Hearing…

 Hearing…

As my father got older, he began to lose his hearing…I could hear his tv blaring as I drove into the driveway…every word clear outside…I dreaded going inside as it got louder and louder each time I visited…

We got a couple of aides for him, but he refused to go and get hearing aides…so he was captive to his lack of hearing as were those around him…I remember vowing to myself that I would not hold others captive if my hearing began to go away…

So now I have new hearing aides…I was starting to ask others , “could you repeat that?”….or watch their lips or avoid people, gatherings …

I put my new aides in the other day for the first time  at the loudness at which I should be and it was too loud for my brain…and we had to turn them down to get used to the sounds again…

I hadn’t realized how silent I had let my world to become…

Not hearing reminded me of Ezra in the book of Nehemiah…

“all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. 

They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel. 

So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 

He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. 

And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. 

Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam. Ezra opened the book. 

All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 

Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” 

Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. 

They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. 

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 

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.” The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.” 

Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.”

Neh.8.1-12

Or the many times in the New Testament, Jesus says, “he who has ears, let him hear”….he wanted those around him to understand what he was saying…take it to heart, do it…

 “This is why I speak to them in parables:“

Though seeing, they do not see;though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 

For this people’s heart has become calloused;they hardly hear with their ears,and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,hear with their ears,understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.’ 

But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 

For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Matt.13:13-17

 So, as the Holy Spirit says:“Today, if you hear his voice,     do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion,during the time of testing in the wilderness,

Heb.3.7-8

 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Rev.1.3

Thank YOU… 

I can hear your voice…

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

Circle of prayer…

 Circle of prayer…

Yesterday there was a plane dedicated to service in the the Democratic Republic of Congo… it wasn’t a long prayer, but heart felt. The people circled the plane, holding hands, a circle unbroken, led in prayer that this tool would be used in service, that is would be safe, people would know the Love of God, missions would be carried out…that God’s will would be carried out…

When the plane arrives at its destination, there will be a local dedication as well, similar format…probably even more praise as there it will be their tool of ministry…a replacement for a former plane used up for God’s glory…

As one of the speakers said, each plane dedicated has a story and this one is no exception…there have been several hiccups getting this one ready to go…there must be lots of blessings in the future for its service….

As I stood in that dedication, I thought of others I had attended…this morning Solomon’s dedication of the temple came to mind..2 Chronicles 6..it was a more lengthy one, but so important to the Israelites …

Thank YOU for your tools of service…whether planes, people, etc…to YOU be the glory… 

 Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there, the king turned around and blessed them. Then he said:“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his hands has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to my father David. 

For he said, ‘Since the day I brought my people out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel to have a temple built so that my Name might be there, nor have I chosen anyone to be ruler over my people Israel. 

But now I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there, and I have chosen David to rule my people Israel.’ 

“My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the Lord, the God of Israel. But the Lord said to my father David, ‘You did well to have it in your heart to build a temple for my Name. Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, your own flesh and blood—he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.’ 

“The Lord has kept the promise he made. I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the Lord promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the Lord, the God of Israel. There I have placed the ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord that he made with the people of Israel.” 

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands. Now he had made a bronze platform, five cubits long, five cubits wide and three cubits high, and had placed it in the center of the outer court. He stood on the platform and then knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven. 

He said:“Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today. 

“Now, Lord, the God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promises you made to him when you said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants are careful in all they do to walk before me according to my law, as you have done.’ 

And now, Lord, the God of Israel, let your word that you promised your servant David come true. “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. “When anyone wrongs their neighbor and is required to take an oath and they come and swear the oath before your altar in this temple, then hear from heaven and act. Judge between your servants, condemning the guilty and bringing down on their heads what they have done, and vindicating the innocent by treating them in accordance with their innocence. 

“When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you and when they turn back and give praise to your name, praying and making supplication before you in this temple, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them back to the land you gave to them and their ancestors. 

“When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray toward this place and give praise to your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. 

Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance. 

“When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel—being aware of their afflictions and pains, and spreading out their hands toward this temple— then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. 

Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know the human heart), so that they will fear you and walk in obedience to you all the time they live in the land you gave our ancestors.

“As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name. 

“When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to you toward this city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name, then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. 

“When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong and acted wickedly’; and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their captivity where they were taken, and pray toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and toward the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their pleas, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you. 

“Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 

“Now arise, Lord God, and come to your resting place,you and the ark of your might.

May your priests, Lord God, be clothed with salvation,may your faithful people rejoice in your goodness. 

Lord God, do not reject your anointed one.Remember the great love promised to David your servant.”

2Chr.6.1-42 

 You are in God’s Hands….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SE2w406mT8

Oh, Peter….

 Oh, Peter…

1 Peter…” this letter was written primarily to bring them a message of hope and encouragement…” Study Bible…

I thought it was interesting just to look up passages which specifically named Peter…a fisherman…

He left his vocation of fishing to become a disciple of Jesus…a follower of the Messiah…

I wondered what these fishermen talked about as they fished…Peter so easily left his boat and followed…had he been waiting in expectation of this Saviour…his heart rejoicing that he could follow, learn and encourage…he was married…what did his family think? Did they balk, wondering how they were going to fare if he left his vocation, his money making way of life? Where was their provision going to coming from?

Peter witnessed Jesus first hand…he saw Jesus’ miracles, his teaching, his life…he was both bold and humble…he was first to speak many times…both protective and a coward…he questioned and he listened…he was impulsive….and he was part of the inner circle of disciples…he was courageous, standing before crowds to testify of Jesus….

This first letter reads  similar to Acts 2, lays out history, who Jesus was…then adds the “therefore”…”set your hope on the grace “ of Jesus…be obedient…love one another deeply…rid yourself of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander….grow…”living godly lives in a pagan society “…

His letter could be a modern letter to Christians…and it is …just as appropriate now as it was two thousand years ago.   We face the same things now as they did then…as much as some would like to believe, people have not gotten any better down through history…we face the same temptations, the same emotions….need the same Savior….

Thank YOU…

A few references to Peter…

 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 

 At once they left their nets and followed him.

Matt.4.18-20

 When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.

Matt.8.14-15

 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. 

“It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 

“You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Matt.14.25-31 

 Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.”

Matt.15.15

 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” 

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Matt.16.13,Matt.16.16-19, Matt.16.22-23,Matt.17.1-5

 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Matt.18.21-22

 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” 

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Matt.19.27-30

 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

John.13.5-9

 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” 

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 

Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!

John.13.31-38

 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.) 

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

John.18.10-11

Matthew 26…

The book of Acts, chapters 1-15,

 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. ….

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts.2.14,Acts.2.37-40,Acts.2.4

Galatians…

( Paul writing) “ On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. 

For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles.”

Gal.2.7-8

Living Hope…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f2FXxDVO6w

 

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/4-powerful-life-lessons-from-the-books-of-1-peter-and-2-peter.html

A few that caught my eye…

 

A few that caught my eye…

Still in 1 Peter…

Peter so wants to help fellow believers…get along, encourage,

Instruct….

What if each of us received these letters from a friend…would we take them to heart and work toward the writer’s encouragements…holding that thought…we have received these letters from a friend…not only that, we,who are saved, have the Holy Spirit to help us ….we don’t have to do it in our own power…we need to submit  to his truth  speaking in our hearts on how we ought to grow, listen as Christ followers…..

Whenever I read this first verse, I think of pictures my husband brought back from Mongolia….there was one group shot of the team he was with coupled with the people in one area where they showed the Jesus Film…they were in their summer homes, gers, that they moved from area to area…basically they were camping…when the cameras came out, the women quickly took off their scarves to finger comb their hair into place before putting their scarves back on…they wiped the children’s faces of any camping grime they might be sporting…they straightened their clothing…all the while making sure any adornment was camera ready…then they smiled…some holding the booklet of Luke written in Mongolian…which became so important to many of them…the beginnings of new  church bodies, new life in Christ…

Thank YOU….

 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 

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, The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. 

If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 

For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 

And,“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1Pet.3.4,1Pet.3.8,1Pet.3.15,1Pet.4:7-14, 4.17-19

For God so loved the world…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bst1cglOZwo

Cloak, robe continued…

 Cloak, robe continued….

Yesterday was Paul’s cloak…he asked for its return, it must have been special to him for some reason…but as I was thinking about that garment, I wondered about other robes spoken of in the Word…

All resonated lessons to be learned…I looked at my closest of coats, robes…they all have a purpose…some even have memories attached to them or why I bought it , when I wear them…where will they go eventually…

Thank YOU….

A few…

A coat of favor, jealousy to be replaced later with a cloak of authority and used for saving a nation…

 

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. 

So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing—

Gen.37.3,Gen.37.23

  Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.

Gen.41.42

 Robes of leadership, service….

Take the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breast piece. Fasten the ephod on him by its skillfully woven waistband.

Exod.29.5

Robes of love…

Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.

1Sam.2.19

 Robe of friendship, passing the authority…

Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

1Sam.18.4

Robe of honor…

have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’”

Esth.6.8-9

 Robe of a blameless man…

I put on righteousness as my clothing;justice was my robe and my turban.

Job.29.14

The Lord’s robe…creator God…praise…

 The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;indeed, the world is established, firm and secure…

Ps.93.1

 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,because the Lord has anointed me to  proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,     

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

the oil of joy instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Isa.61.1-3

 I delight greatly in the Lord;my soul rejoices in my God.For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Isa.61.10

 Robe of salvation…royalty…

They stripped him and put a purple robe on him,

Matt.27.28

He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.

Rev.19.13

 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. 

They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 

And they cried out in a loud voice:“Salvation belongs to our God,who sits on the throne,and to the Lamb.” 

All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. 

They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:“Amen!Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honorand power and strengthbe to our God for ever and ever.Amen!” 

Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” 

I answered, “Sir, you know.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

 Rev.7.9-14

 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 

The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Matt.21.8-11

Healing…

 So Jesus went with him.A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 

When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 

Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. 

He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’

“But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 

Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

Mark.5.24-34

Bring the cloak…

 Bring the cloak…

 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

2Tim.4.13

When my husband went in his first short term mission journey in the 1990’s, he went with a group to show the Jesus film in Mongolia. They traipsed around the countryside in old jeeps, and old planes going from summer areas to summer areas where the Mongolians took their animals to feed on the grasslands…the group carried along a big movie projector and projected the movie on buildings, gers, wherever they could…it was a “productive “ summer in that many declared their faith in Jesus as they learned about Him through that film production…(it continues to reach people across the globe)…

But, the surprise for the team was the “bring my cloak” moment….missionaries from various organizations asked the group if they could bring things from the states as they were coming. The items ranged from cash to disposable diapers, baby clothing, spices….Mongolia had just come out of Russian rule and had very little trading ability at the time…their economy was really limited…and they were just getting geared up to being an independent nation…

So the “bring  my cloak” was a blessing to the team to be able to help others and a blessing to those in need…an eye opener to future trips as well…you always asked if there was something you could bring…

 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 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.

Col.3.12,17

 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 

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

Titus.3.13-14

 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

Heb.6.10

Thank YOU that we can help others in big and little ways…You continue to direct our paths to be kind, helpful….

The servant song…

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

Help is on the way…

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

That was the direction I was going with this phrase- “helping others” until I started looking up “robe or cloak” in the Word….

 

( to be continued)…

Examples…right or not….

 

Examples….right or not…

We don’t have to go very far to find both good and bad influences, examples of how to live our lives or not live our lives…we can turn on the TV, the computer, our phones, movies, etc..etc…even a walk through a store at times, gives examples…

Over the years, I have wished I could be “ more like——“, or “I would never be that way”…comments or thoughts running through my head in watching and knowing others…I have some amazing friends, family and acquaintances who are such great examples of Godly living… but the best examples are in the Word…people who lived through hardships, who led by word and example…who taught well, through the thick and thin of life….

In these last words from Paul to Timothy, Paul recounts again his examples…and again encourages Timothy…”continue “….”be prepared “…” keep your head”…”endure”…”encourage “…”patience “

Things we all need to do, to be…

Thank YOU…..

 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. 

Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 

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

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. 

Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

2Tim.3:10-17, 2 Tim.4:1-5

Praise You in the storm… 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7UE_EuFLj4

All scripture…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isN15DPbX-U