Psalm 130 ~ in His Word I hope

Psalm 130

A Song of Ascents.

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! 2 O Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 
4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

It's a long way to the top,
if you want the Rock to roll.
(With a Roman seal :)


David. When we think Psalm we automatically think of the Praise of God from David. Most of the Psalms in the 130s are David's. However, this being Ascents Psalm 130 used in High Holidays, we can be sure this Psalm reached the ears of David or Solomon.

Ascents. Jesus said several times, "Rise." This is also the procession of Holy Days, singing up the marvelous stairs the length of the Southern Wall of the Temple. We always think of people at the Western Wall. The Southern steps still draw vast believers soaking up the idea of Jesus and Rise. We find from aerial views, Jesus is quite correct about the Temple stones reflect His Words. And still, we find believers want to remember Rise to God. In fact, on the longest day of the year, the sun rises directly east. God is the Light of the world. Light of mankind. I feel good thinking about the Ascents of God.

When we read of entering a city, typically you'd enter through the city gates. Not just guards, but the people thought able to judge the coming and going of security matters to help the city. I was surprised to find in Nazareth, famous for being high up and secure due to the plateau conditions finding watchtowers exist.

Perfect for Ascents.
Perfect. Watchtowers also were storehouses in Nazareth. You'd expect to find a family busy with food items and preparations for day to day living and making a living. Father God provided all the Children of Israel with a means to make a living. And in the middle of the day, the view would support the safety. And probably time to catch the wind God gives to ponder thoughts good, thoughtful to worrisome. Who would be arriving? The group of people in Nazareth must have been safety oriented. To have the view and the watchtowers. They are dotted around Nazareth.

The Scriptures tell us what was drawing the looking. The Branch of Jesse.

We all have this in common. Our destination is Jesus Christ. Good News!


Ascents, Psalm 130 is used in Holy Days in the Temple. Linking this to Luke 2 today.

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”


We have all seen days of concern. Fear is used as a Word in Scripture a good number of times. We would think His Favor would protect us from concerns. Luke 1,2 and 3 continue every page of Scripture assure us to let the worries of today remain the worry of today.

Psalm 130 tells us to Wait for the Lord. Imagine the Glory of being from Nazareth to find the Watchtower found such Good News as Jesus Christ.

And the truth is - our destination is the same in Jesus Christ.

David knew maybe this Psalm but definitely knew what a Good Father we would find. David never had days that lasted in quiet, something was always booming. And the sustained Love David had even for Nathan to name his son Nathan and be held in Luke 3 as Jesus' own family. Hope and Faith remain, Love is the Greatest.

To study to find what each person of the Scriptures found drawing his soul up to God, to Rise to God. What would cause the ascent? Love. God speaks to each heart. We are called - all of us - lovingly personally - to Jesus Christ. His Love.

And now we know the Ascent. Daily.

Valentine week started off very sad for our family. Our dog gave in to Rage Syndrome. My arm wounds carried us to our doctor and to the ER. God is Good. I am feeling what we jokingly call 'wimpy, whiny, woo." I'd have to say emotion is arriving; I will be waiting and watching for Joy to be on the rise. Pray for all of us, and my arm to look the same shape - healing for all. Thanks so much.



Abba, Father God,

We always look to You for Your Willing Blessings covering us all.

Psalm 91
The Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.

In the Words of Jesus we always pray with hope and expectation.

More Heaven on earth. Knowing Your Plan is at work. Thank God for Jesus. We need Him. Daily.

Jesus loving the Nation. Jesus loving all Nations and those who Trust in Him.
Jesus loving those we Love. Jesus healing us all.

Jesus celebrating with us in all seasons, the saints of God covering His Good Creation asking "more Heaven upon the earth and God's Good Will be done."

Always in Jesus. Amen.

Cooking mitts from our oldest son, Cal!!!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

John 3:16 ~ Jesus

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.'

We wonder if life is a test. We buy into our own permanence every day. 

Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.


There is a story of a man employed as Railroad Track Safety Personnel with his beloved only son. They had to fix a turn plate under the tracks, easy enough. Unfortunately, the train light indicating an on-coming, a full passenger train was broken. The Track Safety man let his son die as the train, filled with people unaware of the sacrifice, continued safely on their way. 

He knew his son, knew of the bereavement his son would never overcoming knowing the loss of so many people against his own son's life. His heart was broken. The train rushed by filled with people, busy with their lives.

A Youth Minister told me that today's Youth Minister will eventually encounter a family who disowns their own child. And you will need/want to help place that child. He did take in that sixteen-year-old, who took his week-old truck, wrecked it and was very sorry. And the pattern continued. Until eventually, the youth and the Youth Minister are only too glad to part ways.

When we plan our universe... 
do you hope for the people with gratitude and desire to love every part of your world? I think that is a given. 

Maybe life is the test to see how we do. Scriptures tell us we can't change our beginnings, we can change today and the rest of eternal life.

I've had several very real dreams of Heaven, and I would say, I entirely believe the Word of God to be true, alive and accurate.

2 Corinthians 12:2
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.

Of the half dozen or dozen dreams of Heaven - some are decades old and I can recall so clearly, these have shaped my life. A level of Heaven, so High the Vatican is only a shadow. Where people have basic necessities rivaling things we've seen only in museums - a newcomer, me, is so astonished to find such craftsmanship to be told these things are ours for eternity. And Beauty pleases the Father. Father worship is first, this is just the day to day living set up. In My Father's House, there are many mansions. I have to say, I think the Bigs live here. And I'm not sure I will do anything at this level, but visit the peaceful, serenity of what is called Favor and Grace living on this planet.

I've dreamed - a new earth drawing from the best our world offers, with the joy of being with family and seeing a world made new. Redeemed like Easter Island-  becoming paradise -Jesus spoke of. That dream had me telling all the people I encountered of redemption and renewal.

I wanted so very badly to speak with my father, forgiven and drawn Home only in his final moments on earth. To see a desert with harsh light and a dark house thoroughly enjoyed and visited by family. I was unwilling to tell my daddy that this was not the area I'd want to live in, but he was happy and gleaming to be so comfortable.

Not everyone believes in levels of Heaven, but maybe we could meet in the middle and say Nations of Heaven, so freely discussed in the Book of Revelations.

My aunt Clarice was dying and semi-comatose for months, in Louisiana, miles from our home stuffed with two active little boys. There was no reason to believe I'd know when she was to depart. I wrote her a thank you for the many things she did for my family and asked her sisters to read that thank you to her. About three weeks later, I woke in the middle of the night, knowing Clarice had given me her a taste of the indescribable vision. We really should call  this- passing on. Or going Home. She had been abundantly, over the top, and she said, 'ALL HIS PROMISES ARE TRUE!!!! THERE IS NOTHING TO COMPARE TO THIS, BUT IF I HAVE TO, I'D SAY ITS THE LOTTERY OF ALL TIME!!!" And again she said, "ALL HIS PROMISES ARE TRUE!!!" Clarice has passed on, gone HOME, that night.

Is God an imp? Not on your life. 

God can part the Red Sea with Moses' hand and wind, 
He could turn any force of nature today, merely, with His Word.

Jesus tells us He is still at work and His Father works as well. 
Today. God's Work is Salvation for the World.

Romans 10:13
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

That's a lot of people.

Joel 3:14
Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

Revelations 7

9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 


Romans 10:9
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Luke 13:24
"Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."

Matthew 13:12
For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

Jesus Christ the LORD was known to travel across the thirteen miles of the Sea of Galilee, even three times a day to see someone He wanted to be there for. 

The Centurion impressed HIM. The Centurion believed His Word. And trusted Him. Expecting Good. Acting in Faith. Declaring Jesus was Authority to be reckoned with. Just as the woman from Syria told HIM she would take the scraps from His table. These people of faith set HIM first in their prayers, in their actions, in their lives.


Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.


Luke 12:29-32
O you of little faith? 29And seek not you what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, neither be you of doubtful mind. 30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knows that you have need of these things. 31 But rather seek you the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added to you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Jesus told the disciples to proclaim this doing His work~

Matthew 10:5-15
5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

Abba, Father,

 Help us live Your Plan, Your inevitable plan, for good.

In the changes in life, be with us. 

Healing for my dog Jackson, the lost dog and my arm and body.

We always need You and your grace, mercy and love for ourselves and the ones we love. In the name of Jesus Christ who was from Nazareth and made the world His own.

Giving You, our Father a new Heaven and a new earth. We ask for the Nation to the Creation for more Heaven on earth.

 In Jesus Love. Amen

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

1 Corinthians 2:5-7 ~ Jesus appeared

1 Corinthians 2:5-7

Jesus appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then Jesus appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time (most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep). 7 Then Jesus appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

God has given. Even if we stop here, we are Blessed.

If we were to look at the example of Jacob making his way through the spots of life. Job, Pay, Retirement Plan, Wife, Wrong Wife. Odd unplanned for life. Too many children. Living in a foreign land. And God provides in the spots.

We would say Jacob is blessed to live in a tent in a foreign land with too many wives, children and spotted livestock.

God has given - Jacob is very blessed.

The people of the Middle Ages understood serfdom.
Work in the mud, provide food until life departs. And the plagues happened - Valentine's Day itself comes from harsh life events surrounding the Roman Empire and Jesus. When the Plagues left, the people who had endured and survived - then learning new abilities like reading. It's recorded the idea of God giving - brought tears. God was Giving!

Serfdom was not giving. The Plagues were not giving. The Way, the Truth and the Life was Shining. People were in understanding, in literacy and filled with the idea, "God gave."

And then we knock the dust off the idea "God gave." God did not just... give. God gave us Jesus. The exact nature of our Father God revealed. God gave us Jesus. And in Jesus, we find no spots we all readily understand.

We find Jesus the Christ, only Son of God. Author of Life. The Light Shining in All of Mankind.

Jesus offered up His own Life and His Seamless Chiton Holy Robe. A robe woven so perfectly, there are no seams. A very impressive garment for Jesus. Aren't we glad! And we wonder at Jesus giving to women and know this robe was given with great care and love.

Tradition says it would look like this:


There is a marvelous, fictitious movie regarding early Church thoughts on Jesus' Holy Seamless Chiton, with Richard Burton as a Roman soldier, called "The Robe."

The last study done on the Shroud of Turin shows the center dates back to the time of Jesus Christ with unexplained radiation. There is also a face grave cloth in Spain of the same material. The edges of the Shroud of Turin are Renaissance repairs. The most interesting portion to me is the unexplained Radiation.

When you read the Pentateuch of Moses - you find how unpleasant life could have even been to the Middle Ages Serfs. Jesus gave so vastly, even the serfs mucking out life had massive benefits. We do not readily see all God Provides.

We know only the barest glimpse of what God Provides. John - who knew awe to walk with Jesus. Knew and Lived God of Love. John explained all the Blessings of God we wouldn't know readily by saying: Jesus is the Light of the world and all of mankind. This is how greatly we are given, loved, blessed and strengthened in our Father God. Daily.

Northern Lights meet Sunrise

Abba, Father,

Psalm 136:1-3
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever

1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.

Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.

Psalm 106:1
Hallelujah ! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.

Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.

Abba, Father God,
We Thank You. For Jesus Christ.

Amen and Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Mark 9:49-50 ~ be at peace

Peace Rose

Mark 9:49-50

49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

Salt is good even in the garden. On bruises, aches and wounds. Epsom salts.

Salt is the Straight Path. Speaking the truth with love shown by mercy. Speaking the truth enables us to be free. To stand and breathe freely. The ability for knowing God is in charge.

John 1:12
As many as received him, to them  he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Matthew 9:13
Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

In all Seasons. Father God's Purpose is Good.

Abba, Holy Father,

You have Blessed us.

Exodus 20
"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."

God gave us His Commandments to set us free.

Abba, Give your children the knowledge of You and the God of Encouragement You are and You provide.
Blessed are you Father God. Help us to remember You're glorious.

Jesus cover us ahead, behind, beside, above and within and with.

Help us to be faithful. Bless those we Love with Jesus. Bless so encompassing, the Nation is filled with Trust. Bless Your Good Creation and all Your children asking You for more Heaven on earth.

Amen in Jesus Christ!!!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

John 14:6 ~ Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life.

Father God was given a new Heaven and a new earth by Jesus taking on the sins of the world. Our sins. And in the new Kingdom, we are covered in the name of Jesus and Given Incredible Forgiveness. We are bought with a Price. 

Look at Jesus telling us about Who He Truly Is:

Jesus plainly and clearly bore witness to Himself.



Matthew 11:29
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.


If Father God wants to the size of His Creation, all the Universe. The Universe is willing. And God would be or is, this Gentle.



Matthew 22:31-32 
And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God:
32 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead, but of the living." 


God gave us the widow of Nain to show Jesus was very capable of Resurrection. We have millenniums of miracles, people who witness to life after death and our souls to tell us this is very true.


Matthew 28:22b
Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. 


John 5:17 
But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I am working." 


John 6:35
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."


God's Promises are always filled. His Word is Truth.


John 6:51 
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." 


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."


John 1 tells us Life is from Jesus. All of life. Jesus is called the Author of Life.


John 8:18 
I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me. 


John 10:9
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.


We find this is true as eyewitnesses return from dying, reporting the walls are gone, the door is open to Jesus Christ.


John 10:11 
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

Jesus Christ has done this for us.


John 10:14 
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.


John 10:38
but if I do them [works], even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.


John 11:25 
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." 


John 12:32 
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.


John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 


John 15:1 
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser." 


John 17:9 
I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.


John 10:30 
The Father and I are one. 


John 4:26 
Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he [Messiah, he who is called Christ].” 


Mark 14:62 
And Jesus said, "I am [the Christ, the Son of the Most Blessed] , and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."



Jesus has prayed and prays for us Psalm 139 and John 17 assure us.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory. Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

2 Timothy 1:15-2:13 ~ The Lord Grant Mercy

2 Timothy 1:15-2:13

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

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

2 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 

5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal.

But the word of God is not bound!

10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for:

If we have died with him, 
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, 
we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.




This week at 1 A.M. I went to get shoes from the Den. Our 4th dog in our 33 years of marriage, was startled and attacked me. Trying to shred my forearm 3 times and got my torso. It was so brutal, Edward had to come to pry him off of me as I was standing. This is the 3rd dog of this breed - who was brutally attacked by a foster dog we had.

Some friends of ours, who have family in Christian Family in Asia, also had to put down their 8-year dog of the same breed for the same Rage, Rage, Rage problem having to do with sleep.

After a day at the ER I can say - there are many prayer opportunities at the ER. Amen. I'm terrible at being able to say I pray for what I see and hear, but I do. With great hope in the prayer. God never wrote down we are the hands and feet of Jesus, but He did say come to me with your burdens and He will never leave nor forsake us and looks very forward to hearing from us asking our "Good Father" for "His Willingness." Pray with encouraged Hope. Real Prayer is the work God gives mankind daily in believing. God is God and His Storehouses are never empty.


We take it and toss it with us, like a spare part - "God will never Leave nor forsake us." Lazarus was not forsaken. Peter was immediately helped out of his faithlessness. Jesus is always here for us. We just aren't God Himself to be told of the Plan.

I was ever, ever, ever so thankful for the Post Title of yesterday all the long day, "you will not fear the terror." Not feel the terror of the shredded arm due to God's Shock. Not feel the terror of Edward traveling the house to pry the dog off. Not feel the terror to do the dog to the authorities. Not feel the terror of the poor dog gone for knowing Jesus is God and helps all. Cried not feeling the terror for knowing God is going to provide Good News. Not feeling the terror of pain. Not feeling the terror of medical care. Thank God for our nation and her people.

 Not feel the terror because our God is at Work with Jesus and the Word of God is Living and Active. Not feeling the terror of the terrifying ER.  We can fling open His Word in advance and find a Scripture to think upon. Like this one. God is in Charge and all prayer is lovely to Him. Leaving the ER knowing God helps His People.  Jobs. Critical Illnesses. People who share candy bars with strangers at the ER. Share encouragement. Jesus Blesses us. Knowing the ER is not like other nations always at war. Grateful. Grateful to my family for their help. Grateful. God has Given. Thank Jesus.

Sad? You know this is true. And Grateful to know with Jesus circumstance goes forth with Him. God answers Prayer. Even the silent kind.

Amazing God to say He is faithful because He does not deny Himself. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. When Jesus lives in us, puts His Name on us, God sees Himself in us. We are literally covered before, behind, above, beside, within and about with Jesus Christ. Psalm 139.


Abba,

We are Blessed to be Yours. In Jesus Christ.

When we have been at the ER and in pain, when the words don't roll out beautifully with Prayer - we know You do the Heavy Lifting. More Heaven on earth for us all. Even the wee beasts in the Hands of Jesus, even in dire circumstances. John tells us You are in all of Creation. Thank God for Jesus.

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †