What about him?….

 What about him?….

Comparisons…ugh…they rob us of our joy…when we see others living their lives and it is different from what we think we should be doing, acquiring, etc…there we sit, wondering why they get to do that and we don’t….

Maybe you haven’t done that…look at others and wonder why…why do they have it so good…or I really want what they have, etc…

Toddlers do it, a lot of social media is based on it, adults do it…

Lack of contentment with what we have..and we see it in Peter in these verses….”Lord, what about him?”…

Jesus said in no uncertain terms, it really wasn’t Peter’s business…

We are to do what we are called to do and don’t worry about what others are doing…don’t compare…be available to our calling…

Thank YOU….

John 21:19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 

23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

2 Corinthians 10:13 We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. 

Psalm 37:1 Do not fret because of those who are evil
    or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
    like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
    your vindication like the noonday sun.

Exodus 20: 17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

I will follow…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFna4pEF7M8

https://vividmaps.com/apostles/

https://bibleask.org/how-did-the-twelve-disciples-die/i

Thank YOU…comfort verses…

 

Thank YOU….comfort verses…

Two years ago I was in a hospital bed after 4 or 5 abdominal surgeries and a doctor came in and said, “ I think we’ve finally  turned a corner”. Lying there, no hair, weak , in pain, I was glad to hear that …then the work started…rehab living for almost 4 months, open wounds to change every 3-4 days, beginning to walk again, exercise to build up again…first a wheelchair, then a walker, then steps on my own, holding onto the wall…slowly making progress, another surgery and home…I felt so blessed to sleep in my own bed, shower in my own shower, wear different  clothes…

God’s Word sustained me…family and friends didn’t forget me..

Thank YOU

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV).

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).

“He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 ASV).

We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19 NIV).

“My soul yearns, yes, even pines and is homesick for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out and sing for joy to the living God” (Psalm 84:2 AMPC).

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3 NIV). 

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's” (Psalm 103:1-5 ESV).

I will comfort you…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2r4mwab5O8

Building strength…

 

Building strength …

Trying to build back some strength, I have been trying to walk early every morning, slowing increasing my steps from 2…two years ago…this is the second time to work on this project…this time I added a class at the local Y specifically for cancer patients…

Most of the time it is silent outside except the birds and an occasional car..

This morning I listened this selection of songs…a nice beat to walk 

To, but more important soul touching songs ….

Thank YOU…

Morning songs for meditation…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=kS0VgDaIS6Y&ra=m

Blessings on each of your steps…

Words..

 Words….

It is interesting that the book of John begins with the Word…the Word was God…not just words on paper….

John ends his book with books of words about Jesus…the world cannot hold all the books about Jesus in everything he did…we are still writing books about Jesus or about his Word…

No matter how many times we read His Word, a new lesson is learned, so we read it over and over…again and again…wanting to be conformed to his Word…learning more about the Christian 

Iife…no other book that I have read do I want to continue to read it over and over again….

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it……

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 21:24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

Romans 15: 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Acts 17: 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

2 Timothy 3: 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Thank YOU…

Forever faithful…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-D0KzJy_mE

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

https://publishingstate.com/history-of-libraries/2025/

Breathe…

 

Breathed…

The thunder started this morning and went on and on…it was a slow moving storm…usually they blow through quickly and then are finished, this one could heard from a long way off both coming and going…a soft rain this time, the smell of wet dry summer grass…the sky turning a brilliant gold  as the sun was trying to appear in the east…

 I love the smell after the storm…sage in high desert of Nevada/Oregon/Idaho, fir in Oregon, pine in the  camps at which we have been, the Redwoods, the ocean…smells ….breathing….a gift from God…

Genesis 2: . 7 Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

John 20: 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 

2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

With God’s breath, he gave us life, then truth, His holy Word….

Thank YOU…

Breathe…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1O4anyhAjc

 

I have seen the Lord…

John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Thank YOU…

Selection of songs….

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fJPikVGQ6lo&start_radio=1&pp=QAFIAg%3D%3D&ra=m

 Downcast?….

This one is a hard one to write…I am usually this downcast…I thought of these verses…there are times we are downcast in reality…not with joyful thoughts all the time, when the world moves  in and we have to sort our thoughts, our motives, our actions, things we are reading and absorbing…so here it is…

Psalm 42:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?�    Why so disturbed within me?�Put your hope in God,�    for I will yet praise him,�    my Savior and my God.

6 My soul is downcast within me;�    therefore I will remember you�from the land of the Jordan,�    the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.�7 Deep calls to deep�    in the roar of your waterfalls;�all your waves and breakers�    have swept over me.

8 By day the Lord directs his love,�    at night his song is with me—�    a prayer to the God of my life.

I have just finished  reading a book, “the Bully Pulpit “, watching the news, reading the Bible as part of my daily times…we have just gone through the arrest, trail and conviction of Jesus in the Book of John…and all of these readings and thoughts just have been rolling around in my mind…

The book has chapters labeled, “the first shall be first, that which shall not be named, a heavy yoke on us, a trail of dead bodies, flipping the script, suffering in silence, and finally, they shall not destroy”….

Think of the news and the world today…there are bullies everywhere, nationwide, worldwide, down the street…think of those chapter titles…they fit the news…

Think of the arrest, trial, the people involved, as well as the life of Jesus…bully’s also fill the pages countered by His life and testimony…His promises…think of those chapter titles…they fit there as well…

Our lives have bullies which may walk in and take over… they come in all forms…those titles fit there as well…

But, we have Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…He is the one that gives victory…he gets rid of the bullies…He overcomes death, a bully…

So, I thank YOU for the bullies…as we are to give thanks in all things so that Your peace may invade our souls….

Thank YOU…

Thank You Lord…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAT8qXn6UrU&list=RDjAT8qXn6UrU&start_radio=1

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Ebu2bakeY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

What is truth?

 “What is truth?….”

Just to read… and think about..time really hasn’t changed this much…people really haven’t changed much, we just change the wording and names, but this still goes on and on…with new slants…

John 18:38 “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him…”

They eventually chose evil over good…

Jesus still remains the same…His Word remains the same…

Jesus Himself provides the answer. He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

“Pilate was cynical. He thought that all truth was relative. To many government official, truth was whatever the majority of people agreed with or whatever would advance their own personal power and political goals. When there is no basis for truth, there is no basis for moral right and wrong. Justice bec9 es whatever works or whatever helps those in power. In Jesus and his Word we have a standard for truth and our moral behavior.” Bible Study Notes…

https://themeetingtent.com/why-did-pontius-pilate-ask-jesus-what-is-truth-john-18-38/

https://biblehub.com/john/18-38.htm

“Summary

Pilate's question, "What is truth?" reflects a deep skepticism.
This inquiry occurs during the trial of Jesus, as recorded in John 18:38. Pilate, the Roman governor, poses this question after Jesus speaks about truth and his role in testifying to it. The question can be interpreted in several ways:

Philosophical Skepticism

• Pilate's question suggests a cynical or skeptical attitude towards the concept of absolute truth. It reflects a worldview that questions the existence of objective truth, especially in the context of political and social power dynamics

Context of the Trial

• This moment is pivotal as it precedes Pilate's declaration of finding no basis for a charge against Jesus. It highlights the tension between Roman authority and the spiritual claims of Jesus

Relevance Today

• The question remains significant in contemporary discussions about truth, ethics, and morality, prompting reflection on how truth is perceived and defined in various contexts.”AI summary….

Thank YOU…

The Jesus Way…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fhv4arL3yk&list=RD4Fhv4arL3yk&start_radio=1

Olive press…

 Olive press…

It seems fitting that Jesus and his disciples went to Gethsemane to meet the soldiers, officials from the chief priests, when the definition is “olive press”. When you think of the events to follow…the olives are picked  when ripe and ready for harvest…the time was right for Jesus to fulfill his prophecy as well …to be ground into the “pulp” so much he was unrecognizable…beaten, scorned, hung on a cross to die…

The olives really don’t have any way to escape their demise…Jesus did, but chose to  be obedient unto death because he knew His death was turning into victory…the olives give us pure oil for our use…Jesus gives us salvation for life…

There are times when we feel like we are in the Olive press of life…wondering why all the trials, strife, hurt, death are grinding away…slowly, unrelenting one after another, one after another…but at some point and only God knows, the our oil flows…as we are obedient to what God has for us…Joy in the morning….some one has said, “the deeper the “grinding”, the deeper the ministry “ after the time of sorrow,hardship…we have to take heart in that…even though it seems sooooo hard….

Thank YOU…

“Gethsemane refers to a garden located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. It is significant in the Bible as the place where Jesus prayed and experienced deep anguish before His arrest. This garden symbolizes both the humanity and divinity of Christ, showcasing His struggle and ultimate submission to the Father's will during a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative. Gethsemane is often described as a place of agony and surrender, where Jesus sought strength through prayer while His disciples struggled to stay awake.” AI summary…

“Easton’s Bible Dictionary-Gethsemane

Oil press, the name of an olive yard at the foot of the Mountain of Olives…

“HOW THE TRADITIONAL STONE PRESS WORKED

Traditional stone presses — still visible in ancient ruins and museums across Italy and Greece — operated on a simple mechanical principle. A large stone wheel or millstone sat vertically inside a circular stone basin. Livestock, typically oxen or donkeys, were harnessed to a wooden beam and walked in a circle, rotating the upper stone around the basin. Olives poured into the basin were crushed beneath the rotating stone into a thick paste.

That paste was then scooped into woven baskets called frails or fiscoli. The filled baskets were stacked on top of one another and a heavy stone weight was placed on top, applying downward pressure. A mixture of oil and water slowly dripped out and was collected below. The mixture was left to settle and decant — oil rising naturally to the surface — and then separated by hand.

The process was slow, labor-intensive, and limited in scale. A single press could take hours to process a relatively small amount of fruit. By the time the oil was extracted, the olives had often been sitting long enough for quality to begin declining. But for thousands of years, it was the only method available — and it worked.”https://exauoliveoil.com/products/excelsis-club

John 18:1  When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

John 18, 19

Heal me…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj-1SmPthQI&list=RDfj-1SmPthQI&start_radio=1

Fire…

 Fire…

In the NIV Bible, fire is found 364 times…from Genesis to Revelations.

Here are a few…I was just thinking about the last few chapters of John at this point…

They brought torches to find Jesus in the garden to light their way,  not realizing that Jesus was the Light of the World…

Peter warmed himself by the fires built to keep the soldiers warm as they awaited the trial and verdict  of Jesus…the one who led the nation out of Egypt in  a pillar of fire….or sent fire to burn up Elijah’s offering…or walked in  a fiery furnace with Danielle and his friends…etc…

Also, I liked the scene of Jesus on the beach with a fire with  fish already cooking as the men fished nearby…provision, he didn’t need their catch to provide, He was/is the Provider…

Fire shows up so many times in scripture….judgement, leading, provision, Holiness, care…from light leading the way in the wilderness to the final judgment, the lake of fire…

Jesus lights our way, help us to follow …

Thank YOU….

John 18: 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

John 18: 18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

John 18: 25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”

John 21: When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 

Genesis 22:6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.

“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

Exodus 3:2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”

4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”

And Moses said, “Here I am.”

5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. 

Exodus 13:21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Deuteronomy 4: 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Be my light and guide my way…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dTza1WvQho&list=RD2dTza1WvQho&start_radio=1

Betrayed…

 Betrayed…

When the word “ betrayed” comes to mind, I immediately think of Judas and Jesus, but there are so many more stories of betrayal in the Bible…David and Bathsheba, Joseph and his brothers, Daniel and the other leaders at the time,  Esther for instance….

David and Bathsheba lost their child, but God forgave and blessed him exceedingly….Joseph forgave his brothers with “ 

God used it for good”….the other leaders with Daniel lost their lives…Esther’s uncle was honored while his accuser died… different endings of betrayals….

Jesus betrayal was foretold, it had to happen…for the consequences were for all mankind…Jesus died on the cross for all..to the ends of the earth…so that he could show his power over a horrible death…God was betrayed, but it was forgiveness…Jesus rose that we might have life….

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. 

Thank YOU….

betrayed…

: treacherously abandoned, deserted, or mistreated, entrapped…

“The Bible contains numerous accounts of betrayal, illustrating deep emotional and moral lessons. Here are some notable examples:

Key Betrayals

• Satan and Eve (Genesis 3): The serpent deceives Eve, leading to humanity's fall.

• Cain and Abel (Genesis 4): Cain's jealousy drives him to murder his brother Abel.

• Joseph's Brothers (Genesis 37): Joseph is betrayed by his brothers out of envy, sold into slavery.

• Delilah and Samson (Judges 16): Delilah betrays Samson by revealing the secret of his strength.

• David and Absalom (2 Samuel 15-18): Absalom, David's son, conspires against him to take the throne.

Themes of Betrayal

• Trust and Deception: Many stories highlight the fragility of trust and the consequences of betrayal.

• Forgiveness and Redemption: The narratives often emphasize the importance of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption after betrayal?”AI summary…

https://biblereasons.com/betrayal/

“If there is anyone who can relate to us about betrayal, it is God. Despite all who betrayed Him, He still found it in his heart to help, forgive, and rebuild relationships. Through scripture, we can find the strength to do the same. Use these Bible verses to help you overcome the pain of betrayal and encouragement to forgive.”

