Hebrews 10:32-34 ~ recall the former days

What we pray for others.

The Shelters filled with Guests.

Hebrews 10:32-34

But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened,
you endured a hard struggle with sufferings,
sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction,
and sometimes being partners with those so treated.

For you had compassion on those in prison,
and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property,
since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.






Lanterns on the Levee: Recollections of a Planter's Son  by William Alexander Percy.  This is  a History of life being rearranged and transformed from Acts of God. Well worth reading.

One man was carried from Mississippi down to the bottom of Louisiana and had to walk for two months home as he tried to work to get food. His family had given him up for dead.




Our personal experience 'Real Life',  this is what my family saw as part of life. They lived beside the Mississippi River.

Before there was radio, television, satellite or telephone, floods came and wiped people out. My Grandmother talked about a series of floods along the Mississippi River when she was a teen about 1920. These floods came as a series and were the beginning of the Mississippi River Levy. I've seen the photographs of the floods from their old Brownie camera.

The people swept along the Mississippi River lived on frame house supported by major stilts. Things like hand-crank washers were downstairs. Equipment. A garage, if you'd like to compare eras. They had high ceilings, old houses do and large permanent S hooks from the ceiling to lift furniture and things to the ceiling. And they had rowboats and went to look and help each other.






I've talked to Ministers in the past who feel overwhelmed to talk to people experiencing tragedy. And real grief is enormous work for at least two years. No one really can carry the load - lessons are learned on basics of that soul.  We should never forget the resilience of doing God's Plan. To encourage each other to find how God will renew His mercies each day. Praying for each other helps us all.




Life is stirred up, now, after Hurricane Harvey.

I saw a baby deer run down. And felt sad for the months the mother deer had worked for that baby.  A friend mowed his lawn and found a catfish. 

And something really odd happened in the worst of the flood neighborhoods.  I saw a tragic pile of a household put out. And as I passed by again,  I saw a young family digging through the tragic flow of many things. With a vehicle. When we returned again, the pile was much smaller - many, many, many wooden things had been removed. In fact, as all that block waits for the trash truck - - - the piles are at least half as large.


So what happened to the desk, the wooden shelf, the beautifully carved legs on the huge coffee table?

Maybe it went to a store to be refurbished. Or started a dream store with free trash pile beginnings. Or maybe the young couple had less and now they have more. I wondered what the owner would say to the young woman lifting and examining. She came out with a laundry basket of overflow and waved for them to continue. She did not care. Why? Maybe she has flooded too many times. Maybe she has flood insurance. Maybe she is tired of the antique look.

One thing is for sure. I know people in college who took in wet upholstered furniture and found it hit the dump again the next week. Houston flooded twice last year - where is the person who learns how to deal with wet furniture for big profit???




What we pray for others.

Our Church started praying and fasting in mid August for some rain and for people of the USA to Awaken to the Goodness of the Holy Spirit. I'd say we won the Lottery. Of answered prayers, that is. Houston was a USA leader last year in unemployment. Oil per barrel is pretty low. And we discovered the basic goodness of these smart people. Tonight as we prayed, someone repeated what was said from this Harvey Disaster and the outcome of an outpouring of love to all economic, racial, age and education free burdens,

"I feel such hope for us all, like I have not felt in so very long."

In fact, as we suffer through this loss and bring clothes and diapers and Church and Red Cross donations. And ask to help other Churches - than our own - and applaud the Shelters becoming a little more empty. And Alexander helps a homeowner survive. And we attend prayer meetings - we see on Facebook the plea not to enter into the pundits of hate again. To stop. We see on Facebook people changing their anger away from Joel Olsteen as they see how very flooded his area was. This could have been a disaster as a shelter. And people apologize for going off on Joel Olsteen. Reasonableness. Really Reasonable.





What we pray for others.

God sometimes gives us repeat experiences to learn a little better from them. Sometimes what we hold up to others, we need to see.


We went to pray and were given a prayer card of a child badly brain injured. Edward said he couldn't believe the coincidence. I can. God hopes we really exert effort in our prayers for others and in doing so - are healed ourselves.

Hearing loss? Pray for others with hearing loss.

I prayed for two people I love who now feel the Church just uses people and  they refuse to attend. The prayer card I received said please pray for the people who don't know the joy of a Church Family. For those who are trying to go alone and feel alone in crowds. Like the Shelter.

I was asked today, what has "God" done for you??? I received a prayer card to pray for someone who has had such severe back injury she no longer walks and is wheelchair bound and refuses to speak of Jesus to anyone. I had such bad back pain - for about 5 years I wept and now have been mostly free - ok, about 98% free of back pain for - nine years. I thanked God again and prayed for this person to have this experience. God gave me the card - so He might just do something for her.

I've had eye trauma from a tennis ball. I am thinking I have some severe dry eye since the cataract was removed. And the prayer card said pray for the recovery of eye surgery.





Our prayers for others - bless us.


Sometimes we avoid praying to avoid feeling pain. We all have enough pain.

God wants us to Expect Him to have a Plan. To Trust His Mercy and His willingness to Love and Bless. To Teach. To lift up. To uphold.


I agree. God does NOT want us telling Him how this life is so very terrible. God is the God who said 11 times in Genesis 1 and 2 "Life is Good." God does not want to hear us moan and whine when we are telling a merciful God who is merciful to be merciful. Just like the Mother of three kids who has to spank her kids for making prayer torturous regarding the sins of the siblings.






People, the Lord's Beloved - cry their prayers. Did Father God want that? Sure, you bet. God is for compassionate hearts. He just wants us to EXPECT HE IS GOING TO BE MERCIFUL AND HAS A PLAN.



OUR GOOD ABBA,

We bless You for Your Willingness.

We Bless You for new Life.

We Bless You for Strength for Today.

We Bless You for Strength tomorrow.




We Bless You for the Personal history of pain. We learned and found depths within us. To help others.

We Bless You for the History of national failure. We learned and found depths within us. To help others.

We Bless You for this repeat flooding hardship. We will learn and have found depths within us. To help others.

We Bless You for the Houston Reporters. Their goal is to help us help each other and help ourselves to accept help. And Bless God!




We Bless You for the people who pray with grim resolution to be Strong. They will be. They will be with Your Help.

We Bless You for the people who pray with real tears. To be Compassionate. They will be with Your Help.

Your Willing Help.




We bless those who know to look in the rubbish. They find treasure.

We bless those who do not mind seeing others prosper from their loss. We see in them Treasure.



We Bless You, Abba, You hear our prayers. And You answer. Thank You.



We bless those who are sad to run over Catfish in the grass while mowing after a week of digging other's out and crying. We pray a blessing on the Momma Dear who lost her fawn. We pray New Life. We pray for those in so much pain cut off from Jesus to be brought to Him through the ceiling of these prayers.


We Bless You Father God to bless our Nation in our time of trouble.
We will remember our Blessings. Thank You Boston. Thank You for making this Hurricane less horrible. Thank You Boston.

Father God, thousands held up Kindness in Boston. Making us believe this kindness is not a floating fancy.
Boston You have enlightened us with just former weeks.

And in this rising Hope, we believe You are what You say.

Jesus is Working. Abba is still working.

The work You have given us is to Believe in the One You sent. Jesus Christ is Lord of All.

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

1 John 4:7 ~ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God

1 John 4:7

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

Constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, good, loyal, steady, true, dependable, dutiful, reliable, responsible, solid, tried, tried-and-true, trustworthy, trusty; unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering; determined, intent, resolute; confirmed, inveterate, sworn, ardent, avid, enthusiastic, fervent, fervid, gung ho, impassioned, passionate, serious, abiding, unflinching, unswerving, allegiant, changeless, constant, dependabl.

Enduring, firm, fixed, immovable, inexorable, never-failing, persevering, sure, unbending, unfaltering
unmovable, wholehearted



God is open to prayer.

God keeps the 12 Gates of Heaven open for us to speak with Him.

God told Isaiah the reason for Jesus is to make scarlet - become white.

God does not change - He welcomes us to join Him.






Jesus spoke of a Narrow Path. Surely He meant, a life of meaning.  Ephesians 5:20-33

Faith, Hope and Love. Faith your words and actions reflect who you aspire to be and are. Hope God will bring blessings. Hope when times are challenging, what is good, noble, pure will be sought to upbuild again - work believing in blessings. Love. To be valued as we are. Love - to be forgiven. Love - to believe we can be more and look up. Love - to be held accountable. Love - to give deeply of yourself out side of your own interests. Love - what makes life worth living to see His mercies renew each day.


Abba, Father God,

We ask Jesus 
to pray with us and increase the Holy Spirit in us all.

Let me rely upon You to bring my life, heart and path to You. And believe You provide guidance, support, Love, Joy and Peace for me and those I love. For the places I work, worship and rejoice. More of Your Holy Spirit and Jesus in our day to day life.

Good health, long life, and a peaceful passing to go Home ot Jesus.

We pray for our Nation  This City and the Gulf coast towns.
And those who love Jesus to be able to bring forth this Love for Jesus and put prayer  surrounding this planet.  I ask daily in expectation of You.   We want to see more of Heaven on earth to stay and the fulfilling of Your Word.

Thank You profoundly, for our blessings. Bless those, we pray, who are a blessing. 

Bless us this Labor Day. This Holy Day. We ask.

 Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Ephesians 6:10-24 ~ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the Strength of His Might

Ephesians 6:10-24

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

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

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

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

23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.





So Hurricane Category 3 Irma.


No, thank you.



What does the Armor of God look like to you?

Friendly and whimsical. Child's Coloring Book.






Strong.

Surely, in The Book of Nahum, we find God does not, and does not need to, take out His enemies twice. Once is quite enough.

The Armor of God does not need to be put on twice. Once is enough. We can remind God we have this on, as if He forgot. Or we can remind Abba like we do tell our Daddy our heart.






Us against this evil world. We need the Armor of God.

God loves the world. He gave His Son because He found in Genesis 1 and 2 man delights Him. We can say there are cultural problems... like the First Century A.D. After Jesus defeated death. The Christian Era.

God tells us when He returns, 50% will have the faith to leave with Jesus. At the time of the Great Plagues, it's estimated 40% died in Europe. And the Light still overcomes the darkness. God says He is God of Love, God of encouragement. Abba. Call upon Him and be saved. Welcome where the 12 Gates of Heaven are always open. Approach Abba with confidence in prayer with Jesus Christ.

God names Himself God of encouragement. And He gives us to be sincere. And Philippians 4 to be one who looks to see Good. Give Life. Words of Life.

Love is the force that rocked the cynical Roman world. God tells us He always loves to pick Mercy over sacrifice. God is quick to call us to Him when we want Goodness. God is equally serious about being wise and not insincere.

Armor of God? The Word of God stands forever. One time prayer.

Once we believe... I'd guess the Armor of God really looks like David.

David - built his Palace outside of the City Walls of safety. David wanted the view and he wanted to show God was his armor.

David decided the Armor of God - is - The Word of God and His Promise.

Enabling David to do all things in Jesus Christ.
















Abba, Daddy, our Abba,

We'd have Jesus with us always. Even and especially when we Pray. We'd ask Abba to increase the Holy Spirit in us and in those we Love. Jesus with the people God has given us. Jesus with the people suffering Hurricane Harvey. Sealed with the Name of Jesus.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Isaiah 41:10
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.

Isaiah 40:31
They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Isaiah 12:2
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”



Abba, in Jesus Christ, we have found our Salvation in You.
Thank You for holding us firmly here.
Let us always respond to You with Love and trust.

Lifting Up those we Love and are give - in Jesus Christ.
Lifting Up those we see in the news - in Jesus Christ.
Lifting Up our cares to Jesus Christ.
Being Lifted Up believing Jesus Christ for ourselves, this nation, our cities, our communities, our Church, our schools, this Nation and the believing World. Making us the Communion of Saints in our prayers going around this earth. Held firmly by You. Thank You, Abba. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.


Philippians 2:16
as you hold firmly to the word of life

1 Peter 1:25
"The Word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Romans 8:27-28 ~ the mind of the Spirit

Romans 8:27-28

27And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.


Conroe, Texas a Church Sign prays this new Spirit of Goodness will not be forgotten.


Los Angeles Times -

Something unusual happened to national television news this week. News.

Footage of reporters in soggy rain slickers and melting baseball caps, waist-deep in brackish water, delivering minute-by-minute accounts from flooded boulevards in Beaumont, Texas, packed evacuation centers in Houston, and harrowing boat and helicopter rescues in Corpus Christi and Cuero.
Interviews with fire department chiefs and meteorologists replaced the usual prime-time political panels on CNN. Reports of a levee breach ate up MSNBC airtime usually reserved for analysts’ deconstruction of President Trump’s latest gaffe.

The media fixation with Trump and itself refocused on real news overnight.

From CBS News to Fox, news outlets rediscovered journalism. They offered researched overviews on the impact of the storm — the human toll, monetary damages, the ecological impact — and up-close, personal accounts.

We’ve grown used to “news” that’s manufactured out of the opinions of hosts and experts for hire. Harvey is a not-so-subtle reminder that national news is still local.




If only real local news was covered.


Our Local Reporters have not slacked or stood down on the enormous impact of God inspiring the Cajun Navy, The Texans with boats, Firefighters, Policemen, Coast Guard, Volunteers, Grateful Guests of the Shelters, Local Officials Pray. We hugely thank ABC 13 Gina Gaston, Iiona Carson, Ted Oburg, Steve Campion, Poojia Lodhia. And if you have not seen their broadcast, please look for this on YouTube.

Father God,

As the 4th Largest City in the USA helps one another regardless of race, income, age - help us see Houston has so many people we are as large as 26 smaller states combines and we have peace.

John 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Inspire us never to forget, to never be separated from our Blessings.

Psalm 103:2
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits

Inspire us all Father God, the peace we saw in Boston and in Houston.

The New Covenant of Jesus Christ has been shining the Light of Jesus Christ. Reminding us of Louisiana's Historic Flood and shining a Light on the generosity of Louisianans. The Spirit of God. Inspiring Houstonians and Texans. Filling all the volunteer slots.

1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.


The true light, which enlightens everyone

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

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.


We will Lift UP our cares to Jesus.

We will Lift UP our loved ones to God.

We will Lift UP the people God has given us.

We will continue to see how we will help our Cities.

We will not to forget to pray for the Coast of Texas - Victoria, Rockport, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Port Lavaca, Matagorda, Sargent and Harvey affecting those as it pushes on.

We Lift Up our Cities and Nation.

We Lift Up those around the world calling on Jesus Christ.

And we will remember this time, this generosity, these prayers, this Love. And those who really risked their lives to be in the storm to help. Those in the shelters. Those collecting the donations, especially of toiletries and underwear, all types of diapers. Those who pray.

And Kroger Grocery Stores have donations that go directly to the Red Cross.

And we will thank God for our Blessings.

Jesus is God. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Matthew 5:9 ~ Sons of God

Matthew 5:9

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


How did the Cajun Navy work? 9 women in Clear Lake took 1900 calls for rescue and men from the Cajun Navy.
2100 calls on Monday. More on Sunday. Most of these people are actually strangers. Maybe they know each other through Facebook.

And this does not touch the numbers of Rescuers calling themselves Navy of the Republic of Texas.

And the people on Facebook who just had a boat and called a brother or a friend.


And the Firefighters on their own free time. And the Houston Police Departement.

Especially the Police work connecting the people who are displaced - finding their families scattered all over the city.

Peacemaker - Sgt Perez lost his life going to work very, very early to help out.

And the friends helping friends with flooded homes.

And the Recovery in Montgomery County who cannot pass Spring Creek to get to Houston - where volunteers out number clients in need based situations - 3 volunteers to one client. Inspired by the people of Houston and the amazing job done by Houston news media.






Abba, Our Abba,

We Thank You, Father, for our increase of Holy Spirit. Jesus being praised to strive forward with us all. For the Holy Spirit to see us through this.

In Genesis, Our Father and Jesus delighted in Creation, placing the Holy Spirit over the waters. And Jesus made plans with Our Father to place the Holy Spirit in all who Believe Jesus is God. We are the Easter people.


Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!


Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

For all the cities affected by Hurricane Harvey. For the work ahead. For the Hope we will draw upon.

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 pray for us all to have this courage and this bravery and work. For all of these people to know we see and love you for your Hope, Faith and Love.

 

Thank You Father God. Amazing to see so many Donations. In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

EXODUS 33:13 ~ That I may know You to find favor in Your Sight

The Christian News Station is main stream TV.


2 Samuel 7:18
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?

1 Kings 9:3
And the Lord said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.

2 Kings 19:14
Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord

2 Kings 20:5
“Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord

2 Chronicles 6:12
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands.
When Life tells what is going on and the script is not scripted. 

 Texas Civilian Navy, Cajun Navy - Helper. Holy Spirit.

Abba, Father,

Help us never forget. The faith of the people. The people who have prayed and answered the need for rescue. To see what has happened. With terrible trouble.

The people have saved the others and will continue.

EXODUS 33:13

Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight.

2 Chronicles 6:29
whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing his own affliction and his own sorrow and stretching out his hands toward this house

2 Chronicles 6:39
then hear from heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their pleas, and maintain their cause and forgive your people


PHILIPPIANS 1:9–11
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Ezra 8:21
[Fasting and Prayer for Protection ] Proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.

Psalm 6:9
The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer.

Psalm 42:8
By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

Psalm 54:2
O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.

John 17:1
[ The High Priestly Prayer ] When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you."

We have seen the afflicted telling God - we Love You. Again and again and again. The compassion of the city. The praise of those seeking help, receiving help. The Grateful. For Life.

This is arranged by the people, the Churches. The faithful. Our local shelter at one point said they were full of... DONATIONS. I am sure more arrived.

Bless the Shelters, The Churches, The Schools, Walmart. Bless the BSI Cotton Farmers Family. People close to desperation, working with one another. Families so glad to reunite. One of Houston's reporters was trapped in a car for hours in a flood, she has lived this. The massive prayers of the people.

We will not be separated from our Blessings.
We will not be separated from our Blessings.
We will not be separated from our Blessings.
We will not forget.
We will not forget.
We will not forget.

We ask in the Name of Jesus.
We will value our loved ones.
We will remember to say Thank You Father God.
We will not forget the valor of the people. And the initiative of the people to care for one another.

In the Name of Jesus, remind us and keep us. Amen in Jesus.






We have the worst flood. And so many in boats rescuing others. The Cajun Navy has arrived. So many Texans rescuing people stranded in Houston. ABC 13 has taken so many hours today to show a Nation where all barriers fall away as people pray before they are rescued from being stranded near houses swallowed up with flood and electrical issues. In the boat, they pray for Jesus to know they are grateful for the rescuers and the shelter, grateful to be alive. All kinds of houses, all kinds of people. Houston is not really zoned to be apart.

I suppose for some of the people this is a shock. People tend to move about every 4 years when they are younger adults. But we've been here for 17 years and seen Houston flood about 5 times. Never had 3 dams let out before, as I recall. Never have I seen so many grateful and praying people. God is here.


Jesus will help us. Alleluia. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †