The Holy City…

 The Holy City, 

A friend of mine has been  traveling and sharing amazing pictures wherever they have gone…while in Israel, she sent pictures as well…

I think the tour guides must have a set route, as the pictures she took, could have been mine or my family’s…similar plants, angles, backgrounds…

Whenever I see the panorama view of Jerusalem, the song, “The Holy City”, sounds in my mind…it is so regal sounding …and gives my goose bumps…

Solomon’s dedication of the temple in Jerusalem…it must have been a very moving  moment…

 Then Solomon summoned to Jerusalem the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the Israelite families, to bring up the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Zion, the City of David. 

And all the Israelites came together to the king at the time of the festival in the seventh month. 

When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the Levites took up the ark, and they brought up the ark and the tent of meeting and all the sacred furnishings in it. 

The Levitical priests carried them up; and King Solomon and the entire assembly of Israel that had gathered about him were before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and cattle that they could not be recorded or counted. 

The priests then brought the ark of the Lord’s covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim. 

The cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and covered the ark and its carrying poles. These poles were so long that their ends, extending from the ark, could be seen from in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are still there today. There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt. The priests then withdrew from the Holy Place. 

All the priests who were there had consecrated themselves, regardless of their divisions. All the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. 

The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang:“He is good;his love endures forever.”

Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God. “But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! Yet, Lord my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. 

 May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. 

May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 

Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. 

Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.

2Chr.5.2-21

 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,“Hosanna!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;see, your king is coming,seated on a donkey’s colt.”

John.12.12-15

Thank YOU….

The Holy City…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tld1MZ2F4GA

Exposed….

 

Exposed…

I like to write about positive thoughts, building-up things…but there are times in the Word that there are warnings, consequences…

Paul is again instructing Timothy about such people who tear down rather than build up…he even names some and what they did…

I imagine that each of us know those in our backgrounds who torn down rather than build up…we grew through them, hopefully, and learned life lessons…and even give thanks…

 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. 

Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 

Their teaching will spread like gangrene. 

Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. 

They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 

Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

2Tim.2.14-26

 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. 

The Lord is near. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

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

Phil.4:4-7

 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John.3.20-21

Leaning on the everlasting arms…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRa4z4kuizM

This quote came my way awhile back…it seemed apropos for this reading…and season…

Thank YOU….

The clouds …at sunrise…

 

The clouds…at sunrise…

Yesterday morning as I was out walking, first the eastern sky lit up brilliantly in oranges and reds…then the clouds from east to west all turned oranges and reds…the whole sky from where I was standing was the sunrise…it was amazing…by the time I could take a picture, it had “calmed “ down to almost  a “regular “ sky…

We often wonder what it will be like when the Lord returns…how all will see it…we have the manmade technology to broadcast around the world now…but somehow I don’t think we will need that for us or those who are around to see Him return…God is bigger than man’s technology…He can orchestrate it by speaking a word or command…and it will happen…

Thank YOU for your amazing reminder of your glorious return…

 “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty.

Deut.33.26

You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Nehemiah 9:6

 Do you know how the clouds hang poised,those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?

Job.37.16

1 fnFor the director of music. According to gittith.fn A psalm of David. LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. 2 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, Psalm 8:1-3

 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,extol him who rides on the clouds;rejoice before him—his name is the Lord.

Ps.68.4

 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke.21.27-28

Jesus is coming…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBVjQcq4NqU

The plainer sky…after the colors receded….

Because I know….

 Because I Know…

……because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

2Tim.1.12b, 

2Tim.1.1, 

2Tim.1.13,2Tim.1.14

Believers in Jesus, those who have put their trust in His saving grace, have  been entrusted, we are guarded, we have a promise of life, we are gifted, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit,…just as Paul spoke to Timothy so long ago…

It wasn’t just then, but for all, …

It wasn’t just a historical thing for the past, it was for all time…

It wasn’t just for a few, but was given for all mankind who choose to believe…

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John.3.16-17

Thank YOU….

I know whom I have believed….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fINZWk6SEcQ

Because He lives…(sang at the empty tomb…)

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

Grandparent’s Day…

 Grandparents’s Day…

I just learned this morning that I missed Daughter’s 

Day…and I love my daughters as well as my daughters-in-law(love)…

sorry… and then I realized I missed Grandparent’s Day as well, September 10…and of course I missed Ice Cream Day and Peanut Butter Day and who knows what else…just can’t quite keep up with all the celebrations…I try to get family anniversaries and birthdays…and those are getting more and more as we increase the family…

 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

2Tim.1.3-5

Paul wrote of  Timothy’s grandmother, Lois… her faith which was passed on through his mother, Eunice as well…down to Timothy…

What an honor to be named in the Word as a person who passed on such an extraordinary gift…faith… to a grandson, who in turn pastored many…passing his faith down through the ages and we are still and will continue to read about him and her …their faith in Christ as Savior…

When you read the genealogy of Christ, there are grandparents one after another who passed their faith to the next generation.  Or Hebrews 11, the faith chapter, great ones whose faith kept them steadfast through many trials and tribulations…

I have to thank God for my grandparents and parents who steadfastness through much were examples to me…their faith passed on as well…and many who, like Paul or Timothy, influenced my life, Sunday School teachers, Pastors, friends, Bible study teachers, etc…

Thank YOU…

The Steadfastness Love of the Lord …

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

Faithful…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YazLU3Agiw

What is good…

 What is good…

It seems, when watching the news of the world, any channel, the theme that dominates is all the bad in the world…one is hard-pressed to find news that tells about the good…a few tell, at the end of a segment,at report  about something good… maybe a heart warming story of event or person…which leaves you with some good emotions…

But, there is a lot of rehashing of the bad…it is more dramatic, sells news more and seems to keep people agitated, divided…

Paul reminds Titus several times to teach others about doing good…”whatever is good”, “doing what is good”, “good works”…”setting an example”…it promotes so much more…

We need to remind ourselves of this …”doing what is good “ builds up and doesn’t tear down…it encourages rather than discourages…unifies rather than divides….

Thank YOU….

 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

 This is a trustworthy saying.

 And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. 

These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. 

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. 

In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 

while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Titus.3.1-2, Titus.3.8,Titus.3.14,Titus.2.3,Titus.2.7-8, Titus.2.13-14

 Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord your God.

Deut.12.28

 This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. 

In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.

2Chr.31.20-21

 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

2Thess.3.13

 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 

But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it?

 But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 

But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 

For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1Pet.2.12,1Pet.2.15,1Pet.2.20,1Pet.3.13-17

Micah 6:8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Tb4-riE7o 

God is good…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl06RN5zRxk

Handing over the reins…

 Handing over the reins…. 

 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care….

1Tim.6.20a

 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 

You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 

This is a trustworthy saying. 

And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. 

These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Titus.1.5,Titus.2.1,Titus.3.8

Reading through Paul’s letters to various people and churches, you find that he had so much faith in people…even though he rebuked them, admonished them, advised them, prayed for them, encouraged them…he left them in God’s hands to grow…as he went from area to area, town to town, body to body…his gifting was to plant and to nourish for a time before handing it over to others …he loved those people whom he worked so tirelessly with and for…he wanted the best for each…

We raise  our children  or help others along the way, wanting the best for them…we may give  advise, may admonish, may encourage, but ultimately we have to hand over the reins at some point in time…a change in ministry or location causes us to hand things to another…

As others come in to fill a role we developed or envisioned, their personality, gifting will give it another spin…it may change in looks, but hopefully the basic premise will stay the same…that is what Paul focused upon…the basics, the gospel is the same.  The music may change, the color of carpet or rooms may change , the “bones” would be strong…the foundation set…

Sometimes, it is hard to let go, knowing that the next group will make changes that you might have not made…someone told me, “you can’t go back the the house” you so lovingly built and furnished…the next owners will have made it their own, it’s not yours anymore…

Paul was so good to let go, knowing that God would work in peoples’ lives..He would take care of His church…and He has down through the ages…He is trustworthy…and He has a plan…we are blessed to be a part of it for a season…

Thank YOU…

Trust in God…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q54PdLgXIR0

Pursue…

 Pursue…

To chase, to proceed, to follow, to seek, to find….Merriam-Webster

If you watch very many movies or read action books, it seems like there is most likely a “chase”…a scene that includes a pursuit of some kind or another…the tension mounts as the chase  continues until at last someone or something is caught…and even though you may have watched it a dozen times, there is still the thrill of the chase…

My children had favorites we watched over and over again…

Man from Snowy River, Top Gun, Conderman, Sound of Music, etc…all included a suspenseful chase…sit-on-the-edge of your chair scene…

Wouldn’t it be intriguing if we pursued righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness with the same fervor, intensity as these scenes? Each day…seeking these attributes…holding tight, exhibiting….them for those around us to see, be drawn to? Now that would be thrilling…breathtaking…worthy…

Thank YOU….

 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 

Fight the good fight of the faith. 

Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 

Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. 

Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,

1Tim.6.11-12,1Tim.6.17-18,20

 Turn from evil and do good;seek peace and pursue it.

Ps.34.14

 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

Prov.21.21

 “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord:Look to the rock from which you were cut and  to the quarry from which you were hewn;

Isa.51.1

 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2Tim.2.22

 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.

1Pet.3.11

Medley….worship…

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

Care for widows…

 Care for widows….

When I was married, I looked at passages in the Word as a married woman…when widowhood became my mantle, I looked at some passages very differently…especially the book of Ruth…

Then other passages stood out as well…now coming to 1 Timothy again, Paul instructs Timothy about care of widows…

There are those who are in need, with no family or care of family….there are those with family…there are young widows and there are older widows…each have different needs…

Thank YOU for your care of widows….thank YOU that you have provided a family that cares…

 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the  those residing among you, giving them food and clothing.

 Deut.10.18

 When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. 

Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

 When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. 

Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 

When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. 

Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.

Deut.24.19-21

God provides…

*The widow of Zaraphath…God uses the widow to provide for Elijah…

 *The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha…

 “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”

“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.”

 Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” 

She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.”

But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

2Kgs.1-7

*Ruth and Naomi…became part of the lineage of Jesus…

*  a defender…

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,is God in his holy dwelling.

Ps.68.5

*the persistent widow…

*the poor widow…widow’s mite…remembered for her sacrifice…

 *a husband…redeemer…

“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.

Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.

You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. 

For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;

he is called the God of all the earth.

Isa.54.4-5

*Paul’s advice….

“  Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.

 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 

Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 

No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 

As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 

So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 

Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan. 

If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

1Tim.5.3-16

You are my hiding place…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUx2WcC9JKo

Comforter…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mARrSlRAgd8

Qualified or not…

 Qualified or not…

I have been reading a book about a town whose church was taken over by a man who pushed himself into the pastoral position at the death of the former pastor…he was a bully, drunkard, wife beater, lier, screamer from the pulpit, quarrelsome, teacher of false ideas….

It was hard for the people to get him to step down as he wanted the notoriety of being the leader, the pastor…he hadn’t been vetted appropriately by the board who took his application…

Finally, he was removed physically…but he left behind a broken church body, whose trust had to be rebuilt toward pastors…the church’s reputation was broken as well in the community…taking much time to heal.

Paul, writes Timothy about qualifications of overseers and deacons…they are a far cry from the man I read about…

 “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 

Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 

He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 

(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 

They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 

They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 

In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 

Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

1Tim.3.1-15

Having experienced hurting church bodies, church splits…following these guidelines is paramount…finding godly men and women to mentor and lead is essential to the health of the body of believers…it effects generations of people…both inside and the community around…

Thank YOU…

Because He lives…

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

The Emperor’s New Clothes…

 The Emperor’s New Clothes….

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.

 This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

1 Tim 2:1-6

My desire is and has been to stay away from politics in these commentaries…even as Paul has written to Timothy… “ all those in authority “…he doesn’t list out only the good ones or the bad ones …but “all”…

I,  in my humanness, want to complain, grumble about current affairs…and I even “talk” to the TV newscasters or commentators about their bias one way or another and how it “should” be…my “advice” to leaders on what the should do…or I feel like there are those who treat others as the foolish emperor in the Emperor’s New Clothes…trying to make what is good , bad or visa versa…

We need to be informed, but Paul, basically says, our important job is to pray for those who rule…God is in control and He knows what He is doing…and He is the final authority….

Thank YOU….

 He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.

Ps.110.6

 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Col.1.15-18

 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Titus.3.1-2

The King is coming ….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl1sokMyevY

https://interestingliterature.com/2017/06/a-summary-and-analysis-of-the-emperors-new-clothes-hans-christian-andersen-fairy-tale/

Panic and wisdom….

 Panic and wisdom….

I have to admit, I got some news in the last week or so, that my first  reaction  was to panic for a short period of time…I don’t like going into that mode, I want to remain calm, stable, focused….and maybe I am alone on this, but I don’t all the time…then I want to fix it the problem, quickly, know the answers quickly and move on…but, this news is not fixable, nor is it world shattering…but I just need to wait,  to listen and be wise…I need that armor that Paul speaks of…I need that wisdom that comes from above…I need that peace that passes all understanding…I need to wait in calmness knowing that God is in control …I need to stand firm in the lessons that God is teaching in His truth…be alert to doubt… be faithful….

Thank YOU …..

 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. 

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Eph.6.10-18

 “To God belong wisdom and power;counsel and understanding are his.

Job.12.13

 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;all who follow his precepts have good understanding.To him belongs eternal praise.

Ps.111.10

 For the Lord gives wisdom;from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Prov.2.6

 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Prov.9.10

 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable his judgments,and his paths beyond tracing out!

 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God,that God should repay them?” 

For from him and through him and for him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Rom.11.33-36

 Who is wise and understanding among you? 

Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Jas.3.13,Jas.3.17-18

Great is thy faithfulness…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60o3UP4Kjwg

Respect…

 Respect….

And then, we get to respect…” a wife must respect her husband “ ….I am not dwelling on that phase…I am so thankful that I had a husband worthy of respect and who,  in turn, respected and loved me…

No, I guess this really went further…in the following verses, the Word  addresses how to treat others as well, with respect, sincerity of heart, serving wholeheartedly, no threats, not exasperating…and I realize these are between children, slaves, masters, but doesn’t a common thread still work with those around us…kindness,  courtesy, care, empathy, sympathy,….

respect

respected; respecting; respects

1

a

: to consider worthy of high regard : ESTEEM

2

: to have reference to :concern

Merriam Webster 

There is article after article about common courtesy, respect for others when you look up references…how to to treat others, how to treat family, co-workers, bosses, employees…etc, etc, etc…

Getting along with others…and the Word addresses this issue as well… 

 “‘Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.

Lev.19:3

 “‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.

Lev.19.32

 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Rom.13.7

 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

1Pet.2.17,1Pet.3.7

 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. 

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. 

And be thankful. 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Col.3.12-15,Col.3.17,Col.3.16

 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Eph.4.2,Eph.4.29,Eph.4.31,Eph.4.32

Thank YOU…

Let the words of my mouth…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr8QoQKmXfk

https://www.ksl.com/article/20364871/where-has-common-courtesy-gone

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/life/2018/10/07/crawford-its-time-return-social-graces-common-courtesy/1533285002/