2 Timothy 1 ~ God gave us a Spirit not of fear but of Power and Love and Self-Control.

Work to see the good. Be sincere.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

2 Timothy 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

2 To Timothy, my beloved child:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.


3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of
power and love and self-control.

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,

9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do.

But I am not ashamed,
for I know whom I have believed!
And I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.

13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

The Nation, from all sides, sees The Democratic National Convention have the opening prayer interrupted. The Prayer is made by The Reverend Dr. Cynthia Hale - 34 years in Ministry. Years ago Dr. Hale asked, “Is God like my father?” 50 years since she accepted Jesus Christ, the Rev. Cynthia Hale is the Founding Pastor of a 5,100-member megachurch in Decatur, Georgia.


What is the Good News here. Just about the only gleeful people were the people later asked by Bernie Sanders, not to do this. Bernie Sanders was not in approval.




"Be the Person You'd Want to Vote For."

Facebook offered up something of supreme interest. (I can't find the article again.) This was so good - an article from a writer saying we have indulged for too long, too long in slinging mud. This presidential campaign should remind us of one thing about our words and comments, "Be the Person You'd Want to Vote For."

The writer went on to say, we will find the people we want to vote for - when we behave as a person we would want to vote for.

We do not accept false guilt.

We will not be tarred as the Nation that booed at the DNC. There is too much incredulity to say this is the Nation itself. We will say who we are and what we believe. We will speak up. We will find the good. Jesus Christ says yesterday, today and tomorrow we will see the good. God saves the World in Jesus Christ placing the Light of Christ in mankind. We will never give up, never give up, never give up our hope in Jesus Christ. He is the God of Love.

Psalm 92

15 to declare that the Lord is upright;

He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

We will applaud and find all the good available. Thank You, Michael Jordan.

"As a proud American, a father who lost his own dad in a senseless act of violence, and a black man, I have been deeply troubled by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of law enforcement and angered by the cowardly and hateful targeting and killing of police officers. I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well. . I know this country is better than that, and I can no longer stay silent. We need to find solutions that ensure people of color receive fair and equal treatment AND that police officers – who put their lives on the line every day to protect us all – are respected and supported."


for God gave us a Spirit not of fear but of
Power and Love and Self-Control.

This is not just power of the wallet. Not the power of immodest self esteem. The power of the disdainful - that is merely a breathe and not lasting.

What is enduring and eternal is the God of Love. Draw up your life parables and of the words of Love and affirmation given to you by others with sincere Love. This is God encouraging yu to know. Power that is real and lasting is Love and is Self-Control. This is Our God in Jesus Christ. He heals us all.

~


Father God,

We seem to be in the midst of a hot, dry summer. We are praying Your Mercy for rain and Grace. Forgive us for having this endless, endless Presidential debate and our words fly in judgement. Help these Words to be gracious and truthful. Leading us to Jesus Christ and His Healing Love.

In all seasons, we can see opportunities to improve the Light of Jesus Christ in us. Help us to weather this storm with the ability to speak of our Hope.

In Days, Ancient of Days, You are God.

David wrote in the Holy Spirit,

4“O Lord, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothinga they are in turmoil;
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

7“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
8Deliver me from all my transgressions.

Isaiah 41:10 Isaiah strengthened millenniums and Jeremiah.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.

With Jesus telling us today, believe in God's Help and He is here. Father, in expectation of our concerns for health, surgery, terminal diagnosis, loved ones cares and concerns, Communities, Churches to hear the Word of God as God's Voice. Our Father's Love and Care for our culture and Nation. For the people all over the world calling on Jesus to shine brightly forth with Love. Amen in Jesus. Alleluia.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

A Volunteer Co-worker
https://www.gofundme.com/2gbrmmc
Help for the Harmons
A retired military family. My husband served in the US Army for 28 years.

Psalm 64 ~ Hear my voice, O God

Psalm 64

Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint;
preserve my life from dread of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
from the throng of evildoers,
3 who whet their tongues like swords,
who aim bitter words like arrows,
4 shooting from ambush at the blameless,
shooting at him suddenly and without fear.
5 They hold fast to their evil purpose;
they talk of laying snares secretly,
thinking, “Who can see them?”
6 They search out injustice,
saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.”


For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.

7 But God shoots his arrow at them;
they are wounded suddenly.
8 They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them;
all who see them will wag their heads.
9 Then all mankind fears;
they tell what God has brought about
and ponder what he has done.


10 Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD
and take refuge in him!
Let all the upright in heart exult!



In our Troubles, we can rejoice in the 10th Verse. God hears prayer.


The Presidential Election had a speech that said, “ The People deserve more. The People deserve more.” Be assured they meant integrity and earnest hearts working for the good of our lives, freedoms and culture.
I think we all know the news is more intense and more troubling that we all recall.


God is still in Charge. I’ve been thinking from the Political Speeches – “Father God, if we believe what the political promises are – we should have some really good Government.” Which still places God in charge. And I think gives us a great place to pray from. 

“Father God, I am sorry the Presidential Election is such a mess that at Rock Concerts, the singer gets a standing ovation for saying one of the worst troubles we have is this constant, constant, constant Presidential Election. And I know something of importance, when we are in trouble, the One to Turn to Who is Good – is Jesus. And in His Way, Truth, Life – this is our path.”


1 John 3
19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 

21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 

23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 

24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God,and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.



July 24th, 2016 Father Steven Saul,  “Who Do you say I Am?”

When we will say, “I was bought at a price. I expect my destination to be Jesus Christ based upon the Promises He gives me. I expect to love others as they would want to be treated. I will seek Mercy and Justice for myself and others. My words and actions are important.

If we do this and continue to Believe God sets life His way and Trust His Will. Then our culture and our nation and our lives, will be in His Care.

Thank You Father God, You hear our Prayers. Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14 ~ the duty of all mankind

God points out in every Person in the Scriptures, the darkness within them, using His Light to bring Goodness, Hope, Warmth and Love.

Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14

9 You who are young, be happy while you are young,
and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
God will bring you into judgment.

10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart
and cast off the troubles of your body,
for youth and vigor are meaningless.

12 Remember your Creator
in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come
and the years approach when you will say,
“I find no pleasure in them”—
2 before the sun and the light
and the moon and the stars grow dark,
and the clouds return after the rain;
3 when the keepers of the house tremble,
and the strong men stoop,
when the grinders cease because they are few,
and those looking through the windows grow dim;
4 when the doors to the street are closed
and the sound of grinding fades;
when people rise up at the sound of birds,
but all their songs grow faint;
5 when people are afraid of heights
and of dangers in the streets;
when the almond tree blossoms
and the grasshopper drags itself along
and desire no longer is stirred.
Then people go to their eternal home
and mourners go about the streets.

6 Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,
and the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
and the wheel broken at the well,
7 and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

8 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.
“Everything is meaningless!”
The Conclusion of the Matter

9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.

11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd. 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.

13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.

14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.

A passage you could think about the rest of your life with trepidation.

Youth wasted on the young? Old age not for sissies? The attitudes of this Teacher are ... glum. Meaningless - The Teacher cries about life. Odd for Solomon. He accomplished so much. Actually, Solomon had the life we'd all lead - he had a lot just handed to him. 

David worked very hard and Solomon swept in after the rest of the family went sour on the success after living in a literal ditch in a 'town' called Ziklag. Sure, some of the sons were born in luxury - some were not. I digress.

It really depends where you want your story to stop. 

Where is your Hope, Faith and Love?

Poker has a term called - the River. This is when you hang in there and keep working the cards dealt to you. Keep hoping for the opportunity, working the hand dealt to you is going to bring fruition.

Jesus told Nicodemus "You have to be born again." That gives some people the horrors - they don't see their lives as born again.

Hope anew and a fresh. Let the old wine of expectations and hurts go. Be filled with the new wine of joy in what is. Gratitude for the day. Gratitude that seasons change. Believing God is going to carry us through.

We cannot do this by ourselves. 

Nothing is Impossible with Jesus the Lord.

The Word of God says His Mercies renew each day. Fake good humor is not going to pull up our boot straps. We have to rely on God - His Mercies Renew. Our own efforts are always flawed.

The Disciple John is the opposite of Ecclesiastes 11.

 
This cave has the same view today. Inspiring. Seeing the mercy of God renew. Look carefully at the top photo an entrance. A narrow gate.


John was thrown into a cave on the Island of Patmos. John is officially known as John The Evangelist. Well, he was older. Washed up, done in. No more ministry. Emperor Domitian reigned from 81 - 96 A.D. John's task from Jesus was complete, Mary had died in her old age. Tertullian's testimony (De praescript., xxxvi), John had been thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil before the Porta Latina at Rome without suffering injury. John was fortunate to be banished. Even if he was just utterly ruined. Yet... Instead history records him as alive and vital. Fighting Gnostics in the 2nd Century. Explaining Jesus to unruly Jews. Irenaeus, bishop of Lyon c. 180 writes of John's very long life into the 2nd Century.


Revelation 1:9 states:
"I, John, both your brother and companion in tribulation... was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."

Philippians 4.

I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. 13I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.


Ephesians 3:16
I pray that out of the riches of His glory, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being

Colossians 1
growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.

We can see what John the Disciple saw ~ Today. Patmos.

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.


The interesting thing is, both the first words of Jesus to Peter, and the last words, were "Follow me".

The first words to Peter are in Mark 1:17: "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

The last words: John 21:22 
Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."






Father God,

Tonight, we got in the car to go to the grocery and we were listening to KSBJ Christian radio, where the economy and bills were considered in the song. We got to the grocery, as we got out of the car, not knowing Armando Pérez, Pitbull, the singer was rapping at the Woodland Mitchell Pavilion. He was Yelling about "It's on Fire!" "It's on Fire!" Which quickly got our very earnest attention. As we returned to the car, after getting groceries, Pitbull thanked the crowd for spending their hard earned money on his concert. (Which we thought was nice.) He said, "Have the time of your life, forget all the times and the concerns and your worries." Then Pitbull listed a long list of concerns, he must have listed 15 things. When the rapper got to "Forget the ongoing, never ending Presidential Election." Then, the singer got a filled Stadium screaming Approval. And he sang about the concerns of the economy.

We are lifting up the current times. The Economy and Employment.  Where even Rock Concerts have concerns.

Will Father GOD let go of us? No, Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always going to hear and help and work all things to good for those who Love God.

Help us, guide us, lead us, sustain us, comfort us, be Our Helper each Day.

We follow You and ask Your Blessing on those we Love. Our concerns like surgery, and illness and good passing. Domestic harmony.  Communities, Churches, our Nations and the World calling upon Jesus. All inhabitants of Your Creation. Like Dogs who growl.

We will have Your Joy.

Amen in Jesus!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Psalm 97 ~ Clouds and thick darkness are all around Him

Psalm 97

1 The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coast lands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3 Fire goes before him
and burns up his adversaries all around.


4 His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.

Revelation 4:3

And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.

 6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!

8 Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O Lord.
9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!

Clouds and thick darkness are all around Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His Throne.



Why would God the Father want to use Clouds and Thick Darkness all around Him???


This is Good News for Today.
These times. With factions and violence.

Seems so unusual for God to use Clouds and Thick Darkness. We know God is partial to Light from Genesis 1 and John 1. Father God tells us His Son - Jesus is the Light of the World in all of mankind.

Light overcomes Darkness. God says so. Here on earth and Heaven.
God is Good. All the Time.

Matthew 5:15-16
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.



And the Good deeds, shining Light of Father God Almighty, our very own God in Heaven fully display His Glory.

The Glory of God is Jesus, fully perfect, clothing us in His Righteousness as a free gift of Faith. 
.

 

 
And found...

Revelation 11
19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple; and there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.

Why would GOD be clothed in darkness?

Genesis 1:14
Then God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years
 

Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.

 
 God tells us He wants to save the world in Jesus Christ - therefore - God Is Always overcoming Dark.

John is our disciple writing John's Gospel of Jesus Christ. John 1 tells us of Heaven and John speaks of God's Throne.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.



"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.

And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you-- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?

'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,' who was, and is, and is to come.

“Behold, The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!"

Father God,

The Light of God is Love and Mercy. Grace.

The goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior have appeared.

Jesus, the Only Son of God our Father, has saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own Mercy.

By the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. Father God has poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.

In His Grace, we need to be mindful because we accept His Salvation with Faith, Hope and Love. Justified by Jesus' own grace - we become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

If possible, so far as it depends on us, live peaceably with all. Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.

Let us be born of water and Spirit, calling Jesus the Law fulfilled for us. Let us draw upon His Joy and give Him our today. Jesus is our hope, joy, Love and expectation. We lift our cares, the cares of the one's we love and pray for, our communities, our Churches, the Nations of the world in Jesus Christ's Salvation. And end our prayers holding fast to Him and His embrace. Looking for Jesus to Lift His Face, the Light of His smile for us! We know all who call upon Jesus are heard. For the faith to see renewal, joy and His blessings - Jesus dwell in me always! Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †