Matthew 12 ~ For the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath

Matthew 12

12 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” 3 He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

9 He went on from there and entered their synagogue. 10 And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. 11 He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.

15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all 16 and ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

18
“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
19
He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
20
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
21
and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” 25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

43 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”


For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath


So we skate past this - what does this mean "Lord of the Sabbath", with the grain fields?

Simply put, The Goodness of God is Love, Steadfast and Encouragement. Woshiping in Spirit and in Truth.




We are to show mercy as the "Good Samaritan" showed to those who show mercy. This is the message to be kind to our 'House' - to those who show mercy. Where Love lives.

This is a message that is basic. Where we are not to convolute around. We are to do what King Hezekiah did not - we are to do as High Priest Eli - did not. We are to do what the High Priest and Prophet Samuel - did not. We are supposed to realize the Goodness of God goes were Love is. We are to worship primarily in mercy. Where Love dwells and to put our primary concern - where Love is.

The example Jesus gives us - is - where Love dwells. Where healing will 'buck the rules' and go out of the way  - to create Love and Healing.

This is what is important to God. Where we will go past convention to create Love.


Father God,
Praise God for being God who wants Goodness before pleasing the conventions.

God is is more concerned with goodness, healing and love - before the 'rules'.

Our God is Love, Steadfast and Encouragement.

Praise be to God before all else. Praise be to all of Creation for this nature and necessity of God.

Thanks be to Father God for His Mercy and Goodness to the ones we Love. And this love and these prayers circle to globe of the world that God himself and the fullness thereof, God calls "good".

Jesus is God. Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Numbers 6:23-27 ~ Being Blessed by God

Numbers 6:23-27

Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,

24
The Lord bless you and keep you;
25
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

27 “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”




When Prince William married his Kate, we witnessed what marriage is. Sharing what you have with complete trust love will continue. Wh'at better example of God than to share a name, life, bed, children, hopes, frustrations, reality, dreams, expectations, complications - than to say I give you my life and you give me yours.

And what happened in the United Kingdom? Marriage increased. Hope and faith in love spreads Love. The Belief we can make the future better together.

I'm not sure there is a better Christian example. Life given. Life shared. New life.

Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:14
House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a wise wife is from the Lord.


What is Father God seeking in marriage?


Malachi 2
ecause the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth,

he is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union

And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.


Psalm 85:10
Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Hebrews 13:1-25
Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” .


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

Ezekiel 16:8
“When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine."


Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Isaiah 62:5
For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.


Song of Solomon 2:4
Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.

Father God,

Many times from Proverbs, the Gospels and the New Testament, You have given a Blessing. For Love, Marriage and Loving Hearts, We remember Your early Blessings.


Genesis 22:17
I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.

What we put our faith in, is the guiding force of our lives. And in Your Plan, we are blessed.

Help us each day to be in Your Willingness, seeing Jesus is the Light of the World. The Light in all of mankind. And to view our days ahead with hope and vitality.

With the Name of Jesus we cover our cares, our lives, the lives of those we love on up to our prayers circling the globe knowing the Goodness of God.

Amen in Jesus Christ.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Matthew 11 ~ The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them

Both of these videos of The Great Isaiah Scroll show this amazing Scripture to be almost 25 feet long. 2,300 years old. And identical to the Bible in your hand today. The Scriptures convey the Words God has for us are steadfast and filled with Love.

Matthew 11

When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written,
“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,

who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.

15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,
17“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;

we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

25 At that time Jesus declared, “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; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

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

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

We grew up knowing the Hittite Empire was a myth. Pontius Pilate was a myth. Nineveh - the vast 50 mile city -a myth.

And then:

The Governor was found twice in stone work in Israel. And found in the papyrus of the Roman Empire to know the man (who had his wife tell him to leave Jesus alone) was eventually booted out of the Roman Army


The Hittite Empire, in the 1980s was a fable, until the Archaeological digs found the Hittite Empire's Library in Hattusa giving full Biblical agreement. Really this was reported in the newspapers as an "Indiana Jones Style Homerun".  Of course this was then thrown into debate - of which no one can deny  - the Biblical parallels.

  You just can't duck out on this archaeological evidence.  So remember this one! Imagine that - The Bible knew this huge Hittite Empire existed before we did!

There is no such city as Nineveh... except there is...

Significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls

We were also told the best Bible found, historically, was the Bibles first available when Martin Luther began the Protestant Church about 1500 A.D.. "The rest of the Bible was just made up over the years." This is extremely untrue. The Dead Sea Scrolls were recorded by the world's most famous historian Josephus - from Titus' conquest of Israel in 70 A.D. Josephus was a General of Israel who later served 3 Roman Emperors; to write the most famous of all historian articles. Josephus records the Essenes and the religious practices. This is echoed by ... Pliny the Younger. Undoubtable the Disciple of Jesus' Disciple John. This is "The" Beloved Disciple John, living well into old age in the 2nd Century B.C. - who also is found in the papyrus of Roman History. There is a historical interview of John in the 2nd Century. The historian asked John if he did agree with the 3 other Gospels. John did perfectly agree.

The Dead Sea scrolls not only tell us of the World 200 years before Jesus Christ. The Dead Sea Scrolls are "IDENTICAL" to the Bible of 1500 A.D. - so forget, forget, forget inaccuracy in Scripture. This is Identical. The Bible in your hand is astonishing and perfect.

Crosses were not put up as a "known" symbol. Just like Esther's Book of Esther's husband King Xerxes of recent history movies and video games. A "coincidence".  Dead Sea Scroll Cave 4. A shepherd boy threw a rock, heard a clay pot break and the discovery was made of The Dead Sea Scrolls. Jars and jars and jars of Scripture.

What does the Dead Sea Scroll tell us of Jesus?

he blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them

These miracles are told scattered here and there through Isaiah. Matthew, Disciple of Jesus, tells us they are pulled together and displayed clearly. A cataclysm of miracles. Seen with extreme power of God Himself.

The Essenes received visitors. And the Essenes wrote analysis of Bible accounts and their own understanding. In the Essenes writings is The Messianic Apocalypse (4Q521), has a list of miracles very similar to Luke 7:21–22, even though it was written approximately 150 years before Luke’s Gospel. And Matthew's. The Essenes told again and again they expected to die soon. And they did - The Essenes were killed by the Roman's before Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

Is the New Testament written in 400 A.D.?

Absolutely Not. No. There are 300 perfect Chapters of the New Testament owned by the University of Michigan called Papyrus 46.  The debate on this being first or second century A.D. comes down to how the pronouns are printed. The debate goes back and forth like a volleyball game.

Who was alive when all 300 Chapters were in circulation? The Disciple John was alive. The man who records falling to the ground one Sunday afternoon after finding himself in a vision in Heaven with Jesus. Surprise and faint. Jesus told him he did not need to faint and the kind words made John able to retain consciousness. Jesus is Good. Revelation 1.



Our Father,


For Thine is
(John's Revelation Chapter 6)... The Kingdom, The Power and The Glory!

Let us be able to see the Willingness Jesus tells us He traveled in each day.
Help us to "have eyes that see, ears that hear, and jump into" mercy renewing each day and live into Your Willingness. The Adventure of what You provide daily.

And for the ways we have all experienced god, help us not to rush past,
and believe, breathe, rest, rejoice in knowing You, father God,
completely reach out to the hearts who love.

Father God does not reach out to a few, He reaches out to all.
In the Love Jesus is, the hearts He has warmed, we know - Like Disciple John-
God is Love.

Rejoice, rejoice God is steadfast and encouraging. Always with us.

Jesus is God and with Him praying with us, we know we are loved and heard and helped.
  Amen Jesus God.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Mark 4:39 ~ Great Calm

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Mark 4:39

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.


This Scripture is wonderful news for us. Jesus knew about storms. Even more than the storms of seismic activity out of the Golan Heights, sweeping the Sea of Galilee. Jesus knew about storms we live today.

Jesus knew about the Storm Mary and Joseph would face living in the little town of Nazareth. And after Joseph had passed away, the town of Nazareth was astonished at the boy they said grew in wisdom and stature with God and man sying surely, this is Joseph's son? Jesus was seen as the family blended in to the community. You probably would say Mary and Joseph had some spectacular help. Jesus calms the storm.

Nazareth had not grown much from the last century to the days Jesus lived here as a boy. Israel has seen phenomenal growth as their patents increase to the largest number of patents per person in the world.




When Jesus was brought the news John the Baptist died, His cousin - Jesus fed the 5,000 and then walked upon the water. Similar to the Holy Spirit above the waters during Creation.

And Jesus was helping Peter, and in doing so was living the Joy Jesus told us He finds in life.

Psalm 31:19
Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!



Jesus was living this out:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.




Holy, Father Lord God Almighty.

You alone are Worthy. Consider the thoughts of our heart and turn Your Face Upon us. Speak Your Word and we will see Mountains move like that Storm that fled.

Send Your Holy Spirit over the waters and the land. Renew hearts of love for You.

The Power of this Great Work is Yours Alone.

And we will live, breathe, and know, move and have our being because of the activity of God who makes all things.

For the Glory of God who works in us His will, His Holy Spirit to act in order to fulfill Jesus' good purpose.

In Jesus Christ the Lord, our God, Savior and Advocate.

We thank You for Your answers.  Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Live your life entrusted to return your soul to Father God.

Live your life entrusted to return your soul to Father God.
 

1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2
3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others


The People who love the Lord Father God are not perfect. However there should be sincerity. A desire to please God more than man. A sincerity witnessed at all times and in all situations and with all types of people. Will mistakes be made? The Bible would say so.



The Bible says generations swing like pendulums - one generation holds fast and the next falls down. The Bible would say this holds truth. 


John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free

Philippians 3

9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—


12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

The Bible's wisdom is without depth or end. Generational curses have been spoken of since Moses. And Jesus came to set us free from our sins. Jesus is our freedom. 

Jesus sets us free.

Jesus sets us free.

When Jesus offers us Salvation, we should know this is paid for with a Cost.

What have we done with ourselves?
We are offered Salvation. 
We cannot purchase this. We can not redeem ourselves again, saying what Jesus did is unimportant. We can look at our purchased and wiped clean souls,
our two hands and be like formerly blind Bartimaeus, who wanted to walk with His Savior.

Jesus sets us free.

 

1 Corinthians 9:23

I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

“Restoration of all things” Acts 3:21 





 

Father God,
We surely and without doubt know the mystery to Faith is Yours. The people who read Isaiah knocked upon Herod's door to see the King of Kings.

Yet in the Love of Jesus Christ, You provide us with some insight to the Glories of Jesus in Father God.

For all of us The Book of Revelation will be different. Because You have told us we all have a different place and gift, talent, ability of faith, hope and Love. 

We all are part of the Body of Jesus and see aspects to You. The Father who Fills All of the Heavens and is the Light in all of Mankind.

Your Word is living and active. We can look past to the millenniums and know when Abraham went forth to please You, You were pleased. Abraham believed You and You credited Abraham with the Righteousness of Jesus. In You we are Covered Mightily. 

Abraham pressed You for Goodness and You made Abraham the Father of Nations because You love to be expected to Do Good as David knew so well.

Father God, this life tests us and perplexes us, be our Light, our Path and our Strong Deliverer. We lift up the ones we Love knowing that You Love more. We lift up the People You have given us in our lives and ask Your help and comfort and joy for them. We lift up leaders who call forth Your Mercy and Profound Love. 

We say In God We Trust and we shall not be ashamed. We ask the Light of Jesus Christ to shine in all of mankind and the Glorious Love of Jesus - The Holy One of God - is to bring forth more Heaven to this earth in the Love You told us is the New Commandment.

In Expectation, we look to the Future, knowing You hear all our prayers and Your Love is always present. Heaven's 12 Open Gates. Father God, we give You thanks for Love enduring in perseverance, joy, for Love opens minds, hearts and lives. JESUS, YOU ARE THE LORD MOST HIGH. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 1:19 ~ Glad Tidings

Luke 1:19

“And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to bring thee these glad tidings.”





What do you have in common with all the Children of God?

John 1

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

If we consider - the absolute truth is not Daniel, not Zechariah, not Mary felt any day or any moment of their lives - The Archangel Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God Father Almighty - was ever just about to visit.


Look at the Renaissance Idea of Angels....

The Word of God does not record anyone asking if the Angels if they want crumpets with tea or an olive or celery in their drink.

The Bubonic Plague gives us the history of why Mary would be wanted to be god-like. People truly missed their mothers. People did not read the Bible, it was the age of illiteracy.  An unknown fact to this time - they did not know Genesis records Adam being made in the image of God and then later Eve was from Adam.

God is a whole parent. The tenderness of Mother. The strength of Father. Remember Jesus had someone cry out blessed are the breasts that raised you. And Jesus replied, "More blessed are those who do the Will of God." Jesus has a very strong idea of what is what.

I was water sealing my backyard statues today and I suppose we all want angels to represent Peace, Love, Joy. And yet God is a 'peacekeeper'. God is the instuctor of His messengers - with the Power of the Holy Spirit.











Angels do something repetitiously  for all the millenniums of Scripture. The first thing Angels say is very condensed. "FEAR NOT." You would Not be meeting someone stylized by Mattel Toys.

White Angel On Christ’s Grave Fresco From The Mileseva Monastery Circa 1230 AD In Serbia

Father God must find people interesting.

A priest is told his prayers are answered by an angel. Sometimes men are more harsh when they are afraid.

A teenager will lose her reputation and perhaps her betrothed and she is willing to do God's Plan. Zechariah is her cousin in law, and Mary might have surely decided to be brave and courteous.

Daniel is a slave in a lavish foreign culture seeing all types of behavior far from kosher and instead of being angry at his fate, apologizes for their sins. A slave apologizing to Father God for the reason he is a slave.


And all go away from God's messenger - enlightened.





God does not use coincidence. God uses His Plan and His Will. His Heavenly Host.

Here is "Raphael's" (One of the Archangels is Raphael) painting of Michael the Archangel.

Archangel Michael looks, as he kills evil, like a Roman Centurion. Jesus and the early disciples had several soldiers they were very fond of.


Does Michael the Archangel leave us advice?

Jude 1:9
But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”

Michael was polite in the face of extreme situations. God has chosen wisely in Michael.

Where did this story come from? It's not in the Old Testament. Jude is - the growing up in the same household - actual brother of Jesus Christ. I'd say his source is credible!

Why would we care about the images of angels?

We believe angels are polite - babies. We could tell them - we are only tired today and we are just grumpy. Angels say "Fear Not" and give commands and enlighten from God. Angels believe fully GOD is GOD.

No Angel is ever recorded as singin' a song travelin' along.

We believe being rude has power. Angels believe being Polite Has Power.


1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Maybe this is difficult for you. And why should you try?

Luke 6:31
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

The Word of God is pretty cast iron tight. What you sow = you reap.

Ecclesiastes 11
Cast your bread upon the waters,
for you will find it after many days.


Romans 12:10
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Matthew 15:11 It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.



Want an example with more umpha?

Joshua 5

13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”

Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

And another 'polite' comment on the fall of Jericho - the archaeologically proven fall of the Wall of Jericho. Rahab was a prostitute. And who wouldn't want to get out of that? Usually forced into prostitution as a youth. Rahab was polite to strangers and in this polite conversation - she served the Lord, saved her entire household, had a God Himself sized opportunity - just from being polite.


Another example? David felt as God's Anointed, he must be polite to King Saul. David felt that unless he was polite to Saul - he had not served God. It was not at all a worldly view to be polite to a king who even slaughtered priests for merely serving a meal; David was polite.

Did God reward David for his polite attention to God?


2 Samuel 7:18-29

David's Prayer of Gratitude

18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said:
“Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?

19 And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign Lord, is for a mere human!
20 “What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, Sovereign Lord. 21 For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant.

22 “How great you are, Sovereign Lord!

There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. 23 And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as a people for himself, and to make a name for himself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt?

24 You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, Lord, have become their God.

25 “And now, Lord God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as you promised, 26 so that your name will be great forever. Then people will say, ‘The Lord Almighty is God over Israel!’ And the house of your servant David will be established in your sight.

27 “Lord Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ So your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you.

28 Sovereign Lord, you are God!

Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 29 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.”



Father God,
We hope to be as blessed as David. To be blessed like Joshua. And to react, with Your help, with courtesy, love, warmth and wisdom.

You Love is Steadfast. Nothing is too hard for You. Nothing is impossible.

In Your Love we give our concerns and the people we love to pray for. Knowing You are our Shepherd, Father and God. To You be the Glory. Please have Your Word bless and fulfill those we know stretching to the ones we love, this nation and the world. The Light of Christ to Shine Forth. Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Psalm 18:1-6 ~ In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

Jesus has loved Father God with all His Strength. Giving His Father a new Heaven and new earth.

Proverbs 23:24

The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.

Psalm 18:1-6

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who addressed the words of this song to the Lord on the day when the Lord rescued him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul.
He said: I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
 my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, 
and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, 
and I am saved from my enemies.

The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.

In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help.

From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.




Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry.


Father God expects us to know He is our Father and helps us.

1 Peter 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Matthew 5:18
For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

1 Peter 1:25
but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.

Numbers 23:19
"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

"The Wizard of Oz", the original movie has the narrator intoning, "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!"

If we have no clue where God, our Heavenly Father is, then we might feel as if our prayers hit the ceiling and bounce off.

Isn't 2,000 years or 3 or 4 or 5 to Abraham - just old men in old robes that raised livestock.

Instead:
Father God wants the curtain torn. Father God shook up the ordinary ideas of the status quo. Father God loves for us to travel in new ideas of our Loving Father.

Just as the Temple Curtain has the Seraphim, many hundreds of years before Isaiah saw them, we see God has told us of His Home.
Isaiah 6
2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory."

Psalm 104:4 
Who makes his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

Ezekiel was considered to be so far reaching into God's Throne, Ezekiel was not allowed to be read by the laity until the last two millenniums.

The Throne of God Himself. Is that of Our God, creator. Interested in all. Where people do not throw themselves on the floor, as John was asked to stand up. God wants us to rise up. Stand in our Father's Presence. Why? He wants to see your face, look into your eyes, know His beloved Child.

Seraphim - the word means fiery ones, probably for their love - the status of Angel.

This is where our Father, inhales our prayers and answers us. This is His Word to give us the idea where God dwells:
Ezekiel 1

1 In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the Chebar canal, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.2On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin), 3 the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Chebar canal, and the hand of the Lord was upon him there.

4As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal. 5 And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness, 6but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings. 7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calf’s foot. And they sparkled like burnished bronze. 8 Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. And the four had their faces and their wings thus: 9 their wings touched one another. Each one of them went straight forward, without turning as they went. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle. 11 Such were their faces. And their wings were spread out above. Each creature had two wings, each of which touched the wing of another, while two covered their bodies. 12And each went straight forward. Wherever the spirit would go, they went, without turning as they went. 13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches moving to and fro among the living creatures. And the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. 14And the living creatures darted to and fro, like the appearance of a flash of lightning.

15 Now as I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, one for each of the four of them. 16 As for the appearance of the wheels and their construction: their appearance was like the gleaming of beryl. And the four had the same likeness, their appearance and construction being as it were a wheel within a wheel. 17 When they went, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went. 18 And their rims were tall and awesome, and the rims of all four were full of eyes all around. 19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose. 20 Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, and the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

22 Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse, shining like awe-inspiring crystal, spread out above their heads. 23And under the expanse their wings were stretched out straight, one toward another. And each creature had two wings covering its body. 24And when they went, I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of many waters, like the sound of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army. When they stood still, they let down their wings. 25 And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads. When they stood still, they let down their wings.

26 And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. 27 And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. 28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.

Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.


And with this description, we meet not a stodgy God. Not an easily understood Creator. Not a God in a sealable box we can store away. A very intelligent and complex Throne. Our God, who says to John, stand up, you are fine, you are safe.

Our Father,

You are in Heaven and from Your House and Your Throne, we know You are close. You know our prayers as well for the Holy Spirit living in those who know in their heart Jesus is Lord. Just as Your Spirit was flame over Your Disciples, we have part of the Fire of the Holy Spirit in us. Living God, living within us.

We pray for our health, our Joy in You, for our cares, for the people we Love. For the people you have given us in our lives - we will pray for them.

Our Father,
Who art in Heaven,
Holy is Your Name,
Your Kingdom come,
Your Will be done on earth as in Heaven.

Give us this day!
Our daily Living Bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
Deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, Power and Glory - Forever and ever.
Amen as Jesus prays with us. Amen.

Thank You for covering us Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

1 Corinthians 15:51-58 ~ Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain

We are all on the same destination journey.

1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.

 For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."

"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

 
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

How do you 'see' the photographs?
What if this photo was the Red Sea and you were to walk this with your family to escape slavery.
And what if this is part of the path to Heaven?


Today I was reading the Bible and found a verse I did not know. And this fits - all - the Fruits of the Spirit.

Romans 15

5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

And we are - all  -on the same exact journey. Every knee will bow, every tongue confess Jesus is Lord. And if you were on the path to the 12 Gates of Heaven. You would want to know as you got closer to the Wall like the Temple of Jerusalem, if the Gates are open - if you will find the Father running to you. If the welcome will be a warm one. A reunion.

 

And you wonder...

And on this journey, I will tell you about a beach vacation I took as a young bride with my father's best friend in High School and his wife.

Several years earlier - They had just moved to Dallas from Little Rock and my father's friend, Joe, had just arrived to visit with my dad. Who was gone - really - because he had just decided to get a divorce after 25 years of marriage - and run off with a long time friend of my parents. Sue and Joe would move my mother, literally, out of the family home and then change homes themselves to live a block from us - so my 10 year old brother would not be a terrified latch key child.

So years down the road, we are all vacationing in Padre Island. And Sue is gasping. Every now and then she is just gasping for air. We are asked not to ask. Eventually my mother, husband and I are all staring at Sue - we are paralyzed. Joe says, "Sue, you owe our friends the explanation." Joe had given me my first job in the Dallas World Trade Center. We all knew each other as one block away neighbors. Sue said, "I'm having heart palpitations." Being 23, I said do we need to call a hospital or 911? I was very worried and so was Edward and so was my mother. Joe said, "No, she has been to the doctor and this comes and goes." I asked if it was bad today. Sue had a hard time answering. Finally she said, "Yes." And she said she would talk in a minute when she could get her breathe.

About 20 minutes later, Sue said, "I used controlled breathing. I hold my breathe and then my electric impulses renew the rythme."

We did not even know what to say. So we said that. Sue finally got her breathe and we waited. She said, " I will not panic. I will not fear. I will not take so many, many medications. I will simply say my life, this world, all we do - is in the hands of God. I will let God be my rhythm. I will not be scared into over reacting. I will exercise I will be calm. I will renew."

Well being the people we are, eventually my mother, Edward and I huddled up to discuss this away from our friends. And we were 23 and 25 - this seemed very damned serious and cavalier. I'm sure I seemed uptight. Edward had questions. My mother finally said, hand up, "Sue is not a foolish woman. Neither is Joe a foolish man. They know what they are doing. Just give them a nice weekend here."

And we did and as we visited Sue was fine. An hour or more later, she was apparently well. They had moved to the Harlingen area and we saw them about a year later at the beach. I asked Sue if she was well. She was puzzled. Yes. I asked again. She said, "What do you mean?" I looked at her and shook my head. She inquired again. I said, "If you don't want to talk about that, I will hush." "Well, Anne -Laurel, dear, what are you talking about?" "Your heart palpitations." She smiled and said, "Oh all that is over."

She was right. She is in her eighties and does well.

Amazing what Trusting God will do.

So, when we get ready to storm the City of God. And with bold confidence in Jesus Christ covering us as our righteousness, we will want - to find Father God really eager to see us. And the gates, all 12, Open.

We are really, all of us, on an incredible journey. We are going to present our souls - to - GOD.

We are invited to the Feast of Feasts. The new Heaven Jesus gave life and blood, pain and suffering, to purchase our righteousness to be able to invite us to the Feast of the Righteous - Eternally.





Abba, our Father,

Oh we want to be one in that number - with our loved ones and the people we pray for - You have Given us.
One of the Multitude - When the Saints Go Marching In.

We will proclaim! We Know our Salvation! Jesus is Lord God Almighty and we adore Him! Amen!

 

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †