Matthew 2 ~ Jesus

Before Abraham, I Am

 

 Jesus Christ be our Center

 


Matthew 2

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Thank you, God for Your Goodness. Really, Thank You God.

Most of our clay nativities, we all have, and,, hopefully, display more than snowmen - have Three Kings.


And when you really get to the details - why do we have Three Kings and they are going into the 'house' to see Jesus? This is not a Biblical mistake, indicating today we are suddenly wiser. For 2,000 years since the time of Moses, Jesus has been written and looked for as - Messiah. Savior. King of Kings.

Isaiah told us the most of Jesus. Including factually and economically households would typically have a some cattle. Not abject poverty. A donkey, therefore, because we were informed about the livestock.  A man taking a very pregnant woman 68.9 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem might have a donkey cart. Particularly a carpenter. It's historically accurate to set the journey with a donkey. Wealthy families traveled using horses, while poorer families traveled by donkey or on foot. Since Mary and Joseph were probably a poorer family it is probable Mary rode a donkey to Bethlehem. Isaiah 7.

 And wise men? If you combine Isaiah following the light to find the Messiah - you find Kings. And doing the wonder of Biblical examination - intense scrutiny - you find the true nobility are those who seek Jesus.


Imagine thousands and thousands of years people long - to see - Jesus. What Bible people have faithfully and with love - placed together Scripture. Just like the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday since the 6th Century A.D. Even using visions to place the Scriptures together. Like Joseph.  We may use different musical instruments, but the heart and soul of worship of Father God goes on from one loving soul to the next - for thousands of years - This, this, this is the communion of the Saints. The faithful reaching through The Word of God to bring what God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit has brought to them - the Love God has placed in us.

The communion of Saints - yesterday, today and tomorrow!!!


Matthew 13
16 Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.


GOOD NEWS! This Generation is unique - never have more Biblical Archaeological finds told again, and again and again - the Truth of God's Word. The stones cry out!!!

And we read in Matthew 2 the wise men enter the 'house' of Jesus as a baby...

We find stables in Bethlehem through the millenniums - do - in fact - look like a house.


God does all things for His Purpose. The New Testament tells us the True Nobility are Wise Men seeking Jesus - Kings. Hence, God calls these wise men - Kings - in Isaiah. And bare in mind, this could be a literal king as well. God's purposes are God's.

Isaiah 60
2 "For behold, darkness will cover the earth And deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you And His glory will appear upon you. 3 "Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 Lift up your eyes round about and see; They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar"

Bringing us to the Scripture for Today:

Luke 7:2-10

Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.

And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”

And Jesus went with them.

When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

Our eyes will behold this fine sight, someday. When Jesus is our center.

And how, today, is Luke 7's Passage about Preparing a Place for Jesus?

What would we bring to Jesus that He has not given first? Our faith and belief with gratitude.

What gift would we give Jesus? To believe the One God has sent!

Thank You, Father God, our prayers are heard and answered. 

We see our lives reflect God, You, are God. We give You thanks for our blessings and blessings. And in our complaints, take a second to say, God is God, not me. 



Grow us up. Lead us. Guide us. You alone are God.

Help us to stay on the Plan and Path You have picked for us before our days. You have planned us and named us before we were in the womb - where You saw us being grown.

 In Your Mercy, You have brought us into the Light. We want to walk with You, Jesus, on the Path You have for us. Keep us diligent, keep us focused. Keep us in Love, Joy, Faith, Hope. Because we know that You, have a Plan that is our Hope and Future.

Protect us. Forgive us. Love us. And Love those people we love and the people You have given us. Bless our Nation, our culture and the world holding the communion of saints. 

Thank You for Your Eternal Life and Kingdom - where the Celebration of You continues. The Highest Name is Jesus - Jesus is Lord. To Him be the Glory, Now and Forevermore. Amen. Alleluia to Jesus.

We are going to give Jesus the gift of our souls to Him today. Give Jesus our burdens and cares. We are going to give Jesus our Loved Ones for His Tender, Steadfast Love. We are going to Trust Jesus. Trust Him with our yesterdays and our Tomorrows. Jesus the Lord. Our gift we lift up to You is Faith! And we will Live in expectation. Jesus is our Righteousness. Always.  We ask Jesus to help us finish well with His Blessings. Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

2 Peter 3:11-18 ~ what sort of people ought you to be

 

 

2 Peter 3:11-18

11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.



