Romans 15 ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.”

10 Again, it says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples extol him.”

12 And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hello Father God,
Thank you for gathering together new and old friends. When we forgive each other, we broaden our horizons. When we gather together to know each other's cares and put the effort into fellowship - we enrich all the lives we touch. Thank You for the opportunity to fellowship with others who love You.

Father God,  James wrote whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. And You told us the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. You, Father God, You are the Lord and our king - save us. In Your leadership and guidance, let the grace and truth through Jesus Christ keep us.

Thank You for the blessings that are sunshine on our backs, warming us. To know in this season of change we have You, Lord. To know You, Father God, will strengthen us in all good things to do His will. We Thank You we are touched by Love.

Bless us with all the blessings You would willingly provide and opportunities to do Your Will.

Comfort the lonely, calm the stressed, give hope to those who need that hope, strengthen what is wobbly, empower the good, subdue what is doubtful, light the path and help us to walk this with Your Love and Wisdom.

With joy and expectation, we call on You, Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. Come Lord Jesus. Because of You and Your Promises - We Will Overflow with Hope. Amen.

 
 

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Colossians 3 ~ compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience

Papyrus 46 includes Colossians 3.

First or Second Century depending on the way Nomina Sacra is classified - special abbreviations which appear in New Testament texts. Nomina Sacra occurs in the coveted 1st century papyrus. At the present time, most scholars think this is the second or third generation after Christ died and places these Scriptures in the second century. There is a debate, some of the scholars think this is first century. Amazingly clear and whole.


Colossians 3

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.


18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

Several  passages in Scripture have a memory marker of 7 in the numbers we have added to Chapters.

1 Corinthians 7  Romans 7   Hebrews 13 and Colossians 3. Romans 13 clearly is more explained adding Colossians 3 to that chapter.

The Lord says He has given us a commandment to love on another. Perhaps we need to mention that more. We should not provoke one another and not discourage each other.

Deuteronomy 24:5
If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.

I say we are to provide our conduct as loving.


Psychology would agree, when we place ourselves first - we suffer intensive and blinding light on matters best given to the gentle love and care of Father God. God says He has placed His Light in all of mankind. He just didn't say that we are the sun to rise and set over all.

God really does trust us with our lives. God says He is Life. And the lives we have, are given to us. We go far with a prayer for guidance and mercy. Gratitude and prayer - key components to finding the Strength of the Lord. Which is - of course - JOY.

We all fall short. And this is even when we try try try. God is going to arrive when we expect Him.

Father God, let your overwhelming Mercy fill us each day to do Your Will, we pray for God to always be mindful of the fleeting days of mankind and move promptly. Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Hebrews 13 ~ do not forget to do good

Papyrus 46 includes Hebrews 13. First or Second Century depending on the way Nomina Sacra is classified - special abbreviations which appear in New Testament texts. Nomina Sacra occurs in the coveted 1st century papyrus. At the present time, most scholars think this is the second or third generation after Christ died and places these Scriptures in the second century. There is a debate, some of the scholars think this is first century. Amazingly clear and whole.

Hebrews 13

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”

6 So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”

7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. 10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.

11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.

23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

24 Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.

25 Grace be with you all.



Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

God has called us to empathy.

And as a community where marriage is held in high regard.

Genesis 2
18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."


Mankind has been having a marriage discussion for a long time. It is God who ordains marriage.

Colossians 1: 15
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.


Galations 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

God is pleased with marriage. And thought of marriage in the beginning of creation.


Colossians 3:24:
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

God calls us to Peace. 1 Corinthians 7 is the only portion of Scripture Paul must pause and say he thinks he has recorded being single is a good thing before God. However, 1 Corinthians 7 is a good guide for God's views on marriage and only being released for lack of peace given.

Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

The Scriptures are clear and easily understood. Followed clearly even within Papyrus 46 which includes this description:

Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 


Father God, help us each day to please You. We pray for peace as You bless us we are truly blessed in Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Marriage is also Christ and His Church.. Our diocese has Bishop Clark drawing together the Churches underneath his leadership in a meeting called a Synod. It's pronounced like a slurring of the word Senate. And we gathered at Needlepoint to assemble the documents for this. This is a Worship on Friday night where new clergy are installed and new Churches officially invited and then a rather formal business meeting on Saturday.

We would not want to skip Good News. The whole Anglican Church of North America (Church of England - Anglican is what the founding fathers predominately were)  is growing at a very good pace. The number of Churches in Clark's diocese are way up. I think it was even a 40% increase. The existing Churches are growing at a phenomenal rate of 13-14% a year. The financial needs to giving are on the positive side with space.  Good News - Jesus is Lord and bible believing Churches are seeing growth and encouragement!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Hebrews 4 ~ Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said

Folio Papyrus 46 the Index of the Chosen Letters of this Individual who compiled Papyrus 46	Contents	Location
1-7	Romans 1:1-5:17	Missing
8	Rom 5:17-6:14	CB
9-10	Rom 6:14-8:15	Missing
11-15	Rom 8:15-11:35	CB
16-17	Rom 11:35-14:8	Mich.
18 (fragment)	Rom 14:9-15:11	CB
19-28	Rom 15:11-Hebrews 8:8	Mich.
29	Heb 8:9-9:10	CB
30	Heb 9:10-26	Mich.
31-39	Heb 9:26-1 Corinthians 2:3	CB
40	1 Cor 2:3-3:5	Mich.
41-69	1 Cor 3:6-2 Corinthians 9:7	CB
70-85	2 Cor 9:7-end, Ephesians, Galatians 1:1-6:10	Mich.
86-94	Gal 6:10-end, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:3	CB
95-96	1 Thess 2:3-5:5	Missing
97 (fragment)	1 Thess 5:5, 23-28	CB
98-104	Thought to be 1 Thess 5:28-2 Thessalonians, and possibly Philemon; 1- 2 Timothy, and Titus were probably not included (see below)			Missing

The Letters of Paul in Chronological Order Written

First Thessalonians	52 AD
Second Thessalonians	52 AD
First Corinthians	57 AD
Second Corinthians	57 AD
Galatians	55-57 AD
Romans	57-58 AD
Ephesians	62 AD
Philippians	62 AD
Colossians	62 AD
Philemon	63 AD
Hebrews	64-65 AD
Titus	64-65 AD
First Timothy	64-65 AD
Second Timothy	66-67 AD

This is the Actual 1st or Second Century Page of Hebrews Chapter 4 written 65 A.D. As you can see, this is AMAZING. Part of Papyrus 46.

Hebrews 4

4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.


3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world.

4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”

6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

What if?

What if you had 24 hours to live? You have to love Bible Study with believers - the ideas keep rolling!

For Christians, this isn't an usual thought. We actually believe Father God dwells within us - when we ask earnestly. Then - we provide a place for Him to dwell to delight Him. This call is to believe we have our destination.

What if we believed - Heaven IS at Hand? Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

The Word of God is active and alive. This Sunday - My son Alexander, Ashley and I had the unique experience traveling to a restaurant. To become amazed and dazzled to discover this restaurant, in Waco, is part of a vast Christian Experience of loving the work God gives us. A return to the way we know our country began.

We got out of the car to find - Cafe Homestead, of course, is never opened on Sundays. We turned to go. To be asked to share breakfast with a Church doing a work project. To sit in the garden. To have the door open and to be Invited to Come In. The place was unique and filled with the goodness of an antique type place and gleams as if new. One man came over to tell us about restoring barns all over the country. Another lady came to tell us about making furniture to endure generations.

We became unable to hold a regular conversation in between the restoration stories. We beamed. Finally at our table in the closed Restaurant filled only with our group of three - overlooking the perfect porch and the perfect garden - Someone said, "This is Sunday."

And of course, what was meant, this unique event to be fed amazing food in a closed restaurant. To have doors and lights flung open - was a lot like a Prodigal Father inviting His Beloved through 12 Open Gates and into His Kingdom.

It was a Glimpse.

Let me add to this, and this is the Bible Study of Today's Scripture:

If you put Christ followers in a room of twelve, you are going to hear from at least a quarter of them - they have had that Visitation Dream. And then you are going to see in that Visitation Dream Jesus gifts us - Fruit happens. Truths are established. This becomes the mustard seed turning into a Tree of such magnitude - hope, faith and love nestle in the branches.

For decades, I've met Jesus in Heaven, sitting near Jesus in Beauty. The Earth glorified in His Kingdom. And peace of Psalm 131 - I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.

And then I had a dream that was a Vision God gave me. Paul tells us Heaven has levels. This upsets people, yet if God says so, then, this is His Plan.

2 Corinthians 12:2
caught up to the third heaven

Deuteronomy 10:14
To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.

I had no idea the Vatican was large like this. I came to a place that was the Father's House with many, many rooms. And it was very quiet in my dream. Father God was not seen, I'm quite sure I'm not that worth! And I am quite sure this was were we will all visit in Joel 3. This is not the level where my soul will stay for Eternity.

I felt distinctly past any experience I'd ever had. And people came to me and understood. I was asked if I would begin to furnish my rooms. I was shown that because Heaven is eternal, these things would be with me a long time. And these things would blend in with what you read in Revelation. I was told if I developed a skill at this, like making a chair, an astonishing chair -  I might want to make this and share with others. This would be giving, sharing and enjoyable. I was astonished.


Here is our Bible Study:

The Bible does not contradict itself. Scripture supports Scripture. Jesus told us to turn the other cheek. He said forgive seven times seventy times. And Jesus said - in Proverbs - find Wisdom. Jesus said 2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.

Jesus tells us in the passage - Heaven is Holy Rest. And He tells us we share in God's Rest in Jesus the Lord.

Life is tiring.

Matthew 11
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Jesus is teaching us wisdom in the balance of not to the right, not to the left. Just as Jesus told us to turn the other cheek, He also said that sometimes we will rebuke and correct. This is a vast Truth.

Let's Look At This Great Adventure Jesus Speaks of!!!

John 9:4
As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

Heaven is ...

Revelation 22:5
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.


Jesus tells us emphatically He will Dwell with Us. God is Love and God - - -


John 5:17
In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working."

2 Corinthians 5
We will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.

Jesus told us this!

John 21
11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn. 12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said.


Heaven?

Luke 3:11a
The man who has two tunics is to share with

Heaven!

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth,

 the gospel of your salvation--

 having also believed, 

you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, 

with a view to the redemption of God's own possession,

to the praise of His glory.

JESUS THE LORD!

Father God, Heaven is at hand. Help my soul be an oasis to you. Let me push aside the status quo. Let my prayers reach into Your Heart and let Love guide us each day in Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen !

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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