salvation

Simeon Sees Simeon Says Salvation’s Son Saves

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OH SIMEON!

Not Simon says – but Simeon SEES and Simeon SAYS!

Scripture pretold such things, surely Simeon Studied!.

Simeon, led by the Spirit, surely startled and soothed.

Simeon Sees Salvation’s Son, a Savior!!!

Senior awaiting satisfaction before surrendering in death.

Sweet eyes satisfied – sees glory for Israel, consolation in God’s Son.

Such LIGHT of Salvation’s revelation SHINING for the Gentiles 

Simeon swaddles His Savior as a babe, simply soul satisfyingly.

Simeon’s sure statement: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Simeon Sees Simeon Says Salvation’s Son Saves

Sweet Amen

Amen

—

Simeon Sees God’s Salvation

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

—

Luke 1-2 NKJV – Dedication to Theophilus –  Here is a Bible Gateway link listening: https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/bubb/nkjv/Luke.1 or reading:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201-2&version=NKJV

Luke 1-2 NKJV
Dedication to Theophilus
Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

John’s Birth Announced to Zacharias
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”  And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Christ’s Birth Announced to Mary
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth
Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

The Song of Mary
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

And Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] about three months, and returned to her house.

Birth of John the Baptist
Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

Circumcision of John the Baptist
So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

Zacharias’ Prophecy
Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David,

As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,

Who have been since the world began,
That we should be saved from our enemies
And from the hand of all who hate us,
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers
And to remember His holy covenant,
The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:

To grant us that we,
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Christ Born of Mary

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Circumcision of Jesus
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Jesus Presented in the Temple
Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

***

Simeon Sees God’s Salvation
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
***

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer
Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

The Family Returns to Nazareth
So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Jesus Advances in Wisdom and Favor
Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Prophet of the Highest, Luke 1-2

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Zacharias called out praises for His son at birth, John the Baptist, pre-told by an angel for this child to become the one who comes ahead, pointing to the Lord’s mercy, His desire for repentance, and His blessings of direction forward and fulfillment of Promise. 

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest”

* Yes, Zacharias would call to his son, with knowledge from the Holy Spirit, calling out to the greatest of prophecies and missions and then some.

“For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways”

*For Zacharias’s son, John the Baptist, was given a mission, to tell the people to “Repent” and “Get Ready” for a great One would come.

“To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins”

*Salvation is from a Savior on a mission, a Messiah to come, John’s announcement will tell the people, remind them, identify the cause of distance from God: sinning. John will tell them that a Savior will be coming – be ready.

“Through the tender mercy of our God”

*MERCY is NOT punishing what could have been punished. 

“With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us”

*MERCY is also coming to us, in forgiveness. Heaven facing our issues head on, a new living water to flow. A Mercy to restore us back, a Grace to bring us forward, to Give us HOPE.

“To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death”

*Jesus our Lord and Savior, the Light of the World, entering the world to SHOW and SHINE, to guide divinely. Fulfillment of the Prophecies – HOPE of the People.

“To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

*Jesus Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor – Savior and Overcomer of the world.

THANK YOU EVERLASTING FATHER, MIGHTY GOD – for YOUR LOVE.

AMEN

—

Luke 1-2 NKJV – Dedication to Theophilus –  Here is a Bible Gateway link listening: https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/bubb/nkjv/Luke.1
or reading:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201-2&version=NKJV

Luke 1-2 NKJV
Dedication to Theophilus
Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

John’s Birth Announced to Zacharias
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”  And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Christ’s Birth Announced to Mary
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth
Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

The Song of Mary
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

And Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] about three months, and returned to her house.

Birth of John the Baptist
Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

Circumcision of John the Baptist
So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

Zacharias’ Prophecy
Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David,

As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:

To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

***

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;

For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins,

Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;

To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,

To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

***

Christ Born of Mary
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Circumcision of Jesus
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Jesus Presented in the Temple
Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Simeon Sees God’s Salvation
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer
Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

The Family Returns to Nazareth
So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Jesus Advances in Wisdom and Favor
Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

A Horn of Salvation – Jesus Came, Is Here, Is Coming, Luke 1-2

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It is good to question – it is good to write!!!! In this next section of Luke – the coming of John the Baptist and of Jesus – the next section is about Zacharias’s prophecy. Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David,” …

Sure I asked google – “what is a HORN of Salvation?” – and of course the first answer is Jesus – YAY – and the answer continues the raising up is the strengthening and the call and the everything (and there are there are interesting tidbits of answers here: https:// www.gotquestions.org/horn-of-salvation.html)

I also sent this question to a new professor friend pastor. In these over 10 years of my faith 100% with Jesus, life (as in the Holy Spirit) has brought me many more folks who look into these deep question things – the nuances – the many interpretations or words that might have been different translations…

So without torturing the text, it’s still good to probe…

The Horn of Salvation: We know the answer is Jesus – for our Salvation is by His acts – and yet I did ask: does this horn refer to the old horns of the day (animal for ?) AND OR the new horn sound from the trumpet that will shout out when Jesus comes back? or maybe probably ALL of it! I know that the google searches can only bring you so far – information wise – and the Holy Spirit knows all…  Plus the time of the writing – Zacharias didn’t have to say everything – the Bible doesn’t have to tell us everything – and Luke didn’t have to list everything because his readers would have perhaps studied the scriptures and known already – whereas we (as a society and even modern christians don’t dig into all the old testament work as we should…)

Anyway my new professor pastor friend said: “Luke 1:69 seems to be a direct reference to Psalm 18:2. “Horn” here is used as a metaphor for strength (picture two antelope or rams bashing heads) rather than any derivative use, such as a musical instrument or a receptacle for oil. (The Leviticus geek in me is tempted to make a reference to the horns of the altar, which were splashed with blood on the day of atonement…)”

Yeah well cool! Glad I asked! 

Questions are good…

Answers are discussed 

And Salvation is worth the exclamation of Zacharias!

Anyway – as this day, December 10th, is a special anniversary day – 11 years ago I wrote a diatribe of my lack of faith – which led to more writing – and more faith – this day is a reminder to KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

And keep praising!!!

For 11 years since Dec 10th 2014, when the Lord decided it was fine time to get my head on straight over the course of 2 months 2014-2015, I had a tremendous awakening that caused me to write it all out. Yes, my first 10-15 writings or so were so raw and yet needed to process – and then in that first 50 writings and life interactions, I landed Feb 1st 2015 with 100% trust and love and knowledge and belief in Jesus. It was totally like the Lord God led me to Jesus as Lord and Savior – and I had to accept what I could no longer deny…  

BLESSED BLESSED BLESSED…   

So, I continue to write now – processing and learning and sharing….

So blessed to keep asking deeper into faith while simply accepting Jesus as All in All!!! Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and me too… He has raised up a horn of salvation for the house of His servant David AND us Gentiles too!!

Thank you for reading!!!

Amen 

 —
Luke 1-2 NKJV – Dedication to Theophilus –  Here is a Bible Gateway link listening: https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/bubb/nkjv/Luke.1 or reading: https:// www .biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201-2&version=NKJV

Luke 1-2 NKJV
Dedication to Theophilus
Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

John’s Birth Announced to Zacharias
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”  And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Christ’s Birth Announced to Mary
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth
Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

The Song of Mary
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

And Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] about three months, and returned to her house.

Birth of John the Baptist
Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

Circumcision of John the Baptist
So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

***

Zacharias’ Prophecy
Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David,

***


As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,
Who have been since the world began,
That we should be saved from our enemies
And from the hand of all who hate us,
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers
And to remember His holy covenant,
The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:
To grant us that we,
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Christ Born of Mary
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Circumcision of Jesus
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Jesus Presented in the Temple
Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Simeon Sees God’s Salvation
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer
Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

The Family Returns to Nazareth
So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Jesus Advances in Wisdom and Favor
Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Speak Praising God, for ALL to Hear, Luke 1-2

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What’s in a name? We get stuck on names – and interestingly the big movie in theaters now has a whole storyline based on the mispronunciation of a name. It was important but not… I myself get a little picky of how people call me – but usually I don’t share that – I am not a Deb or a Deborah – but a Debbie – with all the imagination that I put into it – for me it is not just personality of over a serious formal or non-childlike nickname – it is just what I like…  Either way it is OK when someone who doesn’t mean anything wrong to call me Diane (someone said that Sunday to me – it was OK, and also for Diane I appreciate that my take out food greeter recognizes me now and doesn’t give me Diane’s order instead of Debbie) or old days call me Linda or Cathy (people called me those names as a child) or even most recently had called me Beth or Bonnie (two of my great role models so I don’t mind) – or call me whatever name they think I am… It is better for me to be graceful than right – or rude. I am sure you know of others or yourself with different accents or spelling on your name. It happens – it is OK.

If we get caught in tradition to a fault, to the point of ignoring God, then we are caught in worldly ways. It better to be praising God with our lips than spending the time being complaining or be crass or worst speaking evil.

And what’s in a name? It is tradition to name sons from their fathers or grandfathers – depending upon culture – and yet in the biblical births of John the Baptist and of Jesus, the Lord God sent angel Gabriel to name these sons of impact. Here is the scripture of the parents (Elizabeth and Zacharias) in the naming of John the Baptist – by an amazing connection of the Spirit: So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled.

Yes, the Lord sent this name and this child to these parents who were dutiful and good – and knew this son was chosen “to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Zacharias had been made silent at the time that he was talking ot the angel after questioning the whole notion of having a son – by his aged wife – and that silence lasted – UNTIL the proclamation of John’s name by writing it on a tablet – to confirm wife Elizabeth’s proclamation. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 

PRAISING GOD – may our mouths always be praising – be thankful and praising. Jesus said: “those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” (Matthew 15:18)

As for the people who heard Zacharias praising, well – they knew God had made a move – God was causing this within their midst and they had reverent fear – and awe – they kept the knowledge that God was at work, as we should too. The people around the area were marveling: Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

AND THE HAND OF THE LORD WAS WITH HIM – John the Baptist would move ahead of Jesus and PREPARE the WAY – share knowledge of the need of repentance – and explain that God was active in the times…  People would know – and look out for Jesus.

How about us – would we let anything stand in our way of praising God? Even if we didn’t know all God’s reasons? Would we be able to live less worldly and more faithfully knowing that God IS moving – God IS giving opportunity to praise and to share and to live more peacefully? We can spend our days best by speaking best of the Lord – praise praise praise for all to hear…

AMEN

Luke 1-2 NKJV
Dedication to Theophilus
Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

John’s Birth Announced to Zacharias
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”  And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Christ’s Birth Announced to Mary
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth
Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

The Song of Mary
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

And Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] about three months, and returned to her house.

Birth of John the Baptist
Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

***
Circumcision of John the Baptist
So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.
***

Zacharias’ Prophecy
Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David,
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,
Who have been since the world began,
That we should be saved from our enemies
And from the hand of all who hate us,
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers
And to remember His holy covenant,
The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:
To grant us that we,
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Christ Born of Mary
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Circumcision of Jesus
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Jesus Presented in the Temple
Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Simeon Sees God’s Salvation
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer
Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

The Family Returns to Nazareth
So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Jesus Advances in Wisdom and Favor
Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

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Luke 1-2 NKJV – Dedication to Theophilus –  Here is a Bible Gateway link listening: https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/bubb/nkjv/Luke.1 or reading:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201-2&version=NKJV

Walking the Cross for the Lord’s Lost

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Yesterday, Good Friday, on our annual trek around town carrying a big cross between churches, a pastor speaker challenged us to think about whom we were walking for. We were surely walking in witness of our trek, remembering the way of Jesus, but were we able to walk “in spirit” for the marginalized, wrongly accused, and ignored people. I do pray justice in mercy for downtrodden folks  This walk specifically however I thought to myself that as I was walking enjoying the comradery of Christ-followers that perhaps it was best that I frame my mind in prayer for others without this knowledge… I decided I would walk for the LOST.

LOST. Pray one day that they will find that they were found. 

I myself being awake and aware now 10 years, I best find myself to pray mercy of those asleep in faith like I was. I pray for the prideful and even angry, those bothered and bitter, the ignorant and arrogant, the LOST. I pray for their Easter to come, to see the light, to rise from their earthly graves.

What does it mean to be lost? Spiritually lost? I didn’t understand until I was found. There surely are millions of skeptical cynics out there, not just bliss ignorance but vengeful dark mud-stuck lost. May we see one day they prayerfully become sincere seekers. As I am THANKFUL to be found, I cry tears of salvation in JOY, so let me spare a Jesus Tear for these lost. 

In the Revolutionary War cemetery on our trek, one of our stops, I learned they found very little of the 248 yr old remnants during excavation performed just 30 years ago. They weren’t moving dissolved caskets, just cataloging what was lost now “found”. The land was swamp marsh and “to dust” (mush, mud, dust) so these soldiers returned, lost in flesh but not in memory. The cemetery was unmarked and long lost. Thankfully they had records of written stories of the burials, then they decided to look hard during the whole area’s excavation for development. They found shifted soil with detectors, some artifacts, and structural 4-deep placement. They had known the recruited hospital was nearby, not far from the battlefield but also entrenched in fever episodes of the day. The clues were ready to be picked up. Bur the soldiers had already moved on. The cemetery found but the soldiers gone. We pray them found.

How can we walk for the lost? By leaving trails, traits, teachings behind. By shining the light forward. By great commission continuation. By shifting the soil under others from dry or rocky or thorny into good. Shifted soil makes for a shifted soul and then joyful memories. Pray for the lost and pick up a cross with a shovel attachment and look to find those who need a little shifting. 

We pray to keep walking and keep walking to keep praying. 

Amen 

My Palm Sunday Sermon, Jesus IS

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Children’s Message (aimed for adults as big kids) including scriptures…
“Students – ready for our science lesson?” – Pass out palms to congregation –
Show PLANT STUFF – PROPS with tablecloths– about photosynthesis, chloroplasts, thylakoids, CF1 CF0… Stomata… so many interesting workings…
“So, science students, if this in the plant leaf – in the cell – in the chloroplast is more than we knew or even could fathom, then OH – we are here on Palm Sunday for someone greater and all-knowing WHO ARE WE WAVING THESE PALMS FOR? OH JESUS!!!
“Students – so is Jesus more than we can imagine? YES – Jesus is the Messiah – and there were even prophesies for His coming – many – Here is but one of them: from Zechariah 9:9 in prophesy of this day Palm Sunday – the day beginning holy week:
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
“These people waiving Palms knew that Jesus had just risen Lazarus from the dead – and had performed many miracles – they believed the hand of God was on Him.
“Here is the gospel of John 12:12-16 telling Jesus Coming to Jerusalem as King…
“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.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.”

big HOSANNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KEEP WAVING………….

Psalm 118:1, 14-15, 22-29 Read in between songs
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
…
The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
…
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

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PALM SUNDAY SERMON
HOSANNA!!!!! Let’s say it again waving our palms!
Don’t you just love that we are walking into Easter? – But it is going to be a long hard week for Jesus – and we humbly know that His Steps are what He took for His Love of us. His deep deep LOVE. May we hope to return that love to Him today and always. May our JOY be more than our sorrow – May our JOY be a realization that He died for us when we were yet still sinners – and that NOW we know that God’s VICTORY is everything to us. Therefore, we can sing even when we still have trouble in this world.
Forever God is Faithful – we could sing that all day – Forever God is faithful – Forever God is strong – Forever God is with us – Forever …. His love endures forever – Sing praise, sing praise… I love this line: For the life that’s been reborn, His love endures FOREVER !!!
Yes, “Sing praise, sing praise”, Forever is brought to us by Jesus – not just in Easter – not just Palm Sunday but FOREVER – even in the deepest of winters of our lives, we are to hold out for spring… hold out for FOREVER… HOLD ON TO JESUS… STRENGTH – remember the little card scripture here – He stands by us –
I appreciate that we are in the Spring – today it stopped raining (finally) although I was thankful for the rain to knock down the pollen allergies – and yet with spring we can talk about renewal and life and love and the blessings of Easter’s Promise and Hope – We see this in spring renewing every year with the new blooms – the greening up of the grass – the April showers bringing May flowers and May flowers? – well – PILGRIMS – we are the pilgrims on this journey. A journey WITH Jesus this week.
Recounting our kid’s message: I hope you enjoyed learning about the intricacies of plant leaves and the fascination of complex photosynthesis, thylakoid pancake grana stacks, knob-shaped ATP producing and using protein complexes CF0CF1, F0F1, and yes the antenna-like photosystems of chlorophyll and accessory pigments – the complexity that takes in CO2 – makes life-giving Oxygen gas, make Carbon complex sugar molecules, stores up, uses, and makes renewing energy – and allows flower to bloom and fruits to be set. We love to learn and we barely scratch the surface!!!
It is WISDOM for us to know that as much as we learn, we realize we don’t even know a fraction of how it all works, let alone comes together all in an area smaller than a speck – it is more than we can even imagine – more than our microscopes can see – more than our imaginations too. Us not knowing makes me hunger for more knowledge and all of us realize that we cannot know all things – but we are to know they work together in concert … And Have Faith in the unseen…


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SO… I want us to learn today more about God – know and believe in the things that we cannot even see – to know God is to know how He brings things together for the GOOD… and for us to barely scratch the surface of all that He does for us…. All He has and that He is still doing.
To know God is to know Love –
His Love is AMAZING, VAST, more than we can ever imagine.

When we learn about God’s Love – knowing God’s LOVE – we learn about Jesus – and in our Knowing God series of sermons – I present today that we continually want to know God more – and more – and WOW, Jesus, Messiah, is more than we could ever imagine….

Previously, we brought up our prophet Jonah was told to cry to Ninevah, scooped up inside that whale because he did not want to go – Jonah experienced 3 days of repentance, remorse, and surely fear – I don’t know how you would feel inside of a whale – but fear is a human emotion that we experience… And Jonah came OUT of the whale to preach as God directed him, to preach to all the sinful people – even if he could never imagine they would repent. For us to know God – we know and imagine Jesus coming out of the tomb, 3 days later to SAVE all the sinful people – already KNOWING to be their Shephard – to be the Word – to be our All in All.

Jesus walking into Jerusalem (actually riding on the donkey) – Jesus KNEW His Mission – no whale was needed – Jesus DID choose to walk this path… Jesus chose to save us before we even knew Him.
As our scriptures recounted: Jesus came into Jerusalem at the what we now call Palm Sunday – John’s gospel tells us that Jesus had been there multiple times – of course we know of him as a boy going there to the temple, losing mom and dad, this journey was common in that time – and known to Him, taking the trek as a human and as the Savior. And so, it is no surprise that the timing of this entry was expected, known, prophesized, and palatable and real to Jesus. Others were in awe, Jesus was in fulfilment of “doing His job” which He knew from before time, it was a path He was to take. Jesus did come into Jerusalem knowing the week ahead – the hard steps –– We know the crowd was there in cheers on Sunday – and yet the crowd later would take to jeers by Friday on crucifixion day – disillusioned and disappointed… The Sunday crowd thought Jesus was an earthly king. Oh, Jesus was much more than that – as many would discover in one week’s time with the resurrection of this the Christ. There would be many who would turn away but come back again – we too who have turned from Him are always welcomed back – to know Jesus is to know He is Always there for us.

On that Palm Sunday, Jesus came in “on His Word” fulfilling prophecy – and even if the crowd was in cheers, Jesus came in – on that donkey – IN TEARS… Luke’s gospel states the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” – “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”… As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes.”


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Should the people have known? Should they have been looking for more than an earthly king appointed by God? They surely thought Jesus or any potential earthly king would swoop in and save them from Roman rule and oppression. So many times we hear that the peoples’ eyes had been closed and ears had been closed – how many times did Jesus petition for those to hear – to see… We know from the reading of Psalm 118 and from the prophet Zachariah, that God’s messenger and God’s fulfillment would come… Zechariah’s prophesy came in the rebuilding time – after Babylon’s rule – His visions were surely complicated to the future but this portion is about a Messianic King – to understand that the people would cheer this Heavenly messenger – would come humbly and then be rejected – and there was a complicated time frame to understand that people were likely not aware of – and then there is that “crowd mentality” that took over – especially end of the week…

EXCEPT for the ones whose eyes and ears were starting to be opened – to those who were filled with Spirit like 30 years prior for Simeon and Anna in the temple when Jesus was brought in as a baby… but unfortunately most did not imagine this Jesus would be amazing and King to come.
It clearly states in John’s gospel of wisdom years later that: “Only after Jesus was GLORIFIED did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him” ….
And Psalm 118 probably attributable to King David – mentions the Messianic King – who we now know in spirit-site to be Jesus – to be prophesied to reign on and restore the Kingdom – this too speaks of the coming and the rejection of Jesus: stating The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone – so Jesus knew this plan – helped author the plan – and ached for those who did not understand and don’t understand.

Jesus’s tears – if one could have seen them – they would have spoke volumes if not these words: “Forgive them Lord they know not what they do”, spoken on the cross and surely felt deep inside by Jesus riding in: Forgive them Lord, they really don’t know WHO I am….
I pray we understand Jesus as the LOVE that God sent – remembering John 3:16-17 “ 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.” —
Knowing Jesus aching in His hear there for the crowd there that day – and for us to Know Him now – to request us to REPENT of sins – we learn our God is a God of sacrifice. Jesus sacrificed out of LOVE for giving His Way to repentance – for giving God’s Grace and Mercy. Knowing God is knowing that Jesus came to save. Psalm 118 again: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”


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One of my favorite favorite scriptures of Jesus – stating how IMPORTANT it is for Him to come in saving Grace is from Luke’s Gospel: Jesus’s disciples were hoop and hollering this Hosanna – and “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” – “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” – WOW – [hold up rock with smiling face] – We are encouraged and told to both believe and shout it out – that the rocks will cry out if we don’t acknowledge this greatness of the Glory of God bringing Victory over Sin and Death.

I want to acknowledge and celebrate that this has been the week of Passover – the most celebrated of the Jewish faith – and we too should have the reflection of God’s amazing act in the Book of Exodus – of Moses’s charge to bring the slaves out from Egypt – and the preparation of their meal before the escape – to put the blood of the lamb on their doors and have the angel of death pass over and skip their houses from a terrible plaque. The Lord told the people who did escape to pass these stories down in generations to generations – it is in Leviticus to remember this time of Moses and the enslaved people.

And so for us to Know God – we must on faith be in the knowledge of God’s Plan – and to Know Jesus is to know Him as our Passover Lamb – His blood shed…

We can raise our branches of palms in Hosanna for both His entrance to Holy Week – and wave them for the sake of having our lives now – and for our entrance to Heaven by Way of His Way…

I am going to wrap up my sermon in a practice of understanding Jesus – so many things He is to us – I want us to take a deep absorbing of these truths about Jesus – as I read them – let us think of Who Jesus is to us personally – to that crowd that day – and to know Jesus Forever as we KNOW His entry into Holy Week turns into His Resurrection – and our FOREVER….
(so here we go – please mediate on all these – and imagine each step of Jesus this week like the movement to the Cross):

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[slowly read] TO KNOW JESUS IS TO KNOW:

To Know Jesus is to KNOW:
Jesus, is MORE than just the earthly king.
Jesus is the Passover Blood
Jesus is David’s descendant
Jesus is David’s Lord
Jesus is our purifying fire.
Jesus is establisher of His Kingdom
Jesus is the greatness of His governing
Jesus our Victory
Jesus our Righteousness
Jesus our Hope
Jesus our Lord
Jesus our Savior
Jesus All in All…
Wonderful counselor.
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
Jesus is the Author of never-ending Peace between God and man…
Jesus is the sword of truth, as the divider
Jesus is the conqueror over evil
Jesus is the crusher of the snake
Jesus the lamb suffering
Jesus the burden holder
Jesus the healer of our ailments
Jesus the healer of our sin
Jesus the conqueror over death
Jesus, Immanuel, God with us
Jesus our brother
Jesus our Shepherd
Jesus the Teacher, “Rabboni”, Rabbi
Jesus as God’s Chosen Son in which He was and IS well pleased
Jesus our Groom for the church as a Bride
Jesus is our daily bread
Jesus is our breath
Jesus is our Strength
Jesus is our Spirit
Jesus is our Judge
Jesus is our forgiveness
Jesus our JOY
Jesus the Christ
Jesus Holy Redeemer
Jesus the Blood
Jesus the Body
Jesus the Sacrificed
Jesus the Master
Jesus the Servant
Jesus the Word made Flesh
Jesus is Love
Jesus is the LIGHT…
JESUS is THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES
Jesus, is Alpha and Omega, beginning and end.
Jesus, Messiah, more than we could EVER imagine.
Jesus walks to the Cross this week –
FOR GOD – and FOR US Amen and AMEN

Communion with the Lamb

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“A family that pray together stays together” – that is a great saying – my family spread to both east and west coasts early on – and honestly any of us with ancestors who came on the boats in the great immigration era should remember those people endured leaving family that they never saw again – letters were sent and sometimes packages in my family – but no plane ride home to visit – all my great grandparents would have left home in the same ages of my kids now at 20 something – that is just the way it was…

I remember my Dad today with finding a newspaper clipping about his 1st communion and other articles, like with scouting. I remember many blessings growing up like family trips and family stories – remembering this morning while giving my cat water of when my Dad who vowed that he hated cats said to my mom: “we need to get cat food – there is a stray in the garage” – and wouldn’t you know it? we became cat people – as the stray was pregnant and had her kittens under my bed – on a green velvety blanket that was my grandmothers. We gave all of them away except one who became my cat.  

Spreading the love and taking care of others – that was my Dad – taking care of your fellow man – and realizing to be appreciative for everything you have – and treating them fairly – and all this good advice that still fills my brain and my heart. I had over 50 years with my Dad before he passed few years ago. I remember his stories (and to make sure I have good brakes for the car)…  I recently found during family history searching, newspaper articles about our family. I found the great scouting article where my family spoke of their many sons in scouting and how good it was. I found a letter to the editor about my Dad as a persistent newspaper carrier, telling folks they needed to buy a subscription – VERY CONVINCING – I also found what we discovered years later that he was a hero for saving a boy who broke away from his troop and fell at a scout camp in the rugged terrain. We also found good articles of the dedication of my grandmother as a den mother.. cool…

A family which prays together – and plays together – and all that – well I found an article from the parochial school of my father’s first communion – a family which worships God together…  It is comforting to me that it was my grandparents who instilled faith and instruction into my dad and his siblings – by enrolling them in parochial school. Even if my father railed against the hypocrisy in the catholic church and the unfortunate but totally human going-wrongs of the day, I am encouraged that the Lord’s teachings still got instilled in that generation – including first communion. My faith is that faith was instilled early and demonstrated weekly and daily and moment to moment by my Grandmother.

I remember my Dad taking great concern for visiting my Grandmother in the nursing home every day – yes every day – sometimes in the morning before work – sometimes at lunch – sometimes after work. I trust that my grandmother, is in Heaven by the Love of Jesus. My Grandmother,  whom I never heard complain ever, even with a noisy roommate and with many aches and pains of leg amputation from diabetes and cancer from mesothelioma,. And I remember my Dad talking about his father – about the generosity of helping others – about the chickens they bought and then had eggs more than they could handle and beng directed to go give them to all the neighbors – that my grandfather would have directed them to take their wagon and go door to door not to sell but to give away… Yeah – family who takes care of others…

I thank the Lord for these memories and my family. I am grateful for these newspaper articles for new memories.

My connection to a lamb scripture today – is that the Lord told the families in the first “Passover” – to share between neighbors – to make sure there is enough but not too much – to take care of their households and of each other. I would know that my family was trained to take care of each other by the generosity of the Lord – the Lamb gives of Himself – and no one is to waste it – like the Lord’s Word which comes to earth and never returns void – always shared to do His Work.

May we always be remembering good memories – and may we always be thankful to the Lord for all our life experiences good and bad – and the perseverance the Lord has enabled in us to survive and yes to thrive… Amen

Thanks Lord for my Dad and family… Thank You, Lord, for You!

Amen and amen…

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. Exodus 12:1-3

In the Presence of the Lamb, Revelation 14

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I LOVE doing family history work – and yet it is not simply to learn of older things – it is to connect my current cousins together and we remember us as family. Cousins are like brothers and sisters whom you don’t fight with. Cousins are fun.

I recently got back from my uncle’s funeral and we did have such an enjoyable time reconnecting. – and we looked at family trees (as I am updating now) – and we like to see that we are all included – and our spouses and our kids and the spelling of our names – etc etc…  We want to be remembered and to remember. I was looking back at funeral photos – and seeing our cousins together and loving each other. Even cousins who never met – already have the love. (I loved seeing my kids meeting their cousins for the first time – of the same age.) Yes, we have so much to learn from each other including that we HAVE each other!!!

Well, isn’t it a blessing that the LORD KNOWS OUR NAMES AND OUR LIVES AND OUR FAILINGS AND STILL FORGIVES US.

Here is the Lamb scripture of the day – we see in the book of Revelation that the many in Heaven are known – and that the Lamb gives so many opportunities to get His Word out there. We work at it – being known like with our cousins – and the Lord? WELL, THE LORD HAS THE CATCH ALL PLAN: John saw: “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

YES! EVERY NATION EVERY TRIBE EVERY TONGUE EVERY PEOPLE.. THe Lord won’t forget anyone – everyone will have the chance to hear. These “saints becoming” as a friend always says, will include those who need to hear the gospel and then have to live in bad times with the beast abounding – there will be people martyred for their faith – and this is going to require people who stand strong for the Lord: Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. 

May we now stand in the knowledge of this and in our own knowledge of faith and not take it for granted. And may we regard people of faith “Cousins in Christ” – our brothers and sisters whom we don’t fight with – may we learn their names and meet them – may we love them even if we never will meet them until up in Heaven…  

I don’t know about you – but I am going to be busy the rest of my life AND eternity talking to all my cousins in christ…  (Can’t wait but no rush)…

Lord come quickly and send that angel to proclaim your Word. In the meantime – let us help share the love.

Amen

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Revelation 14 NKJV

The Lamb and the 144,000

Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.

The Proclamations of Three Angels

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

Reaping the Earth’s Harvest

Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

Reaping the Grapes of Wrath

Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.” So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs.

Jesus (and March Weather) Like a Lion and a Lamb

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“Create in me a clean heart.” – The song and scripture was so moving that I choked up, rolled tears down from my eyes in the concluding acts of “David” (Sight and Sound’s Production that I finished watching online). As David prays, offering his broken spirit in sorrow for sinful adultery with Bathsheba and the battle-sent murder of Uriah – sinfulness and greed taking over his backtracking, he himself heard the message from prophet Nathan of the slaughter of a lamb. David found himself again offering prayers to “be washed white as snow” – David had tears of repentance and remarkable re-fixation upon the Lord. He was always “after God’s heart” and shows us that the deepest sinner can still return to be the most sincere God seeker.

The more the trials, the more we can rely upon God – in good and bad.

David in the musical remembered the days the Lord was with Him as a child playing the harp and writing the psalms of songs, and David realizes the Lord is ever-present and faithful. 

“The Lord is after your heart – be after His” David urges Solomon, his son in the closing acts of his life and the play… The musical closes with David and all singing Psalm 23 boisterously and a visual of Jesus raising David into Heaven. Beautiful… Soul stirring and truthfully soothing.

Jesus came as the Lion of Judah and was slain as the lamb, in God’s Plan, in knowledge of salvation’s power, taking away the sins of the world, as far as East is from West. 

We say that the weather in March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. March 1st for us was like a lion sleeping and then awoke with wind storms and cold… Surely the end of this month will be much warmer, calmer, and we will have felt triumphant over winter. Lion to Lamb.

We might relate this to that Jesus came in like a lion to this world, because Jesus IS as the Lion of Judah, the King, and then relate to Jesus leaving as the Lamb, but remember also Jesus, the King, IS the Lamb slain before the beginning, before the foundation of the world was laid down. Jesus knew He would lay down His Life. Jesus always was and is the Lamb, innocent and sacrificial. Jesus was led by His loyalty to God the Father and by His Love for all of us. The sacrificing servant is oru example, as Jesus is also the Shepherd.

Jesus is the Lamb and the Lion, and Jesus is our Lord and King. 

We best, in any and all weather, GO with Jesus, because God goes with us. 

Be after His Heart.

Amen

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Psalm 23 of David 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

—

David speaking to King Saul in 1st Samuel 17 how the Lord protects: “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine. [Goliath]” Saul then said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” 

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1st Kings 2:1-4

David’s Last Words to Solomon: When David’s time to die was near, he told his son Solomon, “I am going the way of all the earth. So be strong. Show yourself to be a man. Do what the Lord your God tells you. Walk in His ways. Keep all His Laws and His Word, by what is written in the Law of Moses. Then you will do well in all that you do and in every place you go. Then the Lord will keep His promise to me. He has said to me, ‘Your sons must be careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and soul. 

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Psalm 51:9-15 of David in repentance: Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Apply PRAISE Apply LOVE, David’s Psalms

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It’s a short month, February, and March comes quickly with warming weather. Oh I am going to get some outside things done if just for an hour today,  and I should walk too… It is still winter and a cold snap we complain about, and yet it WAS nice to snuggle in, be indulgent (even too restful for myself) in indoors activities this short long winter… I’ve had not marathon TV days, but snippets of time in the evenings,  good stuff and junk too… BLESSED online offerings too. I am in the middle of watching the Sight and Sound production of David, a tremendous overview of the shepherd boy turned king and hand-chosen ancestry to Jesus’s birth… David was a man after God’s Heart. 

The music in this show came with pre-written lyrics – a musical after God’s heart – as David writer and singer of over 70 Psalms. The placement of certain Psalms in the scenes of his life connect the context to content. The lyrics set to melody in various arrangements from traditional to contemporary, are then placed at the appropriate time frame for David’s life: joyous in joy moments or expressing sadness and fear yet trusting God. Psalms of true lament, as David like us was flawed, and wrote and sang Psalms in reminders of God’s faithfulness by singing PRAISE. 

A praise for the Lord God Almighty is purposeful and pertinent because the Lord Himself instills in us this ability to PRAISE. God fills us with love too as GOD IS LOVE and this means the opportunity is always appropriate to try to apply LOVE in tough situations with tough people. Tough love too. For extraordinary extravagant LOVE is God’s existence. Psalm 103 reminds: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

A friend once said: “God has no choice but to love”… and for this we PRAISE! Psalm 56 states “I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.”

May we apply PRAISE and apply LOVE, today and always. 

Amen

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Psalm 103 Of David.

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

He made known his ways to Moses his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

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Psalm 56 – For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record? Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?

I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

—-

Psalm 56

For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record? Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?

I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

A Savior Saving Reflection in Zechariah 9-11

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For the Lord Almighty will care for His flock.

It’s not lost on me that at this end of the week is Feb 1st, my 10 year anniversary of KNOWING I had awakened to know, accept, and never turn back from believing in Jesus as the Son of God, as my Lord and Savior, 100%. 10 years, ah just starting this journey, but wow how the Lord has sustained me!

This life with Jesus for each of us is both the pinnacle and just the beginning. The continued part of walking with Jesus is the TRUST, the calling Him LORD, and then the FOLLOWING. Yes, we are SAVED, and now we SAVOR that hope and understanding. May we also STRENGTHEN to allow God to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit given to us.

What a gift to catch up of Jesus’s Story!  Ah, 9-11, those numbers speak of rescue and help, the code for emergency calls, and emergency rescues. The September 2001 9-11 to connect to my awakening, is with the 9-11 garden locally, as it was there, in reflection, standing touching the steel beam monument memorial, at the middle end of an all encompassing day, that only God knew and planned for me to be with Him. It was in that moment both a respite of reflection and a moment of me lost then found. AND I knew it!!! I knew my mental shift made a difference FOREVER for Forever, and all the difference now. The thought of God’s reach to reach out to each of us, and I awoke bundled and bouncing in our Fisherman’s Net. Saved.

So “9-11” to show up in numbers this week is meaningful to me for reflection upon the connectiveness of God’s journey to ours to mine. Nine through eleven, 9-11, is like the next chapters in Zechariah of my journey reading and writing thru the whole bible. It’s been a long journey, so worth it. It’s a garden of life we live in. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.

In Zechariah, the people are returning from exile. Aren’t we too? We are, returning to worship of the Lord forever by the shepherding of the Lord. 

I think specifically that reading the Old Testament is like watching Jesus’s Home Movies, Him saying: “See my birth gets mentioned there!”, “See how Our Father had mercy there?”, “See how we warned people there, saved people there, set the stage for the prophets?”, and “From prophesy then we stuck the landing as if the world was really twirling like a figure skater, but we had it all under control. ” … hypothetical speaking of course…

Jesus’s Home Movies fly off the page in 9-11 Zechariah, as he tells how these wandering Israelites and Judah-ites fit into the future – and how He kept the remnant going:

“Those who are left will belong to our God and become a clan in Judah…”

“From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler.”

“See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Yes! What do we do know, knowing both the Lord and SOME of His backstory? TO LIVE in appreciation of the journey. Accept God’s grace and mercy as marching orders for each day, and take in His strengthening for the journey ahead.

“I will strengthen them in the Lord and in his name they will live securely,” declares the Lord.

Amen

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Zechariah 9-11:4

Judgment on Israel’s Enemies

A prophecy:

The word of the Lord is against the land of Hadrak and will come to rest on Damascus – for the eyes of all people and all the tribes of Israel are on the Lord – and on Hamath too, which borders on it, and on Tyre and Sidon, though they are very skillful. Tyre has built herself a stronghold; she has heaped up silver like dust, and gold like the dirt of the streets. But the Lord will take away her possessions and destroy her power on the sea, and she will be consumed by fire. Ashkelon will see it and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, and Ekron too, for her hope will wither. Gaza will lose her king and Ashkelon will be deserted. A mongrel people will occupy Ashdod, and I will put an end to the pride of the Philistines. I will take the blood from their mouths, the forbidden food from between their teeth. Those who are left will belong to our God and become a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites. But I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.

The Coming of Zion’s King

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. I will bend Judah as I bend my bow and fill it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece, and make you like a warrior’s sword.

The Lord Will Appear

Then the Lord will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning. The Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet; he will march in the storms of the south, and the Lord Almighty will shield them. They will destroy and overcome with slingstones. They will drink and roar as with wine; they will be full like a bowl used for sprinkling the corners of the altar. The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How attractive and beautiful they will be! Grain will make the young men thrive, and new wine the young women.

The Lord Will Care for Judah

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone. The idols speak deceitfully, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.

“My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the Lord Almighty will care for his flock, the people of Judah, and make them like a proud horse in battle. From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler. Together they will be like warriors in battle trampling their enemy into the mud of the streets. They will fight because the Lord is with them, and they will put the enemy horsemen to shame.

“I will strengthen Judah and save the tribes of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them. They will be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them. The Ephraimites will become like warriors, and their hearts will be glad as with wine. Their children will see it and be joyful; their hearts will rejoice in the Lord. I will signal for them and gather them in. Surely I will redeem them; they will be as numerous as before.Though I scatter them among the peoples, yet in distant lands they will remember me. They and their children will survive, and they will return. I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria. I will bring them to Gilead and Lebanon, and there will not be room enough for them. They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued and all the depths of the Nile will dry up. Assyria’s pride will be brought down and Egypt’s scepter will pass away. I will strengthen them in the Lord and in his name they will live securely,” declares the Lord.

Open your doors, Lebanon, so that fire may devour your cedars! Wail, you juniper, for the cedar has fallen; the stately trees are ruined! Wail, oaks of Bashan; the dense forest has been cut down! Listen to the wail of the shepherds; their rich pastures are destroyed! Listen to the roar of the lions; the lush thicket of the Jordan is ruined!

Snatched from the Fire, Zechariah 3

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Now, this is a great chapter. A great vision by prophet Zechariah of high priest Joshua, who is said to be wearing dirty clothes, with Satan next to him, but God responds that Joshua is a burning stick snatched from the fire, awesome… I’d like God to say that of me, wouldn’t you?

Snatched from the fire. 

Prophet Zechariah is motivating the return of the people who’ve been exiled in Babylon, now rebuilding Jerusalem, God’s chosen place. It’s time for the people to listen.

The vision of Zechariah of Joshua brings in great symbolism: fire-burned to saved, dirty to clean, sinful to saved, walking in obedience, the Lord’s house and court, and the best line “I will bring my servant, the Branch ” (ah yes, Jesus, Who speaks of Himself as the Vine in the new testament), and speaking of the removal of sin… ah yes salvation…

Joshua also is a name symbolizing Jesus, from Joshua with Moses, to this Joshua, the names Joshua and Jesus, from the same root, both mean “the one who saves” and “the Lord is salvation”…

When we think of ourselves, may we realize that we are snatched from the fire when we call Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We can’t get out of the fire ourselves but be snatched by God, we can’t change our dirty sins but we can be covered over by Jesus’s recovering, saved as seen clean. 

And the Lord says to Satan: “NOT this one…” So grateful…

Snatched from the Fire. Covered in Glory.

Amen

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Zechariah 3 NIV

Clean Garments for the High Priest

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”

Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.”

Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”

Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by.

The angel of the Lord gave this charge to Joshua: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.

“‘Listen, High Priest Joshua, you and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. See, the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are seven eyes on that one stone, and I will engrave an inscription on it,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day.

“‘In that day each of you will invite your neighbor to sit under your vine and fig tree,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

The Lord is With You! Zephaniah 2-3

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“Motrin ain’t THAT strong.”… The man at karaoke jokingly said last night about his toothache. He said he was tired and in pain from an extensive dental procedure, sat in his truck at home, almost called it a day, but came to this small church gathering anyway, a fun Christian karaoke event (that no less than 3 people told me about). He didn’t sing this time but felt compelled to stand up and witness that THE LORD FOUND STRENGTH INSIDE HIM to be there, and while listening (and singing along from the pews), his pain was gone, he knew it was the Lord. Cool…

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

I also could have rolled home and stayed in, the snow is not an excuse for me, but these cold nights are SO easy to blame for us not going anywhere. However I have a coat, gloves, a subaru, and a friend who invited me, to this Christian karaoke in a tiny cute church, my first time. I didn’t know how it would go, I would have sung, but everybody was lined up ready to sing and with such enthusiasm. Next time I will pick a song in advance… Even one particular first timer up to sing, who was nervous, had a friend to go with her, fittingly she sang Amazing Grace, and we all sang along,  knowing and feeling that. The Lord says: something good is about to happen, yeah I sang along with that old-time show stopper… I marveled at everybody’s great voice, I knew I was hearing their strength in the Spirit, and saw the Lord’s Righteousness walking upright as they walked up to sing praise… How sweet the sound of spirit praise… pitch perfect praise…

Do we remember that the Lord will take care of us? Reduce our pain or push us into purpose? Will we really HOLD ON, and wait for the Lord? God has given us examples after examples to preserve, even in the worst attacks of the enemies, or the most annoying pain of living.  I know this from living, and I know this from reading…

The last part of the writings of the prophet Zephaniah is true to the whole bible message that God will dig us out of the pit, rescue us from enemies, reward us for listening and worshipping, and just plain keep us on our toes to follow His Plan for us… 

Let us be sheltered in Him on that upcoming day of His judgement. 

If we’ve done something wrong, we should repent. If we are not listening, we should listen. If we doubt then we should believe. If we are going great, we should praise God’s faithfulness. If we just don’t know what to do, let us listen to God’s calling. Pray…

I really remember the song that brought me excitement for “something good is about to happen”… It’s an old classic I could tell, sung with a revival type energy… We may or may not be realizing we need revival, but trust that we do… All people and nations need to remember God will judge folks in His Time, and if we are too cushy and complacent then our enemies are around us as worldliness trappings and cushioned living to prevent us from adventuring out in His Strength… 

Let us listen to these once again reminders to shelter in the Lord, not our own temporary dwelling… draw strength from His righteousness and let God deal with the mess around us, and we walk ahead WITH THE LORD to better things…

Something good is about to happen. That might just be God sheltering us, allowing us to sing His Praise or making us stand up to be seen. Don’t worry, just like karaoke, He will give us the words and WORD!!!

Amen….

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Please read below – Zephaniah is speaking to all the oppressors in the divided kingdom time, and the elite of Judah and Jerusalem as well… don’t get so cushy in complacency… FOLLOW GOD AND HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!!! 

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

…

The Lord their God will care for them; he will restore their fortunes.

…

“The remnant of my people will plunder them; the survivors of my nation will inherit their land.”

…

“At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the Lord.

“Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

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Zephaniah 2-3 NIV

Judah and Jerusalem Judged Along With the Nations – Judah Summoned to Repent

Gather together, gather yourselves together, you shameful nation, before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the Lord’s wrath comes upon you.

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,  you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Philistia

Gaza will be abandoned and Ashkelon left in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be emptied and Ekron uprooted. Woe to you who live by the sea, you Kerethite people; the word of the Lord is against you, Canaan, land of the Philistines. He says, “I will destroy you, and none will be left.” The land by the sea will become pastures having wells for shepherds and pens for flocks. That land will belong to the remnant of the people of Judah; there they will find pasture. In the evening they will lie down in the houses of Ashkelon. The Lord their God will care for them; he will restore their fortunes.

Moab and Ammon

“I have heard the insults of Moab and the taunts of the Ammonites, who insulted my people and made threats against their land. Therefore, as surely as I live,” declares the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will become like Sodom, the Ammonites like Gomorrah – a place of weeds and salt pits, a wasteland forever.

The remnant of my people will plunder them; the survivors of my nation will inherit their land.”

This is what they will get in return for their pride, for insulting and mocking the people of the Lord Almighty. The Lord will be awesome to them when he destroys all the gods of the earth. Distant nations will bow down to him, all of them in their own lands.

Cush

“You Cushites, too, will be slain by my sword.”

Assyria

He will stretch out his hand against the north and destroy Assyria, leaving Nineveh utterly desolate and dry as the desert. Flocks and herds will lie down there, creatures of every kind. The desert owl and the screech owl will roost on her columns. Their hooting will echo through the windows, rubble will fill the doorways, the beams of cedar will be exposed. This is the city of revelry that lived in safety. She said to herself, “I am the one! And there is none besides me.” What a ruin she has become, a lair for wild beasts! All who pass by her scoff and shake their fists.

Jerusalem

 Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God. Her officials within her  are roaring lions; her rulers are evening wolves, who leave nothing for the morning. Her prophets are unprincipled; they are treacherous people. Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law. The Lord within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame.

Jerusalem Remains Unrepentant

“I have destroyed nations; their strongholds are demolished. I have left their streets deserted, with no one passing through. Their cities are laid waste; they are deserted and empty. Of Jerusalem I thought, ‘Surely you will fear me and accept correction!’ Then her place of refuge would not be destroyed, nor all my punishments come upon her. But they were still eager to act corruptly in all they did. Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord, “for the day I will stand up to testify.

I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them – all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger.

Restoration of Israel’s Remnant

“Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder. From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings. On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill. But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the Lord. They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid.”

Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

“I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame;  I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the Lord.

Oh the Water and the Living Water…

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This story I just watched on PBS video was interesting, helping illustrate how Los Angeles came to be… and the hardships of the regions that lost their diverted water to grow LA… to have overgrown capacity etc… interesting… The tragedies of today are in line with tragedies of the past… Life is fragile and yet the Lord helps us persevere. The Lord set us up for depending upon Him.

“Flood in the Desert | Full Documentary | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS” on YouTube

And we have to remember that all over the world, people push the boundaries of living. Some by choice, some by default… look at the pros and cons of living in the fertile valley of a volcano… you just never know… and it’s not just the landscape, it’s the water, and whoever controls the water controls the situations, impacts the political forces, and the struggles of the withouts… THIS WAS AND IS NOT NEW, as I remember a teacher stating this when I was in school… Sure, watch money run the world, but watch WATER MAINTENANCE control the livelihoods of people. 

We see over and over the world that water is primary need and a hot commodity… Thank God for the rain, when it comes, to fill local reservoirs for our resources… we had a mini drought this year in the east, can’t even imagine the droughts of the west.

We think of the harshness of our time, the wars and rumors of wars, and all these hardships Jesus warned about… the directve is to “look up, our salvation is near…”

Yes, keep the faith… the Living Water is coming back soon…

Amen 

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Matthew 24:3-

The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

The Great Tribulation

“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.

“Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

The Coming of the Son of Man

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

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I recommend history lessons – sadly history of past aggressive building up of land and diverting water, this story, published a year ago, is super interesting…

“Flood in the Desert | Full Documentary | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS” on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/ocju4Y23j0M?si=h53-cAbZjt3qp3TO

Joy To The World, WOW

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I had the privilege of joining the girl scouts for some Christmas caroling and cookies and cocoa… Yes Rudolph is a favorite, and so cute was the suggestion to sing rocking around the christmas tree. My friends are amazing with all that they do as moms and teachers and ALSO leaders to scouts, like hundreds of scouts over the years… 

I was very pleased to sing: “Joy to the World”!!! AND… Well I didn’t know this (and thank God for Wikipedia), but Joy to the World is NOT a Christmas song, but a highly published poem, mentioning in its lyrics NOT the first coming of Christ, but the SECOND! Oh!!!

OH!!!! Not even ho ho ho,  not Christmas. But oh oh oh!!!

So please do give it a listen. And feel the JOY in ANTICIPATION that will be coming, anytime now, when Jesus returns! What a WONDERFUL and FOREVER Christ GIFT that will be!!! That’s truly Joy to the World, to have Jesus start our forever. 

He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. OH OH OH, That’s the full circle with Jesus, the Word from the beginning, then upon Christmas, He Came, and Easter, He Rose, and His Second Coming, He “Proves” the Nations – judging them, seeing them bow down, AND He gives believers forgiveness and that is the equity given to all.

Now that’s a Wonder of HIS LOVE!!!

AMEN

AMEN 

AMEN 

—

This is from wikipedia:

Lyrics of

“Joy to the World” has four verses, although the third verse is occasionally omitted. [FYI – That third verse connects to the curse of Adam having to toil the ground, Genesis 3]

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare him room,

And heaven and nature sing, 

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns;

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

—

This is what Wikipedia says:

“Joy to the World” was written by English minister and hymnist Isaac Watts, based on a Christian interpretation of Psalm 98 and Genesis 3. The song was first published in 1719 in Watts’ collection The Psalms of David: Imitated in the Language of the New Testament, and applied to the Christian State and Worship. The paraphrase is Watts’ Christological interpretation. Consequently, he does not emphasize with equal weight the various themes of Psalm 98. In first and second stanzas, Watts writes of heaven and earth rejoicing at the coming of the King. Watts did not write this hymn as a Christmas carol, as the lyrics do not reflect the Virgin birth of Jesus, but rather Christ’s Second Coming. Stanza three, an interlude that alludes to Genesis 3:17–19 rather than to the psalm text, speaks of Christ’s blessings extending victoriously over the realm of sin. The cheerful repetition of the phrase “far as the curse is found” has caused this stanza to be omitted from some hymnals. But the line makes joyful sense when understood from the New Testament eyes through which Watts interprets the psalm. Stanza four celebrates Christ’s rule over the nations.” The nations are called to celebrate because God’s faithfulness to the house of Israel has brought salvation to the world.

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Psalm 98

Sing to the Lord a new song,

for he has done marvelous things;

his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,

burst into jubilant song with music;

make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn – shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy;

let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.

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Genesis 3:17-18 KJV

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

But You DO Know Adam

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Isn’t it funny when you overhear a conversation? Whether you’re supposed to hear it or they wanted you to hear it or they didn’t care if you heard it… It’s like being on the train and any conversation you have you have to realize other people hear… maybe we should talk about forgiveness more than griping, just a thought…

Well, the phrase I heard was: “I don’t know them from Adam.” Hmmm…. Agreed. We don’t know most people, or how they got from Adam or much about them. True. But in overhearing that statement, whether the person wanted me to hear it or not, they obviously didn’t know me from Adam either and how I would interpret any conversation from them. And for me, I write, I process, I read a room, I interpret. (And often we need to forgive even before we hear.)

One can say “l don’t know you from Adam”, but I’d have to respond with saying: “But you do know Adam, RIGHT?” … YEAH, If you knew Adam, you would know attributes of each person. It’s humans being broken, people having confusion, sometimes having moments of preservation sometimes warranted, sometimes greed, and people who hide their insecurities and wrongs. Knowing Adam means that we should know that people can be influenced by evil influences and lose track of how much God loves them. And you would feel God’s pain at the lack of peace. Surely we know God is Peace and He wants to be known.

If you knew Adam, you would also know that he would know the brokenness in families and culture, especially with Adam being father to Cain and Abel, one family filled with jealousy and seemingly got to the breaking point. Adam would see one rule follower and one who didn’t obey or didn’t understand the sacrifices necessary. One would likely feel compassion for the complications Adam lived with, especially banished from the garden of provisions, now having to toil harder.

That’s how we can look at people. And know without knowing. 

That’s how we can have compassion, sometimes tough love, and sometimes just walking away. Forgiveness is key.

And how about that second Adam? Do you know the second Adam? Not the replacement model but the Restoration Role? We know the second Adam as Jesus. Recovery, Restoration, Really Ready, Real, Righteous, Redeemer. REACHING TEACHING LOVING. Jesus came to do all these things and He also came SO we would know Him and His servanthood, and know the path TO the Father is through Him. Jesus came and God wanted Him to be known as the Savior, the Sacrifice, and gift of the Spirit of God into each of us from before the world was formed. 

We do know Adam and THANK GOD, we DO know Jesus. It’s important to know people are people. We have to be careful and at the same time, WE HAVE TO LOVE. We have to often steer clear and we have to sacrifice and walk into situations. Serving the Lord means sticky situations with humans like Adam, but clean consciousness of working with them in Living Water washed hopes.

At any rate, make sure we introduce the Jesus we know to the Adam’s we know…  INCLUDING OURSELVES. Because certainly we do know Adam and have met him endless times. AND Prayerfully we do know Jesus and how to apply Jesus to a situation. Remember, Jesus already saved, God already won, so we are finishing out our time on earth here, picking up His process to peace, until Jesus comes again.

Amen and Peace 

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Isaiah knew these folks of darkness, all from the separation doing of the devil: ch8:20-22

Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.”

Isaiah knew of the HOPE: ch9:6-7

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called:

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

From INSIDE the Whale, Jonah 2 Too

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The weather was so horrible yesterday for driving, and with all my errands plus commute, I clocked my time in the car in hours. When I got home, I was happy to be home. Living on a hill, I simply ignore everything going on outside. An occasional wind gust caught my attention otherwise I was not thinking about it, yes in a zoom call and then watching a TV show which is outside reaching me, otherwise IN is IN. Oblivious to the outside, until I laid down for bed and over my head out the window, I saw the moon beaming… The storm had passed and I was reminded of looking out. But quickly was asleep.

This is when I realized that my day, our experiences, are like being INSIDE the belly of the whale. Like Jonah do we have insight from being INSIDE the whale? Yes, I was protected inside the belly of the whale of my house, earlier surely protected in my subaru with great tires and traction, protected in my building looking out, and protected in my own mind with knowledge that God is in control. Even the zoom conversation of the crazy news did not deter me from knowing God certainly knows what is going on… (really we must be watchful but not frozen in fear)... When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord…

Oh – fear frozen? Jonah was not frozen but stuck, yeah. Was he fearful? Well yeah! Jonah must have been, but in his many days of adventure, I bet he thought about God being in control, I’m sure he remembered that terrible ship tossing and turning, and being in the water with no hope there. So, was Jonah grateful for the whale?

I don’t know about bellies of whales, but I wonder if Jonah had opportunity to listen for the whale coming up to the surface for breathing. Maybe that sound was like me seeing the moonbeam, a sign of hope in the darkness. 

How often we are in the belly of the whale?!!! Rescued but still in danger, transportation in scary surroundings but not yet there. With hope but still seeing hellish times around us. Closing the door to ignore outside, only to see the outside invade our minds… Thinking we need a bigger whale, with breathing room. We have One = our lives realizing God is in control.

Yes, we are in a whale of a delivery from sin and death to salvation. This whale gives us the moment to say Lord, please rescue me.

When we feel like the walls of the whale and gastric juices are going to destroy us, remember it was the Lord who SAVED Jonah and brought him to his appointed duties THROUGH the awfulness of the mix. Remember, we too are still in this crazy life and times mix, listening for that breathing hope… And are we clinging now to the whale or wanting to be regurgitated into our days to get us to see the people God wants us to see, to do His work, which might be delivering a message of warning or of deliverance. 

Was Jonah grateful for the whale or the whole rescue from his fear and from his disobedience? Yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God. Well, in hindsight YES! Was Jonah thankful for seeing the light after his time in darkness? In hindsight yes, and surely in the moment. In foresight perhaps too, because despite surviving the ship tossing and despite surviving the whale adventure, Jonah STILL had to do the original tough job up in dangerous Nineveh.

Don’t we have a ‘whale of a tale’ of how God pulled us out of the sea, but maybe we are still in this whale? Or maybe we have realized that regurgitation and now, we are IN our dangerous Ninevah, speaking of the SALVATION of God, of the KNOWING of Heavenly Hope.

If we have a whale of a tale, of warning or hope, it is certainly that we should have HOPE,  AND THEN SHARE THAT HOPE.

Salvation is of the Lord.

Amen 

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Jonah’s Prayer and God’s Answer

Jonah 2 NKJV

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly.  And he said:

“I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, And He answered me.

“Out of the belly of Sheol [Hell] l I cried, And You heard my voice. For You cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the floods surrounded me; All Your billows and Your waves passed over me. Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’ The waters surrounded me, even to my soul; The deep closed around me; Weeds were wrapped around my head. I went down to the moorings of the mountains; The earth with its bars closed behind me forever; Yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God.

“When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple.

“Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy. But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.”

So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

One King Above All, foretold Ezekiel 37

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One in God, under God, with God, having peace with God.  We all long for that peace and in Ezekiel, we are told the WHO brings it to us: a lineage that forms under King David and leads directly to Jesus. God both lays the groundwork and adds the prophecy, hundreds of years in advance. We know now that Jesus is our One King – but did these people? If we have so many now who don’t know – then throughout the ages, God has pointed to a One King to come to earth – but not an earthly king – a Heavenly One.

The logistics of Jesus’s lineage in the nation of Israel (and back to Abraham, Noah, Adam…), meant in advance, the Lord set aside re-mending of the people of Israel. And getting the people to be re-membering that the kingdom traced back to King David, and the lineage back to Jacob and his 12 sons – and further back.In a mini-version, God brought Jacob’s son Joseph back to his people, his brothers, his father – after the brothers abandoned him and left him to his own devices… God promised and promises peoples will return to Jerusalem (over and over again). And even when people abandon God, God does not abandon them: “for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them.“

Here is one of the best lines of the Old Testament: “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”  And this is reinforced with the follow up line: “and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

Perhaps in years of exile, the israelites whisked away to Babylon – or run away to Egypt – would have the time to think and ponder the lineage, the promises of God – and the writings of David in Psalms – and then the writing of Ezekiel in prophecy:  David being a shepherd in mini proportions to our Great Shepherd – and a mini king to our One King – an earthly lord to The Lord.

Ezekiel writes of the Words from God of The Messiah – The Ultimate ‘Son of Man’…

We get to listen in to his insights – and now remember Jesus DID come – and will come again…

Amen

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Ezekiel 37:15-28

One Nation Under One King

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, take a stick of wood and write on it, ‘Belonging to Judah and the Israelites associated with him.’ Then take another stick of wood, and write on it, ‘Belonging to Joseph (that is, to Ephraim) and all the Israelites associated with him.’ Join them together into one stick so that they will become one in your hand.

“When your people ask you, ‘Won’t you tell us what you mean by this?’ say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am going to take the stick of Joseph—which is in Ephraim’s hand—and of the Israelite tribes associated with him, and join it to Judah’s stick. I will make them into a single stick of wood, and they will become one in my hand.’ Hold before their eyes the sticks you have written on and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

“‘My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees. They will live in the land I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where your ancestors lived. They and their children and their children’s children will live there forever, and David my servant will be their prince forever. I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I the Lord make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them forever.’”

Hay Day One – VBS

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Tis the month of summer and VBS is my favorite way to share the love of Jesus, to share what I know about God’s Word, and especially HIS LOVE! This is at my friend’s VBS – with great organizers and volunteers – oh the love of the Lord exudes from these folks! I love VBS and love to see my VBS friends.

If you have never volunteered for a VBS – I urge you to do so – the real real Holy Spirit in mega proportions shows up in the kids and volunteers – Jesus is there!

It’s also so much fun to do projects! This 2 day VBS is my chance to do science projects in Imagination Station – one day Zacchaes and Jesus and one day Peter and Jesus. Here is my write up (editted now) that I was able to share – along with “experiments” of planting seeds – and one last Holy Spirit experiment of yeast and hydrogen peroxide and dishsoap to show the change of heart that Zacchaes had was like a chemical reaction when he encountered Jesus – and Zacchaes’s heart overflowed.

From the handout with the seeds:We are all able to plant the seeds of friendship and faith at VBS and everywhere. We can share our knowledge of God and ask God to water the seeds of faith in each other. We can plant that seed of knowledge of: “Jesus loves me”, especially to our friends and family by letting them know that “Our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God” Romans 5:11.

Seeds grow (both the physical seed and those of faith). Just like seeds growing and changing, we are also growing in friendship with Jesus, He helps us improve and be better friends with all others around us.

Talking intro (roughly) just before we planted seed (physically and of faith):

So we’re starting to learn about one of the great friends that Jesus made from a man named Zacchaeus. Jesus knew Zacchaeus would be up in the tree. Jesus certainly already knew everything about Zacchaeus and the crowd that day was surely busy, packed, and it’s not like today where young people and today young at heart climb trees for fun, that wasn’t really Zacchaeus’s expected behavior- not for a professional businessman. He must have been really excited. 

Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. He had to reach up to get a bigger view- let me get our crew leaders here to help me make a tree from these tubes and long cardboard supports. Use your imagination to see Zacchaeus up in this tree but know that Jesus KNEW that tree would be there, KNEW the seed was planted many years before to make the tree available for Zacchaeus to decide to act when he got interested in Jesus. 

This weekend at VBS, we are learning about Jesus being our friend, and how Jesus gets close to us, how Jesus recognizes us and meets us where we are. I have some beautiful plants here that are like miniature trees, Do you recognize them? (Start with seedlings then pots of sunflowers) This is Imagination Station so you might need to imagine how tall this was going to grow.It should get taller than me. Here are some more seeds of all sizes – they are all unique aren’t they – like us.. 

Well, we are HayDay farmers this weekend, aren’t we? And we are friends of Jesus too. And when we become friends with other people, it is like we are planting seeds of friendliness, of sharing, of love, of joy. And here’s a phrase we use all the time in talking about Jesus- that we plant seeds of faith. Then God sends the water to help those seeds sprout and grow. And we hope that people have good soil and the seeds take root, and are willing to hear how Jesus wants to be their friend. 

So we are going to do an activity – and plant seeds of three sizes – sunflowers, radishes, and peas. I hope that you think about each seed and think of what it could represent – perhaps a radish seed is a smile you could give someone, perhaps a big seed is forgiveness you give someone – each seed a friendship action.

OK – let’s go plant!!!

HOT as the Cooking Pot!

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Whoa to the WHOA!

Boiling Hot – hot enough to cook the pot!

Well, that is not just how our weather has been, but that was the real big message to the people of Jerusalem – God’s serious business of telling the wayward people they were out of line – including “put her blood on the bare rock”…

“You will not be clean again until my wrath against you has subsided.”

WOW! Really – our cooking pot of temperature is nothing to the wrath of God – we have the blood of Jesus to cover us and woe to those not accepting. We are not worthy but He is Worthy and His Righteousness will set us free – and we are covered…

Like a great break from the heat – today – or by anytime getting to a respite area – we need to get into God’s shade. We need to feel the breeze. We need to know that we are the blessed ones and live thankful to Him.

Remember the past. Honor the present. Hope for the future – I hope that the people of Jerusalem then would have – we certainly know Ezekiel was reminded to too!

Amen

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Ezekiel 24:1-14

Jerusalem as a Cooking Pot
In the ninth year, in the tenth month on the tenth day, the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, record this date, this very date, because the king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day. Tell this rebellious people a parable and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘Put on the cooking pot; put it on 

and pour water into it.
Put into it the pieces of meat,
    all the choice pieces—the leg and the shoulder.
Fill it with the best of these bones;
     take the pick of the flock.
Pile wood beneath it for the bones;
    bring it to a boil 
    and cook the bones in it.

“‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“‘Woe to the city of bloodshed,
    to the pot now encrusted,
    whose deposit will not go away!
Take the meat out piece by piece
    in whatever order it comes.

“‘For the blood she shed is in her midst:
    She poured it on the bare rock;
she did not pour it on the ground,
    where the dust would cover it.
To stir up wrath and take revenge
    I put her blood on the bare rock,
    so that it would not be covered.

“‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘Woe to the city of bloodshed!
    I, too, will pile the wood high.
So heap on the wood
    and kindle the fire.
Cook the meat well,
    mixing in the spices;
    and let the bones be charred.
Then set the empty pot on the coals
    till it becomes hot and its copper glows,
so that its impurities may be melted
    and its deposit burned away.
It has frustrated all efforts;
    its heavy deposit has not been removed,
    not even by fire.

“‘Now your impurity is lewdness. Because I tried to cleanse you but you would not be cleansed from your impurity, you will not be clean again until my wrath against you has subsided.

“‘I the Lord have spoken. The time has come for me to act. I will not hold back; I will not have pity, nor will I relent. You will be judged according to your conduct and your actions, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”

Son of Man, FULFILLED

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Stand in the Gap – that’s a position no one would do in the time of rebellious Israelites about to be put away to Babylon for punishment, with Ezekiel speaking out the judgment from God against them. Then God said no one would stand in the GAP, but someone, a BIG Someone could and would. JESUS came to stand in the gap for all of us, for each of us.

And we know Jesus as forever present, forever God, not an afterthought of repair but a pre-positioned acceptance of purpose and plan. Jesus, a lamb slain before the foundation of the world, came to save it and knew how.

Jesus stood in the GAP to save. He stood on earth calling up to Zacchaeus who was in a tree – and Zacchaeus stood up to repent and give back what he stole in tax collecting. Jesus in Heaven was set to go to earth – and awaits the time now to come back from Heaven, awaiting His second coming. The Wall of strength we must stand on is Jesus. The Gap we must fill in ourselves is Jesus. The HOPE is that the SON OF MAN fulfilled the Gap in man – and we are saved in repent.

Repent – Intent – Heaven Sent

Amen

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So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.  Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord God. Ezekiel 22:30-31

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Luke 19:1-10 New King James Version

Jesus Comes to Zacchaeus’ House

Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore  tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”

Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

God Fronts our Blessings

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The Lord goes in FRONT of us, not just behind… He covers us where we are going BEFORE we get there or even start to go there, and I’m not JUST talking about Salvation, which is the MOST important coverage we have, and which gives one HOPE. On our most harried days, may we continue to remember He has thankfully already GONE AHEAD and has covered us with His Blood.

In addition, He went ahead FOR us and FOR all BEFORE the world was even begun. He went ahead to get us to see the proper path. And He went ahead so we could see the LIGHT that He IS.

So my EARTHLY EXAMPLE of a witness to “GOD KNOWS BEST”, is of God going in FRONT of my finances (we all need this): I SAVED instead of spending my tax refund – not knowing what for, but knowing maybe I needed it set aside.  Maybe that’s not unusual for you folks, but it IS unusual for me!!! Especially as I WAS going to get some things fixed around the house and had the quote even. But/and then I just had this INTERESTING weird but PEACEFUL feeling that I should wait… WAIT… not for something bad but for something SHIFTED IN PRIORITIES… Not the want but the need… Oh to always remember we must follow by faith not sight. (Sometimes I do wonder if we prepare more for something bad then we prep for something GOOD… Yet, GOD HAS MORE GOOD PLANNED FOR US THAN BAD).

Anyway, I remember and say that the Lord does NOT drop the other shoe on us, and EVERY DAY with Him by our sides and all around and ESPECIALLY in FRONT, we are told NOT to worry… so I tucked the tax return away and waited.

Well, my tax return spending plan got a changed focus for sure… especially as my daughter’s graduation dinner approached, then to my car’s new tires $ and what-not$… and that normal $tuff, not bad, but $$$ little and big. Like sneaker$ for my son and then grocery $hopping for the returned graduate. And THEN, OH LORD, $omething not terrible, but $till an issue: the “UH-OH” of my paycheck being shorted… WOW… oops… oop$… Shorted monie$… this is the 1ST TIME IN OVER 25 YEARS for me! $hoot! It must have been a glitch – not specifically the sabbatical hours as they got entered, but something glitchy and forgotten coming back from the sabbatical. Ugh…

Yes, I got not paid for the regular hours, over half of them not paid… BIG OOPS…  How unusual for me to see this on a Saturday too, but NOT unusual for us to feel this gut feeling that God put a wait on my actions months ago, holding onto the tax return.  How could I know, but God was in the know and flow, God is the good and the go… oh…

God FRONTED me the money I needed and before I knew I needed it. The tax return (where I have always put in extra each paycheck as my house-fix savings for the last 20 years) is an earthly way where I have seen my prayers of COVERAGE yield fruit. The tax return became a cover of my back and front…  happy earns!

I know they will fix this. I am not worried, I am thankful. Even HR and my boss were emailing on the weekend. I made no stink but just an “uh-oh” email, in which I actually wrote (a work email) of this witness of the Lord. If there’s anything we can do while waiting it is is PRAISE. 

I know that not every foible, mine or others, will get fixed in this lifetime. I’m just grateful that the Lord could be giving us a heads up before we’re even looking… If there’s a fronting of blessings, why not be listening to the God who made it all happen.

Well… I will walk in faith today I pray,  and watch things go His Way. It’s all going to be OK. 

I thank God for bills which means life is happening. I thank God for work which means I can do stuff. I thank God for family I can take care of. And I thank God for Him, for His FRONT COVERAGE of LOVE. 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”

Amen 

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2nd CHRONICLES 20:14-22

Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.

He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”

As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 

Give Up – but Take In – a Sermon about Following Jesus

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My Sunday Sermon for Lenten season = based on Mark 10:7-31

 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” – “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” – Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” – At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” – The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is[e] to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” – Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” – “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

You may have heard or seen those cool hip new “let’s give this up for lent” lists  – Instead of chocolate, give up x y z. – like gossiping and judging, give up negativity, give up fear, etc etc…   it is a reminder to NOT focus on what we physically give up but mentally and culturally and emotionally where we can be better – work on traits we desire to have – And I was thinking that in our scripture today, Jesus asked this Rich man to give up the money yes – give to the poor – but to GIVE UP CONTROL – give up our time – and to follow Him most closely – yes – He also uses these scriptures to remind us that with Jesus, we are able  to TRY to give up complaining, and our  worldly-focus – and to be more able to live the abundant life that He gifts us… And isn’t the strength that we gain from following Jesus that allows us to do x y z. Like – being less self-focused and be more Jesus focused. We give up – but we take in – we take in Jesus.

What about time, if we trust the Lord and live our time more wisely, does it make a difference? Yes. Of course = you folks may have experienced what I have experienced these last couple days – the generosity of friends. They have blessed me. And this reminds me that the moments when the Lord says “follow me and use ourselves in our good health to be active and mobile and do things – DO THEM!  (a secular example is when I saw the huge line at the drive thru at chik fila during the pandemic and even now – and just said I should use my good legs and walk in – and walk out – order on the app and keep moving!) AND THEN – in our days of NOT MOVING – also to find opportunity in any times of bad health, to BE STILL – which of course I always need that reminder. TO BE STILL and know that He is God… and to keep praying. My friend who has a near 100 year old mother on hospice, she reminds that the people in the worst of health still have STRONG PRAYER as their  MOST important job… 

So – in this Following Jesus scripture about the rich man and the disciples – the continuation of this Lenten journey of learning about Jesus and the interactions with individual people – which Barb and Jen have preached about – the point that struck me also strikes us: This rich man followed rules that he was told, but Jesus also asked: follow me. Jesus says FOLLOW ME.

In the section of the book which was given to me, “Lent for Everyone”, the author uses this funny story to convey the deeper and deeper images of Jesus that we see in this passage – the story involves selling three different types of binoculars – that one basic type can see only just so far and the next level up purchase sees further and further. The seller says to the customer: “with these binoculars you can see the church clock half a mile away” – and with these binoculars you can read the lips of what the vicar is saying to the people – but with THIS set – and he takes out the biggest monstrous pair – ‘well these bring you SO close that you can hear the choir singing.’ – yeah – THAT CLOSE.  The author was trying to convey a deeper and deeper understanding of what Jesus was saying when He talked to the rich man and the disciples – and to us as we are journeying with Jesus – it is so crucial for us looking at all three parts of this scripture to bring us closer to what He wants to teach us  to draw us closer to God and to Himself. We not only want to hear the choir but sing in His Choir. So, let’s look at the journey of understanding the three conversations.  The first revealed conversation is with the rich man himself – to more than simply “follow all the rules” – even if they are not so simple to follow. The second conversation is just a bit deeper – with the disciples, and the author of the book passage stating that the disciples jaws must have dropped when Jesus spoke to the rich man in that way – wondering why He didn’t “close the deal” and invite the man to come “as he was”… It WAS an interesting statement by Jesus – ‘it is tougher for an CAMEL to go thru the EYE of a needle than for a rich man to enter Heaven’ (FYI – The “Eye of the Needle” was a narrow gateway into Jerusalem. Since camels were heavily loaded with goods and riders, they would need to be un-loaded in order to pass through. Therefore, the analogy is that a rich man would have to similarly unload his material possessions in order to enter heaven.)… Geeze, wow… but Jesus also blesses the disciples later by telling them that they will gain more and more family and more and more abundant life of the promises of Heaven…  and the third conversation – who can be saved – those lenses of the binoculars which are so strong that we can hear the choir singing – which you know is impossible – is the statement that Jesus tells Peter – that with man it IS impossible – but with Jesus – with God – all things are possible… 

I actually heard an amazing opportunity to share this message just this week – but it was from hearing a misleading statement from a person of faith – she found out of the good deeds of another and said “wow – they are DEFINITELY going to Heaven!” – wow but not wow – I have heard that statement so many times and people believe it – yet it isn’t our good deeds – our goodie two shoes – our rule following – but our JESUS following  – with man it is IMPOSSIBLE – but with Jesus – it is ALL POSSIBLE!

Have you ever seen those cartoons where the person is so close to the object that they can’t see it? I saw a cartoon and these people were against an elephant and extremely curious but giving their own evaluation – and said things about the elephant  “it’s a rope” (it was the tail) – “it’s a spear” (it was the tusk) – “it’s a wall – “it’s a fan – it’s a tree” etc – people look at only the small things in front of them and they can’t always grasp the big picture – this sometimes prevents them from going further – from making a life changing response when they only see a limited view – So in our story, could this rich man NOT see far enough ahead – was that the problem? – or simply could he NOT see that the teacher right in front of him was more than just the rabbi – that He, Jesus, was and is God?  The disciples sort of saw it – God actually had not opened the eyes of everyone’s hearts yet. And even when God opens the hearts of many – including us – we STILL won’t be able to see the whole journey – we are told the end destination but these ups and down along the way? We need trust – Jesus says take one day at a time – let tomorrow worry about itself.

This rich man stood there, face to face with His God. Most likely he was thinking Jesus was a teacher, a healer, an advice giver – and yet when he and we say “master”, we then still have to decide to be a follower.  Maybe the man thought that Jesus would give Him an easy answer. Well, for Jesus this answer WAS EASY – it was and is FOLLOW ME – I not only know the way – I am the way the truth and the life. Was this man ready to believe that – could he do that? We know that he went away sad. But (forgive me Lord for dreaming) we don’t actually know if He came back. We don’t know if years later he re-blessed others with His wealth. Jesus didn’t say the man couldn’t be involved in knowing how he was blessing. Maybe after seeing Jesus raised from the dead the rich man was able to re-decide to follow Jesus. It’s a process to get enough courage to trust Jesus. So, I’m hopeful for Him. I know that we are only looking at a snapshot – so wouldn’t you love to run into this man in Heaven and hear him say: YES – Jesus IS the Way.

We do know he was very sad was shocked and he was so close to the real answer of salvation, so close he didn’t know it. Part but not whole. One of my favorite scriptures these days is “when completeness comes, what is in part disappears” – “Now I know only in part – then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

What did the rich man tell Jesus that he successfully did? From childhood? Followed the commandments – yes. There’s a stained-glass window in the back of our church which has the beautiful image of 2 tablets. In Exodus and Deuteronomy we know from Moses’s time the scriptures of the 10 commandments and from Jesus the greatest commandments to love – we can hear this imploring ASK: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

When I remember the great Charlton Heston scenes in Ten Commandments movie about Moses saying ‘Let my people go’ – and the parting of the Red Sea, and of the tablets but recently now – every time I see this image of the commandments for the last month, I am reminded of this little Itty bitty scroll craft that I got from a girl scout event called “Thinking Day”. It was from a table of Girl Scouts representing the country of Israel. It is two Smarties rolls of candy which are covered in a paper to look like a Torah – and the two tablets image is printed on the front. Isn’t that cool?  And I love how they MAYBE took (before gobbling up the sweetest candy) that they took a short moment to realize that these represent – the 10 commandments, the basis of the law given by God – shared by Moses – to the future descendants and to all of us as Gentiles, are God’s instructions to follow Him.  The commandments are of God’s advice to help those folks stay holy.  And perhaps this rich man DID keep to the commandments best he could – and I am sure he, like in Moses’s time, make the sacrificial offerings that were pleasing to God – but what about us? Where is our sacrifice – well – is it JUST in giving up many things – and we know that we should – but  God knew and knows our humanness, it is SO hard to give up as well as satisfy all the commandments, especially the one about jealousy. Apostle Paul the prolific writer said that commandment was the near impossible one for him to follow. 

The rich man WAS dismayed when Jesus told him to give up everything and “Follow Me”. Jesus told the disciples that they, who did give up their day to day lives, would recover their losses many-fold. God would cover it and cover them in the present and the future. 

All throughout the old testament, the prophets do tell us that the Lord’s Promise Covenant will RESTORE His faithful. Restore if not in the present then in the forever future.  We know of Jesus Himself being the Promise, come to earth for that FULFILLMENT in the New Covenant when the old was broken by the people – and Jesus came Himself be that Sacrifice – to satisfy the law and the prophets, Jesus Himself was able to explain how He came to teach and preach but especially to reach. Jesus also taught that we have FULFILLMENT yet to come.

So  – from this craft – and from our own knowledge – where is the sweetness here? – of following the rules – or of giving of ourselves – where is the inner POSSIBLE to the impossible in following all the commandments and more – well Jesus IS the possible – the sweetness to the core – the hope and the promise. The MESSAGE AND THE MESSENGER. We HAVE to unwrap this sweetness – HIS SWEETNESS – open the door for Jesus – listen – and FOLLOW. Like this GIANT roll of candy [ show the giant tube of Smarties candy ]  He is our BIG SWEET !

The zoom lenses: Let’s rehear what Jesus says to Peter (knowing that the others also would hear), it is verse 27 of that gospel of Mark: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”  –    “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “[no one who has left home or family for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.]”  

The phrase ‘along with persecutions’ tells us that Jesus did not sugarcoat it. But Jesus told them of the gain. The sweetness that comes along with any sorrow.

It’s not a new concept for us. Came into this world with nothing. We are going to leave and we can’t take anything with us. Dust to dust ashes to ashes we remember in this Lenten season. So as “your treasures are in heaven”, these material things are just going to get eaten by moths. We are reminded that items and money is a tool.

Let’s think back to that loaves and fishes scene – The disciples said ‘[send them away. Lord, we don’t have enough. We don’t have the money to buy stuff for everybody on this hill]’… Isn’t that what we say when we look at the problems of the world? We don’t have enough for all, let alone me and my family and it makes us less likely to give…. But we can imagine that Jesus wants to take care of His family – of us – of all – and when we give of ourselves to Jesus – he multiplies what we give.  Another example, how about the woman who anointed Jesus with the expensive oil. Which Jesus said was in preparation for his burial. She didn’t mind how precious and expensive it was. But here was her Lord.  How about the widow who gave her last 2 mites. Jesus said she gave out of her faith.

So doesn’t he make money into a tool just like everything else that can be used for good works. We certainly know that we get blessed when we share for God’s Glory.

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We get hung up on the money part of the story – because we live in a society that is fearful of not having enough money – or losing money that you worked hard to get. But think most closely to this conversation between the man and Jesus –when we take any road where Jesus says “Follow Me” – know that He is THAT CLOSE – we are so close that we realize He is the possible to get us thru anything. – He is the known.

Jesus is asking this man and us not merely for willingness to give up, but to go – to listen and go.  Jesus is calling and yet sometimes we put him on hold. Some even hang up the phone. We instead need Jesus on speed dial. When the going goes tough, the tough get going to Jesus.

Best yet, we need to remember that He is walking with us. We should follow Him because He’s following us. And because He called us first. This is why we are walking in this Lenten season with Him to give up those things that prevents us from seeing Him clearly, seeing His mission for us here on earth. He gave up Heaven to come to earth – surely we can give up a little earth…

Yes, sure, we might as well give up our treasures on earth (we aren’t taking them with us are we), remember what Jesus asked – give to the poor – well that doesn’t mean we give until we are poor – but give until we are RICH – rich in JOY – rich in seeing – and rich in Jesus shared. The poor don’t have to be poor moneywise but what about poor in spirit – like friends who are lonely – we could “spend” some of our precious time with them. Give away your time. What about poor in faith – poor in understanding they are loved – poor in hope. Give away Hope and God will make more for you and all. Jesus wants us to follow His lead and love one another. Jesus says Follow me – do what I do – and be blessed for it in Heaven.

It is the strength and commitment that we get from following Jesus that give us fruits of His Spirit to share. It is also the love and joy we get from following Jesus that it gives us the ability to see HIM as the Gain over any of the lost. 

I often talk about Christmas the hermit crab, He gives up, naturally and routinely lots of parts of his body – parts that he could fend off attacker with – what a crazy thing – but he will make more – he has to find a safe space to do so. And so he NEVER gives up his shell. He never gives up the protection which really is SO STRONG. He gives up the time to molt (he has lots of time, do we?). He gives up strength to molt, do we? Can we allow ourselves and forgive ourselves to be weak, and let the Lord be strong? Maybe we are easily weak, but can we even give up the pride of faking it thru life? Can we simply say, “I need You Jesus?!” and will we recognize that He is more than just a shell of protection – He is our sweetest we never have to give up. Jesus – we never have to give up His protection – His shell – and His new life in us and us in Him.

The last and MOST important part of this rich man’s interaction with Jesus = Jesus looked at him and loved him – Jesus is GOD and GOD IS LOVE. Jesus could only love him. Jesus was filled with love – Jesus knows the love that saves.  With man – impossible – but with God everything is possible.  What a marvel to know that He loved and loves us so much that He gave up His life for us, His friends.   

Amen and let us follow Jesus.

A Panegyric of Praise, to Abba Father

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If God be for us, who can be against us?

A new word I heard many years ago: PANEGYRIC pan·e·gy·ric \ˌpa-nə-ˈjir-ik, -ˈjī-rik\

Heard this word from a friend who has now passed away. He said I was writing a panegyric – opposite of a negative diatribe – but positive towards the Lord. Like a PANEGYRIC.

Noun: something (such as a speech or a piece of writing) that praises someone or something; a eulogistic oration or writing; formal or elaborate praise. A panegyric is a formal public speech, or (in later use) written verse, delivered in high praise of a person or thing, a generally highly studied and undiscriminating eulogy, not expected to be critical.

How could I not be or say a panegyric to tell how my friend was wonderful to me. He has now passed, and his services had the most touching tribute photo, him at the park, ready to play basketball, and converse with the folks. He was a true character, friendly to all, wanting to engage them in conversation. 

I also appreciated hearing others praise my friend. His friends and what a wonderful tribute by his son – who said how much support he felt from his father. I look forward to chatting with my friend once again in Heaven – oh what a glorious time that will be.

Prolific writer Paul (probably also a prolific talker) instructed: walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2

As children of God, we too could, would, should be prolific praisers of our Lord who gave Himself us as the best offering – the best He could be. And like Jesus, children of God, we also could walk in the way of love and be loving and sure. And as children of God, we can sacrifice and not complain (if possible, we are only human after all) and walk in the Way of the Lord – with the Lord. We best to keep our mouths shut of complaints and instead open them to PRAISE of how the Lord is seeing us through a certain situation. As Children of God, we can praise by saying: Abba Father we need You, need Your help, need Your Spirit to help us walk.

At the service, a dear friend and pastor spoke from Romans 8 (excerpts below) – speaking how we are in no condemnation when we are in Christ Jesus – who himself made us free and acceptable as an offering to God. And we are to be patient in our infirmities – and realize that nothing we have none of the suffering compares to the GLORY of God and where we are going…  “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

I have praise for my friend – but truly truly make a PANEGYRIC of PRAISE to the max for our God, our Father and our Friend, our Deliverer and our Dear Hope.

Amen

Romans 8:1-31 KJV

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Christmas Joy and ForGIVEness

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You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.

It’s Christmas JOY plus some jolly-ness that touches us, makes us smile. My mom blessed me with not just gifts but the fact that she PREprepared gifts that she PREwrapped before thanksgiving, when I visited her last, and handed me the bag to save on mailing. I truly felt blessed to still have my mom – and surely blessed when I unwrapped a smiling snowman dish from my mom, that I truly know I am blessed to feel that love. It’s a trinket thing but given in real love. (and it is a serving plate too – to serve up some love and joy and jollyness too)I am holding quite a few people in my prayers these days who recently lost their moms. I also know other strained family relationships which are broken down in strife and tears, which adds to blue Christmas times. Truthfully, it’s a hard Christmas for many. Forgetting feels easier than forgiving. And so with humbleness we are to appreciate our family moments that do actually come together. We also cherish peace and cherish those family-to-us friends and neighbors whom God has blessed into our lives. We appreciate relationships that don’t become “needs” but are appreciated as “gifts”.

And when we do have strife, remember that “Tis the season” to please do give forgiveness – especially as Grace comes from on high, “Tis the season” to actually put aside any pride. Life is too short to hold onto anything remotely snide. 

“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me…” rings as song against worldly wrong. 

Sounds easier to say than do, but to actually give the gift of forgiveness, even if it is for the benefit of others, to “make nice” especially as the new year rings in, is a healthy partnership with the Lord in making peace. We also can realize that the human disappointment we feel IS from the human side of us, humanness which is ingrained into us by our brokenness. So in sharing and resharing DIVINE forgiveness, we could emotionally feel more free and be the children God is preparing us to be…

I pray us peaceful moments and time to reflect this season. Better to be in God’s Courts where He fills them with righteousness and love than anywhere else.

It is DIVINE to re-gift the best gift from God – forGIVEness. FORGIVENESS.

Amen

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Psalm 65 NKJV – To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song.

Praise to God for His Salvation and Providence

Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion;
And to You the vow shall be performed.
O You who hear prayer,
To You all flesh will come.
Iniquities prevail against me;
As for our transgressions,
You will provide atonement for them.
.
Blessed is the man You choose,
And cause to approach You,
That he may dwell in Your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Of Your holy temple.
.
By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us,
O God of our salvation,
You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth,
And of the far-off seas;
Who established the mountains by His strength,
Being clothed with power;
You who still the noise of the seas,
The noise of their waves,
And the tumult of the peoples.
They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs;
You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice.
.
You visit the earth and water it,
You greatly enrich it;
The river of God is full of water;
You provide their grain,
For so You have prepared it.
You water its ridges abundantly,
You settle its furrows;
You make it soft with showers,
You bless its growth.
.
You crown the year with Your goodness,
And Your paths drip with abundance.
They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,
And the little hills rejoice on every side.
The pastures are clothed with flocks;
The valleys also are covered with grain;
They shout for joy, they also sing.

Praise Be to the Lord – Christmas JOY to KNOW

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So many scriptures to touch our hearts before Christmas – David knew the Lord – and heard God’s Promise to bring salvation to all who would turn to Him. David did turn to the Lord – in asking mercy and in JOY. May we also do this always. For JOY, PROTECTION, SALVATION, STRENGTH, may we look for our Shepherd now and Christmas and always.

Amen and please read of the JOY to KNOW: Psalm 28 Of David.

To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve. Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.

*** Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. 

*** The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Oh Messiah

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Always brings warmth to my heart – to know of Simeon and Anna in the temple and how they knew Jesus – as a babe – both that they knew to wait on the Lord – studied and believed the scriptures and prophets – and that they were able to see the fulfilment of the birth of the Christ Child – the Messiah in Jesus – for the world.

But in Simeon’s truth telling – he clearly knew and said how Jesus would be a stumbling block to many who may have spoke of him as a potential – an earthly king – but could not understand him – or open their hearts to Him as Heavenly king, Messiah. Simeon told us the known future that Jesus would be a dividing force between people who knew and did not want to know.  “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.” And Anna spoke of the redemption brought by this child, Jesus – who is Immanuel, God with us.

Oh – that we would always tell of Who gives our HOPE – that we would always be watching and working for Jesus through the Holy Spirit to open hearts – to tell of the redemption to so many who may hear – oh that they would hear! Oh Jesus – fill us with YOUR WISDOM – become real IN us to serve You and Love You – and share your HOPE. 

Oh Messiah – won’t you open eyes and hearts – this Christmas and always.  

Amen

Luke 2:25-40

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:  “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

Jesus – If You Know Him, Let it SHOW

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Oh – Zachariah was “in the know”.

He sang sweetly and wanted to let it show.

Jesus was coming – salvation – mercy – blessed to really know.

Zachariah’s son John, pre-prophet like Elijah, was ready to go!.

God’ was bringing TRUE the Kingdom’s Promise of long ago.

Jesus, Immanuel, God with us – forgiveness and peace to flow.

If you know, serve Him, let it SHOW!

Jesus – our Christmas baby – in us may He grow.

Amen

The hope in Zachariah (father of John the Baptist) singing that the Savior was coming1!!

Luke 1:67-79 – Zechariah’s Song

Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us – to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear  in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”