Saturday, December 31, 2022

December 31…today’s verses…faith and truth….

 December 31…Today’s verses….faith and truth….


Job speaking his faith…

Job 19:25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,

and at the last he will stand upon the earth. 


Jesus speaking his Truth…

 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John.16.33


Two verses from two Bible Apps…for today…the last day of 2022…

Job went through many hardships, but  was faithful in the beginning and faithful through it and ended faithful….he knew in whom he believed….the one who overcomes the world…


Just watching the news, reading…the world really hasn’t changed since Job’s time, there is still loss, wars, unkindness, greed, malice,    testings….brokenness…but Jesus says, he has overcome the world…we have Him as Comforter, Redeemer, Friend, Savior….


thank YOU…



 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

2Tim.1.12


 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Jude.1.24-25


“I know whom I have believed…1883 


1. I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.

Refrain:
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”

2. I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.

3. I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.

4. I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.

5. I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.”






Friday, December 30, 2022

Ripples….

 Ripples….


One of the last pictures I have of my husband was taken in the mountains near our home….we had been having a discussion about ripples and their effect…not just in the water, but in our lives…how by doing one thing it ripples out to others…

We took picnic and drove into the mountains to the end of the road where the creek runs clear over weather smoothed rocks…taking multiple pictures of the ripples caused by him throwing pebbles into the creek…we sat and ate our dinner, enjoying the beauty of the place that we visited so much, not knowing that within two weeks our lives would drastically change with the words,” you have terminal cancer”…a huge tsunami in our lives…


That conversation about ripples, translated itself in so many ways…I even had ripples  engraved on our headstone for the cemetery in the months following.

 

But everyone makes ripples, we do one thing, small or big and it has effects that can be small or large, local or worldwide, close family or many families…


Like a operation Christmas child box…we fill a box thinking of the child who will receive it… but in reality a family receives or a whole community is effected but one shoe box sized gift…a lifetime remembrance of a gift…


Or the parents, teachers who educate their children…the effects of those forming years, of words taught, attitudes taught, ripples out all of those children’s lives…


The pastor who stands for, shepherds his flock and how he does it effects while congregations for years to come…


The political leaders, community leaders, those in authority….how they lead or not, effects whole nations, communities and constituents for times of turmoil or peace…


The widow giving her mite is recorded as giving so much over the man of wealth…


The books we read, the authors we follow make ripples in our lives…


The things each of  us do whether at home, on in public effects others…it may be temporary or long lasting….


And those ripples turn into other ripples affecting so much…


My husband’s and my conversation eleven years ago still sticks in my mind because of the ripple effect it has had on so many over years of life…just like other couples, families, whomever….


My challenge is what kind of ripples do we want to have, positive or negative…


 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Ps.32.8


 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Jas.1.22-25


Thank YOU….





Thursday, December 29, 2022

Verses for today…

 Verses for today….


In a world troubled with so many happenings, these verses were a refreshing reminder that our eyes need to be on Him…


Both were the verses of the day in two different Bible apps…keeping our focus on our God….


Blessings, 

Thank YOU….



 As a deer pants for flowing streams,so pants my soul for you, O God. 

My soul thirsts for God,for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God? 

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

Why are you cast down, O my soul,and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,my salvation and my God.

Ps.42.1-2,8, 11


 “Let not your hearts be troubled. 

Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. 

If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through me.

John.14.1-3, 6

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Plans…

 Plans…


As another year ends, I have been contemplating how I will read through the Bible again in the new year.…the whole Bible, the New  or Old separately/slowly, a devotional Bible, a parallel Bible, an application Bible, an archeological Bible, a chronological Bible….with a written plan or just divide up the pages and read…


It is important for me personally to devote a portion or my mornings in the Word… it speaks to me, it grounds me, it instructs me, it convicts me, it encourages me, it motivates me…more than any other book written…God is there, his spirit speaks truth to my heart…

When I don’t, I almost feel naked, unclothed… like I haven’t started the day right…I need that Word to cover me, remind me throughout the day and into the night watches…


Thank YOU…


 For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.”

Deut.32:47


 God is not man, that he should lie,or a son of man, that he should change his mind.Has he said, and will he not do it?Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

Num.23.19


Psalm 119 the whole…about the Word…


 How can a young man keep his way pure?

By guarding it according to your word. 

With my whole heart I seek you;let me not wander from your commandments! 

I have stored up your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you.

Ps.119.9-11


 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;it shall not return to me empty,but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Isa.55.11


 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.

Luke.16.17



 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Col.3.16


 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2Tim.3.16-17


 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Heb.4.12


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6LC8cu03Ig

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Music…Praise…

 Music…praise….


Christmas, the beginnings of Jesus coming to live on earth…centuries of waiting for prophecy to be filled …a Savior, a King, a redeemer…all wrapped in swaddling cloths, born in a manger….born to set people free…Angels announcing…Magi seeking and rejoicing…a king bent on destroying…Joseph obeying….Mary humbly birthing…shepherds making haste and sharing….a day to be remembered in time, not hidden away…


Thank YOU…


I wonder as I wander…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF3zb4Hbmhk


Music to rejoice by and ponder the words…where does this Child fit in daily living, in eternity…


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TOQRtYYERGo


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5mdybeyLVc


 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Fbinjue4g&list=PLcQUU3UZ-8WJna7hgQj1AUjlbOOtstVpC


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sDwKtbUD0s


Instrumental..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy6FKs_R1Ul


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XMgxfkwZL4k


https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/25-religious-christmas-songs-add-234258493.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall


Saturday, December 24, 2022

The Child…the Christ….

 The child…the Christ…


 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,

Gal.4.4


 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.

John.1.14


“What child is this?”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1cfCEzniEg


This child was so much more than just any baby in manger…He was, He is and ever shall be…

https://bibleresources.org/names-of-jesus/


 

“How many kings?”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmGfaEtVWvA


“I Am”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEg7h4E2b7E


 For to us a child is born,to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder,and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peacethere will be no end,on the throne of David and over his kingdom,to establish it and to uphold itwith justice and with righteousnessfrom this time forth and forevermore.The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isa.9.6-7


 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. 

And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke.1.31-33Luke.2.11


The Old Testament leads up to this Child…


https://www.thehootandhowl.com/blog/christmas-prophecy-jesus-birth-old-testament


https://www.thehootandhowl.com/blog/christmas-prophecy-jesus-birth-old-testament


The Gospels tell of this Child and His life….


In the Gospel of John, he writes. “ Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”

John.21.25


Thank YOU for this Child…






Friday, December 23, 2022

Gifts …given…

 Gifts….


When my oldest son was born, I made the announcements for his arrival…using the following verse as the centerpiece…


“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Jas.1.17


We were so thrilled to have our first child after several miscarriages…my mom came to help with this precious bundle, followed soon after with my dad and then my husband’s parents…we were so grateful for this gift…friends gave us our first baby shower with mounds of presents…what a gift…that caused yet more gifts….


When I think of baby Jesus….he definitely was the “good and perfect gift” to the world, to his parents….the shepherds came and gave the gift of worship….the Angels came and gave the gift of exaltation… the inn keeper gave them the gift of accommodations…the wisemen came and gave him gifts…


 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Matt.2.11


Patrick Carr wrote in Crosswalk…

Gold…frankincense…and Myrrh…”Gold proclaimed Him to be our king, the one who would rule over his people, and indeed the whole of creation, forever and ever. Frankincense announced that He would be our high priest, intervening with God, Himself, on our behalf, offering prayers and intercessions for us.

And finally, myrrh reveals to us that our King and Priest, God forever, was somehow a mortal man would also serve as our prophet, a man who would die in the place of his people.” 

An interesting article…


https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/what-the-magis-gifts-to-jesus-really-symbolize.html


 Gold…His kingship

I saw in the night visions,and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man,and he came to the Ancient of Daysand was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him;his dominion is an everlasting dominion,which shall not pass away,and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

Dan.7.13-14


Frankincense…His Deity…

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Col.2.9-10


Myrrh…His death…

  After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

John.19.38-42


But, the ultimate Gift, Jesus…keeps on giving…he was given gifts and He is our gift…


Thank YOU….


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ_MGWio-vc




Thursday, December 22, 2022

Kings…seeking…

 Wise men….seeking …


As I watched a recent depiction of the Nativity, I was struck by their wisemen who came…they were from very different continents…one, Asian…another African …and another European…they were dressed to match their culture…they brought with them their families, wives and children plus entourages of many….the families joined one another in fellowship…the main wisemen gave their gifts to the baby Jesus, but their children were delighted with baby as well and gave gifts copying their fathers in adoration…

Their commonality was seeking the King…drawing various nations together …various cultures, people groups….


In times past, the Queen of Sheba, coming from afar, sought out Solomon for his wisdom, bringing gifts as well…

“Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her. 

And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones. Never again came such an abundance of spices as these that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.”

1Kgs.10.1,1Kgs.10.2,1Kgs.10.3,1Kgs.10.4,1Kgs.10.5,1Kgs.10.6,1Kgs.10.7,1Kgs.10.9-10


The Ethiopian sought to find the truth…

“ Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughterand like a lamb before its shearer is silent,so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him.Who can describe his generation?For his life is taken away from the earth.” And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

Acts.8.26-38


Paul travelled around on several journeys to spread the Good News…to seekers…

  

The disciples spread the Word after leaving Jerusalem….

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts.1.8


People from all nations still seek this King…this Savior… and will continue to do so…

Various mission organizations work tirelessly to spread the Word to the “ends of the earth” to those seekers…from every continent, every tribe and nation…


Thank YOU…


 “Be still, and know that I am God.I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth!”

Ps.46.10


 https://www.davidjeremiah.org/whythenativity


 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? 

For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 

They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for from you shall come a rulerwho will shepherd my people Israel.’” 

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 

And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 

After listening to the king, they went on their way. 

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. 

Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 

And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Matt.2.1-12


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtFTCE0PggM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF952rzG3Yk


https://nationaltoday.com/three-kings-day/


Just for fun…


https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/three-kings-day


Recipe for German three kings cake..there are several cultural cakes, each a bit different…


https://www.food.com/recipe/three-kings-cake-germany-423614

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Angels….

 


Angels…announcing…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-g2dmrJFS0


Every day life was happening around both Mary and the shepherds in the Christmas story…


Mary, a young woman, probably working  on household  chores similar to what we women do now…food preparation, cleaning , laundry…maybe visiting with a neighbor…

Then the angel, Gabriel comes and greets her…”don’t be afraid”…quite a change from the ordinary….with extraordinary news…she is “favored” and given earth and life changing news….she responds in humbleness and obedience….


Joseph,  wrestling with the thoughts of a pregnant bride…probably praying for wisdom in a sticky situation…back and forth in his mind…lack of sleep as he looks at the options…along comes an angel to sooth his frustrations…”do not fear”…he responds in obedience….


The shepherds, watching their sheep, doing their evening duties, checking the sheep, making sure they are safe and settled…probably walking around slowly, talking to them soothingly…before joining other shepherds, talking of daily news, life or whatever shepherds talk about as they congregate, and settle themselves…

Then the angel comes bringing the Glory of the Lord, lighting up the sky…”fear not”…proclaiming good news…directions to find this baby…they go in expectation and obedience and finally sharing their story with others, rejoicing…


 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. 

And the virgin's name was Mary. 

And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 

But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. 

And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” 

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” 

And the angel departed from her.

Luke.1.26-38


 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. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matt.1.20-25


 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 

And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 

And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 

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

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke.2.8-20


 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Ps.34.7


Angels are spoken of over 200 times in the Scriptures… from Genesis to Hebrews, they play a major roll in the Christmas story…announcing, soothing fears, proclaiming the Birth of a Savior…


Thank YOU….



Don’t give up because no English to start with…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5iaV989_5M 


https://www.tonestart.com/best-christmas-songs-about-angels/


https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/who-is-the-angel-gabriel-in-the-bible.html

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Shepherd….

 Shepherds…


Over the years in various bodies of believer’s, we have had various pastors with various gifts….the gift I look for is “shepherding”….my question when seeking a new pastor or moving locations is, “ is he a shepherd?”. Do they or have they taken care of their “flock” ? Not hovering, or restraining the believers but, encouraging, building up, equipping to flock to grow spiritually in truth…


 He will tend his flock like a shepherd;he will gather the lambs in his arms;he will carry them in his bosom,and gently lead those that are with young.

Isa.40.11


As I thought about the shepherds coming to find the baby, Jesus, they came  quickly, with awe, seeking the Lamb of God…Christ the Lord…


 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 

And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 

And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 

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

Luke.2.8-18


These shepherds, diligently watching  their flocks by night, were awarded the sight of seeing the Baby first…announced by Angels…They were caring for their flock, making sure all was well, nurturing them, tending to the lambs, finding water, food, keeping them safe from predators….night and day…as good shepherds do…


what an honor…for diligence in shepherding…Seeing Jesus and telling others…

These shepherds, bowing down to the true Shepherd…what a picture…those who cared for the lambs, worshiping the Lamb of God…


Thank YOU….


 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John.10.14-15


 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Eph.4.11-16


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8wlM8ZSovw


A fun video song…


https://www.maynardsgroovytunes.co.uk/video/letsgo

Monday, December 19, 2022

Joseph…

 


Joseph…


I am an only child…I always wanted siblings, but that didn’t happen…


I remember my parents talking about adopting children and my father was always afraid he couldn’t love an adopted child as much as his own…hence…no adopted siblings…


But, both of them always worked with children in a variety of ways…wherever we lived on ranches, in town, friends …my mom taught music to all ages…my dad gave student tours of forests or spoke at different schools…


They even had foreign exchange students and enjoyed each one so much…

Grandchildren arrived and love abounded with each one, there was no shortage of nurturing, love…no matter how they arrived, birth or adopted…


When I think of Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, I think of that fatherly love as well…

God trusted this man with the raising, nurturing, protection, cherishing, of his Son…

Jesus was not Joseph’s by blood, but he was his son by his heart…


We are loved as well…maybe not by our earthly fathers for some, but by God, our Heavenly Father…


Thank YOU…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0YgwO_HMn4


 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. 

In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Eph.1.3-14










December, 8, 2019

“Mary’s Joseph....and others...

Joseph, Mary’s husband...



https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/things-we-learn-from-josephs-faith-at-christmas.html?utm_source=today%27s+topical+bible+study&utm_campaign=today%27s+topical+bible+study+-+biblestudytools.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=3014442&bcid=dad4cb6ffa9cb8224d8b23b17fc6f551&recip=488704412+


Getting ready for Christmas again, I was  again reading about Joseph, Mary’s betrothed...this article came across cyberspace.


But, it made me think of the other two Josephs, the prominent one in the Old Testament as well as the one mentioned as Joseph of Arimathea in the New Testament...


They all exhibited the traits mentioned in the article about Mary’s betrothed ...

1. Kindness under pressure...

2. Courage...

3. Guidance ...

4. Obedience...


Reading, comparing all three is interesting...

The name, Joseph, carries the meaning of, “ he will add” or “Jehovah increases”. This certainly fits all three in their lives..


Thank YOU for the examples You supply in Your Word of godly men...

That Mary’s Joseph was willing to father our Lord...in his obedience...

Joseph of the Old Testament saved a nation...remained true through trying circumstances...

Joseph of Arimathea stood by his belief courageously caring Christ in his burial...fulfilling prophecy...a follower, a disciple ....




https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/whatever-happened-to-nicodemus-and-joseph-of-arimathea/


https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/joseph-in-the-old-testament-bible-character-profile-and-study/“

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Mary…

 


Mary…



A friend posted this…and am sharing…not sure she got it…couldn’t find  the original…


“Sometimes we just don’t fit in. 


I don’t mean when someone accidentally forgets to invite us to something

Or a group of friends happen to meet up without us 


I mean that kind of not fitting in where you’re surrounded . . . but alone. 


You’re tolerated but not celebrated. 

You’re used but not welcomed. 

You’re in it but not a part of it. 

You’re there because it’s where circumstances have put you… but the people would have never chosen you. 


And you know it. 

And it hurts. 


And it feels like there is nothing you can do about it. 


Maybe you haven’t been there, but I have. 


As I was placing a nativity, I was distracted by a kid needing my help. When I came back, I noticed Mary sitting alone, and I had to wonder if she ever felt that same way. 


Was she ever surrounded while actually feeling very left out?


She wouldn’t have fit in with the religious crowd. After all, she was with child before marriage. 


I wonder what Joseph’s family thought about her?  Her sudden pregnancy, not from Joseph, couldn’t have gone over well. How would they have felt about that?


She wouldn’t have fit in with the other  women. She was pregnant and yet had not known a man. How could she have even related to them?  And who would have even believed her?  What woman wouldn’t have talked behind her back?


She had a baby in a stable? 

Not good enough for so many 


Her newborn was a threat to the Kingdom?

Too much for most people to handle 


People worshipped her son?

Who did she think she was?  Surely other mothers couldn’t handle that type of competition


Where would she have fit in?  

I can’t think of anywhere. 


Yet, 

She found her place holding the Son of GOD close.

She found her place at her son’s, her Savior’s, feet. 

She found her place at the foot of the cross. 

She found her place with Jesus. 


What a beautiful reminder for those of us who might not feel like we fit in nor accepted. 


HE not only wants us

HE not only accepts us

HE desires us. 


HE loves us. 

HE loves you. 


Come find your place… it’s with Jesus.”

— unknown author 


It fits so well with the song, 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Uki0dkthzI


"Mary, Did You Know?"song…


Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.


Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.


Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?..

Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?..


The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb!


Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.


Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?..

Mary, did you know?”



Thank YOU….


 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. 

And the virgin's name was Mary. 

And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 

But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. 

And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 

And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 

For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 

This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 

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

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 

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

And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. 

And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

Luke.1.26-38, Luke.1.27,Luke.1.28,Luke.1.29,Luke.1.30,Luke.1.Luke.2.1,Luke.2.2,Luke.2.3,Luke.2.4,Luke.2.5,Luke.2.6,Luke.2.7,Luke.2.19,Luke.2.34,Luke.2.35,51

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Psalm 150…the band…

 Psalm 150….the band…


And, finally the last psalm in the book of Psalms…it goes back to the “everything”….”let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”….the whole band played praises…I can hear the “Hallelujah Chorus” from the “Messiah” chiming in with voices raised in praise…which leads the way to Jesus’ mother, Mary…and her praise song…

From the mountain top praise to a young woman’s praise for her gift who in turn becomes everyone’s gift….a circle of praise…the everything, everyone, everywhere…giving praise…for a Savior was born…for all…


 Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sanctuary;praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds;

praise him according to his excellent greatness! 

Praise him with trumpet sound;

praise him with lute and harp! 

Praise him with tambourine and dance;

praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals;

praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

Ps.150.1,-6



“Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat”

 And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,and holy is his name. 

And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 

he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 

he has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty. 

He has helped his servant Israel,in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Luke.1.46-55


 For to us a child is born,to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder,and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,on the throne of David and over his kingdom,to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isa.9.6-7


“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”….


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weFJHtcxJt0

From Sydney, Australia….


Thank YOU….

Friday, December 16, 2022

Psalm 149…dancing and making melody…

 Psalm 149….dancing and making melody…


I have a friend who serves as a missionary in an African nation, working with children of all ages….every once in a while, she sends videos of some party or celebration at this school or just an ordinary day, the children are dancing either in a group or just dancing around on their own…the dancing just exudes from their bodies and minds…like it can’t be stopped with or without music…the children’s smiles, radiant in joy, laughter as an accompaniment…they don’t need a lyre or tambourine…but am sure they would use it if they had it….


They have so little in comparison to here in the US, but they have joy….praise….dance…



 “Praise the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song,his praise in the assembly of the godly! 

Let Israel be glad in his Maker;

let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! 

Let them praise his name with dancing,making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! 

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;

he adorns the humble with salvation. 

Let the godly exult in glory;let them sing for joy on their beds. 

Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, 

to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, 

to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written!

This is honor for all his godly ones.

Praise the Lord!”

Ps.149.1-9


This song is a bit older but still rings true…I was awakened with it this morning….there are times when we don’t feel like dancing, times of struggle, shattered dreams, brokenness, etc…and we still admonished to “Praise the Lord…”


Thank YOU for the dancing times and the shattered times…even from our beds…






https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q-IQ3DEVSI


“Praise the Lord” 

When you're up against a struggle
That shatters all your dreams
Your hope's been cruelly crushed
By Satan's manifested scheme
And you feel the urge within you
To submit to earthly fears
Don't let the faith your standing in
Seem to disappear

Praise the Lord
He can work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord
For our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord
For the chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you
That they drop powerless behind you

When you praise Him

Now Satan is a liar
And he wants to make us think
That we are paupers
When he knows himself
We're children of the King
So lift up the mighty shield of faith
For the battle must be won

We know that Jesus Christ is risen
So the works already done

Praise the Lord
He can work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord
For our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord
For the chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you
That they drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him

Praise the Lord
He can work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord
For our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord
For the chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you
That they drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Psalm 148…

 Psalm 148….


Everything, everywhere, everyone…..


 “Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens;praise him in the heights! 

Praise him, all his angels;praise him, all his hosts! 

Praise him, sun and moon,praise him, all you shining stars! 

Praise him, you highest heavens,and you waters above the heavens! 

Let them praise the name of the Lord!

For he commanded and they were created. 

And he established them forever and ever;he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. 

Praise the Lord from the earth,you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist,stormy wind fulfilling his word! 

Mountains and all hills,fruit trees and all cedars! 

Beasts and all livestock,creeping things and flying birds! 

Kings of the earth and all peoples,princes and all rulers of the earth! 

Young men and maidens together,old men and children! 

Let them praise the name of the Lord,for his name alone is exalted;his majesty is above earth and heaven. 

He has raised up a horn for his people,praise for all his saints,for the people of Israel who are near to him.

Praise the Lord!”

Ps.148.1-14


As  I was reading this psalm, I also read back in Psalm 139:7-12


 Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence? 

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me,and your right hand shall hold me. 

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you;

the night is bright as the day,for darkness is as light with you.


There is nowhere that we can hide from God…so everywhere there is praise…

And Paul’s admonishment….


 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil.4.4-7


 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

1Tim.2.1-5


This is sometimes sooo hard…through pain and suffering…Christmas time is a time of joy for some as well as a deep sorrow for others…praise through tears is hard…


Thank YOU….

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Advent readings…

 Advent readings….


I have been going through two very different advent adventures, both from Mission Aviation Fellowship, one for adults and one for children…


The adult features a devotional and personal testimony from a MAF staff member and their journey…to Christmas …very personal and thoughtful…soooo good..


The second one is from MAF-Canada…filled with journeys around the world bring light, help, the Love of Jesus to the ends on the earth…pictures, poems, scripture…


Both are wonderful in their presentation…both capture this time of Christmas preparation for the young and the old, the  local and the far away…


God’s light which He sent through Jesus is personal and universal…desiring that all should Seek His face, His Gift…for all ages, all cultures, all nations…


Thank YOU….


 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

1John.1.5-7


 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

He was in the beginning with God. 

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

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

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 

He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 

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

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.

John.1.1-5John.1.9-14


MAF Advent Adventure <advent@mafc.org>

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Psalm 147…the stars…the broken-hearted…

 Psalms 147…the stars…the brokenhearted…


“A song of praise is fitting”…I loved that phrase found here…


The song goes back and forth from the control God has over the universe to the care He has for the individual…from his numbering of the stars, clouds, rain to care of the beasts and birds…he has control over all…He builds up, he gathers, he heals, he understands, he lifts up, he casts down, he names, he provides, he strengthens, he blesses, he makes peace, he declares/sends out his word….


“A song of praise is fitting”….


Thank YOU for your care of the universe, and your personal care of each person…the infinite to the finite…You are Lord of all…Praise the Lord….


 “Praise the Lord!

For it is good to sing praises to our God;for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. 

The Lord builds up Jerusalem;he gathers the outcasts of Israel. 

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 

He determines the number of the stars;he gives to all of them their names. 

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;his understanding is beyond measure. 

The Lord lifts up the humble;he casts the wicked to the ground. 

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;make melody to our God on the lyre! 

He covers the heavens with clouds;he prepares rain for the earth;he makes grass grow on the hills. 

He gives to the beasts their food,and to the young ravens that cry. 

His delight is not in the strength of the horse,nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,in those who hope in his steadfast love. 

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!Praise your God, O Zion! 

For he strengthens the bars of your gates;he blesses your children within you. 

He makes peace in your borders;he fills you with the finest of the wheat. 

He sends out his command to the earth;his word runs swiftly. 

He gives snow like wool;he scatters frost like ashes. 

He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;who can stand before his cold? 

He sends out his word, and melts them;he makes his wind blow and the waters flow. 

He declares his word to Jacob,his statutes and rules to Israel. 

He has not dealt thus with any other nation;they do not know his rules.

Praise the Lord!”

Ps.147.1-20



https://seanmcdowell.org/blog/how-can-god-name-all-the-stars


https://www.bible.ca/D-counts-Stars.htm


Monday, December 12, 2022

Psalm 146…

 Psalm 146…the blind, the widow, the orphans, the hungry, the oppressed…


These few verses in Psalm 146, are filled with promises…was picturing some coming to life during the time Jesus walked here in earth…how He addressed them…and other references in the scriptures…His Word is not limited by time….


Thank YOU….


 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the Lord his God, 

who made heaven and earth,the sea, and all that is in them,who keeps faith forever;     

who executes justice for the oppressed,

who gives food to the hungry.


( They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Matt.14.17-21)


The Lord sets the prisoners free;  

the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.


( “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness;I will take you by the hand and keep you;

I will give you as a covenant for the people,a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind,to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,from the prison those who sit in darkness. 

I am the Lord; that is my name;my glory I give to no other,nor my praise to carved idols. 

Behold, the former things have come to pass,and new things I now declare;before they spring forthI tell you of them.” 

And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know,in paths that they have not knownI will guide them.

I will turn the darkness before them into light,the rough places into level ground.

These are the things I do,and I do not forsake them.

Isa.42.6-9,16)


( And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.

Matt.21.14)


The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;


 (Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 

In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 

When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 

The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 

Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 

And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked….

John.5.2-9a)


the Lord loves the righteous. 


( For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,and his ears are open to their prayer……

1Pet.3.12a)


The Lord watches over the sojourners;he upholds the widow and the fatherless….


( “When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. 

It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. 

When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over them again. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. 

When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. 

It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.

Deut.24.1921)


( Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

Luke.7.11,Luke.7.12-15)


Ps.146.5-9a



Sunday, December 11, 2022

Psalm 145…generations…

 Psalm 145…generations…


 One generation shall commend your works to another,and shall declare your mighty acts. 

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,and your dominion endures throughout all generations.[The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]

Ps.145.4, 13


I know I have written about this before…generations…

Telling of God’s provision, great love, His Word, Jesus’ redemptive work on our behalf….for each generation…declaring His mighty acts on and on …because His dominion exists through all generations…it never ceases…He never ceases…


We are given the awesome task of passing down/on to our descendants that information…

We may not have a big story as the deliverance of the Israelites , but God has given us our story of His moving in our lives…his provision, his working on our behalf, etc….


Thank YOU….


 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 

You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. “


“When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. 

And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 

And the Lord showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes. 

And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers. 

And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. 

And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.’

Deut.6.5-8,Deut.6.20-25


 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

Ps.45.17


 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel,which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them,the children yet unborn,and arise and tell them to their children,     

so that they should set their hope in  God and  not forget the works of God,but keep his commandments;

Ps.78.5,-7


 Let this be recorded for a generation to come,so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord:

Ps.102.18


 Tell your children of it,and let your children tell their children,and their children to another generation.

Joel.1.3


 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

Luke.1.50


Wrapped in plain brown paper…

 Wrapped in plain brown paper…


The tree was filled with a variety of ornaments…handmade, store-bought, big, little, shiny and bright, wooden, plastic, glass, colorful…one was wrapped in brown paper tied with string, simple yet compelling…what was the mystery hidden in the package….


The event was an ornament exchange, bring one, take one…numbers were called throughout the brunch, devotional and cookie exchange…until all of the ornaments were chosen…no stealing of another’s choice..you choose the one ornament you want…

My choice was the simple brown paper wrapped ornament…

Upon unwrapping, I found a simple red shiny ornament…but so much more…


This season of Christmas is filled with the bright and shiny, the lights, the gifting, the gifts, the running to and fro, the gatherings, the giving, the programs, the remembering, the laughter and tears….it is wrapped in bright paper and bows or gift bagged with tissue…


We forget the brown paper and string , the simple…the mystery…


As I unwrapped my gift, it reminded me what  the season is about… the glorious gift wrapped simply in swaddling cloths…born in a simple stable, sleeping in a simple manger…parented by a simple carpenter and young woman…visited by simple shepherds, simple surroundings….


We expect a king to be wrapped in finery, gold, living in palaces, surround by glitter and pomp, ornatenss abounding, a throne with marble…no simplicity….


We forget at times, this simple event, this tiny baby came for the simple people as well as the kings and all of those in between…He came for all…to be their all…


He came wrapped simply, but He was/is anything but simple…shepherds acknowledged Him…the Magi acknowledged Him…angels acknowledged Him, God acknowledged Him, crowds acknowledged Him…all the world will acknowledged Him…


He came for a specific purpose…to die and live again…to forgive, to redeem…all the world…those who would seek and find him…and simply put their trust In Him…


He came, wrapped simply, to bring believers to a glorious place, a kingly heaven, to live in the Light for eternity….filled with more splendor than all the pretty Christmas ornaments…manmade palaces of wonder…a King, a long way from the simple manger…


My ornament, wrapped in brown paper, tied with string…was a symbol of this season for me…. A stark reminder of the true meaning of Christmas…Jesus, in all of his simplicity, in all His greatness…His great love wrapped in simple faith…


Thank YOU…


 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 

And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 

And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 

And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, 

as it had been told them. for my eyes have seen your salvation  that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles,and for glory to your people Israel.” 

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 

And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke.2.7,Luke.2.15,Luke.2.16,Luke.2.17,Luke.2.18,Luke.2.20,Luke.2.30,Luke.2.31,Luke.2.32,Luke.2.34,Luke.2.38


 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us). Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? 

For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for from you shall come a rulerwho will shepherd my people Israel.’” 

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. 

Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Matt.1.21,Matt.1.22,Matt.1.23,Matt.2.1,Matt.2.2,Matt.2.6,Matt.2.11


 The unfolding of your words gives light;it imparts understanding to the simple.

Ps.119.130


 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. 

God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of 1John.4.9,1John.4.10,1John.4.13,1John.4.14,1John.4.15,1John.4.16,1John.5.1


Friday, December 9, 2022

Psalm 144…blessed…


Psalm 144…blessed…


 This  psalm starts and ends with “blessed”…first "blessed be the Lord”….adoration for what He has done and who He is in the life of David …

David’s humility before God comes through in “what is man”….”man is like a breath, shadow”


Then he turns to the power of God…over nature, people …


Then a new song…praise…


Then the supplication…”rescue me”


Then asking for the blessings of fruitfulness, abundance…


Finally proclaiming “Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!

Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!”


Sounds like an example of a prayer….adoration, confession, supplication, thanksgiving….


The ever familiar…Jesus’ example to his disciples….


“Lords Prayer”…

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. 

And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 

And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 

Pray then like this:“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.

Matt.6.6-13



Thank YOU for prayers throughout your word…in all kinds of circumstances….examples of heartfelt times of coming to You…Blessed be the Lord…throughout the generations…


 Blessed be the Lord, my rock,who trains my hands for war,and my fingers for battle; 

he is my steadfast love and my fortress,my stronghold and my deliverer,my shield and he in whom I take refuge,who subdues peoples under me. 


O Lord, what is man that you regard him,or the son of man that you think of him? 

Man is like a breath;his days are like a passing shadow. I


Bow your heavens, O Lord, and come down!

Touch the mountains so that they smoke! 

Flash forth the lightning and scatter them;send out your arrows and rout them! 

Stretch out your hand from on high;rescue me and deliver me from the many waters,from the hand of foreigners, whose mouths speak lies and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 


I will sing a new song to you, O God;

upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you, who gives victory to kings,who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword. 

Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners,whose mouths speak lies and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 

May our sons in their youth-be like plants full grown,

our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace; 

may our granaries be full,providing all kinds of produce;

may our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields; 

may our cattle be heavy with young,suffering no mishap or failure in bearing;

may there be no cry of distress in our streets! 

Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!

Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!

Ps.144.1-15


  

 

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Psalm 143…I am your servant…

 Psalm 143…I am your servant…


Reading this, I had to look up servants, who were called servants…

From Genesis to Revelations…many were called servants…craftsman, boats builders, nation leaders, handmaidens, workers in the kingdom…none perfect except Jesus…people we could meet on the street, pass by in a store, find in the nursery or listening to verses at Awanas, cleaning the bathrooms , or behind the pulpit, typing the church bulletin, holding the hand of a sick one, cooking a meal to share, working with teens, filling a box for children, coaching a soccer team, listening to a neighbor, flying a plane, leading a Bible study….building house, protecting our lives, fighting our fires….the list goes on…


What makes a servant…this was my answer in the dark of the night…


 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Col.3.17,Col.3.23-34


Thank YOU….


Moses is spoken of many times as God’s servant…

Just as the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.

Josh.11.15


Caleb is spoken of as God’s servant as well….

But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.

Num.14.24


Nehemiah…

 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”

Now I was cupbearer to the king.

Neh.1.8, 11


Job…

And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 

And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.”

Job.1.8,Job.2.3


David…in this Pslam as well as others…

In this psalm, David ends with, “I am your servant”…


Solomon spoke of servant several times…contrasts and comparisons….

A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor,but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

Prov.14.35


Israel, Jesus…

Behold my servant, whom I uphold,my chosen, in whom my soul delights;I have put my Spirit upon him;he will bring forth justice to the nations…

Isa.42.1


 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.I will put my Spirit upon him,and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.

Matt.12.17-18


 The greatest among you shall be your servant.

Matt.23.11


 “Then fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the Lord,nor be dismayed, O Israel;for behold, I will save you from far away,and your offspring from the land of their captivity.Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease,and none shall make him afraid. But they shall serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.

Jer.30:9-10


Even Nebuchadnezzar…

behold, I will send for all the tribes of the north, declares the Lord, and for Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants, and against all these surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction, and make them a horror, a hissing, and an everlasting desolation.

Jer.25.9


Mary… 

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Luke.1.38


Jude, Paul, Titus, Tychicus, Epaphras…and more…all called servants..


 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.

 Matt.24.45-46


 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’

Luke.19:17

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Psalm 142…I cry out…

 Psalm 142…I cry out….


‘Tis the season to receive requests upon requests for funds from anything, anyone needing help…the baby elephants dying in Africa, the animals needing shelters and care…people shelters…

Myriads of needs the world around…


The most poignant to me is pictures of beggars in the streets, wanting help of any sort…food, shelter, clothing…or elderly picking up pieces of wood to make a fire to keep warm or cook their meager food in war torn countries….people’s hands held out in supplication, wanting, pleading…the sick and dying lying quietly waiting for the inevitable….


Reading Psalm 142 brought these pictures to mind…David crying out in distress as he hides in a cave, hidden in the hill, awaiting King Saul to find him…pleading to God his refuge….knowing His promises, but not quite seeing them at the time…


There are desperate times for many, captive by our fears , problems…we know the truth, but are not quite seeing it through our desperation…we plead..we hang on…


God in His time and way comes through…


Thank YOU….


 I cry out to God Most High,to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

Ps.57.2


 Hear my prayer, O Lord;let my cry come to you! 

Do not hide your face from mein the day of my distress!

Incline your ear to me;answer me speedily in the day when I call!

Ps.102.1-2


 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!     O Lord, hear my voice!Let your ears be attentiveto the voice of my pleas for mercy!

Ps.130.1-2


 With my voice I cry out to the Lord;with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. 

I pour out my complaint before him;I tell my trouble before him.

Ps.142.1-2


  With my voice I cry out to the Lord;with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. 

I pour out my complaint before him;I tell my trouble before him. When my spirit faints within me,you know my way!

In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. 

Look to the right and see:there is none who takes notice of me;no refuge remains to me;no one cares for my soul. 

I cry to you, O Lord;I say, “You are my refuge,my portion in the land of the living.” 

Attend to my cry,for I am brought very low!

Deliver me from my persecutors,for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of prison,that I may give thanks to your name!

The righteous will surround me,for you will deal bountifully with me.

Ps.142.1-7

Monday, December 5, 2022

Psalm 141…please listen…refuge…

 Psalm 141….please listen…refuge…


One of the times I read through the Psalms was when my husband was dying…it wasn’t Job I turned to, but David’s psalms….

We were fighting an enemy, cancer….surrounded by helpful people, but the fight was still relentless… we fought the deep pit of despair, felt like our feet were stuck in the miry clay, words by the enemy, we had anger toward the situation, we cried, we wanted out, we wanted the enemy cast away from us…we felt like fainting ….many of the emotions brought out by David at his times of trials…in the psalms…


I would read them at night after all had left, my husband holding my hand until he couldn’t and then I held his…reading, crying, seeking the same refuge that David spoke of…seeking the same strength that a king sought so many years ago…

I am glad that God isn’t partial…helping a king and us with the same care and love…refuge…


My husband didn’t win the battle with cancer, but he went to  a better place, knowing a Savior…who gives eternal life to those who  seek and find Him….


Thank YOU….


 O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you! 

But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord;in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!

Ps.141.1,8

Hidden landmarks….

 Hidden landmarks…


Recently my cousin sent me a series of videos he took while visiting places near our grandparents’ ranch…

As children we would drive through a little valley, passing homes, corrals, gardens, landscaped yards, barns before  going through a big, white closed gate leading to winding road and another valley where our grandparents lived…

Over the years, the first valley was vacated, homes leveled to make way for a lake to help with irrigation further away, roads moved to higher ground …now that lake is receding due to lack of water ….foundations, hidden landmarks are once again visible of  times past…memories made…

My cousin had the privilege of taking former residents back to the valley to find their home spot, other landmarks  they knew well and we saw as children…they could name families who lived in that valley, tell some of their stories….what a treasure…


Even though water has covered those landmarks for years, some could still be found…


It made me ponder again, whatever happened to those ancient altars, landmarks that people of long ago made to worship the Lord…

After visiting Israel three years ago, seeing excavation after excavation, thousands of years of history built on top of one another…they have long disappeared into the sands of time…probably not to be uncovered by lack of water, as the ones my cousin found…


Although the landmarks were hidden from view for many years, the Word of God was not…it has maintained its prominence, it best selling spot, its integrity, its Truth for generation after generation…it cannot be burned, flooded, torn away as it stands eternal…it is still being translated into languages via the written or spoken word..,so that it is proclaimed  to the ends of the earth…


 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Luke.21.33


Thank YOU….


 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Gen.8.20


 So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord.

Gen.13.18


 God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. Make an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”

Gen.35.1


 And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones. And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God, and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.

 Deut.27.2-8


 “You shall not move your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in the inheritance that you will hold in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.

 Deut.19.14


 Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.

Prov.22.28

 

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Psalm 140…slander…

  Psalm 140…slander…


Slander…

“: the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another's reputation?

: a false and defamatory oral statement about a person,” Merriam Webster.. 


Psalm 140 may have been written during David’s time as he was fleeing from Saul…words falsely accusing David by Saul…


 Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men;preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's,and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah 

Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;preserve me from violent men,who have planned to trip up my feet. 

The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,and with cords they have spread a net;beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah 

I say to the Lord, You are my God;

give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord! O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation,you have covered my head in the day of battle. 

Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah 

As for the head of those who surround me,let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! 

Let burning coals fall upon them!

Let them be cast into fire,into miry pits, no more to rise! 

Let not the slanderer be established in the land;let evil hunt down the violent man speedily! 

I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted,and will execute justice for the needy. 

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;the upright shall dwell in your presence.Ps.140.1-13


This psalm could be written today…slanders have not ceased being around…evil still abounds…those who are good are still be accused…there are “mischief “, wicked, violent, those who make war, needy, afflicted….none of this has gone away over the centuries…we haven’t gotten any better…sin still abounds…

But Grace abounds all the more…


The same  Lord whom David called upon can still be called upon today… He still saves, still lifts up, still executes justice for the needy…


Thank YOU…Help me not to be among the slanderous…guard my tongue…


 “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.Lev.19.15-16


Let not the slanderer be established in the land;let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!Ps.140.11


 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.Prov.11.13


 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.

Matt.15.18-19


 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.Col.3.8


 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,Titus.2.3

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Psalm 139…permeate…

 


Psalm 139…Permeate 


One of my favorite psalms…no matter where I am, what I am doing, what I am thinking, about to say….

God is there/here…he knows everything there is to know about me from the beginning to the end…


I was lamenting the fact of a medication that I am currently taking is awful…it tastes awful, it permeates into all of your pores, your clothes smell like it, your bedding smells like it…your mouth tastes like it all the time..researchers have tried various ways to make it palatable, but haven’t come up with a way yet  in its thirty year history…conclusion is just take it and hope you have to only take one round of it…


God “permeates”, indwells us in a good way…he is palatable…he doesn’t go away…and as believers, we have Him all the time…


Thank YOU…..


 “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;you discern my thoughts from afar. 

You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 

Even before a word is on my tongue,behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 

You hem me in, behind and before,and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;it is high; I cannot attain it. 

Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence? 

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me,and your right hand shall hold me. 

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you;the night is bright as the day,for darkness is as light with you. 

For you formed my inward parts;you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 

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

Wonderful are your works;my soul knows it very well. 

My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret,intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 

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. 

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them! 

If I would count them, they are more than the sand.I awake, and I am still with you. 

Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!



O men of blood, depart from me! 

They speak against you with malicious intent;your enemies take your name in vain. 

Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?

And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 

I hate them with complete hatred;I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts! 

And see if there be any grievous way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting!”

Ps.139.1-24

 And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matt.28.20b