 4:43-54 ~ Doing what Jesus says


          Earthquake

          Every Day, Still Today
          Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow


          Exodus - History












          Heavenly Hosts
          His Messengers of Light












          Elements of Nature Displaying HIS Glory
          Exodus 40:16-38 ~ In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected.

          I Decide What is Right and Wrong - God noticed this in the Garden of Eden from Eve

          Individualism and Groups

          It's the End of the World as We Know it, And I Feel Fine. (One of our most read posts.)
          Grandpa - The Bible is Really the Life Story of People and
          their Abba









          Gates of Heaven


          Gifts of God, all of us


          Giving - God certainly is





























          Glory


          God sees His Creation as Good!!!


          Gravity






















          Good Friday

          Gossip

          Gratitude

          Greatest

          Grief, Forgiveness, Homecoming


          Hated Emotion - Fear




































          History - Is There History Showing Jesus was Alive - VERY EXTENSIVE HISTORY

          Holiness


          Holy Spirit ~ Manifestations

          Homeward Bound, still a sojourner

          Honey, Do this

          Invitation
          John 3:31-36 ~ that God is true

          Israel - Destroyed Completely and Rebuilt. A sign of Jesus. Existing today.

          Jesus clearly put a Foundation for His Resurrection to be Believed by the Multitudes of all of Israel and the Nations

          Jesus and His Childhood Privacy
          Nazareth - What Jesus did See Growing Up

          John the Beloved Disciple


          The Journey of Joseph


























          Live It
          Psalm 117 ~ Praise the Lord
          Psalm 82 ~ rescue the weak and the needy
          2 Samuel 4:1-12 ~ David answered
          Hebrews 12 ~ Thankful
          Psalm 31:3-8,17-21 ~ Thou hast redeemed me
          Isaiah 40:1-11 ~ His reward is with Him
          Matthew 13:31-32 ~ the birds of the air come and perch in its branches
          Matthew 6:25-34 ~ your heavenly Father knows that you need
          Luke 11:29-32 ~ Rise up
          Psalm 126 ~ shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves
          Luke 14:15-24 ~ there is still room
          Joshua 1:1-9 ~ I am giving
          Acts 5 ~ speak in the name of Jesus
          John 1 ~ the Light shines
          John 3:5-8 ~ born again
          ~ they went on from there and passed through Galilee
          Judges 20 ~ Israel

          Losing a Loved One - Passing ON

          Revelation 21:22-27 ~ those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life

          Not Being Tossed Back and Forth with Emotion
          Ephesians 4 ~ speaking the truth in Love

          Marriage
          Romans 7:1-12 ~ bear fruit for God
          1 Corinthians 7 ~ For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband
          Genesis 37:12-24 ~ when Reuben
          Psalm 143 ~ Your steadfast love
          Psalm 86 ~ For great is your steadfast love

          Media... taking it down the path
          1 Corinthians 10 ~ Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God





          Mercy, an Inseparable Component of Truth
          Matthew 23:23-26 ~ clean
          1 Samuel 12 ~ serve the Lord with all your heart
          Matthew 22:34-40 ~ The great and first commandment. And a second is like it

          Miscellaneous
          Job 38 ~ Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.
          Psalm 19 ~ the heavens declare the glory of God
          2 Kings 5:1-15 ~ a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper
          1 Chronicles 13 ~ the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom










          Peace




          Pharisee ~ Religion
          Luke 11:42-46 ~ Woe to you Pharisees!


          Pictorial Images of the 12 Tribes of Israel








          Picture It


















          Overcoming, with God's help!


          Positive Attitude in Trouble




          Prophets - the Law and the Old Men in Robes or People who Love the Lord. Flaws and Virtues. What They Sought in the Lord and What Drew Them to Him.



          Praise



























          Prayer

          Psalm 91 ~ Prayer is always heard, God has an open door policy



          Prayer Needs




          Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words

          Promises

          Prosperity Gospel











          Repeat and Repeat







          Rest

          Restore

          Revelation 8:2
          Seven Angels who stand before God

          Revisionist History - Moses and Jeremiah said
          there would be days like this
          Deuteronomy 8
          Jeremiah 23


          Rock


          SALVATION! What is needed?

          Science - Blinded me - No - He Who Opens the Eyes of the Blind - With Science!!!

          Second (3rd or 4th) Rate Seventh Level of Heaven

          Seventh Level of Heaven







          Shepherd

          Smile!



          Time Management





          Life and Travels of Paul

          Shroud

          Transfiguration



          True
          The World Changed Rapidly after the first Easter



          Trust Him

          Uncomfortable Scripture

          Video Game Player

          Visual







          Who is like our God?

          Willingly

          Works and Grace
          Mark 1:4-11 ~ You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased

          Worry

          Wrathful, Nasty Old God from the Old Testament

          Yahweh




          Years - Thousands of Them are Yesterday in His Sight


          80 Books of the Bible
          Holy Spirit Approved by the First Council Nicaea and St. Nicholas
          Included by the Essenes in the Dead Sea Scrolls
          Today included by the Catholic Church
          God wants to save the world.
          The Apocrypha has Purpose; other cultures blend here.





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