To God be The glory, Amen

If you fall, get up. Feet and legs are made for walking! Even a wheelchair bound individual- rise up and shine.

Keep truckin’

Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.

Micah 7:8

The downfall of a man is not the end of his life. The bend on a road isn’t automatically the end of the road. Your fall is not the end of your journey. Your fall in business, the ministry and Christian life is not the end. You will rise and shine again. Failure is the other side of the success coin. It is part of success. To rise again, note these valuable nuggets.

One, discover your mistakes. Micah 7:8 confesses, when I fall, …when I sit in darkness. Discover from the height, and why, you have fallen, and repent. There is no man without mistakes. You see a man who claims he has never fallen before, then you see that man who has never tried any good venture. The great King David fell, but quickly repented, and God restored him.

Two, recharge yourself (cf. Prov 24:16). You still have the hope of rising again. Repackage yourself and your strategy, in preparation for a relaunch. Add the necessary ‘extra’ to ‘ordinary’ to become extraordinary. Take the bull by the horn. Take a bold step to start again. Never be afraid to restart. Even if you fail, that is part of your achievements. Learn from your past mistakes as you start afresh. Never you fear failure; fear is opposite of faith, and a sin against God.

In conclusion, your downfall is not your end. You can rise and shine at the mountain top, if you choose to do the right things in God. Follow God’s leading.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, turn every mistake I have ever made in life, to miracles, by Your transforming Power.

2. Lord, release upon me the abundant grace to fulfil my destiny. Lord use me as you will.

3. Lord, visit Your Church and our land with the revival of Your Word, that would shake off every ungodly element from among us.

One thing that stands out and that I was reminded of – a KEY point “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who Love Him, those who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Not in ‘some’ things, but in ALL things.

Everything in your life will work out exactly as God has promised as long as we put our faith, our hope in Him, allowing it to be manifest through Him and to His glory! We were created for a purpose! Is it not so that individuals with ‘worries’, ‘concerns’, ‘questions’ can and will see the example that is worked through your?

“Wow!I guess this ‘God thing is true….better get me some….” We have been called! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!!! I remember a song when I was growing up “Jesus’ people come together, let your light shine. O let it shine, shine, shine. Come on and let your light shine!” Are you allowing the awesome presence of God that bestows you with a glow to shine through you?

We can go in the scripture and see just what it says about ‘allowing people to see God in you.’ I will admit, I just spoke with my Mom about growing up with her and my Dad, she kept a ‘firm’ hand in making us go to church. You would think that in boarding house when away from home in school, there would be reason to ‘skip’ this ‘un-cool’ thing, but I remember going to church. Even though I was ‘young’ it made a difference.

More so, we briefly discussed her father who met his maker a long while ago. I said if I had seen him in my ‘dream’ , not knowing I was actually post-accident, I think I would have wanted to stay. It dawned on me that God truly knows all. If I had seen him, I would have thought it an amazingly ‘weird’ dream. I definitely think of it often, if given the chance to choose once again, which way would I go?

I actually at the beginning of my recovery read a book written by a Christian who drove out of town to attend a meeting for church planning activities. On the way back home, he was in a Motor vehicle accident and was pronounced. Yet, a Christian stopped left his car while ‘rescue crew’s were trying to ‘figure out’ what could be done. The corpse was covered, he went as led and prayed for Him. In turn he was given a choice. He was sent back, yes recovery was filled with challenges-but he wrote about it.

Funny enough Paul wrote to the ‘Churches’ as did the other apostles. In this day and age we have ‘digital media’, a much faster way to disseminate information. Technology is awesome, there are reasons that it can be used for wrong; but in essence that is ‘life’.

Let us review just what The Word says:

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

Psalm 118:6-9

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. …

Psalm 23:1-6

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Matthew 6:25

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. …

2 Corinthians 4:8-18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18

For we walk by faith, not by sight. I am hoping that this shed light on that topic. In ending this diatribe something was brought to my spirit. A question and a challenge!

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,

And caused the dawn to know its place,

That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,

And the wicked be shaken out of it?

Job 38:12-13

So, in faith we can do so much.

His-story

http://www.angelfire.com/ill/hebrewisrael/printpages/phys.html

Wow! Rather than write I will share:

http://www.angelfire.com/ill/hebrewisrael/printpages/phys.html

So much to say, a lot is made evident. Mixing had occurred. We are all one people! I am aware that there are differences. If you have realized I simply draw all from The Word. Yes, this is not The Word, but a historical ‘researched’ account of what is.

I am aware that this ‘chapter’ has primarily been about history, but as all of us have at times wondered- “why?” Or “Just how?”, the ‘how comes’ will be answered, probably not in this time or e e or even in this existence. The most awesome thing is when it does it will NOT matter!!! We might call this His-story, it really is. We are a key part of His-story. A lot might nod and say “We are…” But, let me point out that we are a part of His-story. We might seek to remain on the sidelines and watch ‘ the championss’ go by as we sit on the sidelines.

Wait! Let me get this straight! Name two incredibly famous or popular individuals! What makes them popular? Their abilities! Am I right? Sports, Music, Science, Art, Tecnology…The list goes on and is never ending. But just ‘what’ makes them ‘famous’, ‘popular’, ‘well known’? There desire to be. Whatever ‘talent’ is possessed by am individual-it is within you. Yes, I will not deny-many are ‘connected’, ‘lucky’, just happened to be at ‘the right place at the right time’. What ‘reasons’ will we give? Musicians practice, usually non stop until (and even afterwards) until they ‘make it; an engineer is always striving to improve her or his skills. It goes on in every one of life’s “potential” successes.

People who have, work for it and keep working; not being ready to give up so soon. We might have heard something to this effect “When you fall ‘dust’ yourself off and try again.” There are so many sayings that express this ’emotion’ or ‘thought’. What I am coming to realize is that there are those who are satisfied with having accomplished what they have and are ready to ‘sit still’. There are others who have accomplished and are still seeking more. I have to say, these are those to whom “The sky is the limit!” Of their dreams, accomplishments, who they are, what they do. Look around and realize that those ‘above’ you are always striving. Even if they stumbled on a piece of luck. When there, they strive for more.

A few examples, I am aware that we have wandered off from The Bible, heading back to it. We see that one individual who is commended for his actions is Job. We are aware that God built a wall around him and he flourished. Do we have a wall around us in the Spirit that is translated in very visible in the ‘physical’. The Word is for example and so that we can and will have direction.

Once again, let me stray off the ‘beaten path’ for a bit. After the coming of Jesus which changed all life, the times, His-story of the world. We are aware that even the calendar was affected by His coming. Yes, we can go back and see how dates are created/established in the interest of time: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_calendars

We are here because we were created for a purpose. Have we realized what that is? The how’s and why’s which make the “probably”- definite.

So, I throw yet another challenge, “why are you here?” I am aware that we Have done this before. I do it again with a realization that it needs to be said because you are here for a purpose. We might not have realized it yet. Just as I did prior, I state again “Time to realize ‘why’ you are here.” All have a purpose, few may realize it. There have always been ‘differences’ since the garden. Man does the work requiring what he has been blessed with. Woman the same.

I know that there are households that the roles are reversed. But isn’t this just what is defined? We are made in His image. I have continuously defined God as God. In terms of a Who God is, God is Spirit neither He nor Her; but IS. We are told in The Word that God is both a Father and a Mother. Funny, it is ‘safer’ to call God, God and leave all the rest in the wind.

Here, though I have stated that I will try not to. The beauty of the high Angel was breathtakingly awesome. We might ‘wonder’ how Jesus in his ‘faint’ body, put to the ultimate test by His fast realized that it was truly Lucifer. A lot of things are beyond our comprehension and I know that in a period they may come to be known or not known to us. And we can read here:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/darrellcreswell.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/the-beauty-of-satan-if-i-were-the-devil-bible-verses-truth/amp/

So let me ask: “What is your story?” Yes, I understand your story is part and parcel of His-story. Are you going to ensure that it is so? When you reach the ‘end of the road’, what will your-story tell? Excuses? Reasons why??? I am sure it will be pointed out “Attempts made.” We have to ensure that we are where we need to be. Are you praying? Do you talk to God on a constant basis? Or is He your Sunday colleague? We have to ensure that we have a ‘relationship’ with our ‘Maker’.

To lay it out, there are suggestions on how this should be. Are you a believer? I have to ask, what does this mean? I didn’t ask if you were a ” Jesus-cian “, I am aware that it is saying the same thing. When you fill out a form, it usually asks for identification. Religion is one of these ‘identities’, we can see that it is divided into specific blocks Christian, Agnostic, Other (specify) here I am moved to say we make a decision to decide just what that is. In deciding do we not realize that even though we may not realize it, we are saying we believe- or do you? Yes; the same Word we have been quoting says “Do not judge!” We are not judging, but rather reaching for the actuality that defines you as what you are.

More importantly, the import of Love! We can ‘be’ so much, ‘do’ so much, we have shared the import of Love. In fact, in saying “I 1 Corinthians 13 you” is appropriate as we say. However if it lacks…. I will share.

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

1 Corinthians 13:2

Essentially if you are deeper than deep but have no Love, you are nothing and have nothing. Just what is Love? 1 Corinthians 13 says it all. Measure your acts up and ‘feel them out’, no one can be more ‘truly analytical’ than you. So even if you have ‘gifts’ that are possessed by few, they have to be underwritten and underridden with Love.

What we bear.

We are defined by our chacteristics. I will ask “As a Christian” either declared or undeclared, where is your heart? What makes you who and what you are?

But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-25

Let us take these one at a time: Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

We at this point have defined Love. There are ‘passions’ we might mistake with Love. To rewrite what has been said we can “1 Corinthians 13” it. Can we truly say we can say that? There is a list of the qualities. Let us go over them again, in this case can we literally wrote our names (for example place your name before the quality and see if we exhibit this, a definite learning point!) I will substitute your name as A. A is patient, A is kind, A is patient… And so on. It becomes key to do just this so that we understand It for just what it is.

1 Corinthians 13 is so beautiful. The one great need in our Christian life is Love, more Love to God and to each other. I much rather that we all would and we could all move into that love chapter and live there.’ As we stated and challenged a minute ago, we should place our names before Love and ensure that true Love radiates from our Spirit.

Let me be pesky! Can people literally say this about you. I am aware that much is said; we are aware that people are always talking. Let me state it this way “In your abscense, what do people state about who you are?” Is there jealousy on who you are, what you are, how you do things? This can be a point where we stand and decide that we start exhibiting who and what we truly are.

In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul takes us to Christianity at its source; and there we see ‘the greatest of these is love.’

God is love. We deceive ourselves if we think we can Love God and hate other people is that possible. I personally do not think that. If we truly Love God it means so very much. 1 John 4:20. Love should be number one on your spiritual priority list. It should be the main thing in your life. Love is, indeed, the greatest thing in the world. It is, in the words of St Paul, ‘the most excellent way’ (and literally in our ‘world’)  1 Corinthians 12:31).

Moving right and along joy. Just what is this? Happiness? Definitions are simply descriptions of the way people use words. Words don’t have intrinsic definitions. They are given definitions by the way people use them. When I say I want to define joy for you, I am asking, Whose joy are we talking about, or what use of the word are we talking about?

Christian joy is a good feeling in the Spirit, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.

We can and will touch on this later. For this current description we are made to understand it it is not a ‘fleeting’ emotion, it is a way to be. It has been set forth in and for us as Christians. I will ask “Have you felt true joy?” I have to ask so that we can set our feet on the right path. There are some that may not realize that. Let is ‘break it down’.

Joy isn’t like happiness which is based upon happenings or whether things are going well or not. No, joy remains even amidst the suffering. Joy is not happiness. Joy is an emotion that’s acquired by the anticipation, acquisition or even the expectation of something great or wonderful. It could be described as exhilaration, delight, sheer gladness, and can result from a great success or a very beautiful or wonderful experience like a wedding or graduation but the definition of joy that the world holds is not nearly as amazing as biblical joy but joy is also gift.

Peace, just what does this mean? I am at ease on a permanent basis. That should be all we say, but we get to define this further, in this case let us go to the Webster dictionary-as you see I am staying in line with The Word but definitely keeping ‘current.

pēs/

noun

1. Freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.

“you can while away an hour or two in peace and seclusion”

synonyms:tranquility, calm, restfulness, peace and quiet, peacefulness, quiet, quietness.

2. Freedom from or the cessation of war or violence.

“the Straits were to be open to warships in time of peace”

synonyms:law and order, lawfulness, order, peacefulness, peaceableness, harmony, nonviolence; formalconcord

“we pray for peace”

exclamation

1. Used as a greeting.

2. Used as an order to remain silent.

We can utilize these definitions comfortably. Let me point out the final description. There might be someone or some people who are speaking untruth that hurt us. We receive an order to stand down and do just what? At this point it is best to suggest that’s difficult as it seems it is best to ‘leave and let be.’ There is a reason they say those things. We truly have the greatest example this world has ever known. This dude Jesus, did nothing, said nothing untoward in any way but was ‘punished’ beyond the realms of punishment. Even the ruler at the time was aware of what He had been through and sought the relief of the people. He actually offered them a choice-Jesus or Barabas a known ‘criminal’.

Barabbas /bəˈræbəs/ or Jesus Barabbas (a Hellenization of the Aramaic bar abba בר אבא, literally “son of the father” or “Jesus, son of the Father” respectively) is a figure mentioned in the accounts of the Passion of Christ, in which he is an insurrectionary whom Pontius Pilate freed at the Passover feast in Jerusalem, instead of releasing Jesus.

Forbearance. Defined as ‘self-restraint.’

And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and FORBEARANCE and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?  Romans 2:3-4

Another challenge I am placing out there is can you truly see examples of this in your life? Take today for instance, how did we deal with everything in our day? Can we say that we kept the Word in its totality. Were all our actions Christ-like? I am aware that this is a challenge filled ‘chapter’. I would suggest taking it, acting on it and very possibly re-reading and constantly acting on the things that are challenged.

I might say this too often, but I was permitted back for a reason which gets more evident each passing moment. God is God of all. He created us for His purpose, can He find joy in you, your actions, your mind. Once again, did you radiate God in your life today?

kindness. We are getting somewhere. Hold fast! Almost done with this sharing.

The main problem in understanding kindness is the fact that it is one of a series ofterms that are overlapping and not clearly or consistently distinguishable in meaning.This is true not only in English (kindness, goodness, mercy, pity, love, grace, favor,compassion, gentleness, tenderness, etc.) but also in Greek (chrestos, eleemon, oiktirmon,charis, agape, splanchnon, epieikeia, etc.) and in Hebrew (hesed, tob, rahamim, hemlah,hen, etc.). Consider, for example, the relationship of love, goodness, kindness, and mercyin lu 6:35-36. Nevertheless, although distinctions are not consistent, kindness (likegoodness, love) tends to cover a broad range of meaning, with mercy and grace beingprogressively narrower.

Divine Kindness God’s kindness is presupposed or taught throughout Scripture.

It is manifest in what is called “common grace.” God is kind to all he hasmade ( Psalm 145:9 ),even when his creatures are ungrateful and wicked ( Luke 6:35 ; cf. Matt 5:45 ). Hiskindness is intended to lead to repentance, not to rejection of him ( Rom 2:4 ).

In the second place, it is the believer who can truly celebrate God’s kindness, even inareas of experience not directly related to salvation from the guilt and punishment ofsin. God’s kindness is seen in his deliverance of the believer from affliction, fear, andtrouble.

Third, God’s kindness is manifest in the full salvation that comes through Christ ( 1 Peter 2:3 ).Indeed, our salvation derives from the kindness of God ( Eph 2:7-8 ), and itis through continuing in his kindness that we are saved ( Rom 11:22 ).

What is true of God in general is also specifically attributed to Christ, who is gentle( Matt 11:29-30 ).In this connection, Jesus’ kind yoke might better be understood to speak of the fact thatit is gently and considerately laid upon his disciple rather than that it is easy toaccomplish.

Human Kindness The Scriptures also teach that divine kindness is to be reflectedin the human experience. Indeed, expressing kindness to other human beings is moreimportant than performing ritual sacrifice to God ( Hosea 6:6 ; Matthew 9:13 ; 12:7 ). Thus, we areto love kindness ( Mic 6:8 ) and to be children of the Most High, exhibiting his kindness and mercy ( Luke 6:35-36 ).Even more direct is the simple injunction to be kind Eph 4:32 . Kindness often finds a place in the lists of Christian virtues ( 1 Col 13:4 ; Col 3:12 ). Paul can take the injunction a step further and claim to exemplify kindness in his own life to a degree that commends his ministry as authentic 2 Cor 6:6.

Yet human imitation of God’s kindness does not come naturally. In fact, ultimately noone is kind ( Psalm14:3 ; Rom 3:12 ).It is only as the fruit of God’s Spirit that kindness can be a consistent part of thebeliever’s experience ( Gal 5:22 ).

http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/kindness/

Goodness. In this case, once again we go to the Websteresque definition:

good·ness

ˈɡo͝odnəs/

noun

1. The quality of being good, in particular.

exclamation

1. As a substitution for “God”

We can see that once again the ‘legal’ definition goes traipsing through.

What we bear.

We are defined by our chacteristics. I will ask “As a Christian” either declared or undeclared, where is your heart? What makes you who and what you are?

But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-25

Let us take these one at a time: Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

We at this point have defined Love. There are ‘passions’ we might mistake with Love. To rewrite what has been said we can “1 Corinthians 13” it. Can we truly say we can say that? There is a list of the qualities. Let us go over them again, in this case can we literally wrote our names (for example place your name before the quality and see if we exhibit this, a definite learning point!) I will substitute your name as A. A is patient, A is kind, A is patient… And so on. It becomes key to do just this so that we understand It for just what it is.

1 Corinthians 13 is so beautiful. The one great need in our Christian life is Love, more Love to God and to each other. I much rather that we all would and we could all move into that love chapter and live there.’ As we stated and challenged a minute ago, we should place our names before Love and ensure that true Love radiates from our Spirit.

Let me be pesky! Can people literally say this about you. I am aware that much is said; we are aware that people are always talking. Let me state it this way “In your abscense, what do people state about who you are?” Is there jealousy on who you are, what you are, how you do things? This can be a point where we stand and decide that we start exhibiting who and what we truly are.

In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul takes us to Christianity at its source; and there we see ‘the greatest of these is love.’

God is love. We deceive ourselves if we think we can Love God and hate other people is that possible. I personally do not think that. If we truly Love God it means so very much. 1 John 4:20. Love should be number one on your spiritual priority list. It should be the main thing in your life. Love is, indeed, the greatest thing in the world. It is, in the words of St Paul, ‘the most excellent way’ (and literally in our ‘world’)  1 Corinthians 12:31).

Moving right and along joy. Just what is this? Happiness? Definitions are simply descriptions of the way people use words. Words don’t have intrinsic definitions. They are given definitions by the way people use them. When I say I want to define joy for you, I am asking, Whose joy are we talking about, or what use of the word are we talking about?

Christian joy is a good feeling in the Spirit, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.

We can and will touch on this later. For this current description we are made to understand it it is not a ‘fleeting’ emotion, it is a way to be. It has been set forth in and for us as Christians. I will ask “Have you felt true joy?” I have to ask so that we can set our feet on the right path. There are some that may not realize that. Let is ‘break it down’.

Joy isn’t like happiness which is based upon happenings or whether things are going well or not. No, joy remains even amidst the suffering. Joy is not happiness. Joy is an emotion that’s acquired by the anticipation, acquisition or even the expectation of something great or wonderful. It could be described as exhilaration, delight, sheer gladness, and can result from a great success or a very beautiful or wonderful experience like a wedding or graduation but the definition of joy that the world holds is not nearly as amazing as biblical joy but joy is also gift.

Peace, just what does this mean? I am at ease on a permanent basis. That should be all we say, but we get to define this further, in this case let us go to the Webster dictionary-as you see I am staying in line with The Word but definitely keeping ‘current.

pēs/

noun

1. Freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.

“you can while away an hour or two in peace and seclusion”

synonyms:tranquility, calm, restfulness, peace and quiet, peacefulness, quiet, quietness.

2. Freedom from or the cessation of war or violence.

“the Straits were to be open to warships in time of peace”

synonyms:law and order, lawfulness, order, peacefulness, peaceableness, harmony, nonviolence; formalconcord

“we pray for peace”

exclamation

1. Used as a greeting.

2. Used as an order to remain silent.

We can utilize these definitions comfortably. Let me point out the final description. There might be someone or some people who are speaking untruth that hurt us. We receive an order to stand down and do just what? At this point it is best to suggest that’s difficult as it seems it is best to ‘leave and let be.’ There is a reason they say those things. We truly have the greatest example this world has ever known. This dude Jesus, did nothing, said nothing untoward in any way but was ‘punished’ beyond the realms of punishment. Even the ruler at the time was aware of what He had been through and sought the relief of the people. He actually offered them a choice-Jesus or Barabas a known ‘criminal’.

Barabbas /bəˈræbəs/ or Jesus Barabbas (a Hellenization of the Aramaic bar abba בר אבא, literally “son of the father” or “Jesus, son of the Father” respectively) is a figure mentioned in the accounts of the Passion of Christ, in which he is an insurrectionary whom Pontius Pilate freed at the Passover feast in Jerusalem, instead of releasing Jesus.

Forbearance. Defined as ‘self-restraint.’

And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and FORBEARANCE and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?  Romans 2:3-4

Another challenge I am placing out there is can you truly see examples of this in your life? Take today for instance, how did we deal with everything in our day? Can we say that we kept the Word in its totality. Were all our actions Christ-like? I am aware that this is a challenge filled ‘chapter’. I would suggest taking it, acting on it and very possibly re-reading and constantly acting on the things that are challenged.

I might say this too often, but I was permitted back for a reason which gets more evident each passing moment. God is God of all. He created us for His purpose, can He find joy in you, your actions, your mind. Once again, did you radiate God in your life today?

kindness. We are getting somewhere. Hold fast! Almost done with this sharing.

The main problem in understanding kindness is the fact that it is one of a series ofterms that are overlapping and not clearly or consistently distinguishable in meaning.This is true not only in English (kindness, goodness, mercy, pity, love, grace, favor,compassion, gentleness, tenderness, etc.) but also in Greek (chrestos, eleemon, oiktirmon,charis, agape, splanchnon, epieikeia, etc.) and in Hebrew (hesed, tob, rahamim, hemlah,hen, etc.). Consider, for example, the relationship of love, goodness, kindness, and mercyin lu 6:35-36. Nevertheless, although distinctions are not consistent, kindness (likegoodness, love) tends to cover a broad range of meaning, with mercy and grace beingprogressively narrower.

Divine Kindness God’s kindness is presupposed or taught throughout Scripture.

It is manifest in what is called “common grace.” God is kind to all he hasmade ( Psalm 145:9 ),even when his creatures are ungrateful and wicked ( Luke 6:35 ; cf. Matt 5:45 ). Hiskindness is intended to lead to repentance, not to rejection of him ( Rom 2:4 ).

In the second place, it is the believer who can truly celebrate God’s kindness, even inareas of experience not directly related to salvation from the guilt and punishment ofsin. God’s kindness is seen in his deliverance of the believer from affliction, fear, andtrouble.

Third, God’s kindness is manifest in the full salvation that comes through Christ ( 1 Peter 2:3 ).Indeed, our salvation derives from the kindness of God ( Eph 2:7-8 ), and itis through continuing in his kindness that we are saved ( Rom 11:22 ).

What is true of God in general is also specifically attributed to Christ, who is gentle( Matt 11:29-30 ).In this connection, Jesus’ kind yoke might better be understood to speak of the fact thatit is gently and considerately laid upon his disciple rather than that it is easy toaccomplish.

Human Kindness The Scriptures also teach that divine kindness is to be reflectedin the human experience. Indeed, expressing kindness to other human beings is moreimportant than performing ritual sacrifice to God ( Hosea 6:6 ; Matthew 9:13 ; 12:7 ). Thus, we areto love kindness ( Mic 6:8 ) and to be children of the Most High, exhibiting his kindness and mercy ( Luke 6:35-36 ).Even more direct is the simple injunction to be kind Eph 4:32 . Kindness often finds a place in the lists of Christian virtues ( 1 Col 13:4 ; Col 3:12 ). Paul can take the injunction a step further and claim to exemplify kindness in his own life to a degree that commends his ministry as authentic 2 Cor 6:6.

Yet human imitation of God’s kindness does not come naturally. In fact, ultimately noone is kind ( Psalm14:3 ; Rom 3:12 ).It is only as the fruit of God’s Spirit that kindness can be a consistent part of thebeliever’s experience ( Gal 5:22 ).

http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/kindness/

Goodness. In this case, once again we go to the Websteresque definition:

good·ness

ˈɡo͝odnəs/

noun

1. The quality of being good, in particular.

exclamation

1. As a substitution for “God”

We can see that once again the ‘legal’ definition goes traipsing through.

“Waiting on The LORD.”

Now just what does that mean? We have read (or heard of) the verse that says “A day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day.” 2 Peter 3:8 this seems impossible! But think on it. In God’s eyes His Son was just here. All history (which is essentially God’s story was turned around.) We can be as Adam and Eve and live much like they did. God not only comes in the ‘still of the eve’, but His Spirit is permanently encamped in us, if and when we realize and allow this to be the case

We can fellowship with Him all ways. How many of us know God is waiting and willing for us to throw the doors open? We can see from The Word that Moses and so many more had an awesome relationship with The LORD. We just pointed out that even his second in command Aaron and his sister spoke out against him, they were punished for it.

And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days.

Numbers 12:10-15

So, in ‘waiting’ on The LORD, It might not be immediate for so many reasons. Ensure your life is right, then truly start to prayerfully and thankfully wait on Him.

We can break this down further, to wait on The LORD seems so very ‘droll’. We think/say “But God said I should ask, and I would receive. I’m asking…!!!”

Let’s address this. If you were to receive what you asked for in the here and now, what would happen? Think about it. We would so get used to asking and the immediacy of things. In truth, there is no ‘lesson’ there. A teaching point-Yes! But are we truly learning? We ask, we receive, we are happy full-stop/period. How about The thanksgiving? I can put this so many ways. One would say “I thanked God for this, of course I did…” But are your thanksgivings automatic and ‘spontaneous’ because you know you have to. Or are they from realizing that without God’s grace, the ‘chances’ were slim to none? A very brief story I have to share is I went to DMV the other day and realized in my ‘rush’ I had forgotten my wallet at home (now before you think I drove ‘illegally’, my mother took me!). I had waited on line not aware that I had forgotten my wallet at home. Then I was called. Ran though the rigmarole (actually found out that I had filled the wrong form), when all this was done, I was asked for my life sense. And you can imagine what happened next. I was sent home to ‘fetch’ the drivers license. Just what is a ‘testimony’ in that? You might ask. Hole on!

The week after, my mother again took me. She went for a walk-something she does often. Praise The LORD for His care and hand in and on her life. (More on this later). When we get back I walked straight to the line I had been before

There were three ‘clerks’ at the Windows, and I waited patiently. The first clear to be free was ‘right in front of me’. I brought out the paperwork (for a duplicate of my title of ownership); she decided just then she would head out to lunch. Turned the sign at her window to “out on break”. I then had to wait for one of the remaining two. Guess what? The same one who had attended to me the previous visit came free! And by the grace of God recognized me. All the paperwork was out and complete but there was a problem with the computer. She called over (and waited) for the next clerk who at the time was busy. To cut a long story short with prayer and a constant trust in God, she printed out the title there and then. I walked out of DMV with the title in my hands. There are many possible scenarios. She might have taken all the information and had it mailed, her PC might have acted up and she would have ‘allowed’ me to go home and wait for it to be sent, I ‘might’ have forgotten something (it wasn’t I ‘quick’ drive either.) The reason I share this is, so many things happen each and every day. Do we realize what the blessings are?

Stop here! Let us do something. Think back on the previous 24 hours (I am giving you time,) think of all the unexpected and surprising things that occurred. What would you have/have done without? And in this case, what can you do with what so ‘luckily’ fell in your lap? It is time (once again to realize that we have a special umpire in our corner.) Our ‘fight’ may not always be ‘fought’ for us, but the energy/power/ability comes from one source!

Believe that the God who saved you hears your cries (Micah 7:7).

Have you ever felt like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling? Perhaps, like me, you have prayed for years about a concern, but God has seemed silent. That’s where God demonstrated his love and mercy towards us when we were still his enemies. Mind you, Man had sinned and we were apart from His will. I will be stubborn and ask, which one of you can truly say (and mean it) that they are without sin? It is not impossible, I am sure that there are many moments that we can answer this in the affirmative, that is great! Let is look to permanently be able to share (and say this).

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

In other words, the cross is our guarantee that God is for us and is committed to give us everything we would ask for if we knew everything he knew. We can be content with that and wait patiently for his answers.

2. Watch with expectancy, but be prepared for unexpected answers (Psalm 5:3).

While God has been faithful to answer many of my prayers, it’s often been in far different ways than I would have anticipated! God knows that the only way to do what he and I both desire will, at times, involve varying degrees of discomfort in my life.

Growing in humility means pride has to be done away with. Learning to love like Jesus requires us to say no to self’s constant demand for selfish ambition, wanting our own way, and putting ourselves first. Growing in patience inevitably involves some form of waiting, whether in a long line at the grocery story or a lifetime for a loved one to come to Christ. When we lay our requests before him, it is by faith that we wait and watch in anticipation of God’s good work in us and others.

3. Put your hope in his Word (Psalm 130:5-6).

We can be tempted to put our hope in things that may disappoint us in the end. We can hope a doctor will heal us, a teacher will pass us, a spouse will love us, our employer will reward us, or a friend will help us. But it is only when we put our hope in Christ that we can wait with confidence and know we will not be put to shame.

It seems that God allows us to experience disappointments in life to teach us that nothing else will truly satisfy or provide us with a firm foundation to stand upon. God’s Word alone is unshakable. We can wait for the Lord knowing that, no matter how dark the night is, his light will break through in our lives, bringing abundant joy through a more intimate relationship with Christ.

4. Trust in the Lord, not in your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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

1 Peter 3:15

So, I read this and meditated on it. Are we asked? What makes you different??? Let me state it a different way. Is there or are there things that cause you to stand out among folks. I will do well to say that among believers, we should ‘fit’ in wonderfully well (we will touch on this when we discuss ‘faith’). What makes you different???

Ok, let me ask…before eating, do you hold and give thanks for the food? I can strip this down…aren’t there people alive that are hungry or in need of more. But, you sit down and are about to take it in. Give thanks! We have been asked to give thanks in all, do you??? We are about to spill over into a “gratitude” teaching; let us hold fast to where we are and what we set out to do.

Let us define ‘hope’. All we do encircled hope. Our lives, our ways, our beliefs, our all. Where do you want to be tomorrow? Our answer is…. Are you working toward it? Striving? We can look back and see just what we put in to be were we currently are. Look back. Did you know you’d be right where you are? It was a hope that your hard work would pay off. No? We live in hope, striving for the next nugget. Well in our Christian walk, we have the very self same hope.

We have not seen or lived, but we hope and live in hope that we will. Let us be a bit ‘unruly’ and take a moment to ask another brother or sister what there hope is. If they speak of there present hope, propel them forward and ask what their ultimate hope and goal is. It is not ‘kosher’ to speak about ‘end time’s’ with anyone at all. But, we did not say ‘end time’s’ rather “Where do you hope to be when your life is over?” Ok, there I get a look of “Aha! That is what you were driving at?”

So in asking we get a heap of answers, the main one goes “If Heaven is real, that is where I hope to be.” Back in the day; there might have been one or two people who had experienced a brief glimpse of where we will all end up. I in reading the Bible have run into accounts of a few. Most importantly, at the time these occurred technology to send this far and wide was unavailable, so we read about it in the here and now. How did people catch a whiff of what was coming? All comes down to hope.

I hope that I am doing right, or what I am doing will get me where I want to be (I should really say “hope to be”.) It is a definite, we as people have hopes and dreams. What are yours? Again we go down lists and lists of every form shape and size. We are clear with what we want-here!!! And after???

Once again, I will be a tad stubborn. If you were coming back to earth (recycled life). I say this because I have listened to one share about this. What can you do to ensure that your next round will be golden? I have so many suggestions, which we have shared in the past. But, I had to admit that not knowing where, when, as what we would be back makes that a very improbable answer or theory. Now, we are getting somewhere. A theory/concept, no?

All this from a verse, no? Shows why and what we have to meditate on His word day and night. Funny enough, that is in The Word, Psalm 1:2 to be precise: “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

and who meditates on his law day and night.”

I guess I should ask; “From where do you obtain your thrills and/or chills?” Kinda ‘freaky’, huh? All connected. We may not have realized it just yet, but as we begin to take a thrill in The Word, we will be revealed its ‘secrets’ that are out in the open and get chills as we realize what we may have missed for it becomes established in our Lives.

I guess we will end this with a thrill:

Your word, Lord, is eternal;

it stands firm in the Heavens.

Psalm 119:

And as we meditate on this, we are made to understand:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will bee bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will bef loosed in Heaven.”

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on Earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in Heaven.”

Matthew 18:18

So, in all things may we respond in gentleness and respect. In Love y’all, for that is our ‘new way’, Amen.

Chaper 17

“I am the Living bread that came down from Heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”

– John 6:51

Must we ‘grub’ to stay healthy? No matter how ‘specific’ we get. Vegans, Vegetarians, standard Nutrition appreciates; we have to eat to be here, no?

We have the promise of ‘living’ bread. Happened and we were not aware. Our debts are played! Were taken on in all their fullness.

We have a way to sup. Believe in your Spirit that Jesus came for you, no one else. Might take a bit of realizing; you were the reason (among other people) that He came. Right now, I am focusing on you. In the verse it says Anyone who eats this bread will live forever… What does this mean?

For you Jesus came and died, He was put to a death that we could/can barely imagine, for us! We hear and in faith believe. Yes there is history. Even with history, stories change. But 2000+ years later the story has remained the same. Truism I call it, crystal clear fact.

We are left with the action we are to take: accept or deny. The choice is clear, a chose we must make. How do I put this? There are things in life we have to decide on; what to wear, what time to leave, when to get there…so many decisions. But there is one that answers all… If we take a moment to dress it down; we have all these decisions but they amount to one fact. The time, place, conditions, health status we cannot decide. Time, place, conditions, season, even reason….all is left to…chance.

So, we can make a decision now that becomes a part; the who and what we are. So, we must come to a decision.

This was said: “And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.”

Can we guess who said this and to whom? A big clue is one of those spoken to was a doubter. But today, I ask you “Where are you going and how will you get there?”

GPS knowledge springs up….”a left, two rights, you’ll see a sign that says …” Stop! Did you really think I meant directions on and of how to get someplace? I meant some where, THE place! No matter where our lives take us there is that deep seated knowledge and hope that there is more. O will ask you “Is there?”

“What makes you believe?” Is it based on faith? Believing without seeing? That is where hope comes from. We have slices and diced it every which way and we are left ‘hoping’ that we trusted right.

Let me be a ‘bad guy’s for a minute. I will ask “How about if it comes to mean nothing at all?” Let me be stubborn and stand in another set oh shoes. “Even if I am proved wrong, when you look back on the way out. Could you or would you have done anything differently? We can be blatantly honest, No one to hear your response, even I the ‘askee’ is not present. All I can do is point our that living by the rules in The Word lead us to live lives that are above reproach. We in essence are in a great place. To have hope, to live it and ‘wait’ for the promise…is a way of life. Live it it peace and Spiritual excellence in Jesus’ name, Amen

(Daniel 3:15b)  “And who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands”                           Therefore as you go out this day with your faith in God, the Lord will deliver you as He did for  the three Hebrew boys. He will open a new chapter in your life. He will defend His name. He will Speak peace to your life. He will demonstrate His power just to give you the last laugh. Your enemies will declare publicly the mighty power of God and your testimony shall be real. Many will follow you to serve your God. Amen

Jesus’ ‘brothers’ (I know what you are thinking, reason why I started with that. Awesome to start at shock and finish with awe!) said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles!

You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!”

For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.

John 7:

3-5

Who exactly are these? Joseph’s children from his first marriage? Jesus’ relatives as in ‘cousin’s’ I have to admit that it is hard to figure out. This comes up yet other times; The Gospel of Mark 6:3 and the Gospel of Matthew 13:55-56 state that James, Joses (or Joseph), Judas, and Simon were the brothers of Jesus, The same verses also mention unnamed sisters of Jesus.

Being of direct African decent we called ‘cousins’ as we called siblings. I will give an example ‘Older male’ relative is àgbà arakunrin. If you switch that to ‘younger’ you get ‘aburo’. The simplest form is Sister/Brother which can be described as Egbon or Aburo. The specifics are not stated. But the most significant that settles this is siblings (if there were any) would have been there at the cross or with Mary. Before Jesus breathed His last, He committed the care of His Mother to John.

Then said He to the disciple, Behold your Mother! And from that hour that disciple took Her to his own home.

John 19:27

Again, should the ‘siblings’ who obviously knew of the signs and wonders not have been at the cross? Yet they were missing which draws a simple line across them being related in any way.

For me it draws a HUGE line under the virgin Mary. Born for a purpose and fulfilling that purpose. I have to point out that she was given a choice; we read-

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And 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 bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to 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.”

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

Not only was the birth of Jesus announced as Mary submitted to the will of God. But the birth of John the Baptist was foretold. We will get to that, but Mary went to wait on Elizabeth-John the baptist’ mother. Which we read about. As we have shared it is all connected! When we open our hearts, it all falls in place, Alleluia!