14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.

 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Joshua was filled with the Holy Spirit. In all seasons, Joshua lived 40 years in the desert knowing his advice to take the Promised Land should have been listened to. He served Moses well even if Moses had cost the former slaves and now Children of Israel and Moses had blessed them. Joshua was planning on seeing the Blessings of God.

Christmas has this tug as well. The Puritans and Oliver Cromwell were stoic. They believe inherently in following Jesus and His Sacrifice as seriously as possible. This is to be commended. Yet, Jesus spent John 14, 15, 16, 17 reflecting on His Life and His Joy for Jesus' Calling from Father God.

The Puritans were so fed up with the gaiety and poverty of England and Europe - they hated Christmas and put people in stockades for eating ham to even think of Celebrating Christmas. Still the Puritans started something amazingly Good. The New World. USA. And in starting the New World half a million young adults arrived to start a new world. 55,000 were forced into servitude. The first wave all died. And the next waves until supplies were left by the dead for the new arrivals to depend upon as stability was found. Servitude numbers were about Half a million...

The point being this - we all have a part to play in God's Family. Some people are not going to think that the excess of Christmas is of Christ. The idea is Joy. Rejoice in the different levels of faith. Encouragement and teaching with kindness.

And others realize a Father is much rather going to look at the happy times of His Son's Life and not focus on the death. The death is serious and invites a life time of gratitude for what we never, ever, ever could repay. But we miss all the Point of Jesus' Love for the Whole World if we forget the Joy of Jesus He speaks of in the many Chapters of John. Jesus was about to give again - His Life - and He wanted to leave a record of the Love He has for us.


Keep Christ in Christmas. And remember - the excess of Christmas - sparks wonder in many people to find out what caused all this Joy. The Chapters of God in the entire Bible is Vast. We can never ask the elbow of the Body of Christ to be the nose. But all parts are needed.



We all have some faith. Romans 1 says so. We just should be Salt and Light and Joy. John knew Jesus from years of observing our Wonderful Jesus. And found Him to be - God of Love.
 
 Keep Christ in Christmas. Count the Joy. Savor the Savior.


 Be diligent. Be Loving. Grow in Grace - be be generous with praise and forgiveness. Love Yourself as a Child of God. Bringing Love, Joy, Encouragement, Heaven to Earth Glory.







Praise be to You, Lord Jesus. Lord of All since Your Birth.

Amen !

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Matthew 2:1-12 ~ Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?

Matthew 2:1-12 ~ (New Revised Standard Version)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.' "

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.


Isaiah 60

1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.

3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the arm.

5 Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.

6 Herds of camels will cover your land,
young camels of Midian and Ephah.
And all from Sheba will come,
bearing gold and incense
and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.

Remember singing We Three Kings from Orient are. No. Nada. Maybe.

~ wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?"
They were from the East and followed the brightness of the star. Isaiah, in chapter 60, agrees & may tell us more than Matthew 2. Nations came to the brightness of Jesus, the nations mentioned are Midian, Ephah and Sheba. Men are called from the East to be part of the birth of Jesus in Matthew 2.

Jesus is the Light to all nations, because He gathers us to HIM.

If Isaiah says in Chapter 60:3 they are kings, I am willing to believe they were kings. Perhaps their kingship occurs later than Matthew heard in Chapter 2. Or perhaps they are kings because Scripture tells us true nobility seeks the Lord.

Remember what Luke says about Mary and the early days of Jesus:

Luke 2:19
Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

That is a good phrase for today... pondered in our heart... wise men still seek Him.


Abba, in the midst of the Roman Empire and the government that easily killed the Jews.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-
then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

We thank You Father for what You have blessed us with and ask Your help for our needs. And for those we love. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Luke 2 ~ Glory to God in the Highest

The Light of the World

Luke 2

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.


8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

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. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 

19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law.

28 He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30for my eyes have seen your salvation
31that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 

46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 

48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 

49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 

50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Let's examine using  December 25th date as the Birthday of Jesus the Christ of God.

The shepherds were in the fields watching their flocks at the time of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:7-8).

The Stables of Bethlehem are not large and would be 2/3rd's earth. Cut into the hillsides. This makes them chilly and prone to carry illnesses for staying indoors for any length of time.  They are not large and some would have large flocks. A stable is used for extreme conditions. Mary was in the stable - the flocks were abiding in the field.

Jesus’ parents came to Bethlehem to register in a Roman census (Luke 2:1-4). Such censuses were taken whenever Caesar Augustus wanted : in winter, when temperatures often dropped below freezing and roads were in poor condition. Pontius Pilate was known to kill Jews during Holy Days. This is a measure of control in a world apt to become surly to the Roman Government. Romans wanted obedience.


 Elizabeth (John’s mother) was in her sixth month of pregnancy when Jesus was announced to be conceived. (Luke 1:24-36) Approximately the time of year - Jesus was born  regarding when John was born. John’s father, Zacharias, was a priest serving in the Jerusalem temple during the course of Abijah (Luke 1:5). Historical calculations indicate this course of service corresponded to June 13-19 in that year ( The Companion Bible , 1974, Appendix 179, p. 200).

And yet, we don't know John was conceived immediately. We can put 5 months of Elizabeth remaining at home discretely, somewhere in the vicinity when Mary visits. We can definitely place the visit of Gabriel within 6 moths of John's father and to Mary. Conception is not a guaranteed Biblical immediate. The Frst Chapter of Luke says "in those days" Mary was pregnant and so was Elizabeth. We could see Elizabeth at week 39 and Mary at week 1.

At the time of Temple service Zacharias learned  he and Elizabeth, would have a child (Luke 1:8-13). After he completed his service and traveled home, Elizabeth conceived at some time. (Luke 1:23-24). Assuming John’s conception took place near the end of June, adding nine months brings us to the end of March as the most likely time for John’s birth. If March is the time Mary conceived, Jesus could be December.

When Jesus existed before Abraham, He was saying His Birth was during Genesis 1. "Let there be Light."

Scientists discovered this year, when people report seeing fireworks and later know they conceived, this is the zinc in creating life. Zinc lights up. Let there be the Light of mankind - Jesus. God spoke the Word and there was Light and life.


When we celebrate Christmas, December 25th, let's cast all things under the feet of Jesus, saying God is God. Celebrating December 25th as Jesus the Christ of God, well, God probably intended us to have this day for Jesus.

Father God,

Baby John in utero discovered! Jesus is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. God gives us a Spirit of Power and Love. Delight yourself in the Lord.

This unborn baby John found, he sought the Lord, and was answered. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to God Almighty!

Behold, Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.

Father God, our Abba, our Jesus, our Holy Spirit, we lift to You in Joy our loved ones, cares and concerns and know You answer all prayers. From work, friends, communities, jobs, needs, health, opportunities, joy to sorrow. High concerns of Godly matters and all the way to the cares of the people for the Nation - continuing to the world wide prayer communion believing in Jesus the Lord.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. We will reap with shouts of joy!

Glory to God in the Highest. The Good News is Great Joy for all of mankind. Amen the Vast Love of God who is Love. Jesus the Lord. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Luke 2 ~ He was of the House and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary +

Mary and Joseph set out in expectation.

History should confirm this. And does in so many ways. This History confirms their journey.


Bethelehem looked the same for millenniums - and then populations rose and Biblical Archaeology found History.  The photos are a hundred years old.

Stable in Bethelehem

Luke 2

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 

3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 

6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.


Bethlehem and the Census required by Caesar Augustus  - Recorded now and found by Roman Historians.


"Since the consuls caused a law to be passed soon after this that he should govern the provinces jointly with Augustus and hold the census with him" - Seutonius Roman Historian - Tiberias 21- Lives of the Twelve Caesars"

"This contained the number of citizens, subject kingdoms and taxes. All these details Augustus had written with his own hand" - Tacitus Annals - Book 1 Roman Historian

Mark 12:17
Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”



In our life time, Pontius Pilate used to be a myth before History found evidence.