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-betrayal/#google_vignette

Forgiveness…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIbCpy0CQEo&list=RDoIbCpy0CQEo&start_radio=1

 

Sandals…

 Sandals….

I am meeting with a representative from Because International this morning…this ministry has designed shoes/sandals for children in other countries around the world…there are 4 sizes , but each of these sizes can then be adjusted into 5 mores sizes…so they can be handed down and used by several people…they are given out in various countries, added to the  Christmas  boxes, and just partner  ministries who serve around the world. Last year 103,548 pairs were given out…

Reading …

John 18:1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

I thought of these shoes…shoes are mentioned throughout the Bible, Moses, Ruth, Amos and just everyday living…having been to Israel, I can’t imagine what having no shoes would be like, it is such rocky soil…

In the Bible times, the most used mode of transportation was feet…some people had wagons, donkeys, the military had some other modes as well…but feet were  the most used…and sandals were the fashion…it is amazing when we think about the abundance of footwear we have to choose from now!….

I would speculate that by the time Jesus was carrying his cross up the hill to his crucifixion, he was barefooted,, adding yet another agony to that event…as his robe was gambled for…

Sometimes we don’t appreciate the little things like shoes that we have , while others would love  to have the luxury of something to protect their feet from parasites, rocks, etc…

I loved the story in Luke 24, the road to Emmaus….the men were walking and along and Jesus joins them for the walk, explaining the scriptures to them…just think what those sandals could tell…

Thank YOU… 

At Your feet…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olujOC2YouA&list=RDolujOC2YouA&start_radio=1

“Sandals apparently were worn in Palestine from the earliest times . . . though ordinary persons are generally represented as barefoot . . . . Shoes were also of symbolic significance, as may be seen from the legal practice of presenting the shoe to confirm publicly the renun- ciation of levirate marriage rights or obligations . . . (Deut. 25:9;2

Ruth 4:7). To be unsandaled was to be dispossessed . . . .

There is no word in Hebrew that connotes wearing shoes, but there is one for being barefoot. "Yahef" is defined in Gesenius' Hebrew Lexicon as fol- lows: "to be without shoes. The ultimate root lies in the syllable chaf, chet, peh, and the primary notion is that of peeling, removing the bark of shell."

This implies that being barefoot was being deprived of normal dress.

There are instances in Scripture where "shoe" comes into some promi- nence. (1) In the customs of levirate marriage (Deut. 25:9, Ruth 4:7); (2)

at Moses' theophany at the Burning Bush (Ex. 3:5); (3) in Amos (2:6).” https://jbq.jewishbible.org/assets/Uploads/351/351_shoe2.pdf

https://www.saxum.org/the-journey-of-jesus-and-his-disciples-from-the-upper-room-to-gethsemane/



Jerusalem…

Hypothetical Reconstruction of the Route taken by Jesus and His Disciples to Gethsemane

250…

 250….. 

Yesterday was a day of remembrance and thanksgiving…the 250 birthday of America…what a delight to be alive for such a birthday…to watch and listen to historical speeches from so many…to remember what our forefathers went through to build this country, to honor those who fought for this country…the rich, the poor, the aspiring, the dreamers, the everyday people who trudged through history not knowing they were even making  history.

This past week I have watched segments about the “State Fair” in our capital, visiting state exhibits showing their stuff with proudness,  plus going to various places and their celebrations with the finale last night at the US a capital, the music, the rain, the interviews of heroes from past wars, interviews of everyday people who wanted to celebrate the nation’s birthday…I heard speeches about people who dreamed of freedom, who built, who designed…the history of our flag and places it has gone…

Then the fireworks…

Reading again in John 17, Jesus praying for us…people who want the truth…who will fight the evil one in their time, who will take the Word throughout the world…unity in the faith…seeing his glory…

Us, whom he planned for, who each have a divine plan given by the Creator of the universe….

We celebrate Jesus who loves us, died for us, rose for us, transforms us…

Thank YOU….

John17:14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Thank YOU for blessing America, but more for blessing those who believe and have put their trust in You…

Countries will rise and fall, but You are my…

Firm Foundation…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFMp8oYkhdw&list=RDaFMp8oYkhdw&start_radio=1

John 17…

 John 17…

This has to be my favorite chapter in the whole Bible…and I have said it in the past, I know…but, it still is…there are so many thoughts in it….

But this verse hit me this morning…John 17:13…”I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. “

“Joy is a common theme in Christ’s teachings…he wants us to be joyful..the key to immeasurable joy is living in intimate contact with Christ, the source of all joy.when we do we will experience God’s special care and protection and see the victory God brings even when defeat seems certain.” Bible study notes…

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 30:11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
    you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy

Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 

John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

There are so many “joy” verses! Reading them lifts the darkness that can descend on dark days…

Jesus wants us to experience his joy! A full measure…not just a little bit…abundantly….

There are days I need to call on those promises….cling to them…until my heart and soul  are lifted again…

Thank YOU….

Joy of  the Lord…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmFoSOyr6vo&list=RDmmFoSOyr6vo&start_radio=1

 Losing to gain…

None of us like to lose a loved one….

Jesus said in John 16:20 b, “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy”…as he was telling his disciples of his departure…he had to leave for their  good, his departure let the Counselor come …

None of us like to get hurt…but, yet doctors will say, this is going to hurt, but you will be better afterwards…ugh…I hate to hear those words and I have heard them many times in the last few years…

Or going through trials can deepen our faith…why can’t we deepen our faith without the trial? Hummm…

Things will get better…

Jesus was trying to encourage the disciples, but it still hurt, there would still be grief before the “better” part… 

John 16:5 but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

Psalm 30:5b weeping may stay for the night,
    but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Just think, that if Jesus hadn’t left, we would be without the Holy Spirit…I can’t even imagine…where would we get truth, understanding, counsel…who would speak to our soul?

But, of course,  God may have worked a different way…

Thank YOU…

There’s a sweet sweet spirit …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM7Iym4u9QY&list=RDCM7Iym4u9QY&start_radio=1

Count it…

 Count it…

Was reading this passage this morning…when you add the other passages…just think about it…the promises…

Jesus said…

John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’

John 16:1 “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. 3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4 I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, 

James later wrote…

James 1: 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

Paul later wrote…

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

“We should consider our personal trials and sorrows joy because of what they allow God to do in us…if we let our trials break us, God can’t use us…but if we go into those trials knowing that God is going to do something great with us, something for which he has to strengthen us in advance, it all comes into perspective.”

Terri Blackstock…

What a comfort in trials…something good will come, perseverance, maturity…completeness…

Thank YOU…

Count it all joy…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKlmA1nhTNU&list=RDlKlmA1nhTNU&start_radio=1

 

Fatherhood…

I had a great dad, kind and gentle…oh, he had his quirks just as I have mine, after all he was human, but for the most part he was a good dad…

Over the years, I have seen great dads, awful dads, horrible dads…and a bunch of other descriptions…both in secular life and in the church life…

Then over the years our culture has emasculated men as stupid, weak if they show gentleness, kindness…which is hard to watch…

Thinking about yesterday’s blog, a welcoming father who loved his daughter through so much…until she realized that he was emulating his God the Father…how we want to be loved like that…how we want to love like that just touched my soul so much…

Romans 8:14-39 speaks of Gods fatherhood so much…

“The fatherhood of God is a central theme in the Bible, illustrating His intimate relationship with humanity.

Biblical Definition
God's fatherhood signifies a relationship characterized by authority, care, and love. In both the Old and New Testaments, God is depicted as a loving and protective Father, guiding His people much like a father guides his children

Key Aspects

• Love and Care: God's fatherhood reflects His deep love and commitment to His creation, emphasizing His protective nature


• Discipline and Guidance: Just as earthly fathers discipline their children, God also guides and corrects His people for their growth


• Covenantal Relationship: The fatherhood of God is often linked to His covenant with Israel, portraying a special bond between God and His chosen people


Theological Implications
Understanding God's fatherhood helps believers grasp the nature of their relationship with Him, fostering a sense of belonging and security in faith.

This concept encourages believers to approach God with trust and reverence, recognizing His role as a loving Father who desires a personal relationship with each individual.

Key verses:

1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

This verse establishes God as the source of all creation…

John 1: 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 

This emphasizes the relationship believers have with God as their Father…

Attributes of God’s Fatherhood…

Provider. Loving discipline. Comfort and support…”

AI answer from the Web…(two different days…)

Thank YOU…Father..

https://biblerepository.com/bible-verses-about-the-fatherhood-

of-god/

https://africa.thegospelcoalition.org/article/comforting-truths-found-in-the-fatherhood-of-god/

https://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/the-fatherhood-of-god

Good, good Father…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlsQrycKKsY&list=RDqlsQrycKKsY&start_radio=1