No show…just do it…

 No show….just do it…

I like to make lists….” To do lists”, mailing lists, birthday lists, packing lists, traveling needs lists, gift lists…I am not obsessed with them, but, for me, they make life easier….and recently, I received from my accountant, “ the tax list”- information I must gather so that my taxes are done correctly and in order…(it makes his life easier)…

Reading through Matthew and Luke 6, you can almost bullet a list of do’s and dont’s, not in a legalistic way, but heart attitudes that are pleasing to God…when examining motives or attitudes of actions…

There used to be the saying, “ what would Jesus do”…we saw it on bracelets, tee shirts, bumper stickers, etc…but the key is, not only what would Jesus do, but what is His Spirit teaching us to do…what is our heart attitude before God and man…and how does that play out…

Thank YOU…teach me to listen and obey….

 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. 

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. 

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 

Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.

Luke.6.31,Luke.6.36,45,Luke.6.47-48

 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 

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. 

But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. 

And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 

For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. 

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matt.6.3-4,Matt.6.6,Matt.6.17-18,Matt.6.20,Matt.6.21,Matt.6.25,Matt.6.32-34

When we walk with the Lord…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKan7o_d_-A

“

1 When we walk with the Lord

  In the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way;

  While we do His good will,

  He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain Trust and obey,

For there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus,

  But to trust and obey.

2 Not a shadow can rise,

  Not a cloud in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives it away;

  Not a doubt or a fear,

  Not a sigh or a tear,

Can abide while we trust and obey.

3 Not a burden we bear,

  Not a sorrow we share,

But our toil He doth richly repay;

  Not a grief or a loss,

  Not a frown or a cross,

But is blest if we trust and obey.

4 But we never can prove

  The delights of His love,

Until all on the altar we lay;

  For the favor He shows,

  And the joy He bestows,

Are for them who will trust and obey.

5 Then in fellowship sweet

  We will sit at His feet,

Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;

  What He says we will do;

  Where He sends, we will go,

Never fear, only trust and obey.

A clear conscience…a long ago missed communion….

 

A clear conscience….a long ago missed communion…

 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Matt.5.23-24

The church service was starting, communion was coming…

My hands began to sweat, my heart beat faster…I was soooo troubled…

A friend and I had had words between us and I hadn’t resolved in my heart that everything was clear…I couldn’t sit there in clear conscience and partake of communion…I couldn’t offer my heart as a gift …even though we had parted on good terms, it was still wasn’t right in my spirit…apparently I still held some feelings of guilt, unforgiveness…..

So no communion for me that day…later we met and cleared up everything, going away with a lightened heart, soul and mind…we remained best of friends until her death…I still miss her laughter, encouragement, enthusiasm for life…our talks of faith and families…we could finish each other’s sentences …but I will never forget that missed communion time…hearts  have to right…

I still tear up when I hear her favorite song…

“There’s a sweet sweet spirit in this place…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjDk7W5jDLQ

 Have mercy on me, O God,according to your steadfast love;according to your abundant mercyblot out my transgressions. 

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin! 

For I know my transgressions,and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinnedand done what is evil in your sight,so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,and in sin did my mother conceive me. 

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 

Let me hear joy and gladness;let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 

Hide your face from my sins,and blot out all my iniquities. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God,and renew a right spirit within me.

Ps.51.1-10

 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. 

Do this in remembrance of me.” 

In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. 

Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 

Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 

For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

1Cor.11:23-29

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-is-communion-and-why-is-it-celebrated-differently.html

The beatitudes….

 The beatitudes….

The poor in sprit, the mourning, the meek, those hungry for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted, the reviled…is there ever any hope …

I can see Jesus sitting on that uncomfortable rock on the hillside speaking with these words of hope and encouragement to listening, eager ears…the downhearted, the searching, the seeking, those hungering for truth,  those hungering for a redeemer, a leader, a healer…this man who spoke so kindly, touched their children with love…encouraging them to seek and find…to be a light…to be salt in a tasteless world…

And He still speaks to the same people generations later with the same encouragement…the same redeeming words…through His Word, through His Spirit…the message hasn’t changed, people really haven’t changed…

Listen with your heart, soul and mind…thank YOU….

 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 

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

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matt.5.1-16

Photos from the church of the Beatitudes, Israeli…on the hillside looking down on the Sea of Galilee…

My Redeemer

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

Chosen …2…

Chosen…2…

So many people followed Jesus, but he chose 12 to stay with him, to mentor, to befriend in close relationships…

(I have often wondered if these chosen were from 12 tribes…often thought the good size for a small group was 12-not too big, not too small.)

They came with different personalities, different talents, different backgrounds, but they were chosen specifically….

When you look back over your life, are there “12” whom you felt closer to among your friendships…?  I think of mine and have been so blessed in different chapters of the ones that God placed me with for specific seasons of life… those who encouraged, those who held my hand, those who challenged, those who we still pray for one another, those who stay in contact, those who my children still can go to for advice, those who I can count on no matter what…and many more reasons…and I thank God for them all…no matter where they are…

Jesus had these twelve whom he shared life with,  until the end….except for Judas, they went on after him, telling the world of the Savior…giving their lives for the truth of the Gospel. They walked with Jesus…along his path…along their paths… chosen…

 Afterwards he went up into the hills and summoned certain ones he chose, inviting them to come and join him there; and they did.  Then he selected twelve of them to be his regular companions and to go out to preach and to cast out demons.  These are the names of the twelve he chose: Simon (he renamed him “Peter”), James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (the son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (a member of a political party advocating violent overthrow of the Roman government), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

Mark.3.13-19

 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Luke.6.12-16

https://bibleseo.com/gospels/jesus-disciples-names-meaning-occupation/

Thank YOU…

 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 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. 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.

Col.3.12-17

Oh Lord, you’re beautiful….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqEa1Uo9UZc

A VBS song about the disciples….fun…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfi3JRR1Nfc

Chosen…

 Chosen….

 “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. 

He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,or make it heard in the street; 

a bruised reed he will not break,and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;

he will faithfully bring forth justice. 

He will not grow faint or be discouragedtill he has established justice in the earth;

 and the coastlands wait for his law.”

Isa.42.1-4 ESV

 See my servant, whom I uphold; my Chosen One in whom I delight. 

I have put my Spirit upon him; he will reveal justice to the nations of the world.  

He will be gentle—he will not shout nor quarrel in the streets.  

He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the dimly burning flame. 

He will encourage the fainthearted, those tempted to despair. 

He will see full justice given to all who have been wronged.  

He won’t be satisfied until truth and righteousness prevail throughout the earth, nor until even distant lands beyond the seas have put their trust in him.

Isa.42.1-4TLB

This was to fulfill what was spoken through 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. 

He will not quarrel or cry aloud,nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; 

a bruised reed he will not break,and a smoldering wick he will not quench,until he brings justice to victory;     

and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”(in his name the nations will put their hope).

Matt.12:17-21ESV

I began this, thinking it would be about Jesus and his chosen disciples, but it was turned upon reading about the last phase in the selection…”and in his name gentiles will hope”, “in his name the nations will put their hope”, “even distant lands beyond the seas have put their trust in Him”….

Depending on the translation…

He will prevail upon the whole earth…bringing justice to victory…

The Bible continues to be the most translated and transforming book in the World..a year ago, it was estimated that the whole Bible or portions of it had been translated into 3384 languages …and still more to go…heart languages, those people speak in within  their own areas, homes is the continuous focus as it touches their personal lives…many, many organizations are continually helping get the Word out to more and more people…to the ends of the earth…

Imagine receiving a new book, and upon opening it to the first page and finding only blank page after blank page…no words written anywhere…there are people in the world who have no Bible written in their language, so their books are blank…they may be able to hear it via audio or see it via digital movies, but not read it, study it..meditate on each word…

But, even thought they may not have the written word, they still have hope in Christ…He came for the 

World…

Thank YOU…

 …I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John.10.10b

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYu8ZyETnKo

https://www.gmrtranscription.com/blog/most-translated-books-across-world

Value…

 Value…

I was reading a novel about the era of building the “cottages” in Newport, Rhode Island…the competition of people, the desire to outdo one another  in finery, money, reputation, business, etc…and the emptiness found in souls of some…some people relished the high society while others desired to return to the simplicity of life…to values from which they had flourished, God fearing, God honoring…

And I am not saying that one has to be poor to be God centered…God shows no partially…nor should we…God looks on the heart not the outward appearances…

I want to value what He wants me to value…wisdom, people, Him…not try to serve two masters…

Thank YOU….

“Value= 

: relative worth, utility, or importance” Merriam Webster….

 “But where shall wisdom be found?

And where is the place of understanding? 

Man does not know its worth,and it is not found in the land of the living. 

The deep says, ‘It is not in me,’and the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ It cannot be bought for gold,and silver cannot be weighed as its price. 

It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir,in precious onyx or sapphire. 

Gold and glass cannot equal it,nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. 

No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal;the price of wisdom is above pearls. 

The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,nor can it be valued in pure gold. 

And he said to man,‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Job.28.12-19,28

 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 

Are you not of more value than they? 

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 

And why are you anxious about clothing? 

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 

For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matt.6.25-34

 He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? 

Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 

Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other.

Matt.12.11-13

 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!

Luke.12.7, 24

 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1Tim.4.8

Photos taken 2019 on tour of one of the “cottages “ in Newport..

https://www.newport-discovery-guide.com/newport-mansion-tours.html

Thoughts…

 Thoughts…

Years and years ago, when one of my children had just turned two, we were with a group of people whose children were like in ages…

My child had yet to throw one of those embarrassing, awful, “I want my way” “terrible twos” tantrums…, but at this gathering another child proceeded to act out full blown tantrum…I watched the poor mother try to placate, admonish and love their way through it, finally giving in to the child…but, I also watched my child observe-I could almost hear the wheels turning , eyes taking in the whole episode, carefully entering this piece of information into their brain, saying , “ Hummmm, they get their way by doing this …”

I wondered when and how would come of this event…their thoughts were so evident…

Within a week, that bit of information came out and was tried in our home…almost an exact replication of the first…”I want my way or else” attitude…when the result was significantly different, it wasn’t repeated…

I will most definitely say, I am not a mind reader…but, God is…

Reading in the gospels, the writers repeatedly say, “Jesus, knowing their thoughts…” He was Jesus, after all…their Creator…

David writes…

 the Lord—knows the thoughts of man,that they are but a breath.

Ps.94.11

 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;you discern my thoughts from afar. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!How vast is the sum of them! 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.139.2,Ps.139.17,Ps.139.23-24

Solomon writes…

 The thoughts of the righteous are just;the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

Prov.12.5

 Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king,nor in your bedroom curse the rich,for a bird of the air will carry your voice,or some winged creature tell the matter.

Eccl.10.20

Isaiah writes…

 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your waysand my thoughts than your thoughts. 

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heavenand do not return there but water the earth,making it bring forth and sprout,giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 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.55.811

Luke writes..as well Mark, Matthew and John…

 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there.

Luke.6.8

Paul writes..

 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? 

So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 

And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

1Cor.2.11-13

 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. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Heb.4.12-13

But, they are all God breathed to us that we may know…

God knows our thoughts all the time, be they evil or good…He discerns …

Knowing that, convicts me especially to keep my thoughts on good..thinking on good…

Thank YOU…

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Phil.4.8-9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_m_0V8KTKo

He reached out and touched him…

 He reached out and touched touched him…

 “The leprous person who has the disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean.’ He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.

Lev.13.45-46

 When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

Matt.8.1-4

Mark 1:40-45

Luke 5:12-16

Leviticus in the Old Testament, lists the rules for uncleanness of various objects, people, homes, cloth, etc…the Jews were to have nothing to do it and were given conditions on how to deal with it…priests making many determinations…a person could become  unclean by touching another who was unclean…

 I remember as a child watching the epic movie, “Ben Hur”…the depictions of conditions that the lepers lived in, in biblical times…outside the city, in caves,  begging people, darkness…

But Jesus, knowing these laws, touched people…healing them…He touched their bodies, their souls, their hearts…He, the perfect, didn’t become unclean or contaminated…He made them whole…He was “willing “…he entered the world to change it…leaving the Glories of heaven to walk the earth…

Thank YOU….

 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Heb.12.2

He touched me, 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O5hdyxSaec

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprosy

https://worldhistory.us/american-history/the-beginning-years-of-hawaiis-leper-colony-on-molokai-island.php

Healings in Capernaum…

 Healings in Capernaum…

So of all the places to read in the Scriptures this morning, it was Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law and the village of Capernaum…

In 2019, we stood in that town, gazing at Peter’s home, walked through the synagogue, had our Sunday service there, sat next to the water, looked at the various artifacts scattered around…knowing Jesus trod on the very same pathways so many years ago…

He healed there, he prayed there, he attended the synagogue there, he had fellowship there….he spoke his purpose there…” I must peach the good news of the kingdom of God”….when the people would have held him there for  themselves …he was there for the World, not just one village…

Scriptures say…

And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

Matt.8.14-17

 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 

And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. 

Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 

And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. 

And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 

And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Luke.4.38-40,Luke.4.42-44

 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 

Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 

That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 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. 

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. 

And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 

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.” 

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

Mark.1.29-39

I am meeting with a doctor today, a spinal specialist, o find out if there is anything he can do for my back… praying that someone can give relief from the back pain that has taken its toll this last year…I would have been among those who went  to Peter’s home to visit with Jesus for healing…listening to his words…wondering “who is this man”…who heals and preaches these words of the kingdom of God…”Could this be the Messiah?”…

Thank YOU….

On this desert road…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSyQYnrpEv8

Aaron Jeffery, Heal me…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hblSL2GmW_Q

Favorite verses…

 Favorite verses…

 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Matt.7.7-8

These were two of my husband’s favorite Bible verses…when we repainted our bedroom years ago, I had this stenciled above the alcove of windows in our bedroom…we saw it first thing when awaking in the morning and last thing when we went to sleep at night…

Stenciling has gone out of vogue a bit and we don’t see it as often as we did…but the Words written there will never be outdated…

I thought it a contrast when in the book of Revelations…Jesus is the one knocking …waiting for us to let Him in…where as in Matthew he promises to open the door…when we ask…no hesitations…He is waiting for us…to fellowship with us…

Thank YOU…

 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Rev.3.20

 One thing have I asked of the Lord,that will I seek after:that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

Ps.27.4

 And those who know your name put their trust in you,for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Ps.9.10

 You have said, “Seek my face.”My heart says to you,“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

Ps.27.8

 He will cover you with his pinions,and under his wings you will find refuge;his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

Ps.91.4

 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in your commandments,which I love. 

I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,and I will meditate on your statutes. 

Remember your word to your servant,in which you have made me hope. 

This is my comfort in my affliction,that your promise gives me life.

Ps.119.46-50

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3vXskhI1ig

Wedding flowers…getting prepared…

 

Wedding flowers…..getting prepared….

Years ago I asked a woman who specialized in flowers for weddings if I could apprentice under her. I only had one child at home at the time, the others had grown and left…and I loved flowers.

So began a half year of learning from an expert…and she was amazing and so very kind to let me work with her on some beautiful weddings…I then went to a floral design school in Portland for their course in floristry, taking a crash course day and night as I stayed in a motel during the week and going home for the weekends…

Finally, I worked in a floral shop for several years as well as coordinating weddings with a friend and solo for a few more years…doing weddings for friends over the years (an act of love for all)…I even got to design flowers for one of my daughters…all so fun…and this last year I got to design flowers for my oldest grandson’s wedding …now working on my oldest granddaughter’s spring wedding….what a privilege and honor…

The fragrance of fresh flowers is wonderful…or working with silk flowers ahead of time has its advantages….both are a blessing…I am so glad God made so many colors, so many fragrances…such a delight to the senses…

There is a lot of behind-the-scene preparation for either real or silk flowers just as with the wedding itself…prep by both the parents of the groom and bride…places to wed, people to invite, food to eat, cake to share, clothing, vows to write, traveling and accommodations to reserve, music to use….plus counseling for the couple…

 

Apparently the families in the Wedding at Cana hadn’t procured enough beverages for their wedding…coming up short on the wine…they weren’t as prepared as they needed…

 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 

When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 

Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 

Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 

And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 

When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. 

But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

John.2.1-11

Mary, volunteers her son to take care of the problem, she knows he will do the right thing…and he did…turning the water into the “good wine” …his first sign, manifesting his glory…the first of many…

The Bible speaks of Jesus as the Groom and the church, His Bride…and we are being prepared for a wedding feast like no other…as He prepares a home like no other for his followers…those who have put their trust in Him…

I am not sure if flowers are part of the ceremony or not, but we can only imagine…

Thank YOU…

Revelation 19:7 (ESV)

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;

Revelation 21:2 (ESV)

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:9 (ESV)

Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

Revelation 22:17 (ESV)

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

https://www.stepstolife.org/article/customs-bible-times-betrothal-wedding/

 https://womeninthebible.net/bible-extras/weddings-in-the-bible/

https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-bouquet-etiquette

https://florgeous.com/wedding-flowers/

Kinsman-redeemer

 Kinsman redeemer…

I was reading about the woman at the well and her encounter with Jesus this am…John 4:4-42

A non-Jew, a Samaritan woman going out to get her water to supply her needs, out of the way of others…encounters Jesus who tenderly shows her the “Way”…using the illustration of living water…he knows her need, her history and confronts her with it…she runs to tell others about “This Man” who knows all things…

It made me think about Ruth in the Old Testament, going out the glean to fill her needs as well, finding fallen grain to use as food,

Boaz confronts her as well, knowing her history, and proceeds to increase her gathering, giving her life through his abundance…

Both women needed a Savior, both found favor, both were nourished by the gift given…both were Gentiles…Ruth went on to be an ancestor of David who in turn was in the family line of Jesus…both were sought out,  both were used as examples of Grace given…

We all need that grace, that unmerited favor…that nourishment that only Jesus can give…He is there to seek and save the lost, to fill with His living water…His Bread of life…

What pictures…thank YOU… 

 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John.4.13-14

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

John.6.35

 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

John.7.37-38

 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. 

Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. 

Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.” 

Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” 

But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. 

The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” 

Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.”

Ruth.2.8-13

The story of Ruth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXFdNhRy9jA

His mercy is more…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uh1KDpg00x8

Fernando Ortega

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpr4dai4yAc

Corrie ten Boom….

 

Corrie ten Boom…

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Phil.2.14-18

The verse of the day….

When I read this verse this morning, written by Paul to the Philippians so long ago, I  couldn’t help but think of Corrie ten Boom…her book, the Hiding place,  came out in the 1970’s, later followed by a movie of the same name…a woman who wrote and spoke about the horrific times in concentration camps, loss of family, love, and forgiveness…

She held fast to the word of life as Paul admonishes…through trials that many of us only read about…while others in various parts of the world are experiencing daily…martyrs for the Word…

She wrote the following poem which has been shared by millions…our individual tapestries/weavings we see the underside while God sees the beautiful picture He weaves into our lives…

Thank YOU….

The weaving, by Corrie ten Boom

Her poem given by another …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rXLmIx0SsI



 



Corrie ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom has long been honored by evangelical Christians as an exemplar of Christian faith in action. Arrested by the Nazis along with the rest of her family for hiding Jews in their Haarlem home during the Holocaust, she was imprisoned and eventually sent to the Ravensbruck concentration camp along with her beloved sister, Betsie, who perished there just days before Corrie's own release on December 31, 1944. 

Inspired by Betsie's example of selfless love and forgiveness amid extreme cruelty and persecution, Corrie established a post-war home for other camp survivors trying to recover from the horrors they had escaped. 

She went on to travel widely as a missionary, preaching God's forgiveness and the need for reconciliation. Corrie's devout moral principles were tested when, by chance, she came face to face with one of her former tormentors in 1947. 

The following description of that experience is excerpted from her 1971 autobiography, The Hiding Place, written with the help of John and Elizabeth Sherrill.

I'm Still Learning to Forgive

It was in a church in Munich that I saw him, a balding heavy-set man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken. It was 1947 and I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives. ...

And that's when I saw him, working his way forward against the others. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights, the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor, the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister's frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin. Betsie, how thin you were!

Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland; this man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent. ...

"You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk," he was saying. "I was a guard in there." No, he did not remember me.

"I had to do it — I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us."

"But since that time," he went on, "I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein, ..." his hand came out, ... "will you forgive me?"

And I stood there — I whose sins had every day to be forgiven — and could not. Betsie had died in that place — could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?

It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, hand held out, but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.

For I had to do it — I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. "If you do not forgive men their trespasses," Jesus says, "neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." ...

And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion — I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. "Jesus, help me!" I prayed silently. "I can lift my hand, I can do that much. You supply the feeling."

And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.

"I forgive you, brother!" I cried. "With all my heart!"

For a long moment we grasped each other's hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then.

Reprinted with permission from Guideposts. Copyright © 1972 by Guideposts, Carmel, New York 10512. All rights reserved. (www.guideposts.com)

God’s love, by Corrie ten Boom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S56B2zNAkek&list=RDLVS56B2zNAkek&start_radio=1&rv=S56B2zNAkek&t=61

Writing obituaries….

 Writing obituaries….

In 2010, I wrote me first obituary, my mother’s…I think I sat at the computer all day, struggling to get a grip….my dad and husband were in the Living room, making suggestions….we were in such shock…

Mom had gone into the hospital for an elective surgery, hoping to feel better…she started feeling better there, was moved from ICU, got an infection from something, had a stroke and died…

I had come over to help her for the whole month of supposed recovery, instead I was writing her obituary…

 A year and half later, I was writing my husband’s…followed by my father’s…

How do you get a person’s life history into a few short paragraphs? Their character, their loves, their personality, their passions, even their testimony, their family….you don’t…but you get as much as possible…

I remember cleaning out my mother in law’s pantry…there in a shoe box was newspaper clippings…cut out obituaries from family, friends, neighbors …years of histories of people long  passed…

We looked through some, kept a few and finally tossed the box…a hard thing to do…these were real people  …

Then, I found  a similar box amongst my father’s belongings… carefully clipped newspaper obituaries…friends, and family members of his…I saved a few for our family information and tossed the others…

Now you can get so much on the web, filling a shoe box of newspaper clippings is unnecessary, but, it still nice to have an original pasted in some family history book…

We can find “obituaries” in scripture…of Biblical patriarchs, famous and infamous people whose lives are written about…over history…their family blessings as they passed on, their personalities, their character, etc…

There are accounts of Christ’s death, his burial and resurrection… but, his story doesn’t end in the back pages of a newspaper…it is recounted in the most sold book in the World… he didn’t end in an obituary hidden in a shoebox…he wasn’t tossed away to be forgotten…no, He lives …and for that we can be grateful, praising a risen Lord, who is the Savior, the Light, the Truth and the Way…

Thank YOU….

 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

John.11.25-27

 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

1Cor.15:1-7

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCpbeVFgs4E

death could not hold him….video

https://www.legacy.com/advice/how-to-write-an-obituary/

Just a few names…

 Just a few names…

As I read this first chapter in John, I began listing all the names of Jesus that John refers to…there are lot, it is packed from beginning to end…

Names we refer to in our prayers, big or little…times when we need a friend, a mentor, the Truth, a comforter, a Savior, a teacher…and Jesus is so much more than these few verses…”John wanted his readers to know and believe that “Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God””. (The Chronological Study Bible)

And John is just beginning to unfold these names…

Thank YOU…

 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. 

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 

He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 

He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 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 bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known. 

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 

And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” 

He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” 

And he answered, “No.” 

So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. 

What do you say about yourself?” 

He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 

They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 

John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 

These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 

This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 

And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 

And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” 

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 

The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 

Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” 

And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 

He said to them, “Come and you will see.” 

So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 

One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 

He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 

He brought him to Jesus. 

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). 

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. 

He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 

Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 

Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” 

Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 

Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” 

Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 

Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 

And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

John.1.1-51

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZii7zjj3m4

A tweak…here and there…

 A tweak….here and there..

Two of my favorite soups are Panera’s autumn squash soup…

https://copykat.com/panera-bread-autumn-squash-soup/

And Olive Garden’s, Zuppa Tuscana….

https://copykat.com/olive-garden-zuppa-toscana-ii/

And of course , I tweak each one according to what I have on hand at the time…and make them very similar to the original…but, they are not the original company recipes…they are copycats…

As I read through the temptations of Christ in the wilderness, how Satan used tweaks of the Word to tempt the Word…and Jesus responded with the true Word to combat Satan…

Jesus was the original…the real Word…no need to add and for change…

 And of course, there is no comparison of Jesus to a recipe, but the point is He is the real Deal…there is no substitutes for Him…we can’t add and subtract from who He is…He was there from the beginning and He has no end…

Satan tries to trick with add-ons, tweaks, the “if onlys”, copycat, deceptions, lies, and whatever he has up his sleeve…but they can’t change that Jesus is, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Luke.3.22b

Thank YOU….

 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matt.3.16-17

 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. 

And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. 

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” 

And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 

And Jesus answered him, “It is written,“‘You shall worship the Lord your God,and him only shall you serve.’” 

And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,“‘He will command his angels concerning you,to guard you,’ and“‘On their hands they will bear you up,lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 

And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 

And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Luke.4.1-13

 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1Cor.10.13

 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. 

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Heb.2.18,Heb.4.15-16

 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 

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. 

Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

Jas.1.13-14Jas.1.16-18

Lord I need you…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhYLujU3TwM

Rise up and walk…

 Rise up and walk…

I realized that yesterday, January 11, was the anniversary of getting my husband a wheelchair in 2012…with cancer, he had been walking well, then digressed to using a walker, and then to a wheelchair and finally, bedridden…

I kept lifting him until I couldn’t anymore…we would chant, “walk, walk, walk, stand up tall” each step of the way so we wouldn’t lose our balance.

I know so many people were praying for us during those slow/fast months and it was that, that kept us going…

Jesus or Peter didn’t come and say, “rise and and walk” healing him from  the ailment…

Jesus came and said, “ keep your eyes on me, I am sufficient”…and we grieved over the disease that was consuming him and taking him slowly away…and we grieved over the loss of  him from our midst…there is a time to mourn…a time to weep…

But, my husband knew beyond a shadow of doubt that he was forgiven…that Jesus had said “Your sins are forgiven”…even though he couldn’t walk…

Thank YOU…

 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 

And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 

And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. 

And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”

Luke.5.18-20Luke.5.24-26

 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.

Now that day was the Sabbath. Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 

Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

John.5.2-3,John.5.5-9,John.5.13-15

 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 

And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 

Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 

And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 

And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. 

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 

And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 

And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 

And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. 

And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Acts.3.1-10

Christmas star…..

 Christmas Star…

“epiphany

1capitalized : January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ

2: an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being….

What does epiphany mean in the Bible?

The earliest definition of epiphany refers to the religious observance on January 6: "A church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ." When used this way it is usually capitalized.”

Merriam Webster…

My Christmas star is still hanging in my living room…it is on a timer  so it turns on in the morning and evening…no miraculous sighting…(although electricity is a miracle In itself that I don’t understand)…as when the Magi were led by it so many years ago…

It lights the room with light in the darkness…it is a reminder each day…of Christ…His coming…His purpose…His Divinity…worship…His promises…a responsibility….heaven…

(I thought it was interesting epiphany was celebrated for both the Magi finding the Christ child and for Jesus’ baptism…

 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matt.3.13-17

Both are manifestations of the divine…)

But, Back to the Christmas star…

 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.” 

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.

Matt.2.2,9-10

 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. 

For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke.21.25-28

 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John.8.12

 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Phil.2.14-15

 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 

And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 

By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, And night will be no more. 

They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. 

I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

Rev.21.22-24,Rev.22.5,Rev.22.16

Thank YOU, the Creator of light, the Light…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCRunZGYBi4

Schooling…

 Schooling….

The Christian school movement was really getting started when my children were little.  They all went to those schools, We had some school at home, some finished in public schools., some finished in Christian schools…some had Christian teachers, some had non Christian teachers…they had some bad teachers and they had some good teachers in both places…some needed some more skill based education rather than total academics…some thrived and some didn’t…

One of my favorite pictures of Hobby Lobby’s is depicting a toddler, Jesus, playing at Joseph’s feet in the carpentry “shop”…

As a carpenter, Joseph would have probably taught Jesus to build…as well as he would have  nurtured him in scriptures as they built things…this would  have probably gone on for years as Jesus grew…

Funny, the carpenter teaching this young man, the Creator of all things, how to work with his hands to build…when all He has to do was speak all things into existence……how Jesus had to balance that obedience of coming to earth and being part of the Godhead is amazing…

Schooling begins so early…in all cultures…training up a child in the way he should go…we clean up, we fold clothes, we cook, we hunt, we garden, we read, we impart knowledge of all kinds as we teach and grow…and we can learn something new everyday of our lives…

Reading through some references about education in Jesus’ day…sounds similar to what we do today…starting school about 6 or 7 at their local synagogue, Learning to read, memorizing scriptures… Jesus probably went there as well…was educated along with the other children…the Author of Scripture learning scripture in a school setting….no wonder he astounded the teachers…but His obedience is well noted…His growth is wisdom is well noted as well…

 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 

And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 

And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. 

His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 

And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. 

And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 

And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 

And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 

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. 

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Luke.2.41-52

Thinking of that…our goal is to increase in wisdom as well, leaning on the Word…at any age…

Thank YOU…

 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Rom.12.2

 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 

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.1.5,Jas.1.6,25

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIMhshpf0Y4

https://www.caspari.com/2011/09/20/where-did-jesus-go-to-school/

Seeking a safe home…migration of people…

 Seeking a safer home…migration of people…

 Now when they (the Magi) had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 

And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 

Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah,weeping and loud lamentation,Rachel weeping for her children;she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” 

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” 

And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 

And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Matt.2.13-32

(History tells us that Herod killed his own son, so he apparently had no regrets to kill all the male children of others to retain his place as ruler…)

Reading through these few verses, not all of us get directions from angels to move or leave our homes…but over the thousands of years there have been migrations of people for a better, safer land for our families…where more opportunities exist or we think they do…better land, safer communities, freedom of religion, food, better education, etc, etc, etc,….

I know in my ancestry, some came to America for freedom, fought in the American revolution….others left Europe in a time of unrest in the 1860’s…seeking safety for their families, a new life…forging new lands, new agriculture, farming, supplying for their families… that wasn’t available in their old countries…

It continues to this day…people movement for various reasons…worldwide…

When you look at  this young family, Joseph, Mary and their tiny new bundle, Jesus…moving across the desert to Egypt and finally back again to Nazareth…Joseph was following God’s orders…obediently…keeping his family safe from oppressive world leaders…

God entrusted this young couple with  a precious gift to later give to the world…He led them to safety…no matter who the leaders were…to keep His promise to the world of a Savior…

God is interested in the details of lives, both theirs and ours…He has a plan…He sees the whole picture…

Thank YOU…. 

Foggy..

 Foggy….

It has been soooo foggy here where I live…it makes you feel cold, it is cold, bad driving conditions-especially at night….you may know the roads, but still there is the uncertainty…But, the lights along the creek and main part of town look so beautiful in the misty air…

I couldn’t but help to think of this verse…

 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

1Cor.13.12

What a good description of foggy thinking/looking…we don’t see everything even though it is there…we will see it clearly at some point…we want the perfect, not just the partial…

This verse follows the “love “ verses which follow…verses which sound so good, are so hard to follow on our own…we need the Helper to help us love the way He does…and see the way He does…

“ Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. 

It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

Love never ends. 

As for prophecies, they will pass away; 

as for tongues, they will cease; 

as for knowledge, it will pass away. 

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. 

When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. 

Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

1Cor.13.4-13

Thank YOU …

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

Descriptions…

 

Descriptions…

I think my plan this year for scripture reading is the chronological New Testament in a study Bible…so many notes which enhances the Word…I like those side notes of culture, geopolitical, geography and Old Testament referrals…sometimes it is like walking down the road with the people of the time…

This morning was one of these readings…the descriptions of Jesus from various ones that Luke and Matthew record…just meditating on these descriptions alone may make people want to know more about this Jesus…they include descriptions of those around Him, but really center on Him and this is just the beginning of the New Testament….let them sink into our hearts, and minds…help me to see Jesus…

Thank YOU….

(Gabriel) 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.”

Luke.1.30-33

(Elizabeth) And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. 

And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 

And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 

For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Luke.1.41-45

 (Mary)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

 (Zechariah)And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 

to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, 

because of the tender mercy of our God,

whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Luke.1.76-79

 (The Angels)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. 

“Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Luke.2.10-11,14

 (Simeon)”Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,according to your word; 

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 a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.

(Anna)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.2.29-32, 34-35, 38

(Wisemen) 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.”

Matt.2:1-2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEbQswNB6Wc

https://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=76LY6GNX