Luke 1 ~ “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 1

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

A Several Part History

Let's study what God has recorded about the woman He picked to be pregnant with God.

Was Mary a worrier?
It appears perhaps she was. Courage is not the absence of fear. Endurance with unfailing perseverance is courage.

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.


Mary has courage and pluck. Smart. God requires belief and effort and work in this life.
With a dad named Heli, she had a fight on her hands. Her parents are not recorded except by the Pharisees. She is called a descendant of David. In a society where women are unrecognized, Mary is considered. And the Pharisees slandered Mary and Her Son, to their own discredit.

14 generations - these people lived to be OLD. Like John the disciple. Fair thee well Billy Joel!

Mary is recorded to be pledged. Solemn promise and undertaking giving a word of honor. Assurance, oath, guarantee, something of charitable nature. Payment of a debt, liable of forfeiture for in-completion. Love, favor, loyalty. And in the midst of her honor, she is found to be pregnant with God. God does not hand a neon sign over her. Mary's halo is not evident.

In implication, her parents do not necessarily believe her. Although she is not stoned to death. And later her sister would support them at the foot of the cross of Jesus.

Luke 1
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”


Mark 13:11
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
This would be the Power of the Holy Spirit. Generally this would be quite loud. And the person is somewhat amazed the words poured forth from them and a little pleased and bewildered. No plan was ever formed in the brain to speak. Daniel experienced this blessing as he found favor with mankind. People in their sleep have spoken of what they could not know.

Mary really needed Elizabeth to assure her. Mary fully understands this is a message from God echoing and reassuring her the message Gabriel had given her. Her faith is bolstered!!! Message of God received with full faith.

Mary’s Song

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant!

From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name!


50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”

How do we know life was rough for Mary at home to do God's will?
Luke 1:56
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

We know from Scripture that the families lived about 70 miles apart, yet Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee's 16 miles three times a day.So her family was not showing her a lot of support. And still - upon mercy shown, her companion - Joseph - is given more Spiritual ability. This drew them closer. And they ived together being married but separate.









 

Part Two

Matthew 2:11
Mary is sitting beside Jesus, who is worshiped by the Magi. She proves she is far more able than King Herod and does not claim her authority, nor take away any worship from Her Son.

Her lack of demand for worship continues as Joseph dreams and directs their safety upon his decision to move them to Egypt.

Years later. Years indicate Joseph is still deciding their fate. Scriptures record that Joseph returns them to Nazareth.

Matthew 13:55
“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?
Years continue to show Joseph was not a whim of Mary's. And she is still considered.

Mary was surrounded by events so much larger than herself. An undertaking of the Holy Spirit.

Did Mary look like a stunning example of virtuous halo in her reactions? Can we find common ground with the Mother of God?

Jesus knew, as God His mother might be worshiped. As God would know this. And Jesus declared, "More blessed are those who DO the will of God." God is not for the worship of anything other than God. The Gospels open with Matthew telling more of Joseph than Mary.

And yet when John and James were interested in the seat right next to Jesus in Heaven for themselves, who would be more likely that the ones who tried to save Jesus from this death in Love and not just power for themselves?

Mary is betrothed and yet her priority is God. Luke sees more of the story unfolding around Mary as Elizabeth is her cousin making Zechariah more family.


This is what we know of the real woman - chosen of God
~ She was greatly troubled
~ Tried to discern
~ “Do not be afraid, Mary"
~ For nothing will be impossible with God.”And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
~And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

~He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

~ wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

~ Shepherds made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

~ Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

~ and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

~ when his parents saw Him, they were astonished.

~ His mother said to him, “Son, why...

~ And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.

~ And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.


~ When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

~ 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.


To read God's written Word about Mary chosen to be pregnant with God is to see a real woman. She is not supernaturally fixed to be without fear.The Scriptures plainly say she is Not without wonder about what was going on around her. This wonder causes her to not always understand. An admission we all don't know what God has wrought. God's Way is not our way. The disciples mainly had awe, wonder and trepidation. God works with regular people with His Overwhelming Way and His Plan.

Mary wasn't always sure what God was doing - 

Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

God was in relationship with Mary, the longer she knew God the more she knew to trust Him. Mary told Jesus get the show on the road for His Ministry. She knew He was ready.

God didn't expect Mary to be perfect, just as Jesus gave His brothers time, Jesus allowed Mary time to grow into their relationship too.  Much of their relationship is told in few words. The way God recorded them gives us the richness of them in the Words used.

This is a pattern of God's! He points the direction and makes a path and fully expects like a Parent sending a child off to college that we are equipped to go the distance. And just as Jesus went to see Mary after He was an adult for the Wedding in Cana - God as Father expects to welcome us to the 12 open Gates of Heaven - Running to Greet us.

Remember with me, God says He equips us to do this Plan! And provides a cherished Mother to point out to us to the concept, regular people Please Father God!!!

God Bless Us All!!! Because HE does! Amen.





Part Three

Good Friday was evident to Mary when she arrived with Jesus' brothers to reclaim him away from the trouble - seeking a way to save His life. Not like Peter for Glory, but as His Mother.

Matthew 12

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him.a 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 4 9And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

This sounds harsh, and probably felt harsh to them at the time. When we look at this after the Victor over Death - we see Jesus spoke Prophetically.

Jesus owned a garment we are all aware of His seamless Chiton, a coat. Seamless, made carefully with a stitch called circular knitting.

The Scriptures tell us who supported Jesus financially. Which tells us even more about Jesus' seamless Chiton.

Luke 8

The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

Yet, it's important to see that when Jesus was on the cross He witnessed prophetic fulfillment of His garment being cast lots for His Garment, under the Roman Governor's sign proclaiming Him King of the Jews.

John 19

Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be King of the Jews.”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,

“They divided my clothes among them

and cast lots for my garment.”

So this is what the soldiers did.

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Jesus thought of His Mother as that coat was prophetically fulfilled. There is no doubt Jesus emphatically knew the Word of God. And what Jesus saw as the garment was taken - He saw Mary.

Mary is recorded again.

Matthew 27:61

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

Mary continued welcoming people to Jesus. Proving again Mary united people In the midst of crisis. When it would have far been easier to be in self mode.

Matthew 28:1
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

Mary continues to be diligent. Perhaps Mary remembered her parents were embarrassed by her pregnancy and she was not going to be pushed back by infamy. Imagine how jarring her day had been, this time for Mary. Her Son was beaten and ruined for the blind seeing, the deaf hearing. Surely she felt completely slain by a sword to her heart. And rose to do for Him. This was probably so extreme that she physically struggled.

Many people would never survive seeing their Son reach fame for the blind seeing and the deaf hearing. Mayo Clinic doctor's report the manifestations of His suffering on the cross where emotional - the heart of Jesus was broken and died from the excruciating shame and horror of the event with the physical beating and the weight of the cross.
.
Acts 1:13-14

When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

The prophetic Words of Jesus came to be fulfilled. His Family was united. Mary is again placed with Scripture about casting lots. This time this is about hearts being revealed. As Simon during the Presentation of the Infant Jesus to the Temple had said. To bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus.

Paul spoke of the uniting of the Family of Jesus - something for us today.

Hebrews 2:10-18

10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;

in the assembly I will sing your praises.”

13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again he says,

“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Mary saw a division in her family. And in Jesus, she lived to see them united again. Jesus had been patient with Mary to grow with Him. Jesus continued to provide for Mary's family and expanding this family in His Victory over Death.

Paul in the Power of the Holy Spirit was good to record the Family of God expanding and going forth in Jesus Christ the Lord.

1 Corinthians 9

5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas ?


Early Church History records Mary went on to live to be old and in peace. Jesus provided for Mary. As Jesus provides for His Family today.

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."



A day to God is millions of years, Peter wrote in the Power of the Holy Spirit. God tells us His desire is to save the World through Jesus Christ. Jesus is our Salvation and we are the Family of God. God is that Vast and that Loving.

Jesus is the God who said , "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wing."

Father God, You are Vast and Loving. Help us each day to bring Your Love to those we would ask You to Gather to You. Teach us, guide us, lead us, to be on Your Path. Protect us and give us Your wisdom. We ask this in the Name of Jesus - patient with His Mother, Brothers and His family for millenniums. In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Matthew 11 ~ No one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him

Matthew 11

After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.

16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

17 “‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.’

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I will tell you a truth we have a hard time with.
Jesus caused the boat in John's Gospel to bend time and get to the shore.

John 6:21
Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

Jesus said his burden to us is light and we can rest in Him.

 

 

Jesus said do not worry, it won't add a cubit to your life.

The truth is, if we worry less, we enjoy His gifts more.

Because if we trust Him, we can rest.


Numbers 23:19-20
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? 20 "Behold, I have received a command to bless; When He has blessed, then I cannot revoke it."


God the Father is this:
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.

Jesus is, of course, a messenger teaching us of Father God. His Son.

Our generation is blessed to see the archaeology of what Jesus told us of the collective truths about the cities and their faith. Chorazin never really did prosper, the city was cut off from trade and water. The term Korazim block is used to define a geomorphological feature set between the Hula Basin and the Sea of Galilee. It is an elevated pressure-ridge within the Dead Sea Transform (DST) which acted as a barrier towards the waters of the Mediterranean when these flooded the lower-laying part of the DST, between what are now the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea basins, during the Pliocene transgression. The Korazim block as well as the higher elevation of the Hula Basin meant that the latter did not receive any marine water during that process.

Chorizin was left high and dry with a stumbling block.

Bethsaida? One cannot decide from two cities. It was so ruined. Tyre forever ruined. Sydon. The same.

Capernaum where Jesus found the Centurion? Peter and Andrew? It flourished for a millennium until the ruins became so beguiling most pilgrims still want to see the wonderful places archaeology has found of the Adult Hometown of Jesus.

Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. We will come to you weary and burdened. We will rest in You. Your yoke is learned for you are gentle and humble in heart. We find rest for our souls. Your Way makes like easier and our burdens lighter. We pray for those who worry and are in suffering to know this Peace Jesus gives. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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1 John 4:7 ~ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, good, loyal, steady, true, dependable, dutiful, reliable, responsible, solid, tried, tried-and-true, trustworthy, trusty; unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering; determined, intent, resolute; confirmed, inveterate, sworn, ardent, avid, enthusiastic, fervent, fervid, gung ho, impassioned, passionate, serious, abiding, unflinching, unswerving, allegiant, changeless, constant, dependabl.

Enduring, firm, fixed, immovable, inexorable, never-failing, persevering, sure, unbending, unfaltering
unmovable, wholehearted

What did God do for Adam? Brought him a wife. Adam brought support to his wife in trouble.

What did did Abraham do for Isaac? Prayed for a wife. God did provide.

What did the men of the Old Testament do? Found a wife and established a life. Usually the men who came from polygamy lived in monogamy. And by the time Joseph married Mary, society had found favor with the David and his one lamb analogy.

Jesus worked to improve marriage.

His Gospels open reflecting many marriages to bring forth a destiny for themselves and children.

Usually people in all circumstances improve when they know the person they love and rely upon will work to be there for them. Bringing new meaning to the words "Love and Cherish."

Stanley Marcus famously said give gifts not that you want to give, but that they want to receive.

Some people want Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Gifts, Quality Time and Physical Touch. And we need to know what is needed. To delete any would cause suffering.

Today we see people do not marry for fear the wedding would look skimpy or unloved. Jane Austin, one of the best and most able commentators of life, love and marriage knew better in her 1700's. A wedding could occur after the Church Service. The Wedding Party could be sandwiches, bbq or a Sunday Lunch. The consistent part was the idea the person you marry is your best friend. You are committed; their problems are your concern. Their goals your goals. The idea is to talk and to love. To commit the heart to stay in fair weather and in the waves life would give you.

Jesus spoke of a Narrow Path. Surely He meant, a life of meaning.  Ephesians 5:20-33

Faith, Hope and Love. Faith your words and actions reflect who you aspire to be and are. Hope God will bring blessings. Hope when times are challenging, what is good, noble, pure will be sought to upbuild again - work believing in blessings. Love. To be valued as we are. Love - to be forgiven. Love - to believe we can be more and look up. Love - to be held accountable. Love - to give deeply of yourself out side of your own interests. Love - what makes life worth living to see His mercies renew each day.


Father God, let me rely upon You to bring my life, heart and path to You. And believe You provide guidance, support, Love, Joy and Peace for me and those I love. For the places I work, worship and rejoice. We pray for our nation and those who love Jesus to be able to bring forth this Love for Jesus well. I ask daily in expectation of You. Thank You profoundly, for our blessings. Bless those, we pray, who are a blessing. Amen in Jesus.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †









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Deuteronomy 6:16-25 ~ He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in

"The Ten Commandments" Movie is well worth the time. Cecil B. Demille cast Charlton Heston for his Amazingly, remarkable visage comparison to Michelangelo's Moses.

Deuteronomy 6:16-25

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah. 17 You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies and his statutes, which he has commanded you. 

18 And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may go well with you, and that you may go in and take possession of the good land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers 19 by thrusting out all your enemies from before you, as the Lord has promised.

20 “When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ 21 then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 

22 And the Lord showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes. 23 And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers. 

24 And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. 25 And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.’



"Why is this night different from all others?" Has been asked for millenniums.

Why would the Lord God Almighty go to all this trouble? To be in relationship. To fellowship with us.

How can we be sure? The Creator of the Universe would again bring the Children of Israel back to their homeland from the second exodus occurring March 16, 597 B.C. How would we know the exact date of the second exodus? In London’s British Museum, there is a baked clay tablet (just under 3¼ inches) with cuneiform writing (wedge-shaped characters) recording important activities of King Nebuchadnezzar between the years 605-594 B.C. 91 times Nebuchadnezzar is mentioned in the Scriptures. King Nebuchadnezzar marched his army the capital city of Judah. On the second day of the month Addaru, [the capture of Jerusalem, dated precisely to March 16, 597 BC.] he captured Jerusalem and its king. He appointed a new ruler [Zedekiah— 2 Kings 24:17] and took heavy tribute and sent it to Babylon [2 Kings 24:13]. Another remarkable archaeological confirmation of biblical record in the last 60 years.

We live in a unique time in His story. Israel exists after 2,000 years. God, has again, brought Israel back from the dead.

His Story points, always, to Jesus Christ the Lord triumphant over death.

As many times as we have been saved by Him, we tend to act like the Children of Israel in the desert. One sign was not enough. Please keep telling us. And He does. Finally, after years of small innocent animals killed to show us the seriousness of sin, the sacrifice no one was pleased to have, was ceased. When did the sacrifice stop? Another amazing coincidence, 70 A.D., the lifespan of Jesus Christ living to his natural old age. Millenniums of sacrifice just ceased.

Jesus, as God, sought us and conquered death. Giving us the promise of relationship over perfection. The law points out we can never be as Holy as He would have us be. Jesus gives us brotherhood and adoption, saying My Father and yours.


What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded?

Zechariah 1:3
Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty.

He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in. We are redeemed from the desert. When we earnestly and sincerely say - My Father, I've been wrong. 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.'

1 Timothy 2:8
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

When John opens His Gospel - we have seen His Glory!
He is telling us the overwhelming nature of Jesus!
Full of grace and truth.
For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace!

John sums up God our Father, Jesus gave us His Father and John called Him - LOVE.

Luke 15:20
“And rising, he came to his father, and while he was still distant, his father saw him and he was moved with compassion for him and he ran and fell on his neck and he kissed him.”

What is the work of Jesus Christ our Savior today?
Preaching good news to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted,proclaiming freedom for the captives, release from darkness, the blind receive sight, lame - walk, lepers - cured, deaf- hear, dead - raised. Jesus gives us life abundant. Always return to Him.

1 Timothy 6
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

Grace be with you all.

Father God, we return to You. Grant us Your mercy and Love. Be with us now and always. In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Jeremiah 26:1-6 ~ the Lord says

Palace of David, where the courtyard unearthed the Servant of Jeremiah's Seal

Jeremiah 26:1-6

 Early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: 2 “This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. 

3 Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from their evil ways. Then I will relent and not inflict on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.

 4 Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, 5 and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city a curse among all the nations of the earth.’”

Jeremiah, was telling about the holiness of God, in His judgement. At the time, they seemed like doomsayers. Their message, while truthful, was unwelcome. A popular set of circumstances in the Scriptures. Man always wants the messages of God to be hopeful. In the middle of all the pending circumstances - Jeremiah at first said - he was an island and therefore exempt. At that point the Lord told Jeremiah then he would share in the judgement of all the people. It was only when Jeremiah would be uncomfortable and be of help to others, that God was willing to promise Jeremiah protection.

To the people of Judah, the falling of a wall was a terrible thing. They took a lot of comfort from the wall around Jerusalem and around the Temple.

For us today, we have the luxury of looking forward to walls of lies being destroyed.

No one goes through life without experiencing a wall. Unemployment. Lack of change. Constant Change. Illness. End of friendship. Time spent apart from a loved one. - You name it - any circumstance that limits us and we feel it will not change soon or there is not much we can do about it.

God says to preach peace when no blessing is in sight is wrong. Yet the whole passage is about the righteousness of God. In adversity or blessing, the correct answer is to trust Him with our prayers, our hopes and to find blessings. He reigns.

Father God, let us always put our trust in You. When life is all we hope, let us praise You. When we have adversity, let us look to You. You reign.

 Help us to look to you in expectation and in hope. In gratitude in all circumstances. In Scriptures, You tell us not to be surprised and dismayed at fiery trials, You are there with us. And to always remember You chose to walk this life where wild winds sometimes howl.

Lord I understand about blessing and unblessing. I would hope always to bring forth blessing and pray for mercy for myself and others. To dwell in sincerity and be pleasing to You. In Jesus, Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Revelation 11:1-13 ~ give Glory to God

Revelation 11:1-13

I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. 2 But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. 3 And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.” 5 If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6 They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.

7 Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. 8 Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. 10 The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.

11 But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.

13 At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified
 and gave glory to the God of heaven.

The Boy Jesus in the Temple, Painted by William Hole

Isaiah was the subject of many Bible Scholar studies. Perhaps Jesus as a boy pointed out the discrepancy of the Magi fully understanding Isaiah - and going to see the infant Jesus in Herod's Palace. Revelation is probably equally as understood, today. A mystery for Father God to unfold. Not the red herring for us to continually try to decipher and worry about.

God would teach John what to say, to grasp fully by unfolding events in his life, the way Revelation is Scripture and Scripture repeats. John was an eyewitness to Jesus ascending into Heaven.

John 21
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

The rapture is a repeat of Jesus ascending. Intended to wake the unfaithful of earth to faith again in all things are possible with God.

Early Biblical history is important. We have the documents still. The Gospel of Luke explains in the first paragraph - with the shake up in the Roman Empire occurring 16 years after the Resurrection of Jesus, orderly accounts were being taken in several credible sources and Histories. The world was wondering and finding miracles still seen today.

A Historian, lawyer and married to a Christian wife - Tertullian disliked mysticism and wrote this was fact that John was boiled in oil and unharmed by Emperor Domitian intended the death of a man worshiping Jesus as God. Tertullian's book is The Prescription of Heretics. The precise written event - John was banished to Patmos after being plunged into boiling oil in Rome and suffering nothing from it. Tetullian wrote the whole audience of the Colosseum was converted to Christianity upon witnessing this miracle. This event would have occurred in the late 1st century.

When John saw the vision of The Book of Revelation 11th chapter, John had lived this himself. He was not asked to report something he could not understand on a whim of faith. God wanted him to feel comfortable explaining the Plan of God.

Rather makes you feel good about God as an Employer, doesn't it? John did NOT feel as if he was asked to breathe out magic mushrooms. These events he had seen with his own eyes and was assured God would repeat them again. And God had provided many witnesses to these events. The Bible even says God does not insist people insist on their own Visions. Mary, recall with me, "pondered these things in her heart." God is Not an accountant of "No, no, no, didn't quite precisely tell that perfectly." God is a a tender parent who makes sure Peter has second chances and thirds and fourths. God visits Gideon carefully to assure Gideon. Pharaoh dreamed his dream every night for a year. The baker was forgiven for forgetting Joseph for a few years.

The Prodigal Father is God. Moses was all that, but Moses needed help too. Because Moses made some huge mistakes as well.

God alone is God.

We are faced today with many things like the Authorship of Hebrews. The early Church recorded with certainty that Paul wrote this. Perhaps Paul enjoyed Luke's style writing the Book of Acts. It was during the time Latin was falling away and Church services were conducted in Latin that many Church Histories were improved by redoing History. The time when Michelangelo could write about two Popes, power and war. Jeremiah 23 tells us History is rewritten in terrible times. We should revel and celebrate in early Church history. Hebrews tells us in the body of the book that the companion of the author is Timothy - which agrees with early Church history - Hebrews is the work of Paul in the Holy Spirit. We live in a time where we grew up being told Pontius Pilate had no historical record of existing. And in our lifetime we find Caesar Augustus' census of Bethlehem is found. And the marker in stone of Pontius Pilate in several places and in obscure Roman historical governmental papyrus comes to light.

Remember Historical Early Church History. This serves us well when this upholds the Word of God.


Hebrews 13
20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.


Father God, Your mercies renew each day. Let us and the ones we love rest in the New Covenant of Your mercy, guidance and way. Equip us with every good thing to do Your will. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, Jesus, my rock and redeemer. To You be the Glory forever and ever. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Matthew 5:45 ~ be sons of your Father who is in heaven

Sooooo. I have a relative who majored in college in Philosophy. Actually, he minored in that.

I think mostly people bump down the road hoping blessings are coming their way for work for effort. Or fall out of the sky. But certainly, if God were a slot machine and you put in your good behavior, you would hope for a good ROI.

The Bible says,

Matthew 5:45
so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

So the play for effort reward is not a sure covenant signed and sealed.

And interestingly enough, I do some Calligraphy and enjoyed having a small spiral notepad with Biblical quotes that warmed my heart. We used to have to interview people in college for my sorority, so a lot of people saw my small notepad. People who knew not a lot about the Bible found the notepad - "Rather nice - can I have one?"


Nihilism the rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.

I'm not sure I can even address that. If we believe life is meaningless - you could do unfathomable things. I'm pretty sure that is an illness to think that. I suppose if you were a killer for hire - that works.

Existentialism the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will.

Sounds a lot like the High Schoolers and Junior High Schoolers we used to do Youth Ministry with. We all have to do this. If our beliefs are not thought out, then we merely parrot what we believe. Jimmy Swaggart had his beliefs handed to him. The Prodigal Son needed time. Jesus' brothers needed time.

Why can't we all just determine to be Anarchists and do what feels right? My relative went back to college to his college professor and said Anarchy has been tried. Or perhaps Libertarianism. And that is called the Book of Judges. The Governmental form chosen by God for the Children of Israel after they decided God was a little too powerful and too many unusual things surrounded the Ark of the Covenant.

Judges 17:6
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Judges 18:1
In those days Israel had no king. And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they had not yet come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

Judges 19:1
In those days Israel had no king. Now a Levite who lived in a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim took a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.

Judges 21:25
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

The end of the Book of Judges has an entire tribe disappear. Tribes disappeared under kings as well , however usually as an act of war and that is sometimes unpreventable.

A tribe is an analogy for a brother. And the question is answered for doing purely what suits us. And the consequences.

So why would we pick to be Christians? God loves us first. God calls us.

Are we afraid to disobey? God says, through Jesus in the Bible, that we know that Heaven exists and hell. People say Jesus meek and mild. People say. However, Jesus said be afraid of Him who can cast you into hell. So we are in Fear?

Moses. Moses met God. Moses knew that the Power God holds is something there is no hiding from.

Peter. Peter met God. Peter knew that the Power God holds is something there is no hiding from.

Jeremiah. Jeremiah met God and knew that Power God holds might just listen if he asked not to do the job. Peter asked God to look away too. Both of these men knew God and hoped someone else would have to speak up. Not them.

So why did they speak up eventually? Because God appreciated them. God didn't put out a tazer and zap em. Samuel was told to anoint David as King during the reign of Saul. Samuel - Man of God - asked God -  "Could we do this later? Would you send someone else to anoint him?"

Samuel thought God could be reasoned with. Abraham knew God. They were good speaking companions. Abraham bargained God for lives. God was pleased. Adam spoke with God in the Garden and thought Adam would like to be like God. Adam was willing to endure God's anger - to be like God.

So....People who know God - believe - God is reasonable.

Why do they end up Doing What GOD wants them to do?

God has a way of being Father. There is something Vastly compelling to know God has something for you to do. Something amazing happens when you realize - God is For You.

God not only just knows your name - God gave you your name like - the biggies in the Bible. Ephesians 3 says God names people  And in the mind of Christ - parents say, "Hey, this is a good name for the baby!"


Abraham was flawed. Terribly flawed. His parental skills have left the middle east in trouble as brothers fight brothers over an inheritance still. If only we could go back in time and help Abraham with parenting. God sees this. And says to Abraham - because you have the faith to go where you are called - because you have the faith to believe I speak to you - because you only tried to fix the Words of God to fulfillment - because you tried to bless that unplanned child - because you argued the lives of sinners to God - your faith is credited to you as Righteousness. Love covers a multitude of Sins.

There is something compelling about God. When HE says, "Hey, you want to come with me?" People put down their day to day activities and say, "Yes, I want to see what happens next!"

And when they see what God can do - they walk in awe. And worry. And worry some more. And then and then and then - they see God appreciates them.  A man is told  by His Father "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." And that moment has crystallized a life.

A man is asked, Simon of Cyrene, to help carry the cross of a good man and finds as he travels the Via Dolorosa about Jesus. Simon sees meaning. He sees Mary is given comfort. Women mourn Jesus. Multitudes of women mourn Jesus. He is in despair at the shape of Jesus. To see Jesus suffer. Simon's wife and son are recorded as being helpful to the Body of Christ before the name Christians even exists. Simon might have been like John - who could hardly bear to know the cruelty shown to a man proclaimed to be by His klllers - The Son of God.

Jesus spoke to a rich man and declared as he walked away - Nothing is Impossible for God.

Unlike the Book of Judges - Jesus had hope for that man. His disciples were astonished. Jesus had more faith in God and in that man.

Jesus had a follower who deserted Him. And Jesus believed the man could actually be the basis of His Church.

Jesus had a man who was murdering people to help the Temple of God. Jesus believed that man could write a vast portion of His Word. Jesus saw this priggish, overbearing, goody two shoes, willing to murder and help murders to help a weak God. And Jesus believed that man could go to the Gentiles and explain why they did well.

Jesus told the Gentiles they had figured out how to Love better than the Jews. Jesus has a knack for seeing people have gifts, talents, adventure, joy, courage and endurance - when they don't even see that in themselves.

God did not just See Gideon. God sees us all.

The reward is not riches. The reward is not more fear. The reward is not a larger to do list. The reward is Love. To hear the Words of God for millenniums and to grasp them into your heart. To be grafted into the Family of God.

John. John met God. John knew that the Power God holds is something there is no hiding from. John said with awe walking with Jesus - God is Love.

Peter. Peter met God. Peter knew that the Power God holds is something there is no hiding from. As men chose to walk away. Peter said to the Face of God, "Where would I go? Jesus, You have the Words of Life."

God says there is vanity in many words. The Word of God lives forever.

God says make songs when you hear Him. The Word of God makes the heart sing.

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but The Word of God shall not pass away.

Father God, The Joy in being able to have the Word of God dwell in you richly! We will never be far from the Kingdom of GOD. Child of the Most High God. We ask those precious to us and dear ask God to dwell in them. 

The gift of knowing you understand God is precious. God bless those precious Children of HIS. Be with us every day of our lives. Guide us Father God, love us God, dwell in us and help us make that dwelling a Wonderful place for You and for ourselves.

 Jesus, You Love and Live. In Jesus we pray. Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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