Psalm 118 ~ His Steadfast Love Endures Forever!!!

2 Corinthians 4:16

Our inner self is being renewed day by day.

Psalm 118

1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!

2 Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”

5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.

10 All nations surrounded me;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
12 They surrounded me like bees;
they went out like a fire among thorns;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
13 I was pushed hard,a so that I was falling,
but the Lord helped me.

14 The Lord is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
15 Glad songs of salvation
are in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,
16 the right hand of the Lord exalts,
the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!”

17 I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the Lord.
18 The Lord has disciplined me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.

23 This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save us, we pray, O Lord!
O Lord, we pray, give us success!

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
27 The Lord is God,
and he has made his light to shine upon us.
Bind the festal sacrifice with cords,
up to the horns of the altar!

28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God; I will extol you.
29 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever! 

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

In the 1970's - Billy Graham was having a good day in Dallas. Graham showed the crowd in the State Fair of Texas Colosseum the Light of Christ is always visible. He had the lights turned off and held up one mere candle and asked to the darkened Colosseum if the one candle could be seen. Lives changed all over to be strengthened in Jesus' Love.


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


Today. This is the day the Lord has made.

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

Today. This is the Lord's doing.

Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the LORD

Today. The Lord is God and he has made his light to shine upon us.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.




Today. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Mark 10:27
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."



Today. You are my God, and I will give thanks to You!

Luke 1:37
For no word from God will ever fail.




Today. Jesus is the Cornerstone.

1 Samuel 14:6
Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.


Today. The Lord answered me and set me free.

Jeremiah 32:17
"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."

Today I was delighted to watch Gross Pointe Blank - the movie. Explaining where moral flexibility has bizarre and good comedy results. I love the Bridges God puts in life. This was in yesterday's Post. Today the terra cotta pot on my back patio - I have been shopping to replace since March gave way in a storm. Home Depot had the exact pot I wanted in March for 1/3 of the cost. Waiting prayerfully is A JOY!!! Gracious people helped me get this into my car. It is the right size too. I've wanted a reason to get this Roman clay post for about 16 years.

Delighted to Pick the Post in advance and find the old and new photos are identical and give Heart, warmth, Love and Joy to the bringing forth of the Post! God is with us in all aspects of our lives! God makes bridges to show He is working and with His Steadfast Love.

Blessed to have Family from Japan and Central Texas. A Family week is planned!!!

My son cut down a small dead tree. Our puppy Standard Poodles are always smiling and we are surviving finding puppy teeth from the floor to the bottom of our feet.

We have a new huge employer in our area and to see the young families blessed by opportunity and little bitty children - is a Blessing.

God tells us when we have lost something - like patience, Joy, fortitude - we have the chance to sweep our soul, our home soul, until this is found again. I always picture the search with a Shepherd's Lantern.

Each day gives us the opportunity to reach for truth in our beings. To sweep out the casual remark. To Rise Up in God's Plan. And with the room for a new place of Faith and Love - we find our Joy and Love returns. God did tell us the work of life is Believe God and lean on Him.

So blessed to hear of our friend numbered in the Greatest to be eating and drinking, breathing and blood pressure is good. God is strengthening a strong man of faith and his wife. Our prayers for his family, too.







Zechariah 8

"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Behold, I am going to save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west; 8 and I will bring them back and they will live in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.'"


Father God,

We give thanks to God always for Jesus.

We give thanks for the people in our prayers. Our friend who numbers among the Greatest of God's Children. Who is out of the ICU and eating again.

We will remember before You, God our Father, the living parables in our lives of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

We are thankful for the Beloved of God, chosen because the Gospel came to them not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. 

The Lord God, our Father knows us as we receive the Word of God and return good instead of the hand of woe.

Now may the God of peace, Himself sanctify us completely in Lord Jesus Christ. 

He who calls us is faithful; He will surely do it.

Thank You, Father God  for Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness, Joy, Love and Answered Prayer.

Jesus gave us the Joy to pray for "More Heaven on earth and Your Good Will be done."

We know You will bring this to us, our loved ones and the Children You have given. To our Nation trusting in You and the world looking for the Brightness of Jesus to Shine.

Amen.

I've had this Gif photo for about a year and a half. This has always reminded me of our tall friend who numbers with the Greatest of God.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Matthew 1 ~ Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

Matthew 1

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king.

And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, 8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.



18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 

20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

And this is the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew's Truth.

Yesterday we talked of generations going forward - this impacted Matthew too. Friends came alongside  Matthew for hundreds of years to say this Gospel is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Matthew's personality begins with verse - One. Luke is a Physician and he begins with Mary's Genealogy - someone a Physician could touch, talk, visit and know. The Talmud of the Sanhedrin Council, now located in Scotland, explains the genealogy of Luke 3.

Matthew announces right off the word - start - Matthew is interested in Faith as fitting into customary history with his own reservations. Fitting for someone with the moral flexibility to accept being a tax collector - making the funds without the backing of propriety.

And Matthew is recorded directly into history by employers and then friends. In the Babylonian Talmud (Sanhedrin 43a) "Mattai" is one of five disciples of "Jeshu." How is this Sanhedrin the employer of Matthew? No one sits in the Temple official seats without Herod's Approval Stamp. The Essenes have left the Temple of Luke 2's warmth stating Herod has taken the Holy Spirit from the Temple in his quest for Roman Privilege. The Royal Stoa is on the Temple Mount and is of utterly Roman Architecture and houses "the Money People." The truth is the Money People in the Temple and collecting the taxes had the stamp of Herod's Approval.

Matthew does not have overt praise for being a tax collector. And when History records the downfall of Judah in 70 A.D, the gold and silver is going to run into the millions and millions and millions. Herod has a choke hold on the throats of the people. Herod is this - a puppet of Rome and Prize Cash Cow. Ching taxes, Ching Roman improvements, Ching Temple. Ching Governor Pontius Pilate kills Jews and Passover and taxes roll in better for Herod. Ching more castles for Herod. Ching more personal glory. The people are suffering and Matthew is going to be - disliked. The Roman Coliseum is going to be built and stand today from the Cash Cow of Herod's Fox Enterprise. Herod - really did - like to build things for the Emperor and look how - that - ended up for him.


Verse One. Matthew is not about to include Genesis and the Creation. This is a man who dots the i's and t's of taxes. It doesn't make 'cents'. Matthew well understands about fathers, culture and tradition.

The math makes sense to Matthew, the timing agrees this is time for an Act of God.

Before we decide Matthew is good with cheating little widows for Herod, we have to see Matthew believes God should be arriving about Now. And as fathers care for sons, God should be arriving - probably because the industry is not supposed to be "industry". Matthew has had a front row seat into the corruption of the entire 'industry'.

Maybe - maybe - maybe this is an entirely different Judea than Matthew grew up expecting. And we know Matthew is literate from his very employment. Matthew has gone looking for prophetic knowledge of "God, I really believe You need to see what I'm seeing." This is prayer. Matthew quotes from Isaiah 7. Perfect. Isaiah 7 even announces the arrival of "clean shaven men." Matthew probably has noticed this is indeed a Problem. In fact, Isaiah 7 says if they can't be defeated - there is a message exactly in that. The New Testament includes this a lot. If these are your circumstances - then God's hand is here. Solomon was counted as wise for knowing this.



Now ask yourself, what is God's Son going to do with this thinking and disliked thug who has found, probably, disgust in the undefeated corruption. Just what every Ministry needs - the mathematical thug. Possibly with a nod at solving problems by looking in Scripture? The kind that 2 millenniums would record ... Throwing a Party for Jesus!!!

Look at Matthew thawing as the Chapter continues...

Matthew is putting away the Song from Fiddler on the Roof "TRADITION." He says this couple is going to have a baby. And in this very unhappy event - incorrect morality while in Judaism - there is a Just man. Who Considers. And is looking for the Way, Truth and Life God would call him to live. This man doesn't enjoy shame and he does not like to see shame brought to others.

Jesus has seen, probably, Joseph in Matthew. And Matthew is going to Jump up at the opportunity to go with Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus has rocked Capernaum by healing everyone. The lame walk. The blind see The deaf hear. And Matthew understands who Jesus is and the timing of God.



Capernaum avoided disastrous wars until about 1400 A.D. which is coincidentally when the world would see the level of Trade and Prosperity of the Roman Empire again. Peter's House was still used as a House Church. Next to the Synagogue. The house has plaster walls that match Peter's Tomb in the Vatican. Discovered when the World itself faced disastrous war.

God puts His hand in interesting places. All the time.

Matthew's Gospel would see this continue to live. John was forced to Patmos Island by Emperor Domitian. The world was so interested in Jesus that on this exile island of Greece - John had disciples.

One of the most interesting is Papias of Hierapolis (c. 100–140 A.D.). Papias meets John on Patmos and sails off to Israel to meet the people who were healed by Jesus. And a lot of Matthew's confirmation and love for Matthew's Gospel is from Papias adoring Matthew's Gospel. This is the Second Century A.D. Papias' travels lead him to be called Bishop. One of the First. And his histories record pages of people who confirm Jesus is God indeed. A lot is missing but the people who loved what Papias, learned to quote him constantly. This is called getting by with a little help from your friends.



3rd Century. Jerome. Jerome was the same man conversion story as St. Augustine. No one readily quotes Jerome any more but he loved Matthew's Gospel and thanks to Jerome adoring Antioch. Ahhhh Antioch, we have an intact 3rd Century Bible of Matthew's Gospel. Today.

Jerome was having a happy life and started to die. In dying, his visions told him about Jesus. He woke up. Became a Humble Priest but Jerome loved language and he was soon working for The Pope. Jerome and Matthew would have been companions and boon friends. Jerome loved the company of a woman and found Jesus had as well. Jerome threw parties. Jerome schmoozed. Jerome was tapped by the Pope to be the one who collected every manuscript of the New Testament and put this in Latin. He did. We have the Bible thanks to 'Joy of Life Jerome". And like Matthew - rode off into the sunset.

No one knows exactly what happened to Matthew. Yet all agree Matthew loves Jesus Christ. Jerome retired to Ahhh Antioch and had a wonderful life for having done his All for the Lord Jesus Christ. I would bet you dollars to donuts, Matthew felt the same way about his Life. Matthew fell into company with God's Son. Jerome fell into the priesthood by death bed vision. And then Pope Employment and then establishing all of the New Testament into Latin. You bet Jerome liked Matthew. Both of these Just men considered life and found Jesus Christ. Life.

Jacob would become Israel and Israel found this:

Genesis 32:10
I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.

God sorts us - up.

Revelation 5:12
with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”


Abba,

Blessed be Your Son, Jesus. Blessed is His Name.

You have delivered us and Saved us. Redeemed us and LOVED us. Thank You.

We pray for our friend, numbered among the Greatest, to be healed completely of cancer. And rest in Your Love for him.

We give You all our cares and are made stronger and more joyous.

We give You all our Loved Ones for their Love and Care and are made to rest with great happiness in Your Love for us.

We give to You this Nation to be Lifted Up to Faith and Love and Joy and Peace.

We give You the whole world to save and know Your Mercy and Love and have Comfort.

Rejoicing Jesus told us to ask You for more Heaven on earth

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Psalm 102:12-28 ~ throughout all generations

Genesis 1:2-3

And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Psalm 102:12-28

You, O Lord, are enthroned forever;

you are remembered throughout all generations.

13 You will arise and have pity on Zion;

it is the time to favor her;

the appointed time has come.

14 For your servants hold her stones dear

and have pity on her dust.

15 Nations will fear the name of the Lord,

and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.

16 For the Lord builds up Zion;

he appears in his glory;

17 he regards the prayer of the destitute

and does not despise their prayer.

18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come,

so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord:

19 that he looked down from his holy height;

from heaven, the Lord looked at the earth,

20 to hear the groans of the prisoners,

to set free those who were doomed to die,

21 that they may declare in Zion the name of the Lord,

and in Jerusalem his praise,

22 when peoples gather together,

and kingdoms, to worship the Lord.

23 He has broken my strength in midcourse;

he has shortened my days.

24 “O my God,” I say, “take me not away

in the midst of my days—

you whose years endure

throughout all generations!”

25 Of old you laid the foundation of the earth,

and the heavens are the work of your hands

26 They will perish, but you will remain;

they will all wear out like a garment.

You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away

27 You are the same, and your years have no end.

28 The children of your servants shall dwell secure

their offspring shall be established before you.

What was Jesus doing when...

Revelation 3:5 

The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

... He was learning about Mary, Joseph, James, Jude, Joses, Simon and His Sisters?

Psalm 139

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,

and the light about me be night,”

12 even the darkness is not dark to you;

the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you.

13 For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.

Proverbs 8 

 Answers Deep calling to Deep

Jesus and Father God looked into mankind and - "Delighted!"

Just as God knew the Plan for Jesus to have Birth, Joy and Giving us Life ...

Just as God knew you all of His Days - All of His Days ...

We can have this hope of the generation coming forth in His Plan, in His Love, in His Mercy, in His Grace with Jesus. And Jesus calls Life, "Joy"!

Abba,

We ask Your abundant, willing Blessings. And Thank You - every day.

Jesus has healed the blind and the deaf - open our heart, mind and soul to our Blessings. You have said, "All Things work together for good, for those who Love the Lord and work according to His Purpose." We will believe. We will lean upon You.

Let us see with faith and with ears that hear and eyes that see, what Jesus has said for us to Lean towards, "More Heaven on earth and Thy Good Will be Done."

Let us have this assurance for ourselves and for our children and the generation to arrive in Your Glory. Let Your Wondrous Works shower us to the Nation itself. And all the Nations in the Brightness of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

And this is the faith, You have said is our work to believe and is the message of Love, Joy, and Peace renewing in Your mercies daily.

We pray for our friend, numbered among the Greatest, to live to have joy over his children and grandchildren with his beloved wife. And Thank You for improvements.

Jesus Christ our Righteousness and Redemption. Amen.

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground

 I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, 

and my blessing on your descendants.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Mark 1 ~ The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God

Mark's Gospel doesn't start with Christmas, Gabriel who stands in the Presence of God or Egypt. Why not? St. Mark's place at the table didn't place this as important. We all see from where God has placed us.

Causing me to wonder why, why was Egypt important? This week we were viewing the Amazing Exhibit of Egypt in Houston's Natural Museum of Science. The absolute and total care given to the complete belief of the Afterlife. The Love shown to each individual. There are statues of families, regular Egyptians, showing arms around one another. Names are placed on the mosaic statues. Rings given to the deceased instead of the grand children. Many of the artifacts are telling the gods - this one is worthy. It certainly beats being a skull under the subway. God has tenderness for all nations and Jesus is sent to the Egyptians.

Mark 1

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”


Mark wants to cover and start at Isaiah. Being a Jew, cousin of Bartholomew and adopted as a son to Peter - Mark sees the Glory of Hezekiah and Isaiah. Rome has swept in to money, money the suburb of Syria - Judah has not seen so many cities and buildings in a long, long, long time. Isaiah 7 says there is so much money that wine is imported by ship. Forget the local produced since Moses and Joshua and tribal gifted land. Jesus speaks a lot about vineyards. Jesus is remembering a different time as He speaks of work, care, legacy and blessings of weather. Yes, there are vineyards but so many have ceased. Every thing Jesus says is rich and alive.

Into the opulence - Jesus arrives because of the Need. The Spiritual Hunger.

Mark has been reminded being with Peter in Rome, of Isaiah's School of Prophets. Jesus has 12 Disciples and then 72. The old times are alive again. And Mark knows being with Peter - this is amazingly Eternal of God.

The Scriptures are Real. St. Mark with St. Peter in Rome - are very aware where they are in His Story. Mark is beginning where he is. This is Mark's Seat at the Table of the Wedding of the Lamb. This is Mark's place in the Body of Christ Jesus.

Mark is writing the collections of Peter telling the People of Rome - 1st Century - the Words of Jesus that have grabbed him and taken effect on the people they want to know and read and hear and feel again and again. With the flavor of Peter and Mark understanding the world after Jesus Conquers Death and is Alive And Alive and Well.

Consider what we are saying. Jesus is not just alive in Heaven. Jesus is Alive on earth. Jesus is not the catacombs. Jesus is not the mummies. Jesus is not the piles of skulls or femurs. Jesus is Alive on the earth any and as many times - He desires to be here - bodily. This is the Culture of LIFE. Today. And Tomorrow.

