Luke 3 ~ John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

We can joke, but let's look at message we rush past in the Joy of the Christmas Story!

Luke 3

3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.

Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.

And all people will see God’s salvation.’”

7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”


10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.

11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”

13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.

14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”

He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”

15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.

19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.


21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,

the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat,

the son of Levi, the son of Melki,

the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,

25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos,

the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,

the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath,

the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein,

the son of Josek, the son of Joda,

27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa,

the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,

the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melki,

the son of Addi, the son of Cosam,

the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,

29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer,

the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat,

the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon,

the son of Judah, the son of Joseph,

the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,

31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna,

the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,

the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse,

the son of Obed, the son of Boaz,

the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon,

33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram,

the son of Hezron, the son of Perez,

the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob,

the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham,

the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,

35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu,

the son of Peleg, the son of Eber,

the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan,

the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem,

the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,

37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch,

the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel,

the son of Kenan, 38 the son of Enosh,

the son of Seth, the son of Adam,

the son of God.

 The Mikvah around the Temple Mount

The Mikvah that was probably used by the 3,000 converts after the First Easter in the Book of Acts.




My God will strengthen and sustain those who call upon the Father of all of Creation. The Lord God Almighty. Who began His Word - with Jesus the Lord.

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

Surely a very unpolitical thing to say. And a serious thing to say. John was pretty bold to say that. John was in wake up mode. Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order. ~ John Adams


The fifteenth year of Tiberias' reign was AD 27 or 28, and the place of John's emergence was out of the wilderness into all the region around the Jordan River. This is concrete. We tend to wave off what John had to say - ok, religious talk.

No - John had real commentary on Spiritual Issues. Issues so profound John's birth had an Archangel announce to a Priest in the Temple of God - this un-conceivable child would have a task from God Himself.

You have to wonder if God should have sent the Archangel Michael? When Michael contended with the devil for the body of Moses - Michael was polite. Gabriel seemed to be hasty with the punishment. And yet, perhaps Mary had heard of Gabriel visiting her cousin-in-law Zechariah. Properly informed - Mary knew she should be more polite herself. However, this is speculation - and yet - we all will go to Heaven to meet Jesus - so perhaps we should consider Heavenly visitations with angels. This is a worthy point of remembering!

Mikvah - John’s baptism was an adaptation of the mikvah, or ritual immersion bath, - part of Jewish life for generations and symbolized a spiritual cleansing. Spiritually part of the preparation for undertaking a new beginning. Jewish men took a mikvah each Sabbath in preparation for the new week. Women took a mikvah after each monthly period as a spiritual cleansing. On Yom Kippur the High Priest took 7 mikvot (plural of mikvah) during the ceremonies in preparation for entering the Holy of Holies.

Jesus came to John for a mikvah at the beginning of His ministry. And John was privileged to touch God.

John is reminding people this Baptism of the Holy Spirit will save them from their sins and they will avoid the wrath all in Israel felt could descend from the lack of a Davidic King and the Temple being appointed by Rome's puppet King Herod.

John's baptism - a mikvah - was a sign of a changed mind (repented) about their need for a Savior and were taking a new direction regarding their salvation. No longer would they focus on keeping the Law but would look instead to the coming redeemer whose arrival John was announcing.

Today, Baptism is a public declaration the people surrounding this Child of God want a spiritual cleansing and the new direction toward God has been taken. I love the affirmation of The Anglican Church to promote a relationship with Father God and renounce evil.

Father LORD my God, many are the wonders You have done, the things You planned for us. None can compare with You; were I to speak and tell of Your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

You bring good news to earth of Heavenly things. We lift up our voices with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!"

We will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before You, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands!

We thank You knowing blessings will arrive - in expectation - Thank You Father God. Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Isaiah 43:1-7 ~ Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west

Isaiah 43:1-7

But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in exchange for you.

Because you are precious in my eyes,
and honored, and I love you,
I give men in return for you,
peoples in exchange for your life.

Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
and from the west I will gather you.

I will say to the north, Give up,
and to the south, Do not withhold;
bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the end of the earth

Life for all of us goes up and down in years like the Stock Market.



During one Series, the crowds and the other players were tough on the Babe. Some antagonistic  name-calling from the Giants bench. Babe could usually take foul-languaged banter coming at him from opponents -  he could dish it out, too, - This time he found these personal attacks to be too much.

After one of the games he charged into the Giant clubhouse to find an abusive player. Fortunately, tempers  cooled before any fighting occurred.

Babe Ruth had a stellar career. All people age and all people change. About the all-time great in baseball  - Babe Ruth. His bat had the record of 714 home runs. “The Babe” was the be all of Baseball fans, but  time took its toll, and his ability and popularity began to wane. The Yankees traded him to the Braves.

In one of his last games in Cincinnati, Babe Ruth began to falter. He struck out and made several misplays  allowing the Cincinnati  Reds to score five runs in one inning.

 As “the Babe” walked toward the dugout, chin down and dejected, there rose from the stands an enormous storm of boos and catcalls.

A little boy jumped over the railing, and with tears streaming down his cheeks he ran out to the great athlete. Unashamedly, he flung his arms around “the Babe’s” legs and held on tightly. Babe Ruth scooped him up, hugged him, took his hand and the two of them walked off the field together.  -

The fans went quiet. And an enormous regret swept over the field. Babe Ruth left the field to the cheers of the crowd remembering Babe for all the years he had given all to Baseball.

Moments Together For Couples: Devotions for Drawing Near to God and One Another
By Dennis Rainey, Barbara Rainey

God sees all of us. All of our thoughts. Jesus knew all that was in mankind.
Many times Jesus saw people need to see something like the little boy to be shepherded and guided down right paths. Jesus had compassion on the people. And wanted to take them under what He called His Wing.

Jesus really does see something in mankind. And the multitudes followed Jesus away from their lives and astonished the Temple, the king, Pilate and the Sanhedrin. Jesus knew He was creating a new Heaven and a new earth.


Jesus was of course speaking to all His beloved:

1 Peter 5

5 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

1 Corinthians 1:1-7 ~ So that having every grace you are living in the hope of the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ

Multitudes met in the Temple after Jesus was triumphant over death. Sosthenes was a synagogue leader identified in Acts 18.

1 Corinthians 1:1-7

Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the purpose of God, and Sosthenes the brother,

To the church of God which is in Corinth,
to those who have been made holy in Christ Jesus, 
saints by the selection of God, 
with all those who in every place give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
their Lord and ours:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give praise to my God for you at all times, because of the grace of God which has been given to you in Christ Jesus; So that in him you have wealth in all things, in word and in knowledge of every sort; even as the witness of the Christ has been made certain among you:
 So that having every grace you are living in the hope of the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What if God wanted the apostle John to live until Jesus returned, what would it be like - to be able, in this life, to meet an actual apostle of Jesus Christ?!!!

What would Paul say to us today? What would it be like to receive a letter in the mail from Paul? This letter begins to tell us what Paul would say to you, a child of God, adopted by Jesus.

Paul would let you know, right away, where he stands; Paul works for Jesus Christ’ purpose. He’d write to you, to tell you, God has called you to be a saint. Only because God has personally chosen you. But you aren’t called to be a lonely saint; just as Paul has Sosthenes, his friend, (who is as close to him as a brother) you will have others who join you to give honor to Jesus Christ.

Paul says you have: love, you’re given forgiveness and peace, you can give forgiveness. Not from Paul, but given from Father God and Jesus.

Next, Paul says you are a new beginner in Jesus, so take things carefully.… Nope, this isn’t said at all. No. Paul says you are God’s, Paul is grateful for you. Paul says you live in the hope of Jesus’ gift of eternal life and eternal forgiveness, living faith, hope and love, living God’s purpose for you – you have all the spiritual gifts you need.

Paul tells you, you are a workman approved by God, you are God’s own child. When you don’t do something correctly, because you are human and need a Savior, God’s grace is coming to you.

But what if the day you read this Wonderful, Today, Good News Letter of God and you are a person of deep faith but this Psalm ...

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Does not seem to be working for you? And although you have faith - you have ill health, money worries, job worries and just a lot of glum going on in this season of your life?

2 Timothy 2:10-14
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

God is faithful. Life is temporary - trouble is temporary. Grab all the peace that passes your way and hold on to His Peace. Remember 2 Timothy 2.

Father God we thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank God. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 10:21-24 ~ In that same hour He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit

Imagine the first week after the first Easter, where the Parables of Jesus were explained as His Glory is Revealed. Death cannot hold Jesus the Lord.

Luke 10:21-24

21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 

22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” 

23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Remember with me, Jesus did not explain the parables to the crowd. Jesus explained His Parables to His Disciples. Multitudes and multitudes came to the Temple - Josephus said this would be 1.2 million people based upon the average Holy Day Attendance in the Temple in Jerusalem.

Imagine, after the Easter of Jesus' Triumph -  the crowds learning there was far more to Jesus than free bread and fish.


Isaiah 30:18
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

The multitudes were learning this as the Generation of Jesus.

Isaiah 65:23
They will not toil in vain or bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD, they and their descendants with them.


Matthew 16:16,17
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven."

Christianity isn't a religion; it is a relationship. Christianity is not a philosophy; its approach to life is concrete. When Jesus was born the angels didn't send out a Coca-Cola commercial guaranteed to make us feel good. It wasn't like a Christmas card saying, " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men."

No, what the angels said, as messengers of God Almighty, was:

Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom He is well pleased.

How did Abraham please God?


Romans 4:2-4 (New American Standard Bible)
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."

Romans 10:9 
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Faith made Abraham the pick of God. Belief. Abraham got on his feet and he went. He expected God to be good and he argued with God for other people to be allowed to live. He argued with God to bless his illegitimate son. Abraham was one who believed God was so large He could bless everyone - rather like Jacob having to take his blessing and then return the blessing to all his sons and a few of his grandsons.

“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Consider the shepherds,
called forth by God, they heard the message and what did they do? Why are these characters in the field chosen?

Luke 2
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child."



We who grew up with the Bible knew of God's abundant love for a shepherd boy overlooked by his own father. A boy who defended sheep. And thought so much of an anointing of God that a child stepped up to kill a warrior giant. Who fled a jealous king to become a mercenary. Still trying to find the Holy path as he lived in a ditch.

Why did God bless and choose His Only Son to be this oddly lived life in remembrance?

Acts 13:22
And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.'


Father God, Thank You for Your Steadfast Love. Bless the People who Love.
In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Matthew 27:51-66 ~ Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud

Representation of the Temple Curtain by A. Gardere

2 Chronicles 3:14
He made the curtain of blue, purple and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim worked into it.

Matthew 27:51-66

51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.

 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 

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

62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

If you ever wanted to own a Roman coin, they sell on ebay for not much money. The coins come from Roman soldiers frequently burying their treasure before war, the coins come with instructions to wash millenniums of soil away. Roman soldiers faced death all the time, if not from war, then in decimation from discipline.
Why doesn't the history from the Scriptures, Josephus, from Sanhedrin Council records say the praetorian guard was killed? There was too much going on, if Pilate was frightened and personally flogged Jesus himself (John 19:1) , how must Pilate have felt when all of these events occurred? Even the soldiers surrounding Jesus must have reported to Pilate saying among themselves Jesus was the Son of God. Eclipse, earthquake, Temple steps, Temple curtain, dismissing His own spirit, forgiveness and early death. The tombs opened and bodily resurrection reported, not just of the Lord, but the holy. Pilate's own sign proclaiming in three languages Jesus was King of the Jews.
Did Pilate stand on the steps to see the sky become dark and feel the earthquake on the Scala Sancta, the Holy Stairs, transfered from the archaeological ruins of Pilate's Palace to the Vatican? (Scripture for Today Link) Without doubt, Pilate was later informed.

Pilate was later fired, struck down in his military standing, for his inability to rule in orderly methods with the Jews. There were many examples of Pilate and his extreme tactical mistakes, in later years Jesus' trial was known throughout the Empire and beyond for being unjust.


Of more impressive significance is Joseph of Arimathea. Never one exposed to war, death, criminal death, capital punishment. The Great Sanhedrin was the supreme religious body in the Land of Israel during the time of the Holy Temple and at this time chosen by Herod. So Joseph stepping up to take care of Jesus is truly the mark of the diligent and earnest soul to God.

The meaning for today - might be this. The Body of Christ is concerned again about violence. Violence has met the Kingdom of God many times. There is no reason why every Church should not have a silent alarm and an idea for security. God is pleased with our diligence and security. 

Thank You, Father God for the relief to the story of Jesus' sufferings. We thank You, Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 12:35-48 ~ Keep your lamps burning

 

Luke 12:35-48

35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 

37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 

39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

41 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 

45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 

48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.


It's hard to fine the balance. The balance is why Joshua kept on for 40 years.
God named His Son - Yeshua. 

God is for perseverance.  In dire circumstance and in routine.

We say too much. Pushed aside.

We are thrust out of the inner group. We are suckered in. Made much of. Rejoiced in and relied upon.

We are used. Respected.  Why not stay home - with all comfort and ease - safety?
Traveling when home is loved.

We are in circumstance wildly beyond expectation. In a slow lane of regular old, rut.

We are in endurance. We are thriving. We are in joyful expectation.

Told to be bold. Told to hush.
Why not quit when no one is pleased?
Because. Usually Someone is pleased! When you want to please God.
The goal is not applause. God is pleased and pleased more completely. 
Pleasing God is putting the steam in your soul to go forth.

Just like the beginning of Jesus Christ's Church. For four centuries. Evil days happen. It is our godly desire not to fall away and fall back away from doing the Call of God.

Usually when someone will speak up to put you down - you did something.
Something worth while. Even Winston Churchill said so. Scripture can be difficult. Life can be difficult.

Few people comment on the outrageous aspects of their lives.

Some days are difficult. Really difficult.

 Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home.

We are Loved Cherished Believed Strong

Children of God. 

That is what is important. 

Each of us is unique, important and special to God. And in life, the just and the unjust get rained on and sunny days. We get to decide we are living a life worthwhile.  We can focus on the stain on our shirt or on the immeasurable grace Jesus gives us daily. God will listen. Love. And Care. Always.

Father God, thank You for giving us the ability to see real care. And the drive in the Holy Spirit to endure with hope - tough times. The gratitude of good circumstance. In Jesus we find the joy of each day, the sufficiency and the ability to complain in moderation and rejoice in optimism. We lift up our lives to you and the ones we love - to be the people You are pleased to dwell and live with. 

Bless the people of Charleston. During the healing - in the faith knowing  the cost can be great. And Jesus' Words remind us - this present sufferings will not compare to the Glory Jesus has gone ahead to prepare for us.

In expectation, we will hear again from the surviving mother who will speak of Jesus being put forth and knowing her acceptance - Jesus has made a path for her beloved prayer group and for the believers in this life.

This generation rarely knows the pain of a child that goes Home first. Allowing the surviving and grieving mother several years to recover - is needed. To be gracious to the families and survivor and allow real emotions - is a path of God. Father God - help us to be sensitive to the needs of others.  Thank You Father God for the bravery of people who have counted the cost - and go forth in Jesus for millenniums. Jesus is always needed. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

 

Matthew 5:1-17 ~ When He sat down, His disciples came to Him.

My Savior My God - Aaron Shust (with lyrics)

Matthew 5:1-17

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.



2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

~  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

~  "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

~  "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

~  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

~  "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

~  "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

~  "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

~  "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

~  "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.


12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.



13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.


17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

When we are young, we are filled with invincibility. And we add to our joy to have children. Studies say the hardest part in life is when we are truly responsible for the ones we love. And my Psychology class at Texas A & M professor said he looked at the statistics, really put his PhD mind to them and opted out of children.

If you visit a Memory Loss Unit - what remains are the conversations in the Dementia area of raising children - long grown.

Today a man arrested twice for heavy drug usage in the past few months - sat with a Bible Study in Charleston - beautiful, beautiful, gracious Charleston - and killed 3 older people and others - sat with them an hour - and killed an Anglican Priest's wife and five others.  Saying to a mother lying in the blood of her dying son - you will live.

Peacemakers and persecuted for righteousness' sake is a little bit on the same actual side.

The face of the shooter betrays the deep inner turmoil.  Jesus also lived knowing this type of betrayal,
 
JESUS IS THE TRUTH.

In this manifestation of evil - Jesus will still triumph.

Jesus is the destination. Jesus is the bridge. Jesus will be the healer for the grief stricken. The Father never forgets His Children.  Isaiah 49 assures us of this.

Haters will hate. Ephesians 4 tells us God is the size of this Universe. And because of His greatness - Love has an open door policy. And this life tells us - in God's Word - this time is temporary. A life to establish our choices - developing our souls. The eternal life is a choice.

The people who went to this Bible Study - emerged unexpectedly as martyrs.  I am sure some of the people spoke to the deranged shooter of forgiveness. And Love has won again. There is a cost.

When we've been there 10,000 years - Bright Shining as the Son - we've no less days to sing God's Praise - than when we'd first begun.

In Jesus Christ - for this Church, Pastor-less. for these families, for this city, for this state, for this nation - Jesus assures us - there will be a Great Reunion. And parting will never be required again.

The name of the shooter will fade. The Love these people shared will endure. Jesus has overcome the enemy - death. The Victory is still with Jesus The Lord.

Imperfect - you bet. Jesus knows the ways of mankind - intimately and decides to SAVE THE WORLD.

Father God we see too many stories of hate. Yet if we were to continue to follow the lives of the saints left to deal with this destruction - we would find lives will continue to put their Faith in Jesus. We would see the honest time needed to recover. We would find grief, pain and tears. Yet in this endurance and these prayers to be offered, the strong Love for the Father - will create a new path. The doors of this Church will continue to be open to those seeking Jesus. The hearts of those who Love You, will continue to hold out open hands to do the Work of Their Father - who has supreme Joy in healing. We pray for You to uphold their journey in healing. In the Highest Name of Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †