Luke 5 ~ On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on Him - to hear the Word of God

Luke 5

5 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on Him - to hear the Word of God,


John 1
To all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become Children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, 
but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His Glory, Glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

16 For from His fullness we have all received, Grace upon Grace. 
17 For the law was given through Moses;
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 
18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, 
He has made Him known.




Luke 5
He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land.

And Jesus sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. 

And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

Psalm 90
Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3 You return man to dust
and say, “Return, O children of man!”
4 For a thousand years in your sight
are but as yesterday when it is past,
or as a watch in the night.

5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
like grass that is renewed in the morning:
6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
in the evening it fades and withers.

7 For we are brought to an end by your anger;
by your wrath we are dismayed.
8 You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9 For all our days pass away under your wrath;
we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
10 The years of our life are seventy,
or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
they are soon gone, and we fly away.
11 Who considers the power of your anger,
and your wrath according to the fear of you?

12 So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom. 
13 Return, O Lord! How long?
Have pity on your servants!

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
and for as many years as we have seen evil.
16 Let your work be shown to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.

17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!


Words are good. Love is better.

Galatians 3:22
The promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Romans 8:15-17
15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

1 John 4:8
Because God is love.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Ephesians 6 ~ Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible!

Ephesians 6

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5 Slaves, [bondservants] obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master [Lord] and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brothers [brothers and sisters], and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible!

Love Incorruptible.

Archangel Gabriel, who stands before God, went to two people. One wanted a sign, the other said if God wants to shake up my world - He is God and I will go with Him. The mystery of the Gospel is God is really looking at hearts open to Him. Proverbs tells us God and our heart know each other quite well. God is going with the Earnest Heart to Him.

Ephesians 6 - reminds us there is a spiritual battle. Larger than we are. In God's hands. Our part as children of God is to act with kindness, to be sincere, to work hard at the work God gives us and to pray. To stay in our faith, to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

For His Incorruptible Love toward us. Father God.

Incorruptible - once you have been privileged to put on the armor of God - you never have to remove this. Jesus is Lord is a dart prayer acknowledging we are protected in Jesus Christ.  Calling His Name is a great and eternal call in Prayer. God says He is with us always.

God is our Father.

Difficult days. Times change. Life becomes very push and shove instead of a smooth, straight path of the Lord. Ephesians 6 recognizes this. Earnestly put your foot forward to help. To acknowledge this Word of God our LORD is a reward.

As a younger person, I put time into memorizing (a rare event for me) the garments described in Ephesians 6. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He is just a prayer breathe away. It is nice to memorize a Scripture, but it isn't knowing these phrases protecting us from the spiritual battle. Sometimes, when I am hard pressed, I say to myself, I can do all things through Jesus Christ. Knowing it is a prayer, but God is the Almighty. Jesus really cares more about the intent of the soul. God Himself to your utmost self, He created you in His Love and will continue to be the Light.  God is Light. The battle is His.

Truth - Live in it
Righteousness - Walk the path of holiness God calls us to
Peace - Work towards it, read the mercy of God in the Scriptures
Faith - believing until you know God loves you and He is for you
Salvation - God didn't take the event lightly, neither should you. You were bought at a price.
The Sword of the Spirit - God's Word - if you don't know it, how will you stand in the faith God calls you toward. Hold on to God's Word.

(Read Scripture to understand God's intentions, His nature, but God answers and hears prayers by asking. Remember Jesus didn't quote Malachi 3:1, He said it, but He declared "it is written" to tell of John the Baptist. Jesus proclaimed God's intentions and Words. Yet, really we all learn in different manners and our brain classifies information differently and this is why we use images.)


Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might

A Texas Evangelist, Ron Luce, told of growing up in a very dysfunctional home, where his mother was verbally very abusive. He and his wife & children decided to just be glad to see her and invite her to their home. It wasn't one person taking it on, it was the family support of going two by two, of the 70 disciples Jesus sent out. Everyone just took some time to be kind. It changed their family. They told her they wanted to love her like God did. Glad to hear from her, to see her. Ignoring her abuse, but accepting her. When Ron Luce's mom accepted the Lord in her life, her life changed to become the loving woman they had put their love towards. That my friends, is an act of God. When Jesus gave ministry, He sent people out in two's. Because with God - we are a three corded chain - harder to break.


Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Jesus saw a new Heaven and a new earth. Jesus made Heaven about the Mercy of God in His overwhelming gift of His Love taking our sins and our diseases upon Him. Thank You, Jesus. For answered prayers, even in unseen answers.

Jesus boldly tells us to Love Him first. Look to Him. Then love ourselves. Love our neighbor. Especially the one who gives mercy! Jesus recommends us to remember the neighbor who gives mercy! Love has to be healthy. The beautiful and family friendly movie Cinderella came out. This is a God principle too. Fairy tales had a moral purpose - if she had known God called her to love herself as well as be His ambassador. God wants us to love. He does. In the path He gives us. Using the talents and gifts He provides. In ways that feed relationships to work to honor Him.

The Puritans were starving to death and they prayed for food. Lobster arrived covering the beach. They were told it was so ugly it had to be unanswered prayer. We have a pretty good idea in hindsight God provided richly. God asks us to have an attitude of expecting the Goodness of God for us.

God has mystery and He tells us to look for what is good.

Pray. God Listens and always has Great Mercy. Mercy is something He blesses.


Father God , please, may Your mercy continually guide us and
lift up our head to look to You as we do Your Will .

Father God, we ask you to bless us and keep us.
Father, let Your Face shine upon us and be gracious to us.
Father, Lift Your Countenance upon us and give us peace.
In the name of Jesus and for our people, we ask You to bless us.
Your Good and Gracious Will be done. Amen

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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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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