Mark is writing of Jesus as walking down the street. Jesus eating fish. The Gospels show Jesus preparing a breakfast. No wonder everyone laying eyes on Jesus is blessed of eyes. Everyone put down what they were doing and entire towns came to hear Jesus preach and see the ill healed. "Jesus healed them all." Jesus makes the Exodus look small potatoes. The dead children are alive. Lazarus is alive. Two million people turned out to celebrate Jesus is Alive. Factoring in what Josephus says a multitude actually is - when the Disciples explain all of Israel knows.

Yes - the people want to know about Jesus. Amazing, Astonishing, Giving Son of God.

1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Genesis 40 ~ belong to God

Front, Back and Detail of Isaiah Bulla found at Royal Bakery, Ophel

Dr. Eilat Mazar believes the motif on the Isaiah Bulla is a grazing doe, symbolizing prosperity. (Interestingly,  imagery of this is found in the book of Isaiah— Isaiah 11:6; 13:14 and 35:6.)

3rd Generation, Professor of Archaeology of Israel University - Dr. Eilat Mazar

According to Dr. Mazar, "In archaeology, context matters. When examining an artifact, the material surrounding the item plays a crucial role in determining and verifying its proper identity."

The ruins and artifacts surrounding the Isaiah bulla conclusively date to the First Temple period (in archaeological terms, Iron Age). We can know with certainty the Isaiah who owned this seal lived in Jerusalem between the ninth and seventh centuries B.C. The Prophet Isaiah lived in Jerusalem in the eighth century B.C.

But in this instance, we have even more archaeological context. The Isaiah seal was uncovered at the same time (2009) and in the same assemblage (collection of bullae and other artifacts) as the Hezekiah seal. It was discovered just a few feet from the Hezekiah bulla, and in exactly the same strata of soil.

And Hezekiah Bulla is just found every where due to the massive amounts of prosperity and trade.

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 In those days 

Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 

11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Picture St. Mark as the man second from the left. "Your Assignment, IF you choose to accept it," da da da da da da DAAAAAAAA, "Is Mission Impossible." "Today, your assignment is write a book on Jesus and explain Him to the ... world."

Mark records John the Baptist felt completely unworthy. And what it would take to do all this is something of God Calling Irrevocably. Conclusively. Inexorably.

1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.







12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, 

he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

John Mark was dismissed by Paul. Barnabas encouraged his cousin to stay with Jesus and the Way. Debate, debate, debate if John Mark is Mark. The Early Church was sure. Going with this idea, Mark would put in the beginning of a ministry with trouble.


1 Peter 4:11
If you speak, you should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If you serve, you should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.


.

18 And immediately 
they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 

20 And immediately 
he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately 
on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

23 And immediately 
there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 

25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 

St. Mark is far from home. Jesus chose the Land of Milk and Honey, His adult hometown was Capernaum. And we see the world so vast and impenetrable - connects. God's Purpose connects the earth - the fullness of the earth is His.

1 Peter 1:18
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors

Suddenly, Judah (Syria's suburb according to the Romans) has new Architecture of worldly proportions, Herod's building of Caesarea:

1960 photos of Peter's House in Capernaum facing the Sea of Galilee, next door to the Synagogue.

28 And at once his fame spread everywhere
throughout 
all the surrounding region of Galilee.

29 And immediately
 he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, 
“Everyone is looking for you.” 


Mark and Peter were to find this was true - everyone was looking for Jesus - in Rome too.

1 Peter 3:15
In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect

 Rome and the Vatican 80 feet under the altar. An Entire Roman street from 300 A.D.

38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns,
 that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 

39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 

41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 

42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 

43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 

45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, 

and
people were coming to him 
from every quarter.

Roman cities are on a grid of N S E W and have quarters to group cultures together.

2 Peter 1:19
message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

2 Peter 1:7
And to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 

2 Peter 3:18
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.


Abba,

We pray for our friend numbered with the Greatest of all of God's Children. He is mending in the ICU.

We ask for Your Living Word.
And to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

When we possess these qualities in increasing measure, You, our Father, will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape despair and lack of Fruit, that is in the world and become sharers (partakers) of Your divine nature. God's Love. God's Mercy. God's Grace.

For this very reason, adding your diligence Love.

Keep us in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One.

And we will see More Heaven on earth for our loved ones, so high to the Nation and all the Children of God.

In Jesus Christ, Love and Alleluia and Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †