Palm Sunday (Easter Story 1) (Matthew 21:1-7)

It's time for me to read the Easter story again.  Today is the day we celebrate Palm Sunday.  It took place around 33 AD.  Jesus and the disciples were on one of their journeys through Israel.

Matthew 21:1-17

1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.  3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and immediately he will send them." 

4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 

5 "Tell the daughter of Zion,

'Behold, your King is coming to you,

Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,

A colt, the foal of a donkey.'" 

This prophecy was first recorded in Zechariah 9:9, and fulfilled by Jesus.

6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 

This is unusual for the disciples.  Usually when Jesus asked them to do something, they were full of questions.  I wonder if they shrugged their shoulders and whispered, "What do you think He's up to?"  Someone might have answered, "Don't know.  We should just do it."  So glad the disciples were people like us.  By this time they knew Jesus wasn't popular with the temple leaders in Jerusalem.  Maybe they simply did it out of faith, full of apprehension as to what came next.

7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 

9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

"Hosanna to the Son of David!

'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' Hosanna in the highest!" 

This was originally written in Psalm 118:26.  It was fulfilled by Jesus.

10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?" 11 So the multitudes said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee." 

It must've been a wonderful moment for all who witnessed it.  I can imagine the whispers and the love of the crowd.  People who had heard His teaching and seen His miracles, continued to follow Him.

For the disciples, everything must've seemed great.  All are happy, everything's fine.  They were a part of something so much greater than their imaginations.

12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'"

Fun's over, Jesus had an important task at hand.  He went into the temple.  The temple that never recognized Him as the Messiah, even tried to kill Him as a baby.  It was no longer God's House like King David had dreamed.  It was now a money making industry.   

Instead of raising a scepter and wearing a golden crown with jewels like I would think a king would do, Jesus healed the blind and lame in the temple.  The children sang "Hosanna to the Son of David!"  Hosanna means, "Save now" or "Praise."  The temple had never experienced this before. It was a solemn place.

14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant 16 and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?"

The chief priests and scribes were thrilled?  No, they were indignant.  The only way I can grasp this attitude is to realize the priests and scribes lived in a time when they didn't want a Messiah.  They enjoyed their careers.  They had nice homes and never worried about money.  Perhaps they even had nice chariots.  Maybe they just didn't want to think about God right now, it wasn't convenient.  Kind of like the temptations we face.

I can imagine how wonderful it must've been to see our King in the Temple.  The children started singing with no prompt- they just knew.  The blind and lame had the courage to come to Him.  He actually healed from within the Temple. What a wonderful image of Heaven.

And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?" 

This prophecy was recorded in Psalms 8:2, and fulfilled by Jesus.  Amidst the beauty of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, tensions began to rise.  It was all in God's plan.

I love it when He says, "Have you never read?"  The scribes and chief priests were supposed to be extremely knowledgeable about the Old Testament.  Their job was to study scripture and apply it according to God's will.  The definition of a scribe from my Bible dictionary is "class of learned men who made the systematic study of the law and its exposition their professional occupation."  So when Jesus said, "Have you never read?" It would've been like asking a heart surgeon if he knew what an artery was.  Oy!  Think I would blush if Jesus asked me that.  I'll keep reading the Bible.  Truly we all have favorite passages though, guess we should read it all : )

NKJV

Dear Heavenly Father, 
I continue to pray for peace in Jerusalem.  I know none of us will be forgotten by You.  Please protect those who are in harms way facing persecution.  Send the angels to protect and hide them.  I pray for wisdom for our leaders in the USA.  Grant us wisdom as we seek to elect a new President.  Thank You for hope secured in our hearts like an anchor.  Help us count our blessings, especially in the good times. 

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes.
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)
 
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen     
Here's Michael W. Smith's song, "Hosanna" (link)

Finding the balance (Acts 6, Genesis 11:1-7 )

"God will direct our paths when we trust Him"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

It's official, I am now 55 : )  I've reached the speed limit!  I've already pretty much forgotten my age.  Back to jumping jacks, and stretching.  If I don't move that's a problem hahaha. My husband took me to the Ringling Brothers & Barnum Bailey Circus for my birthday.  I love to shoot (photograph) and paint animals.  I didn't take my camera thinking they'd be annoyed with the flash.  But when we got there a lot of people were using cell phones with flashes.  I got a nice brochure I can use for reference.  Today I'm working on a watercolor of daffodils.  I love to play classical music while I paint.  So much to do, so little time! Writing with music is a bit more challenging for me though ...

In this part of Acts things take a different turn for the disciples.  It appears the early Christians were still gathering together and sharing goods.  As it is today they also separated themselves by preference.  I don't think there's anything wrong with that.  Some do better with evangelic messages, others prefer modern music, or solemn services.  The end goal always needs to be faith in Jesus, love, worship and prayer (as far as I can see).  Problems start when people look to leadership more than Jesus and criticize others.

As I read this chapter, I realized God doesn't want us to be by ourselves in our faith.  We need others.  The flip side is, He also doesn't want us to only hang out with other Christians.

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews.

• Hellinistic Jews prefered the Greek/Roman lifestyle
• Hebraic Jews were from Israel 

because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
This is kinda cool it's like a lot of our Churches are today.  There are people who are fantastic at doing good works for the Church.  They vacuum, clean bathrooms, prepare for guest speakers etc.  Then there are people who are great at inspiring others through sermons, leading them to faith in Christ.  Pastors are like Shepherds today.  They look out for us and mine makes sure I'm doing ok.  I started this blog independantly because I wanted everyone to be able to read the Bible.  God's Word has been totally awesome to me.  I've found such love and encouragement in the scriptures.  I attend a Calvary Chapel Church and love the rock music.  Yeah us old folks still love to rock : )  I wanted to be able to use my artwork and just share my experience.  My spiritual gifts are encouragement, and healing through prayer.  

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So we have consensus for now anyway.  These are all humans so you know...  I will enjoy seeing Stephen in Heaven.  He is described as:

1. full of faith
2. full of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is our encourager and gives us the gifts, knowledge, and abilities we need to serve God.  The result is below: 
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called) —Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia —who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

Sometimes it seems the greatest miracles are when people are in one accord.  We are all so different.  None of us are perfect.  But it sure is great when I go to Church and see people working together well.  I think our society is more closed now.  We have our own little world with TV, online shopping, radio... all sorts of stuff.  I'm grateful for my privacy, camera and paint, don't get me wrong.  People are actually nice in New Jersey.  We live in a small culdesac. 

11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”

This is just sad.  It sounds like what they did to Jesus.  Jealousy, greed and rage are terrible companions.  In New Jersey, we're seeing denominations joining together more.  When we sang at Carnegie Hall a few years ago there wer several denominations.
 
15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

There's something else here that stands out to me. All of these Christians are together in one place.  Where is the rest of the world? These believers were building a community for themselves.  They lived together, argued, worshiped and hung out together.  But what about the tower of Babel?  God never intended us to be by ourselves.  The goal has always been for us to be God's servants to the world.  Here's the story of the Tower of Babel:

1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”
(Genesis 11:1-7 NIV)

(Acts 6:1-15 NIV)

Dear Heavenly Father, 
I continue to pray for peace in Jerusalem.  I know they are not forgotten to You.  I also lift up those who have lost loved ones in the terrible plane crash.  I pray for wisdom for our leaders in the USA.  Grant us wisdom as we seek to elect a new President.  Thank You for hope secured in our hearts like an anchor.  Help us count our blessings, especially in the good times.

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes.
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)
 
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen     

This is a great song:
Tenth Avenue North, No Man is an Island (link) 

Angel opens prison doors : ) (Acts Chapter 5:17-42, Psalm 122:6-9, Zechariah 4:6)

I don't know if anyone else feels this way but I am very impressed with Benjamin Netanyahu.  He would do anything to protect his nation.  I hope our next president is as committed and loyal.  Maybe I'm missing something but it sounds like the White House wants to take Israeli land and give it to the people who keep bombing them.  Sorta like helping terrorists. The Palestinians today are a product of Arafat's imagination. Fox News did a real good documentary on Israel.

I often think of Israel as having Samson and Moses running around.  But the truth is Roman soldiers, Pharisees, Sadducees all sorts of people wanted to destroy Jesus.  God has blessed Israel it's full of plants and water now.  They were diligent and built roads, jobs and an airport.  Bad guys like free stuff, not hard work.  The Jews are still chosen by God.

As Christians, we accept Jesus as our Savior (the trinity- Father, Son and Holy Spirit).  A lot of us have a soft spot for Israel. The New Jerusalem that God has prepared for us will be permanent.  No terrorists in the neighborhood!  I believe we should still respect and pray for Israel.  Revelation clearly states there will be more bad days to come.  America has been a nation for 239 years.  Israel since the beginning of time.  European nations have stuff dating back to the time of Christ and before.   It's amazing how far the USA has come in such a short time.   I'll continue to pray for wisdom in selecting our next President and for peace in Jerusalem.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure.
7 May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.”
8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.
(Psalms 122:6-9 NIV)

Back to the Book of Acts-

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, 18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”
21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.


Wow an angel came and told the disciples what to do.  We really don't know if we see angels.  Tradition has them glowing with golden light.  How exciting.

22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. 25 So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
Don't you wish you could've seen this?  First the wow of an Angel, then the look on the guard's faces hahaha.

26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!”
I can hear the disciples thinking, "Well yeah actually we did : ) "  I'm pretty sure at this point the disciples would be more concerned about people getting saved.  They saw Jesus in the Upper Room and listened to His words (Acts 1:13).

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said:“We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Many Jews have come to Christ since this time period.  There is a group called, "Jews for Jesus" now.  It's exciting to me to know how much has been accomplished over the years in Jesus name. My main tools are the Bible and prayer but there's something fascinating about real Jewish Christians.

This is also interesting.  If you remember Gamaliel was the top teacher of Jewish Law in the time of Christ.  The Apostle Paul learned from him.  This guy was so smart he could tell you exactly how many inches a proper scroll should be.

Gamaliel's Advice
33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them:“Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.

• 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 
• 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 

38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
So Gamaliel turned out to be a REALLY good teacher didn't he?  I have no idea how many Christians there are in the world now.  I never really paid attention to this story before.  

40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 
Unfortunately the High Priest of the temple didn't seem to have any regard for Gamaliel's words.  The High Priest had pressure from the Romans, Pharisees, Sadducees all sorts of people.  Sounds like he was so caught up in law he didn't have a heart for God.  This seems to happen to people in our time too sometimes.  Very sad.

6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty."
(Zechariah 4:6 NIV)

How would you like to have the name, "Zerubbabel"?

41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Wow they left rejoicing of being counted worthy to suffer shame in His name.  Personally I'm a whimp.  This doesn't sound fun at all.  I tend to believe God will provide the strength we need when the time comes though.

(Acts 5:17-42 NKJV)

Dear Heavenly Father, 
I pray for peace in Jerusalem.  I know that many things have been prophesied in Revelation.  And it is a bit frightening to see things happen.  I pray for wisdom for our leaders in the USA.  I am grateful for our country.  Please help us improve the school systems.  Grant us wisdom as we seek to elect a new President.  Thank You for Jesus, faith and the hope secured in our hearts like an anchor. 

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes.
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)
 
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen     

Jason Gray, Good to be Alive, (link) 

No need to lie (Acts 5:1-16, Matt 6:9-13, 1 Tim 6:10, Hebrews 12:1-2, Prov 16:18-19, Mark 12:29-31)

"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun fall warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."
Irish Blessing

"If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these peoples; even though some of them still look down on me." - St. Patrick

I was just telling my husband it would be nice to go to Ireland so I can do a photo shoot.  I believe I am part Irish and Scottish.  I've loved all the photos I've seen so far of Ireland.  Today my husband dressed up like a giant leprechaun for work in the Nursing Home!  I just got the report that all the elderly folks totally loved it and had a good laugh.  Laughter is good medicine you know!  It's great to think of those who've gone before us like St. Patrick.  We have so many great believers in our today and history.

After I wrote my last post I got to thinking about "looking out for the needs of others."  I realized when I look out for others, I'm not worrying about myself.   "Am I going to succeed?  Will this headache ever go away? Is this a hot flash?"  I remember days of ministry in Nursing Homes that felt like sitting with the angels.  When I help others, I feel good.  I don't worry.  God is pleased and I sense it in my heart.  It's just like a great Father would do, allow us to be His hands and feet on earth. Then help us out when we need it.

29 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is:‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. ’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this:‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.
(Mark 12:29-31 NKJV)

Acts Chapter 5

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
This was after the great revival with the disciples who had just received the Holy Spirit.  One of the gifts of the Spirit is discernment.  Some of us can sense when we are lied to.  The Spirit helps us understand the truth.  His gifts go to different individuals for different reasons.  For example, I have been near people who brought a cold chill over me.  The room was warm, the people were not it's a creepy feeling. So I stay away.  

In this story, Peter is confused as to why Ananias decided to lie about how much money he would bring to the group of Christians.  He said he sold everything, but really kept some of it.  Peter is mystified.  He didn't have to give it all.  So both Ananias and Sapphira lied to the disciples and the Holy Spirit.  Not such a great idea.  You can't lie to God, He already knows everything...  I've always loved this verse.  It's great at keeping my feet on the ground and my pride outta the way (most of the time). We all struggle with pride.

18 Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
(Proverbs 16:18-19 NKJV)

5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”
She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
It's so sad isn't it? In today's world it's the same.  We are afraid to admit we are afraid financially.  It's hard to let go of what we've worked so hard to save.  If Ananias and Sapphira had just told the truth no one would've been upset.  Being a Christian doesn't mean we don't get scared.  It doesn't mean we're standing on gold, it means we are standing on faith and hoping in the Lord.  Some Christians do have lots of money.  What a great thing to be able to help out others.  Even those who aren't wealthy financially can give and be rich in heart.  

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV) 

I was at an art store one day and a woman stood by me and touched everything on the rack making strange noises.  It was really weird, so I turned and said, "Hi do you need some help?  I'm an artist."  

Then she told me she had been diagnosed a second time with breast cancer and she wanted to do art to help stop the anxiety.  Ok here's the tears again...  I told her I'd pray for her.  She told me I didn't have to.  I told her it's free, I love to pray.  I will pray for you.  I did.  We can pray and God heals.  I never saw the woman again but I'm so glad I prayed.  We have so much to give to others.

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV)

12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch. 13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

When people need help they usually appreciate prayer.


Dear Heavenly Father, 
I pray nuclear weapons won't destroy the middle east.  Please bless us with wisdom as we elect a new president.  Help us to consider what we have learned in the past years and seek to improve things in the USA and for our allies.  Please be close to those in Ukraine and Europe, protect and bless them.    I thank You for Your light that shines brightest in darkness and the fun we can enjoy.  Comfort those who mourn, and renew a right spirit within us.

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes.
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)
 
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen     


(Acts 5:1-16 NKJV)

Casting Crowns “Praise You in this storm (link)”
I also pray for Mark the lead singer in Casting Crowns, he's heading home today from the hospital.  He's going to be fine, they caught the cancer early enough.

Acts of the Apostles (Acts 4, John 14:12-14, John 8:12, John 11:25-26)

"Jesus promise to us"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Life sure is strange.  This month I'm turning 55, it's the speed limit in the USA for driving.  So, I've reached the speed limit... Hmmm.  I was talking to my Aunt and she said she's 80, she's exceeded the speed limit!  Hahaha.  Age really doesn't matter.  What matters is that we live well, look out for the needs of others, trust Jesus and still have love and faith in our hearts.

Acts Chapter 4


After Pentacost and the amazing tongues of fire that appeared in Jerusalem Annas the senior ex-high priest, and his son-in-law, "Caiaphas" from 18-36 AD, became angry.  They thought killing Jesus would end all this Christian business.  But now after they received the Holy Spirit things were even worse.  Jesus wasn't the only one healing, they ALL were!  Can't you imagine the bulging eyes and blood veins on their necks when they realized Christians were multiplying?

1 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
I believe after the crucifixion, the Sadducees thought the followers would go away.  But that wasn't God's plan at all.  Instead the followers increased and we are still increasing to this day!  Jesus promised:

12 “ Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."
(John 14:12-14 NKJV)

5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”


Maybe they got so mad they studdered when they asked, "What power or Name did this?"  They had already celebrated the end of Jesus.  It was Peter who stood up and told them the truth.

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:  9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. ’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
Words of Jesus(John 11:25-26 NKJV)

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 
If you notice in the verses 13-14, the Sadducees and Pharisees marveled because Peter and John were uneducated.  I'm not all that educated either.  I just read my Bible almost everyday.  I ask the Holy Spirit to speak to me through His Word.  You don't need a fancy degree, just faith and a willingness to listen to the still small voice.

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
It's so sad to read 15-17.  The only reason they felt they needed to stop the disciples was because they wanted to control the Holy Spirit.  They just couldn't accept the truth before them.  People were healed!  Miracles were happening and they couldn't control it or take credit.  Everyone in Jerusalem knew about it.  They couldn't sweep it under a rug.


18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
Yay!  The Pharisees and Sadducees gave up!  There were too many witnesses who saw what Peter and John really did.  They must've known they couldn't pretend or accuse anymore this man was over 40!  Good Lord, 40 isn't THAT old!  I'm sure Peter and John were so excited, full of joy and hope.  Oh just so you know I use highlighters in my Bible book, to mark passages that stand out to me.  For this blog I use different colored text and underlining.  Be sure to mess up your Bible.  The more you learn, the better it gets.  I wore out my first Bible : )  All the pages fell out.  I think God likes that.

So... Peter and John were set free.  They probably expected it to happen more often.  But it wasn't an easy road God called them to travel.  This would have been such a boost to their faith.
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said:“Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ. ’
27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Hallelujah!  I've heard of this happening in Churches but never experienced it honestly.  The only time I really shook was when I stood up to give my testimony the first time.  My knees knocked and I forgot my name.  I had to ask the Holy Spirit for words to say and He's been helping me ever since.  Don't forget God is with us wherever we go and as long as we are in His will, He will help us do the jobs He has for us.


32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
The disciples grew very close along with the other believers.  They made sure to look after each other's needs.  So they shared their land and posessions.  It could be that they were expecting the return of Christ for His Saints at this time.  But God had more people in mind than they could imagine.  I'm one!  However, God never allowed the disciples to stay in one place.  He had assignments for all of them.  Barnabas was a great encourager and travelled with the disciples.  The disciples chose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot.  But it's believed the Apostle Paul was the one God chose to take the place of Judas Iscariot, keeping the number at 12.  Jesus spoke to Paul directly on the Damascus Road.

36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
(Acts 4:1-37 NKJV)

Dear Heavenly Father, 
I lift up those in the middle east.  I pray You will protect those in harms way.  Defeat the enemy and bring peace to these lands. Let them see clearly what they have become. Bless those who are pesecuted Father and bring peace to Jerusalem.  I continue to pray for wisdom in electing the next president.  Please be close to those in Ukraine and Europe, protect and bless them.    I thank You for Your light that shines brightest in darkness.

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes.
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)
 
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen     

Matt Maher, Christ is Risen from the dead (link)

Miracles! (Acts 3, Matt 9:5-7, Matt 11:5)

We're still getting snow.  No worries though, I am getting muscles from shoveling snow and quite agile avoiding the ice. Hahaha.  It will be hot and humid soon enough.  It's nice to be inside with my kitties.  In Acts Chapter 3 Peter and John are filled with the Holy Spirit and the result is amazing!

1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 
Money wasn't the cure this man needed.  I've been on prayer teams and it is so exhilarating when someone comes back and says, "Thank you for praying I'm well now!"  Or, "What did you do?  It worked!"  Then I'd explain it was the Lord.  We had a student come onto one of the forums and asked for help with his studies.  So I prayed his mind would relax and that he would understand his lessons.  He came back and yup!  He passed his tests, then he brought all his friends. : )  I don't have magical powers, God blesses us when we use our gifts and talents.  God is our healer, Peter and John allowed the Holy Spirit to use them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you:  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Oh that must've been so awesome!  These are things that Jesus said when he was challenged by the Pharisees:

5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”— then He said to the paralytic, “ Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7 And he arose and departed to his house.
(Matthew 9:5-7 NKJV)

5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. (Matt. 11:5)

If you read the words I underlined you can see what is of most concern to God.  Word must've gotten spread around.  In these verses everyone ran to see what Peter had done.  Yay Jesus!

11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed. 
This would be so fun!  Don't you love good news?

12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.


I really appreciate how Peter said this next part.  We all mess up and some things are really hard to shake.  Peter is showing compassion by acknowledging they didn't understand Jesus.
17 “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. 

Peter is explaining how Moses told the Jewish Fathers about Jesus.  If you remember the gospels, Peter made lots of comments that Jesus must've smiled at.  Like when Peter asked to make tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah so they could stay. It was a wonderful gesture but they were not meant to stay on earth.  The changes by receiving the Holy Spirit within are amazing. Peter has:

1. Clear thoughts about the whole kingdom and not just the here and now.
2. More concerned about others than himself.
3. He's more sensitive and compassionate.
4. The Holy Spirit answers his prayers for healing and miracles take place.
5. He sounds really smart and calm in these verses doesn't he?

Back to the story...
22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. ’ 24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. 25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. ’ 26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.
(Acts 3:1-26 NKJV)

I ask the Holy Spirit for words to say in so many situations, when my husband and I argue, when I see someone who seems depressed, when I'm not sure I'll remember what to say.  Actually I ask the Holy Spirit for words as I work on this blog.

God bless!  And may we all get to be a part of miracles : )

This song is from Matt Maher, "The Spirit and the Bride (link)"