And in readily available histories - the Historical Record of our Lord's birth in Bethlehem - is still widely unknown. So, we have discovered a historical gem uncovering, again, another Historical Truth in the Bible not many people are aware of. Yet, the Bible tells us this did occur. And God does not lie. His Word is Good.

Why would be believe God could not arrange life to celebrate Jesus' real birthday on December 25th?
God apparently is alive, well and in charge.

Would Father God consider the birth of Jesus on earth as Jesus' birthday? Or would Father God consider the birth of Jesus in Genesis Chapter One. And God said let there be Light. John's Gospel assures us Jesus is the Light of the World.

John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

December 25th is the Son of God's Birthday. God is the Authority of All Things - the Creator of All Things. We just do not know if we are celebrating from 1 Anno Domini or perhaps Genesis One. And if God wants the two to correlate - then the two days are the same.

Is anything too difficult for God???


Genesis 18:14
Is anything too difficult for the LORD?

Jeremiah 32:27
I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."


Father God was telling us about the birth of His Son since Genesis 1. Advent - The Christmas Season - we don't just expect the Lord Jesus as a baby - we expect the King of Kings.



Father God,

Your Son Jesus was born in the shelter of the Most High and He abides in the shadow of the Almighty.

To travel so many miles upon a donkey explained in Isaiah's 7th Chapter. You, Heavenly Father, will deliver Jesus, Mary and Joseph from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. During the birth in a manger and the 70 mile donkey ride.

Father God, Your will covered Jesus with Your pinions,
You longed to gather Jesus in Your wings as a hen gathers her chicks
In the Name of Jesus, He is under Your wings and will find refuge.

Your faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

Jesus calms the waters and the storms. Jesus will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

Jesus had faith to cure the blind, lame and deaf. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. Until Father, You call for dead bones to rise to You.


History records Jerusalem fell at the time of Jesus' natural death in 70 A.D. and we will only look with Your Eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.

Because Jesus made the Lord Father God our dwelling place— the Most High, Who is my refuge —
no evil shall be allowed to befall us, no plague come near our tent.

Our God is Almighty, In His Word, He speaks ~ He will command His angels concerning His Will, Plan and Mercy for us and will guard us in all His Ways.


The Lord God of Hosts - on their hands they will bear us up, lest we strike a foot against a stone.

In Jesus, He will cause us to work in the Good works prepared for us to walk in. We will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent we will trample underfoot.

Because we holds fast to Jesus in love, The Lord of Lords and King of Kings will deliver us; God Himself will protect us, because we know Jesus the Lord God Almighty.

We will abide in the Word of God and when we call upon Jesus, The Lord God Most High will answer us; be with us in trouble; God and Father of All, will rescue us and we will honor Him.

Jesus, God's Only Son, did not forget His Father's teaching, and in His Name, we will let our heart keep His commandments. For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. We will not let kindness and truth leave us. And with long life Father God will satisfy us and our eyes will see His Salvation.

Bless those we Love and You have Given. Thank You Jesus for helping with our prayers for our Loved ones and going from employment to our city, communities and let Your Light Shine Brightly in All who call upon You earnestly. Cover us in Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Colossians 1:19-20 ~ to reconcile to Himself all things

In October of 1997, my neighbor heard in a huge thunderstorm, tiny kittens crying for their lives. And she went out into the storm where the 11-month-old feral cat had put her 4 male, two-week old kittens, to nest at the bottom of a roof drainage pipe. And because our neighbor went out into the cold October rain, we found we had 4 male kittens on our hands. She Scooped them up from certain death. Scoop came to live with us for 19 years. (Moses, as a name, we agreed, was a bit intense!!!)

Turns out as he progressed, he was a mixed Chartreux cat. And Scoop progressed to live in the middle of a group of cats who adored our first Springer Spaniel, 9-year-old Spenser. Spenser was always very puzzled our gregarious and extremely people-friendly and cat-friendly Scoop loathed dogs. Just hated them. 

Merit arrived after Spenser and lived to be 14.2 years old. Merit was always kind to Scoop and cry out for us if Scoop was in need. Scoop didn't really return the favor for any dog. Kindly didn't count with dogs.

Scoop could swat down our Husky grand-dog, Jackson, in old age. Then our 3rd Springer Beaux  arrived after Merit went to Heaven. - Beaux Springer, age one year, refused to quit kissing 16-year-old Scoop. Scoop found to Scoop's amazement, he purred for being kissed all the time and started to adore the 3rd dog. Loved... a ... dog... with all his cat heart.

Old cats learn new abilities. Cats live to be 15 and Scoop was 16 and found love expanded his life. The Dog really loved Scoop and Scoop loved the Dog.

1998, Scoop knew something dangerous lurked outside the first year of his life; he began as feral and refused to go outside. Scoop always was smart. There was a swamp thing, a bobcat from the nearby swamps and cats were suddenly gone. We went from a litter of kittens to two cats. Wisdom prospers. I had no idea until it was too late. Scoop knew.

Scoop always welcomed a new cat. He found he could create a cave in my oldest son's mattress springs and live in the seclusion to nap. Usually, he was found in the midst of 6 boys playing and did quite well. You had to move out of Scoop's way. He was ... sturdy. And not above taking a bite of anyone who bothered him. He gave up being a biter as he aged and mellowed, but still did not move out of the way of 80 lb Husky Jackson.

Bible Study, yes, please and sit on the carpet and observe leisurely.

Scoop greeted me for my 38th birthday by deciding my Joyeux de Vivre was too lively and he decided, for the last time, to try to remove my hand as he was resoundingly spanked.

Absentmindedly I always said Scoop was 19. And last month he was. He spent the last month recovering from an upper respiratory infection. Then several illnesses were recovered from. Constipation, diarrhea, dehydration. And no appetite. We got his energy up by going for a walk room to room. Scoop Cat liked that. And before Thanksgiving - he appeared to have new health - in a very skinny way. Yesterday he ate well - a can of cat food with canned pumpkin and some Thanksgiving beef in small bites - devoured that.

This morning he looked oddly dehydrated and I went off to the grocery for Pedialyte. Antibiotics. By about evening, Scoop had begun the transitioning of the next life. And I carried him out to the pond. He lost the comatose. Purred many sets today and purred to see and behold the pond. He was avidly interested in the ducks and the egret.

 I told him this is where he lives and is loved and treasured. Always loved. We stayed a good few minutes. Then he put his head back on my chest and showed he had seen his fill. All day, we sat on the sofa and I sang and he listened and off and on purred. His little mind worked the whole time. We prayed. For eternal health. And we thanked God that today God was going to answer the prayer. One way or another. At twilight end, I posted on Facebook a photo of all the furry leggers in our house in one photo. And went back to see Scoop had fallen asleep. Like his fathers.

Edward was sitting in with Scoop and said he was doing well. Scoop was doing well - in Heaven. One little breath and he stretched his legs. And Edward checked all was well. Which it was. And then that changed to Paradise for Scoop.

We petted Scoop. His fur lost the old age look. He looked beautiful and younger. I wondered if he was still alive and we prayed. Scoop slept on with the Lord.





How will we know we will see the little cat again? We believe the Bible is the Word of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:21
Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?


Famously Elisha saw horses come for Elijah. Zechariah tells us he has seen horses in Heaven Chapter One. Isaiah saw horses. Ezekiel saw horses. Habakkuk saw horses. John saw horses in Revelation.

At least six prophets have seen animals in Heaven.

I don't see this makes the Lion and the Lamb an analogy. Rather a Heavenly reality.

Revelation 5:13
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!

Ephesians 4:6
6 one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
7 Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ

Art by T Hurst, who lost his cat and the cat wandered home again.

Happy Heaven, Scoop. Visiting Daddy and Grandmothers, Isabelle and Matthew. Happy Trails until we meet again. Spencer, TC, Merit. Many, many more.

Colossians 1:19-20
19 For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 20 and through Him
to reconcile to Himself all things,
whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.


Thank You, Jesus. Amen. And for the many years, this precious Scoop was a warm and loving, interesting joy in our lives. The people who have loved Scoop give You Thanks. You Blessed us, Father, with Love and affection. Many, many good years and a peaceful ending of Sleep. Thank You, Thank You for answering our prayers. You sent Love to live with us. Amen Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †