Mob rule….

 Mob rule….

Paul has finished his letter to the Corinthians with greetings of grace and his love for the believers….when a civil disturbance led by a silversmith for economic reasons resisted the teachings of Paul…wanting Paul’s teachings to go away so that his business could carry on making idols, as well as worship for the goddess, whom they worshipped….

I like the phrase, 

“  Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.”

 And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts.19.32,Acts.19.35-41

Reading through this passage is a reminder of the mob rule, false accusations when Jesus was brought to be “ tried “…followed by his crucifixion…

In this instance, the clerk was able to talk down the riot with reasoning to bring it to court and dismiss the people…

I was a teenager during the 1960’s, and riots, it seemed, was the norm for a variety of reasons…looking at this list of riots on Wikipedia...they have been going on historically for a long time…and this list is not even exhaustive…

Lot in Sodom had the town at his door with their heathen demands…people have sought their “rights”, shouted their complaints, destroyed property, killed, gone to war over issues since the beginning…

David spoke of it..

 O God, insolent men have risen up against me;a band of ruthless men seeks my life,and they do not set you before them. 

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Ps.86.14-15

Paul writes of it in Galatians, Ephesians …followed by a cure…

 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Gal.5.19-23

 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Eph.4.26-27,Eph.4.31-32

I am glad God has given us a way of dealing with anger…even ways of dealing peacefully with one another…not in riots, but peacemaking…nor all will adhere to it, also as a realist, as man continues, anger will continue, riots will continue as man seeks his own way rather than God’s…and from Jesus’ speaking of end times, it will be a lot worse….

Matthew 24…

Thank YOU….

Seek ye first…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsBpM9IcBts

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

The resurrection body….

 The resurrection body…

I have been “raising “ painted lady butterflies again this year…”raising “ is a loose term, as they seem to do it all by themselves…you just get to watch the miracle of metamorphosis.

I don’t understand the process…it is a mystery to me…all I see is caterpillars which grow  and finally attach themselves  upside down, a covering encloses their body for 7-10 days, and one day they emerge from this papery skin as butterflies…how? I don’t know…I see it, watch it, believe it…God knows and designed the process…

Paul  talked about the resurrection body in Corinthians 15…they must have had similar questions…

 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” 

You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 

But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. 

For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.

 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. 

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. 

So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.

 If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 

But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 

As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. 

I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. 

We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. 

For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 

For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:“Death is swallowed up in victory.” 

O“O death, where is your victory?O death, where is your sting?” 

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1Cor.15.35-58

I take heart in the promise that we will be changed and that the victory is through our Lord Jesus…just as Paul was encouraging the Corinthians…I don’t understand it all, but, by faith I believe it…being steadfast and doing what I am called to do…God designed it that way…

Thank YOU….

God said it……

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

Build up….

 

Build up…

When my husband and I studied spiritual gifting a long time ago, it was so encouraging…we saw how, we as a couple, worked together as well as other members of the body melded together…how each was so important in the whole…there is joy in being part of a body of believers who build one another up…there is joy in knowing God has a place for each person…

There is joy in fulfilling others needs and encouraging one another…there is joy in serving…

Reading through the book of  1 Corinthians, a letter by Paul  to a very diverse group of people in Corinth…rich, poor, in a Roman environment…we have similar differences today, yet, the Word is for all, gifting is for all, Salvation is offered for all…building up one another is for all…

Thank YOU…

 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 

So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 

What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

1Cor.14.4,12,26

 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of 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. 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Eph.4.12,16,29

 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1Thess.5.11

 And it shall be said,“Build up, build up, prepare the way,remove every obstruction from my people's way.” 

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:“I dwell in the high and holy place,and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,to revive the spirit of the lowly,and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Isa.57.14-15

The God who stays…

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

Songs for worship…

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbiydWv7NCY

Songs for worship…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf8Qjev0hjg

Bees, bees and more bees….

 

Bees, bees and more bees…

My two raised gardening beds are profuse with flowers right now…in the past, I have planted veggies, decided to do flowers for awhile…so I emptied a couple of wild flower seed packets into them…

As like last year, they are again a profusion of colors…like a Monet painting…for awhile…

There are several different kinds of pollinators, bees, bumblebees, butterflies which float and fly amongst the blooms…

The other day, a huge bumblebee arrived, flitting here and there, determined, it seems, to drink the very last  drop of nectar…methodically going from flower to flower sucking up the minuscule drops…

Finally flying away…it was two or three times the size of the other “normal” bumblebee, so,  it very noticeable…

Watching these tiny creatures doing their job in life, I thought of the Israelites traipsing through the desert for forty years with the promise of entering a “land filled with milk and honey”…a land already in production…prepared just for them…

And, then as believers, we too, are traipsing, journeying through this life, with a promise of a place prepared just for us as well…

The desert wasn’t the Israelites’ home, just passing through…as are we here on earth…

Thank YOU…

 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Exod.3.8

 If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey.

Num.14.8

 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.

John.14.2-3

Heaven is wonderful place….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyKIKZzZ1DE

https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/21667/what-does-milk-and-honey-refer-to

https://idfg.idaho.gov/species/taxa/1475540

https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/bombus-morrisoni#desc-range

 https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/a-land-flowing-with-milk-honey/

Pilgrims progress film…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh8Prv_zG5g

My poor apple tree…

  My poor apple tree…

I have an apple tree in my front yard…it is the second tree I have planted in this particular spot…I have babied it along…getting water to it, even a designated waterer…last year it put out a few apples, but they shriveled, and looked like the dried apple people crafts…there was very little growth on the limbs …

This year, I fertilized it again, put in a new watering system, pruned, thinned the few apples, even worked at straightening the top…and it still looks pathetic…

The other trees have grown thick and strong, new growth every year, apples abounding while this one continues down its puny path…

Every time I look at it, this parable comes to mind…

 “And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’””

Luke.13.6-9

I keep begging for another chance and maybe it will snap out of it and start to grow….before I make the final decision to cut it down…just one more chance…surely it will grow….please….

I have known and know people who beg for another chance…another time to make things right…I am the same way…I want another day, another year to grow well…I want that watering, that tilling, that fertilizer, that good soil to help me bear fruit and not become a puny Christian….

Thank YOU….

 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season,and its leaf does not wither.In all that he does, he prospers.

Ps.1.3

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

John.15.1-2,  15.5-6

I am the Vine….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHr7Z7ZS3GE

Persecuted….

 Persecuted…

As I was reading Paul’s  first letter to the Corinthians, he talked about persecution from others…and his reaction to it…

Thinking back to King David..he was cursed by Shimei…

 

And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’

1Kgs.2.8

Or Joseph and his brothers…

Or many of the prophets…

Or Jesus…persecuted, flogged, stoned, beaten, and finally put to death…

Jesus’ disciples…followers down through time and still are in various parts of the world…

Paul’s response…

 “and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.”

1Cor.4.12-13

Jesus’ response….

 “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. 

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matt.5.10-12,44

 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Luke.23.34

 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

 Live in harmony with one another. 

Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.

 Never be wise in your own sight. 

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 

To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Rom.12.14-21

There are times, many times…when giving a godly response is hard, almost impossible…living at peace with others who deride, criticize….and only by God’s grace can we do it, letting the fruit of the Spirit reign and work through us…

Thank YOU….

There’s a sweet sweet spirit in this place…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u_kl6KmISA

“What no eye has seen”…

 “What no eye has seen”….

There was a short time when I doubted my salvation…but I kept reading the Scriptures, knowing that they were a key part of my life and held the Truth….

One day as I read, I came upon this passage…

 “But, as it is written,“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined,

what God has prepared for those who love him”—

 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. 

For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 

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.2.9-13

Taken from …

 From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.

Isa.64.4

I remember sitting there with the 9th verse running around and around in my heart of hearts, in awe that God knew my questions, my doubt and he took time to answer…to show me that He has prepared so much for me that I could not even imagine…

Whenever I read those verses, still, that awe fills me, that distinct moment in time…I am still drawn to that “ glory moment “….

And there have been many over the years, every time I open the Word something new pops out…a new lesson, a new concept even after reading through it many, many times…the Living Word…it is truly a gift that keeps on giving…

Thank YOU….

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet…

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

Thinking…short term versus long term…

 Thinking…short term or long term….

Several years ago when taking a seminary class, we studied people groups…it was so interesting…analyzing understanding myself or how we each thought and those around us…were we “big picture” people or detail people, long or short term thinkers, were we impulsive or planners, etc…then we  had to  write a paper  about a fictional family and how they may have functioned…with illustrations…totally a judgment call…but, it made my husband and I really think through where we were on the spectrum…how we looked life, how we worked, how we related to others, how we spent money, how we invested, how we looked at the future, even how we looked at God…

We found we both tended to forego short term things for a long term goal, like working or looking for ways to save for college, rather than just use earnings immediately and not have funds for school…what was the best use of time, etc…

These thoughts and this information has helped on many projects, through many trials and temptations…helping to analyze and choose the right course for us and now, as a widow, for me…

The downside is we tended to analyze things to death and it takes a lot of time…the upside is it slowed us down from impulsiveness…but, there still has to be a balance…

I have been thinking/working  through a ministry outlet in another area where there is a difference in short term versus long term thinking amongst a group of people. None are right or wrong, just different approaches…we just  threw out  thought questions on for various ideas, “brainstorming “…to come to a conclusion…with an assignment for each to find answers …then meet at a later date…which gives time to think through the solution…

(Personally, I would like to to go faster, but time gives more time for prayer for right choices and wisdom…)…

Our pastor brought up this long term versus short term idea recently about Jesus…people wanted quick healing, answers, food rather than His gift of eternity…they wanted bread to eat  versus His offer of Bread of Life…they wanted immediate healing rather than the Healer of the soul…

What is our response to Jesus?   Some have to study and think through where He is in their lives…others come immediately…neither is wrong or right…but we need to come…He has our eternal good for us in mind and desires that we seek and find Him, because he loves us so much…

 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

Eph.2.4-5

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

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

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.

1John.4.7-10

Thank YOU….

Oh, How He loves …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qckkKuoM1KU

Peace….

 Peace…

There are times when the hurt is deep, the anguish overwhelms…our lives are at the precipice looking down …we choose whether to look up and down…the floods of emotion swell within us, feeling the pit of despair looms wide…

We desire the peace that only God gives…not the made up facade we conjure up to cover the pain…

We have Biblical examples…Job, David, Jeremiah, Daniel, Jesus and others who wrote of this…

 I waited patiently for the Lord;he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction,out of the miry bog,and set my feet upon a rock,making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth,a song of praise to our God.Many will see and fear,and put their trust in the Lord.

Ps.40.1-3

 I sink in deep mire,where there is no foothold;I have come into deep waters,and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out;my throat is parched.My eyes grow dim-with waiting for my God.

Ps.69.2-3

 Is Well With My Soul 

“When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul”

The Story Behind It Is Well With My Soul

This incredible story of faith belongs to Horatio Spafford (1828-1888). Much like Job, he placed his trust in God during his life’s prosperity, but also during its calamities. A devout Christian who’d immersed himself in Scripture, many years of his life were joyous. He was a prominent Chicago lawyer, whose business was thriving. He owned several properties throughout the city. He and his beloved wife had four beautiful daughters and one son. Life was more than good — it was blessed.

But faith, no matter how great, does not spare us from adversity.

Just as Horatio hit the pinnacle of his profession and financial success, things began to change. It began with the tragic loss of their son. Not long thereafter, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed nearly every real estate investment Horatio owned.

Just a few years later in 1873, Horatio decided to treat his wife and daughters to a much-needed escape from the turmoil. He sent them on a boat trip to Europe, with plans to join them shortly after wrapping up some business in Chicago. Just a few days later, he received a dreadful telegram from his wife, “Saved alone…” It bore the excruciating news that family’s ship had wrecked and all four of his daughters had perished.

Horatio was on his way to meet his heartbroken wife, passing over the same sea that had just claimed the lives of his remaining children. It was then that he put his pen to paper and the timeless hymn was born, beginning with the words:

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Famous hymn composer, Philip Bliss (1838-1876), was so moved by Horatio’s prose, that he composed a peaceful tune to accompany the words. The song was published by Bliss and Sankey, in 1876.

It’s incredible to think such encouraging and uplifting words were born from the depths of such unimaginable sorrow. It’s an example of truly inspiring faith and trust in the Lord. And it goes to show the power our God has to overcome even the darkest times of our earthly life.

We pray this brought you inspiration. Be sure to share this story with others who could use a reminder that our God will see us through any storm!

Story sourced from The Story Behind The Hymn "It Is Well with My Soul" is Powerful

https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/it-is-well-with-my-soul/

There are promises…

 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.

Isa.43.2

 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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.4.7-9

There are songs…

In moments like these…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ae9VOx_HJc

You are my hiding place…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qCWrvLfMSs

It is well…Matt Redman…

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

Blessings… 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd6J6Wgnv4M

https://guideposts.org/positive-living/health-and-wellness/caregiving/family-caregiving/caregiver-stress/how-laura-story-found-blessings-in-caregiving/#:~:text=Story’s%20song%20“Blessings”%20was%20inspired%20by%20her%20faith,husband%2C%20didn’t%20mean%20God%20hadn’t%20heard%20their%20prayers.

Thank YOU….

Going together…

 Going together…

I so appreciate church services…especially the flow of songs, scripture, the message…all going together, building on the central theme of the topic or Word for the day…in order to center our thoughts on the Word, Jesus…

When I read this portion in Acts this morning, I thought of his presentation…we would add some songs to emphasize some of the points…

His words came from many places in scripture…he strung them together to make this appeal the people… some sneered, and some wanted more…some became followers and believed…even without songs to emphasize the teachings…

I added some songs just for the fun of it…praise through music…

Paul preaching Athens…

 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

(God of wonders…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CBNE25rtnE)

 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.

(Seek first…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsBpM9IcBts)

 Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;as even some of your own poets have said,“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ 

(In Him we live…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7or4gTvCw-Q

Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

Acts.17.24-31

(He is risen…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuQFGWAd7wQ)

Thank YOU…for music, the Word…

This my song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M73x8h6X43U

Chronologically…

 Chronologically….

Reading through Acts right now, then all of the sudden it switches to Galatians, then to James and then back to Acts…putting the dates together rather than the order they are found in the Bible…

Events are happening that Paul and James feel the need to address…this shot of a commentary about the book of James was interesting…people were suffering from the repression from Rome…Christians were enduring persecution as were the Jews…

And James writes,  “count it all joy” in adversity…”be doers of the Word and not hearers only “…

Paul writes, “ carry each other’s burdens” and “don’t become weary in doing good”…

I have always likes the book of James…it seems the more practical…maybe it’s the list of to do’s and don’ts…kind of like Proverbs…

In reading this bit of commentary, it feels like watching the news in our fast moving world…those who feel repression,  those who feel empowered, those who feel unfairness,  those who take to the streets, those who are at war, those who are in need of comfort, encouragement, patience, food, housing…those who are in need of wisdom…those in need of the truth…those in need of faith…those in need of a Saviour…

 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 

You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 

Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 

As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. 

You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 

But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. Is anyone among you suffering?

 Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? 

Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick?

 Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. 

And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. 

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Jas.5.7-16

Thank YOU….

The King is coming…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j7cU-HW8mQ