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FIRST === MOST RECENT Here we stand among the comfort gods of this age... and a story from Samuel, where David finds himself in a comfortable place, and determines to likewise build a comfortable house for YHVH. II Samuel 7:6 "For I have not dwelt in a house since the day Love's purpose is greater, so Love travels with, rather than settling down nicely. Today, the world is pushing to make comfort our purpose. However... The God of all consolation continues to travel with us, seeking and saving, and, do we get the point that it's Love, not comfort, calling us to be moving for others? Love mobilizing to draw us near people beset by lapses, messes, failure or distress. Tent Life: the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Fighting the good fight of faith includes use of prayer as our tactical comm. Communications are essential in war, yet Paul defines prayer as essential & supportive, rather than as another implement of armor or weaponry. The war upon Love continues to victory without the weaponization of prayer. Contrary to some pulpits & podsters, we're encouraged to forward a blessing and [Numbers 22; Luke 9:51-56; While I'm learning more about Island culture (Jamaica, Bahamas..), a mainland problem of our times is mentioned. To drop what we're doing, and drop into someone's concerns or distress requires faith, just to let our calendar rest on the Father's desk. I've called these moments "blessed interruptions," where our time is recovered into His time & purpose. Always, to be jumping into prayer at [Luke 10:30--36] --- from Colorado: I show you the way out of every predicament, and you make it through with more wisdom and strength than you had before because you have trusted in Me to be there for you. Psalm 46:1-2. ---from Timothy, USA-NE: For weeks and months I’ve been writing like a fiend. I love every minute of it. Two weeks ago, talks started to go out to Pennsylvania, amongst the Amish who are experiencing strain, openness, and confusion. I'm going out to spend to time, listen, and teach. zooming-in with 4kids at an event billed as a In wider view, these are some of the early blossoms in the reunion with our calling in [Philippians 3:13-16] once a cereal mascot, Tony the Tiger kept assuring us, "they'rrr great!" Today, the world & the Adversary assume a larger stage to redefine greatness. But it is our God and King setting the bar for true greatness. How can we forget? He formed & binds together all we see. The objective is to redirect you & I as becoming among their 'lost by faith' --- no longer entrusting Christ with much of anything. If the stuff they say is "great", than YHVH isn't. He's not a restaurant or a service, an achievement nor a performance; not a rebel, a nation or a big vacation. Like a conveyor, the social motion of greatness transfers our focus and our trust. By ends, getting inside us to dismiss or forget His Greatness; as to trust Him not for great things. Trifles to substitute for His conquest from above, deliverance, transformation, resurrection of the dead, faith unto salvation...[Matthew 11:11; 13:46; 23:11] [Ephesians 1:19; 2:4; Titus 2:13] [Hebrews 2:3; 6:13; I John 5:9] [Revelation 11:17-18] what by faith motivates a man or woman to "wash" with water of baptism? forward to holiness (wholeness) releasing all that counts for little or nothing, with the purpose to further comprise what is of greatest/highest value. Ready to tend what God in Christ has determined in you? [Galatians 6:14-15] Love is the currency of the Kingdom of God. Love's value is held steady by the King. Nothing known or yet to be conceived by men will approach the high value of Christ. No power or speculation can compromise His value. In 1971, the US Dollar became a currency subject to speculation. BitCoin always has been. Paint a nice picture, and the value goes up. Where history or folly composes an ugly picture or two, the value of these currencies (and the perceived value of men who depend for them) goes down. The Love of Christ continues as our best & ideal investment. unlike coins, data, plastic or paper, return on His supply has always shown to be exponential and far-reaching through space and time --- to overflow in the Kingdom of His Marvelous Light. This week, conversations in the Spirit about inherent weaknesses connected with foster care, and of His power to redeem families and of His heart toward adoption. zooming in on 4kids.us, a parachurch group in southern Florida. ---from Samuel, a prisoner: To know I am the temple, not the master of it, but Jesus my master and his gift of the Holy Spirit in me, and yet to still be in control at all times of every choice, with both sides good and evil set before me, blessings and curses, or just plainly loving choices and choices that may seem to love, but really don't. I'm so glad Jesus came and described it for us all, I would still be lost otherwise, thinking that having control was still a worldly attribute. [Romans 12:9-13] "but Mommy, Johnny hit me too." There is no faith in our continued complaining about what is disapproved. whereas we believe YHVH is (more real than all else) and that He is the Rewarder of those who do good... the Judge of all the Earth. Tempted... maybe by a man building himself a pulpit with revelation he has received from God, or facing religious people building co-dependent relationships by using the words of Jesus to trap or entice the weak, or someone interpreting Scripture as to keep certain people away from Jesus... all God will judge. Where there is error or short-fall, there is greater opportunity to do good. Where there is folly, a door for wisdom. Where gaps appear in competence or faith, agape comes near to reach and to purpose for peace in the fullness of Christ. Romans 12:21 ^ not to be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. from Karen, USA-TX: “Forsake your folly and live, and proceed in the way of understanding.”— Proverbs 9:6 Folly. Foolishness. I need to go ahead and forsake my foolishness. All the doctors and And this verse says to do that, and then to LIVE. Is my foolishness preventing me from truly living? Proceed in the way of understanding. The way... Understanding... Who truly knows the way? Who truly understands? God. And Jesus said He is the way. The way, the truth and the life. The life! The way! The truth! The truth will set you free! Only Jesus can set us free. after 18 years, caught up with Kris last week, to hear some of his journey. When Kris encountered Jesus, he was very stirred while also feeling an urgency to find something to do that would show the place of his new devotion. Instead of waiting to hear from the King of Kings, he dashed out to put himself on the line before having time to count the cost... wanting to be a hero of the Gospel. He began preaching, challenging & accosting people; hitting the streets and everywhere without asking our Father First for the "where" or "when". Realizing that he was still living for himself, he tried to force a scheme to live for others, but failed at this. His wife suspected that he be mad, and eventually he panicked without first having the power, humility and wisdom to serve God. Lack of becoming a true disciple draws some to a 'just do it' false start. Many others just never get to a genuine "walk by faith." after a number of years, Kris seeks to know graces & calling in Christ within. Painfully aware of what it's like to get Philippians 1:11 "...having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."there's a common supermarket in the State/region that focuses upon the 'shopping experience'. For this, their shoppers may pay more and even pine for more. Why is Jesus not looking to the experience? ...such as, a more pleasant experience for His followers? He knows the Father anticipates Two things I witnessed on Tuesday. One heart-warming, one with hope denied. A family picking up a homeless couple just before the cold spell moved in. True religion is in this way, and the servants of Jesus are still offering of themselves as Jesus in the world. Before this, I met a man from Maine, who was caught drenched by the rain --- a brief but heavy shower. His friends had abandoned him here in Orlando. He believes there is nothing left for him to do but to get back to his house and Liberty to Love beyond the world of status quo, or, social chains of an atheist's freedom.(?) Yesterday watching the children at the park. Q. What happened, now that estranged us from being together in this way? A. We no longer consider that we are being watched. Our ignorance came upon us as we chose to find our own way. And, the parents... as with Adam & Eve, who among us does not desire this corruption of independence in the children? Fear, then taking over. The fruit of my own domain imagined. I need to hear from my Maker and I need a new birth. Isaiah 45:11-12. Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: "Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, and commit to Me the work of My hands. It is I who made the earth, and created man Is every man interpreting for himself, doing what is right as by his own eye and mind? These are the times of Satan's way -- the 'great apostasy', to live as if we each would apply our own understanding of the Bible, rather than allow the Author of Life to apply His Way to our hearts & minds. The result of "private interpretation" is variation, weakness; and the outcome of disagreement leading to divisions; separations, and more individual reasonings. Last year in Jacksonville, seeing men point at others and conclude, "they never agree." What was being joked about is something outside of Christ, and evidence for not serving or being subject to God; that His is being Is the Father actively communicating & gesturing with His children -- people whom hold faith in Him alone? Yes, even as He directs and informs in the Acts of the Apostles. His is a "must have." To not realize His Presence (paraousia) is to be on your own, among your own, and to be left alone. His children finding Him, and not our own. [Judges 17:6; II Thessalonians 2:1-4; Hebrews 3:1-10] honest men who invited me to seek the Messiah (Christ), presented Him as the One who is able to resolve the troubled experiences active in the world (as a 12-year-old; destruction of families, hopelessness, hatred, people using people..). The Answer was in Him and not my own. In years since passing, many have understood the "good news" to be about them... how to get good, feel good, get stuff and a place in heaven. Their thinking on Him imagines association with an investment dude, or with "Santa Claus". Many relationships have died over this basic misunderstanding: "it's about me (my plans, my family, my comfort)." Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone is about to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever is about his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. "His word on this should build a better relational understanding. I left my own plans behind as a sign -- a cross that speaks for how Before, having our own ways kept us apart. What could ever separate us now for the Love of Christ? [Luke 9:23-24; Romans 8:35-39] today, received some quotes reminding of the high "drop out rates" associated with being a Jesus disciple. The mandatory requirements, like getting that doctorate in Love... must be the toughest set of courses ever proposed. This one's not even required for the medical disciplines! I've had to retake most of it more times, as I've lost count; refresher courses, internships. And then there's the prerequisites: Patience, Kindness, Endurance 247, and Hope. (or, maybe Hope is offered first, then the others?) On top of the course load, love has since languished beneath fuzzy feelings and selfish clones. Like Jesus, it has become suspect, even ugly at times; obsessively misrepresented. What is an achievement in Love worth today? Without hour-by-hour receiving Love Himself, how can His When people become displaced from traditional church, their heart may assume to be a refugee, or, a rebel. Martin Luther, with the posting of his thesis at Wittenberg, 1517, became as like a refugee. Later, his zeal under persecution seemed to move him in the direction of a rebel. I don't have a thesis for these Churches, but like thousands of others, I have become as a refugee. The heart I do not hope to acquire is that of a rebel. My cry goes before God. The True & Faithful One rescuing, if only a remnant -- and Who has given Word for coming judgment of the world. No angel strangers ξενος refers to a lodger or visitor. used not just of people... also of things or thoughts that "lodge" within essentials of life. Got that thought lodged in your mind? Or, needful caloric restraint lodged within a hope of improved health. Something that emerges to present as essential for a time... a visitor -- maybe a messenger. αλλοτριον is the koine Greek word for stranger; an outsider. Absent knowing by the spirit (not by the flesh), we may not accurately distinguish the difference between αλλοτριον & ξενος. To or about this, we observe Christians judging others by outward appearances; by what feels good or welcome by the eye of culture; in a fog of preference. Social media also making everyone more "stranger", and there's another problem... English "stranger" has been used for ξενος in popular Bible versions: [Matthew 25:35, 38, 43, 44; 27:7; perhaps. A brother in Canada reminding me to often venture with God. "perhaps the Lord will be with me, and I will drive the Anakim out" perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few.” "please inquire of the Lord on our behalf... perhaps the Lord will deal with us according to all His wonderful acts, so that the enemy will withdraw from us.” "perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.." [from II Timothy 2:25] "perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him in the eon/age." [Philemon 1:15] 9 AM in the Gateway District, 4 holding up multiple poster-placards. "Make No Mistake. Jesus is coming." There is both an invitation and a wake-up in these messages. The four men & women make their herald spaced apart, as this 6-lane road leads [Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15; Romans 10:15] Dropped your shield? Misplaced your helmet? Neglect for your Sword? Running around bare- footed? How are you able to fight or defend, my friend & comrade? Armor on tight enough that you can sleep in it? Sharp with knowing your Sword, Jesus the Word of God --- Yehoshua Ha Meshiach? His shield now yours, with breastplate of faith, love & righteousness durability-tested? Feet prepared for motion in readiness of the evangel? [II Corinthians 10; Ephesians 6; I Thessalonians 5:8] Have a story to tell about the "weapons of our warfare"? ---from Noach, Orlando, USA-FL Romans 14 Paul said, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." I say, know what you believe and believe what you know. Some are weak in the faith, and some are strong in the faith. Let us all help one another toward truly getting to know Yehoshua Ha Meshiach and truly believe in Him and Him alone. someone forwarded the unity question to an AI, and the bot wrote back to remind us of Paul's prescription:Christ to be our focus, central in all things. This is awkward. Machines urging Christianity toward the simplicity of Christ and Him crucified. In ancient times, dead or alive, human bodies were put on a raised pole as a sign; a warning, really. 'Go where this guy went, and this becomes the result.' Quite true, since our short-falls & rebellion make a big sign of us. Death Row criminals trying to make a life for themselves!? Today, millions of headstones sit as a sign that this does not end well... except in Christ. An honest question from the horizon... Could now-denominated & independent church groups find unity? In the necessity of looking to Christ the King, yes. No arrangement of traditions or doctrines produce an abiding unity of faith. But He does! John 17:23. Be matured and made ready in unity. Do we prefer tenancy over community? By this I mean, are we resigned to be a landlord or dependent, a day guest or a tenant? Parents, grandparents or adult children... are they becoming like renters, whether at home or under someone's care? Has your Social Security & retirement already become more appreciated than you? On-coming generations predestined to be unloved, looking forward to institutionalized self-confinement; devalued like dollars. The machine of 'maintenance culture' wasn't delivered overnight. In Christ, we're prepared to hold steady alongside His love, thereby avoiding the sweep into devaluation. All who know Him... all born of Him. 1 John 4:7-8 "Beloved love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God Philippians 4:8.. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is equitable, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute/report, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise... take inventory on the attendance to these things. Some translations have "...think/dwell on these things", yet do we know what it means to "take inventory"; to assess what we hold stock in? It seems quite common among cities of southern regions to be in need to assess (and to rejoice together over) good things in store ...and I don't be meaning Wal-Mart. True, honorable, equitable (goes deeper than "fairness"), "clean" as in pure, lovely like a good friend, good-rumored. Count it all up in joy, and let's rejoice together! ---from Timothy in USA-NE: gaining bearings in a baffling world requires more than correct ideas, it requires a reoriented life. It requires a community that can bear spiritual weight. It requires a discipleship that functions Monday through Saturday —not only on Sunday. some real fireworks for 2026... many more people have been introduced to Jesus, than have come to know Him. ..not only for a lack of interest in Him. So, how can someone get to know Him well? "You can read the Bible." There's something to be said for what others reveal about a person, especially when hearing from family members. What His Father above has said defining His Son, is especially important. Yet, to really know someone, it's vital to engage (do things) with them, and, moreso than just on a business or social trist. This is where love begins: trusting that He has a love for you. If your response to Him is also love... now you're at It's not going to be a relationship between equals, Him & You. He has received "all authority" and each one of us coming into His overwhelming presence, have been losing at our own game. We come looking pathetic, while He looks wonderful and willing to share. The depth of the relationship He offers is supernatural. Faith is quickly tested. To be crucified with Him. To be raised up from the dead! If only, to have faith unto salvation! Nothing and no one else comes close to this. Love's Intelligent Gift: we asked to be forgiven, but God gave us more in a New Man and a King for the earth. Luke 6:35 ...do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. During this year's journey, if you have come further into the fullness of Christ, tell someone old, and someone new, of His goodness & fullness. to realize that most of my mistakes have been due to my affections rising. Galatians 5:23-24 "...they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and wantings..." most of my conquest has flowed from my petitions to God, in asking. 1 John 5:4 "for all that is born of God is conquering the world. And this is the conquest that conquers the world: our faith." Yet, if I venture to seek from Him what is of my own affections, He redirects me toward Good to see disciples making sure of their calling in Christ Jesus. As a young woman takes interest to know if her beloved is intentioned, thereby matching her commitment into his, as they walk further alongside one another. During the late days of evangelicalism, 'new believers' were often love-struck with a "Jesus crush", but vulnerable after their emotions began to expand into reality. "Am I really ready to die for the Son of the great 'I AM'?" or, "What if I stumble with doubt? How can I truly know Him?" May our assurance arrive in diligence. [Ephesians 4:4; II Thessalonians 1:11; Acts 2:46, described a thousand years later: "—men who had never seen each other, heard each other, and who were separated by the whole world, were quite similar the one to the other; for as if one had been in the body of the other, they spoke alike, saw alike, felt alike. Though there was a great variety in their gifts, just as on a musical instrument, the sound of the strings or pipes differs, and is now weaker, now stronger, yet a delightful harmony resounded among them. This is the foretoken of eternity, when everything will be done in one spirit." ---Labyrinth of The World, CHAPTER XLIII. For instruction effective to learning, our Maker invites thorough testing in His disciples. The scriptures include many stories of "trying times" for those He loves... tests that lead to testimony of YHVH in His faithfulness, righteousness, glory -- all of which His "sons in The Son" become partakers. [Hebrews 12:6,10] For some tests, the Adversary may have a role -- such as while Jesus was living in the wilderness. [Matthew 4] There is also a portion in "test yourselves", and without hesitation to do so. [II Corinthians 13] While in Texas helping home-schoolers (2018-2024), we enjoyed dinner "table talk" as an examination & self-examination time with young disciples/learners. Doing what you know to practice also welcomes more Parts of the world have this season to make known what they like about Jesus of Nazareth: the joy of gift giving, happy children, simple life, lights & peaceful visions. If the children aren't happy, the rest of it will serve a little cathartic for duty of hours spent trying to acquire what others have & do. "Your Father knows what you have need of", says Jesus, the Christ. But the ancient Greeks, like modern Romans, imagine what seems to them absurd: 'this Hebrew God as patriarchal Proprietor & Provider? We buy our gods in the agora [marketplace]. 'A tree clothed in lights, to welcome the Light of the world, presented by a people still intent to put that One Light out, because... John 3:19 "...men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds, evil." II Thessalonians 2:13 "we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the commencement for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the Truth" It's a good thing that the relationship shared common among saints doesn't need to be managed by you or me. No matter how much I may personally like or dislike, fault or approve, to be comforted or distressed... brothers and sisters are not of my choosing. They are being chosen at His voice. He declares whom He knows with the revelation of Himself in whom He approves, sanctifies [I Peter 2:9] Japan has a capital problem: her people no longer want for things. More stuff? Where to put it? Significance? Increasingly, what keeps their marketplace humming-along would be their consumers in other nations. But the people... facing boredom & pointlessness of things desired, will many find the great purpose for which life is extended to us? [II Corinthians 5] [Proverbs 16:4; Isaiah 46:10;] [Luke 7:30: Acts 26:16] [Romans 8:28; Romans 9:17] [Ephesians 3] [I Corinthians 1:28-29: II Timothy 1:9] "Your ethics will be love of Me, which will give you all instructions concerning your conduct both towards Me and towards your fellow-creatures. But you must seek all this learning, not so that you may please others, but that you may come nearer to Me." This quote is from "The Labyrinth of The World and The Paradise of The Heart", by Komensky. At this point in the story, the Bridegroom (Jesus) is speaking to "Pilgrim", not long after he has seen all of what the world has become. Our Love defining in conduct. [Philippians 1:27] Have you ever limited God to 2 or 3 choices? In a moment, maybe we thought it to be only what is available to Him, or, maybe I somehow wished it so? May we accept no human limits on the Almighty One. [Job 23; Jeremiah 32:17] 1 Peter 4:11 "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. amen." Learning to speak as His, while He confirms His word in us... bringing into your mind & mine the response needful to reflect His heart. His saints receiving well each redeemed child of His, knowing that His Firstborn has also given his life for them. John 6:29 ..."This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." Being part of a household... trust enables us to do the works that add to it. Now we are finding ourselves in the household of God When a man loses his The Father doesn't need your earnings... You're His child. If you want to help pay for something, that's usually OKay with Him. Still, every son & daughter is needed foremost and attentively at home, in the house of God their Father. It's a Big house... bigger than all the framed houses on earth joined together. For those in it... You don't leave it, and you can't forget it. All the best rewards present at Home in His household. None to be lacking. Joy in humility to discover Orlando working on unity of the faith. Not just a local group application in unity... A counter-invasion into the despondent minds & hearts of faith so beset by obstructions to The engine that keeps denominational Christianity alive, it should be challenged. Not by sniping or bombings, but in the simple pricks of love & wisdom that our God continues to bring to His own servants & ambassadors; His messengers on earth, today, before and to come. Saints know well that Jesus isn't joking about the scale and depth of all He brings. Learning more about this every new day. Earnestly and in prayer. John 13:34; 15:12 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another."What's "new" about this? Now, today, the 2nd commandment is renewed with "even as I have loved you". * John 13:1 "He loved them to the end." Love that doesn't drop out; doesn't fail. * John 14:28 we rejoice with one we love, even where their advantage is different or untimely to our own. * John 15:9 ...as the Father loves. We can look up, to better understand this love (in the present day). * John 3:16 giving up one's own life for/in this love we have received from Him.Give it up for Love! the iso we embrace. my former neighbor has confessed more than one God. When we say, "the Lord our God is One Lord", we're declaring that He is undivided; unopinioned. [Mark 12:29] Our crux becomes to know the Almighty One God; to become ισος [iso] of Him -- like Jesus showed us in His becoming. [Philippians 2:6] As a storm approached, I watched her make calls to demonstrate control over the wind. Human desire to manifest like a god -- yet by ignorance without the "iso".The wind respects the One God, YHVH. To move it, we come to agree with the One who made it & calls it. This is the sigma The son or daughter can do nothing of themselves. [John 5 & 15] In the context of a failing world, the kingdom of God thrives as the alternative that it is. Citizens of the Kingdom appear as tiny, insignificant... yet what we do is equivalent to 'a pebble in the shoe'. We live up to the irritation, so as to pause a man long enough... he may remove his shoes in discovery of a Pearl of great price, thought as well to be a Rock of offense. Simply accomplished in the Spirit, by getting out there and being in the way, by The Way. Mark 1:15 ...The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; reconsider, repent and believe In 1977, the CCM group Parable released the song, "Come Untangled," a 1,2,3,4 approach for II Timothy 2:4. School age kids of that western era could sense by contrast the world's ways moving-in to entangle them -- NOT becoming entangled was simpler. Forty years later, and contemporary culture has learned to thread itself into the very young, and the old. We need the Father's help! His response: unravelling and pulling out the braids & threads that have woven us to mindsets, life practices, weak traditions of the world. In knowledge of the Truth [Christ], are you experiencing an 'unraveling'? Are you finding joy in new freedom to be letting go of useless things, untangled? There are churches celebrated today for trying to do the Kingdom of God on a social level; building on how people can make us feel. But there's no True King, where each man seeks whomever is right by his mind. In our generations, Home Church Houston & Home Church Orlando (et al.) became small fellowship "social club" examples -- with Orlando now divided over whether the Bible, or just part of it, is the Gospel. Seeking to build trust in human relationships, social-Christian groups become insular, with a "revolving door" for visitors or any who don't match their comfort zones. The person of Jesus gets handled as a mystical or theological backdrop, while prayer largely goes unanswered... because God in His Son did not give His life for us only to be allowed second-place to our people, wants & plans. Yes, relationships in Christ rapidly become stronger and more durable than social. So, why go in for a social building project? It comes down to the nature of our faith and submission. Where "Christ is all in all", self-interest has been retired by His interest. He has the (much) better plan, and it's not our own. Without His, social is all there is. [Ephesians 1; Philippians 2] [Romans 8:12-14; II Corinthians 5:16; I asked bread, and God gave me a big bag of pretzels. Word up: "Don't forget My salt, kid." [Matthew 5:13] When talking with a sports fan about getting in the "game" of Life alongside the Greatest hero, Jesus the Christ... often hesitation arises --- something no teammate can afford to do. "That game's for real." "The same two teams and one hell of a long season..." "I was born to be in the stands." Yes, ancient & modern stadiums do seem to draw thousands of chicken-hearted fans with little more than adrenaline or a cheap bet in the game. The big missed pass: This is not the sideline... YOU ARE ON THE FIELD and getting trounced; fouled, kicked, checked, pummeled and penaltied every week. Oh yeah. Military people, too. Maybe you've said or heard it said, "I'm done fighting." But to win and not be disqualified: get in every moment trusting The Coach of Life: our Commander & King. [I Corinthians 9:24-27; John 16:33] Is unforgiveness worth losing our soul? Lack of conviction is the big sponsor of more offense & sin. We patiently wait upon the Spirit of God to bring needed conviction. Openly forgiving presents the power & purpose of God to free both you and the one who has harmed you. That's a plus and an "open door" for His Spirit's work. Many unbelievers have a Christian history that is divorced from them because they have not embraced the grace of Jesus to truly forgive/forego. Last week, I watched a man forfeit his faith and being forgiven unto salvation, for want of holding a fault and a grudge against another. We have all experienced the smell of death that accompanies offenses held onto. May you not be found among the 'unforgiving unforgiven'. [Matthew 18:21-35; John 16:7-10] This week has brought forth much bread, prompting me to recall the Bread of Life and the abundance that fed thousands from just a few loaves. Yesterday around dusk, a raccoon snuck near to snatch four small loaves in a sack, carrying them off as I rested; nearly dragging them over me to complete the theft! I might have set a better guard. Yes. Where has the Bread intended for our Life, been taken from us? In those unguarded or overly confident of their own salvation... the world, the flesh and the Adversary --- while under cover of darkness --- divert away what would be our whole Loaf. My prayer for more of the Bread of Christ against what has been stolen or squandered; more diligence to the keeping & feeding, and to greater guard of our First Love for Jesus... all other loves to wait. [II Peter 3:13-18] Mikelo [mickA-low] and I were drawn together in the park this morning, to talk of the great love we have received in Christ; of our sanctification and hope in Him. "Wake up each morning in hope to serve Him." Our brother also reminding of the ever darkening times, where the light of Christ shines brighter and against that darkness. "In our struggle, Jesus stands with open arms." Jesus brings transformation; a renewal of mind, the new and Living Way. For the unbelieving, they are perishing despite all attempts to reform: rules & rigor employed to change behaviors. But we are making sure of our call into His transformative power --- which brings our release, our liberty. The messengers rejoice when a man is done with attempts at reform, desiring only to know the [II Corinthians 3:16-4:2] Is Jesus the reason for our season, and the purpose in our coming together? "I live for Him. He died for me." We sang this together in the 1980s. It's still true today. Remembering why we're here. Not for an agenda nor a cause... Only for the Second Adam; the King of Kings who is able to rescue men from their own deaths, into His Life anew! we know one accord together only where He is central and we are serving. [Romans 11:36] met David at Daytona Beach, today, holding up the gospel along Nova road, not far from the Raceway. He's been coming from DeLand for years, looking to feed the soul of any who would stop & come. He identifies as "a worker in the fields of souls." His testimony of being rescued from a worthless life is stronger than all the tracts & postcards he is carrying. David asked me, "Where are all the young people?" This generation has a hard time believing that Jesus is real in life. As we shared, Terry [68] road up on his bicycle to shout, "God gave me an apartment!" We thanked God for helping Terry believe Jesus, and our Father for lifting him up out of the mud. "...sell what you have, give to the poor". To one group-mind, these words of Jesus To a different fellowship circle, Jesus is merely calling the rich man's bluff. To a third divided, Jesus here is requiring all to let go of the things that make us feel rich or confident in ouselves. Rulebook Christianity isolates. When we use the Bible to create a list of rules... * we trust our own interpretation (and someone's translation). * we look for people who agree with our copy of these rules. * we avoid being confronted by the Life of Christ, deferring to this rulebook in our understanding. * we help build divisions or sects by holding up the rules we know as "biblical", while putting down similar lists of rules. * we neglect the disciple/learner by following our rules instead. Save us, Lord Jesus, be our Living Rule. 'Tis a season for discovery of a few more praying people [aka, prayer warriors] in the JAX region, and in other cities, also using email to further share in prayers shared. Locally, there is a family with diligence reminding all to pray. Chris hosting evening prayer, also inviting us to pray at other places, keeping together a mind to 'The Conversation' upward at all times. "prayer", an English word that covers drawing near to the Father, to His glory, expressing gratitude, requests, appeals & vows, and bindings [holding to good things]... "and this is the confidence which we have before Him: if we ask anything according to His determination, He is hearing us. And if (when) we have perceived that He is hearing from us, whatever we may be requesting, that we (then) know that we are holding the request which we requested, rising from/beside Him." [I John 5:14-15] God holds for us what is needful, for the time and place most ideal. Contrast that with Amazon Prime. Denominationalism, a type of autonomy, is not a friend of sinners or saints. From early Christian "patristic" writings, a larger narrative spills out: the establishment of a Catholic, physical presence for Christ on earth. Not something that Jesus asked us to build. There is the One Bride, and She can be identified, identifying Christ Jesus... but She is surely not an institution. She has not sold her soul to be remade by "Constantine The Great" or by subsequent Popes & Roman emperors. Protestants published the Roman problem ~1000 years after western Rome's fall, yet opting for denomination instead of simply yielding as One to presence of Christ and His Kingdom on earth. If you assemble as a small group, or fellowship in a "house church".. do you know The Bride as One undivided? Would She require hierarchical bishops or human rulers for Her Life? Is it unthinkable for us to see Her as thousands of autonomously broken pieces? "And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let the one who hears say, Come. ..." [Revelation 22:17] In the Kingdom & ekklesia, a teacher "learns" to instruct others by way of reminder, both with use of prepared script, as well as "on the fly", apropos, PRN. As was shared at Jacksonville on Tuesday, may the anointing of Christ supply authority on to what you teach. All are teaching, while teachers are always learning, advancing, available to be offering instruction, and in helping learners (disciples) to be able to learn well --- knowing God our Father, in Christ walking with confidence of the Holy Spirit's readiness to teach in the moment; in life experiences, reaching forward wisely in knowledge and understanding together. [II Peter 1:13; Luke 12:12; John 14:26;] [Hebrews 5:12; I John 2:27] Can we learn to be responsible...by being told to be? Being told to do something will test for obedience, not responsibility ...by scarcity or deprivation? Not having what we need, or not being where we could be, tempts many to fault others, or even blame God. Going without also activates desire to "find another way", or attempt somehow to compensate ...by rewards? You can get a man or a rat to do the more responsible choice by offering a reward. But is this truly responsible? ...criticism (or a Jordan Peterson pep talk)? A critical or motivational survey may inform us of our situation, though it cannot rebuild a man's perspective. We learn responsibility, a cousin of "honor", while observing relationships. For a young child, much depends upon what they recognize with caregivers. How may an adult, who has lived with little honorable or responsible, come to understand value in what is honorable of God? Long ago, Gideon was engaged by heaven's Family on a fast track to taking responsibility; honor in faith. He even rose up to tackle his own family's dishonor. Maybe you also know of others? yesterday, after reviewing testimony from the Melbourne, Florida area... Reminded for how we cannot start what has already begun. We cannot plant what must be built by God. And yet again, His "spiritual house" being made by His hands, using materials of His possession. [I Peter 2; Matthew 16:16-18] Today we bring good news of Christ to the Ozempic generation. Inspired by fads & technologies of their convenience, many souls are opening their bodies to bioengineering. The writings of the New Testament capture these actions as φαρμακεια [pharmakia; KJV: sorcery, witchcraft]; ways & means to get something apart from our impetus or prerogative. [Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 9:21; 18:23] A doctrinal assumption gradually leaked into cultures of the nations: that our flesh body is the problem by its design. That's close to reality, but still too wrong [twisted] to be right. God knows well that our body and mind becomes problematic by its condition --- not by its design (which He declares to be "good". The testimony in Christ: our hearts & minds guarded in the peace of God. [Philippians 4:6-7] In Him, we lack nothing essential to the doing of His purpose. Desperation would not overtake us, nor worry such as drove king Saul to anxiously meet a medium at Endor. [I Corinthians 3:18-23; I Samuel 28] How may we testify further in the mind of Christ, confronted, surrounded by engineers of convenience? For a moment, may we be critical of criticism? A type of response that locks onto failures, weaknesses, short-falls. By itself, criticism routinely fails to correct. The Adversary often brings criticism to our situations in 'headlines' form. From the scriptures, Hebrew חכויו [Strongs H3198] is about correction -- although it has been traditionally translated as "rebuke" or "reprove". The ancient Greeks approach to correction considered what is of value, therewith, to redirect --- as when Jesus redirects the winds & sea; or Peter attempting to redirect Jesus; or to redirection (correction) as something for saints to ever be prepared to bring forward (as needed). [Matthew 8:26; 16:22; II Timothy 4:2] In the Love of God, we can know that criticism alone is unjust as it lacks what is helpful, corrective, valuable to the need at hand. [II Thessalonians 3:15] Wonderfully made, yet vulnerable. That's us, Adam's children. We all are "borrowing the car". Our soul leasing a body from the Maker. We each start with training, and no "insurance". Just the promise of faithfulness. On pain of experience, soon learning that neglect or collision does damage. Because the first big human crash broke the whole of creation, we may tend to overlook just how more "reckless driving" can further stall the journey we were made to make, and could park us for a time. It comes down to what we're moving toward. When our aim isn't sure or doesn't agree to reach where we need to be... the ancient Greeks called this αρματια [away from the mark or target], like taking a wrong turn... ending up in a dark alley, low on fuel. Sin always introduces need. Jesus expresses it like this... John 5:14 Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you." John 8:11 She said, "“No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more." We already know sin leads to delay & decay. We have been made to know of Redemption, and access to restoration by the Son. brother, sister... may God hold you to aim well. This night, the Adversary presumes to celebrate his siege with an army of child-actors to troll neighborhoods, expecting gratifications. Elisha once took captive an army that came out, sending them home well-fed instead. [II Kings 6&7; Judges 6-8] There's honor in the journey, even to witness saints rising to meet the blinded children, as like Elijah telling the Arameans, "This is not the way..." In Houston (to example), along with chairs & tables in the drive, we set up the big TV on the front lawn, showing video depicting our Lord's crucifixion into the night; also offering real & spiritual food for the seeking. If four lepers are enough to break a siege in Samaria... Who is "dug-in" along a defensive line, trying to hold on to what little is left? Let him see the deliverance of Christ Jesus who raises us up in triumph. As Gideon, may we rise above dodging Midianites, Amalekites & the sons of the east, with hearts set to act in the fullness of Christ. Quitting, or Letting Go? * Jacob toward Laban? [Genesis 31] * his own brothers, toward Joseph? [Genesis 37] * Balaam toward Balak? [Numbers 22-24] * Saul toward David? [I Samuel 17 & I Samuel 20] * Jonathan toward David? [I Samuel 20 & I Samuel 23:15-18] * Paul toward John Mark? [Acts 15] * Paul toward Hymenaeus? [I Timothy 1:20; II Timothy 2:17] * Jesus toward Simon Peter? [Luke 18:31-34] * Jesus toward Judas Iscariot? [John 13; Acts 1] what did you find? Would we ask a librarian for an opinion about something?maybe if we knew him/her.(?) Built on language models, LLM Ai's are machines that assume all things from the recorded horizon of humanity. This enables Ai systems to present a virtual realism that can seem alluring. Our want for more (or informed) opinions is driving Ai further onto the social stage, even though its mimicry be no more than a huge contrivance. The drive for opinion has led some to assume that even the almighty God is about His opinions, even to citing His "regret" for making man... as if His voice brings an opinion. But opinions serve as a temporary fit where a full understanding still eludes. Would we imagine YHVH as short on understanding? Is an opinion ever sufficient by Him? "Great is our Lord and vast in vigor; of His understanding, there is no enumeration/narration." [Psalm 147:5] Is the Life of Christ in us coercive? We are left to wonder about this, as where a person remains "on the fence" or is in practice of choosing Jesus only where at some point, His aid may be perceived as desirable. Inversely, encouragement by the way & voice of Christ, offered to someone not fully persuaded, can appear to them as like a forced invitation; a "shove". "Follow Me", the 2 gates, wise and foolish virgins, building on rock or sand, "Do you also want to leave?" Jesus delivered these determined options. They are potentially forceful -- as where other options, real or imagined, hold claim upon our desires. Still, Love thinks no evil... believing, hopeful, enduring... Patient love must reckon with what is needful to bring faith, hope & endurance to the uncertain. Most toddlers express some desire to walk... yet a few may recline, or even protest the opportunity. For all, persistence partners with a loving touch... the "won" Love that's not falling out. accompanying whatever comes forth as (realized) promises of God in Him (Jesus Christ): the "yes" [rising to prevail] determined in Him, the "amen" [faithful] to God, toward esteem/glory thru us. [II Corinthians 1:20] possibly the most pragmatic (practical) reality from New Testament writings. Yet, the very thing that the church friends of a youthful "me" failed to tell almost everybody. The various churches we attended didn't recognize the glory, being more interested managing people --- following into Rome's lead. So often telling people, "No.", without "Yes, and amen!" in Christ. No! You haven't the training or resources to go as a missionary. No! Young people should marry. No! You are an American. No! You need a job and credit cards to learn responsibility. No! to drugs, passivism, communal living, Jesus freaks, forbidden questions.. Without the contrasted & faithful "Yes, and Amen", there would be little glory to God thru us. The faded harvest today for the 'alphabet generations': skepticism, on-your-own, and the still missing "Yes". God help us back up to Yes, amen, glory. today, brothers with consideration for those who do want to be promptly informed regarding shortfalls, and those who would rather not. The place for love regarding, work of the Spirit of God advancing, bringing the person with their fault to Jesus. Discerning in spirit what another may be suffering --- with discovery for devices such as fear, ignorance, unbelief. God gives the authority, lending responsibility, where we will need to confront or expose shortfall; to speak the Truth in Love (North to South). Forgetting not what we were experiencing, until the Grace of God came to us. Nicotine is among a number of substances that often enslave --- even before a man or woman user becomes aware of its mastery. Yet, God is able to reveal & convict a man both for the reach and the freedom from a drug, addiction, shortfall... Knowing this while being His, directed by Him we live, move and breathe in His love. In a day when the Source of Living Water sat down beside a dug well... Greeks spelled "apathy" with an 'e' (epsilon). Their From John 4, a Samaritan woman approaches with a history. Other women would have already spoken with her, about her Also as stubbornly, we may not be aroused to care much or far for her. The world is full of such seekers, and churches crowded with users... "...for which things therewith indignation of God is arriving upon the sons of unpersuadableness." [Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6] against divisions: * The centrality of Christ [ekklesia of Christ] ~ The centrality of the church [RCC] ~ The centrality of the church fathers [Orthodox] ~ The centrality of the scriptures [Protestant] * Salvation as being found in Christ [ekklesia of Christ] ~ Salvation as grace with works [RCC] ~ Salvation as theosis [Orthodox] ~ Salvation as a legal act [Protestant] * Authority rests in Christ, begotten of YHVH [ekklesia of Christ] ~ Authority rests in the Pope [RCC] ~ Authority rests in the councils of bishops [Orthodox] ~ Authority rests in Christ subject to scripture [Protestant] --- each division or sect has come favoring facets or perspective. Yet, if we have died with Christ and been raised together with Him, why do we continue to show preferences ["heresies", a transliteration; meaning: preferences.]? gonna get something started? consider this... As parents may build a business venture, to later pass it on to their children, or as Jesus builds the Kingdom and ekklesia to hand over to the Father... [I Corinthians 15:24] Where we initiate something virtuous, it's not for the purpose of keeping as our own. Jonah didn't stay in Nineveh to oversee the repentance movement there. John baptizing at Jordan established a VIM (Very Important Ministry), only to transition it all on to something greater, sacrificing his own lead. Paul traveled long, working hard to grow up what would soon be served by Timothy, James, Barnabas and others. What we help to build, by faith is meant for others to complete. 3 child-kings * Manasseh (age 12) ran wild until Assyrians took him to Babylon, where he humbled himself, was later brought back to Jerusalem, attempting to restore the rule of YHVH there. * Joash/Jehoash (age 7) did well as long as the strength of Jehoiada, the warrior-priest, was alongside him. * Josiah (age 8) was the son of Amon, a young dad who had lived a short life -- taken from him by conspirators. But his son, Josiah, was filled with zeal for the God of Israel, and so grieved to realize the former negligence of the fathers. Josiah would hold steady until becoming distracted by affairs of the world -- which came to cost him his life. These 3 kings may remind of Christians today who together inherit youth and neglect. boys & girls of the King of Kings, pursue Him with all you got and will receive. if we were given a high-level assignment to educate a child in an extraordinary way, what would we do? How would we do it? When Hannah brought to YHVH her firstborn, Samuel, Eli received him and bowed to worship YHVH. Samuel would be educated well, although Eli did not likewise succeed in training his own sons. [I Samuel 1&2] Joseph & Mary, with Jesus. It is written that Jesus learned obedience [learned to hearken] from the things He suffered. [Hebrews 5] Paul's half-gentile, true child in faith, Timothy, was educated first by his mother & grandmother, and then in service to the Living God among the ekklesias with Paul sending and instructing. Extraordinary examples... whether you already have children at home, or are embracing children of faith, on loan from above. In Europe & North America, people tend to think of market or social market economy, although there are other types of economies. The one that should draw our interest? 'Kingdom economy', also known as οικονομια [oikonomia], describes an arrangement of living together in this world as sojourners; strangers and pilgrims in a strange land. [I Peter 2] "in the world but not of it," for what? The symphony of the Composer's love for the world. If you're playing in His symphony, there's harmony between us in the "notes" or parts we play. Before realizing Christ as our King, a market economy seemed adequate for us. Today, the purpose in His salvation includes His Kingdom and oikonomia (economy of His house). [Luke 12] --from Timothy (USA-NE): Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." This passage is commonly used in evangelism, which I believe is a good application. But appealing to people to accept God's faith isn't as far as it goes. The Holy Spirit appeals to religious people to submit to His continued probing, admonition, correction and direction to grow, and do; enabling them to grow and apply God’s teaching. There has never not been a time when the people of God aren't in need of daily communication with Him. Opposite of grace, is disgrace. Rare to find anyone who has not sought the favor of grace. But Jesus -- after a prayer that He might achieve the will of His Father without it -- one time went into the mouth of great disgrace, with nails piercing and people mocking. And because of His entry, we no longer are obligated to assume our own disgrace. Yet at the hands and lips of the world-system, we are being shown some disgrace. Thru this, the power of God can be displayed in us. During travels among the small groups Yes, YHVH's answer to the injustice of disgrace is... His grace; His favor in the day or situation to be overcome. Remembering our King of Kings. [II Corinthians 12] ---from Timothy [USA-NE]: Luke, in the book of Acts, wrote, “Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus,” The apostles did not try to establish their bona fides or an authority based on recognized accomplishments, wearing certain things or announcing their objectives to all who would listen. I John 2:2.. is John telling us that the whole word will be saved? Maybe you have heard it so. Implying of God was encouraged during the historic rise of philosophy as a guiding light for man. By the time of Thomas Aquinas Some find it implied from the Bible that God must be ruthless... Did He not The larger implication: various authors, teachers & pulpiteers who have come to depend upon what they imagine to be of God, or implied from the scriptures. By some measure, people are becoming more at a loss to simply take God at His word. To be learning not to be disposed above what is written. Indeed, who may restrain themselves from the comforting philosophy of imaginations? [I Corinthians 4:6-7; Colossians 2:8] In Truth/Christ, we can be recovered from such imagined remolding of the Almighty One, by sincerely presenting our questions & inferences to Him: the Author prepared to endorse His work. "For My designs are not your designs, and My ways are not your ways" so He is affirming..." [Isaiah 55:8-9] Have you ever said, "I need more of God", without making more room for Him? Have you ever been hearing God about what's needful, then checking your thoughts or experiences that would prove Him wrong? Have you ever resigned to the thought that a dead church would at least be a comfortable one? Has the premise crossed your mind that actually being a disciple of Jesus isn't needed today? Do you hold suspicion that God may be asking people to do things they can't? Have you been instructed or tempted to presume that God already knows if He has chosen you, or He just hasn't? If you've been making time to get to know people, why not spend that time getting to know the Master better? Jesus knows all the hearts. He's the one to "search people free". We have sought, like Bereans, sincere desire to learn & grow... "study [be diligent] to show yourself as approved unto God. "preparation, not a program. [Acts 17:11; II Timothy 2:15] In Christ, His life in life serves as our 'open classroom'. Training in the Kingdom of God is being presented every day for all who love Him. A wise son & daughter will find their training and embrace their lessons in faith, with alertness & endurance, rather than having to repeat the same often & again. faith, hope, love, justice, mercy, humility language(s) music Kingdom economy... why the sky is no longer the limit. sign yourself up in prayer, and let's learn of Christ together. Why do we need training (discipline) in righteousness (justice)? Surely not to make you or me more righteous than 'Jesus inside'. Yet, the cause of need is present all around us... people who would otherwise suffer with injustice, and that, needlessly --- unless Jesus is brought near!Remembering His ministry, in healing and restoring, how He justified many and set to right that which was not right or just. Every 'next time', making it right by His wisdom & power. [II Timothy 3:16; I Corinthians 6:1-11] [Acts 13:38-39; Romans 3:24] new life, new expectation... the old emotions reduced to memory. New experiences lending new feelings & expectations. But first, we need be fully convinced that the "new wine" is better; that the old will never do. A spirit of adoption Emunah, the Hebrew word for "faith" signifies a deep sense of steadfastness, trust, reliance. Charis, faith's koine Greek equivalent word, describes assurance as to be turning out to arise at point. Steady on, assured? It's been said that Love bowed low at the cross of Jesus. This morning, hearing Jeff Benner mention the הסד ('checed'; mercy, kindness) of YHVH, with the ancient Hebrew pictographs of this word that describes a bowing of the head to honor. Our Father merciful toward His children. When you pray, has it come to you that Love is hearing your prayer? The greatest of these is love --Paul "God is Love, and he who is remaining in Love, is remaining in God, and God in him."Love made ready in you made ready. Love to answer, bending down. Love waiting to be known. Passivity may be the ugliest common thing presenting in the body of Christ. Being quick to slap-on a bandage, outwardly appears to be "active", although doing so often serves to conceal things in need of more attention -- a passive "act". Assumed unity is one example of a passive standard, as would be presuming reconciliation, sufficiency, purpose, sin, righteousness ...ekklesia, the one God Family administration put together by Jesus, is best equipped to help & restore family disruptions. It rightly functions in the grace of Jesus lifting us above & beyond the current epidemic in family failures. But passivity is pushing in from outside to be preferred... even by those who know well its weakness: Love suffers debility where being short of bearing all things, believing to reach, never failing, rejoicing in the Truth. Jesus is living & active; able to love purely: able to rescue. "Keep me and my family out of this fight." This unspoken prayer guides many who regard "peace" as being the absence of conflict. However, Paul's admonition to Timothy, "Fight/war the good fight/warfare of faith" includes peace that prevails thru conflict. [I Timothy 1:18; 6:12] Warriors we be, yet not up for the fight? Aside from those who have mistakenly taken up carnal weapons, rather than spiritual... A folly acquired in human sentiment: that women & children (of God or men) ought not be engaged in warfare; it's God's fight. It is His, as are we by the spirit of adoption. Who has made ready? Not the faithless. A part-time disciple with the mind of a mercenary, lacks preparation for duty; battle-ready only as to be taken captive or tortured of soul. So then, we are attending to what may be filling-up of need toward y'all in being determined, arising to avail the King of Kings. Prepared even as He calls to engagement without cowering; knowing His victory in the good war of faith. I Corinthians 15:57-58 II Corinthians 6&10 II Timothy 4:7 I John 5:4-5 Faith has a zealous goal with God, and an understanding in practice of bringing to light things not [yet] seen. It's the "practical" that is enrolling learners of Jesus --- both before and after the cross. He led the way on this, even with Judas Iscariot, and with slow-learners like Simon Peter. There are going to be drop-outs A learner (a disciple) is learning by way of Christ Jesus, alongside other disciples. Some already know the death of Jesus in their flesh, and some are carrying their cross to be found in His death, and some are much closer to their last days to bear earth's gravity... but all are walking as devoted & learning more of Him. Together, as not to neglect so great a salvation. [Hebrews 1&2; Romans 6:5-11] [Philippians 3:7-15; Ephesians 4] "I have determined not to perceive anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." [I Corinthians 2:2] It's true! I don't hope to know any of you as having preserved some part or scrap away from Jesus Christ. "Whom God has raised up, having loosed Him from the travails of death..." [Acts 2:24] "Likewise reckon (take account of) yourselves to be dead indeed to sin; living to God in (the risen) Christ Jesus, our Lord." [Romans 6:11] Happy not seeing it. This was the word of Jesus, after seeing Thomas binding his own faith to experience. [John 20:29] "I have overcome the world. "believe it when you see it, or...? "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death." believe it when you see it, or...? "God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one." believe it when you see it, or...? "For whatever is born of God, overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world -- our faith." believe it when you see it, or...? "Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the passions and desires of the flesh." believe it when you see it, or...? "..we recognize no man according to the flesh." believe it when you see it, or...? [John 16:33; Romans 8:2; Can we read the Bible, and understand what is being communicated? Can we? or, Do we? In retrospect, we often don't. The logos/solution: ask & yield in the Spirit for understanding that overcomes errors & folly, followed by engagement ("testing") in what we receive. "One man observes a day, another regards every day alike." Yet, if we leave this statement untested, we may miss the significance Plagues & spoilage upon our common understanding in Christ include: ears quenched by favored teachers or authors, hearts stubborn or clothed in discontent, abiding determinations of men, the way of impatience, the unmoved soul (apathy). what may עזבתני mean in ancient Hebrew (H5800)? from His cross, Jesus used the Arabic of this word; its Greek equivalent (G1459), εγκατελιπες, describes letting go of an established effort in preservation for something new. As like from Genesis 2:24, a man would let go of his life with mom & dad, to be starting a new work, along with his woman. The effect is to conserve and preserve. Not an abandonment, yet on to a new opportunity. Like a new dimension or domain, emerging from the old. Jesus said, "My God, My God, to ensue forth attendedly vitally alongside, concurring in-essence to reach forth to release essential to tend rising away determined, presenting vitally." [from Matthew 27:46] No abandonment, but rather a purposed transition, of which the Father is overseeing alongside His Son, the Bridegroom, sacrificed to enter a new work under heaven. Let me bless the Lord at all times. His praise continually in my mouth [Psalm 34:1] Each new morning, there are people waking up on the wrong side of the cross. Not only pagans or cultists, but also Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants and more! The Adversary delving to prevent many from the cross of Christ, but also for those who would see, repeatedly returning them there for more cleansing... as like the endless sacrifices in atonements. Romans 6:3-10 and further, records the intent of the Father that we not remain in deadness, but "living to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Like Eve who lacked faith not to linger with the tree or listen to the serpent, there are now generations of people running back to the cross simply because faith in Christ raising them a new creature, escapes them, or has been taught away from them. Come and once be done with death. [Romans 7:4; 8:11: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." How great a Salvation we have received. Yet many are passing Him by --- it is heartbreaking. Last week, I met a woman who insists that a certain apostle she knows is her divine connection to God. I told her that Jesus is my connection, and can be hers. After thinking about it, she walked away. ---from Samuel: today the Chaplain wasn't able to make the meeting so I stepped in and gave a message that I was drawn to give. Believe it or not, part of what I shared was about how the Enemy is trying to "snare" us into limiting our witness (faith) in Christ. I used Proverbs Chapter 24:15,16 where it states not to lie in wait to rob the righteous, for a righteous man may fall seven times, but one disaster is enough to slay the wicked. I pointed out how every one we know who has gone astray is held down this way, that the enemy uses that one thing to keep them down, and we can pray for them (according to Isaiah 58) that it be revealed and resolved to get them to the cross. I also pointed out how the enemy is always trying to get one over on us. If we sin, it's like having someone throw a ball of mud on us, or having a white shirt on and someone nearby splatters it with tomato sauce. As Jesus washed the disciples feet, I explained to them they had to allow it, or not be a part of His ministry. When we go to God about what we have done wrong, Jesus gets down with the towel and "washes our feet", and it's counted to us as righteousness to get right, so we know that all of our righteousness looks like the filthy rags from when [before] we got cleaned off. Now I think about it, I might have added that it's also the rags from others we influenced to get to Christ to be washed. That was pretty much most of the message. I did talk about Jesus' mission to earth, a Matthew 5-7 not only brings forth a lot of teaching, it examples for us how to say a lot -- without having much of what you say fall to the ground. No secret that a long, A herald should be clear, concise... not presented in epic format. By effectively & frequently moving to cover more ground, the mind God made for us, and the soul it feeds, realizes ability to mark, apply and further consider. Practice speaking more like Jesus? Within their letters, Paul, John, Peter also avoiding the 20+ minute topic. More than just an action of love & mercy. for life & safety, the first step a church refuge takes is to pair with Christ Jesus, the Bridegroom. Your former association with religious system wasn't fatal, but this will be: to die to the former things, raised a new creature. Lose your life (and refuge status) in Him. Many refugees slip to be rebuilding what was torn down... shoring-up their fears of men; gazing at [Galatians 2:18-20] Matthew 7:28-29, Mark 1:22 "...the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes." well, yes... scribes taught what they read & copied, while Jesus teaches what He is authoring in the Father's hand. Yet the world has reduced authority to a point of Any man can make choices. The ekklesia of Christ brings His resolution & remedy Would we say, "it can't be done"? Often I am taken aback by faith expressed in children, or by the unconfessing of Christ who (like the centurion who had sought out the authority of Jesus) show prompt, informed trust exceeding that which many of my brethren yet bring. Faith becomes constrained where a container is furnished for it. Each new day, the world, the flesh and the adversary persist to brutally confine and put under pressure what we know in trust with God. Not that we must fully understand those jars of clay & deception, but that to know & trust the One true, we have resolved to distrust the others. [I John 2] "money or food given to poor people. "That's charity or "alms", right? Alms used to be something more: mercy-togetherness essential to release vitality. ελεημοσυνην is a long Greek word that Jesus talks about from Matthew 6; about doing your alms in secret. Alms involved getting with someone who is in such need as they're not free to thrive, presenting them with something that would change that (release of debts, supplies, means of travel, etc.). Merciful acts of real agape love to note: ιδωσιν [may perceive] as seeing what you're about, without having to be together in the actual doing. In charity, we can seek the Father's glory & means for ideal acts without leaning upon exactly what was done for whom & why & when & where. Not all we give is alms. We all help one another in many ways simply because the love of the Father is guiding. "Your Father knows of what things you are having need before you attend to make request of Him. Even so, in this manner pray: Our Father in the heavens, hallowed be Your name. Becomes therewith Your Kingdom, to being becomes Your will/theme -- as in heaven and on the land. Our bread, our dole, giving to us today; and forgiving to-us our debts as we are forgiving to our debtors; and not that You may be carrying us into trial, but to our rescue from the wicked, that of You is conferred the Kingdom and the ability and the esteem onto the eons. amen." Not a prayer of petition for things He already knows of our need. We first foremost learn to pray in acknowledging Him in His provision, His way, His accomplishment. It was by tradition that men assumed petitions within "The Lord's Prayer". [Matthew 6:5-13; Luke 11:1-4] The Lord God saying, "Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die, and not that he should return from his ways, and live? [Ezekiel 18:23] Various gods & religions welcome people to convert to their beliefs & practices, but the God of Jacob calls men to return to Him. After all, He is how we began. Some Bibles have the English word "convert" for εριστρεφω [return, turn back], but the idea of 'conversion to Christ' leaves out something essential. We're not just changing our practice or perspective... in following Jesus to the Father, we're returning to Him. And with our return, He Not a "convert to Christianity", but a new creation in Christ. [Acts 3:19; Romans 12:2; |