Like a butterfly leaving a cocoon (Acts 13:13-34, Philippians 4:19, Psalms 119:105, Rev 20:6)

"Caribbean Blue Butterfly"
Butterflies give us hope that we also will be beautiful in the end.

Today I had to go to the dentist again... argh!  One of my teeth broke 2 times so I went to a new dentist.  Had to get a crown.  It feels much better but today I found out I'll need another crown next week.  I don't know if it hurts when butterflies come out of their cocoons.  But it sure is a wonderful reminder of how God is making us more beautiful as we grow in Christ.  A lot of people in the USA are frightened about what's going on with Israel and the other nations.  But God knows what's coming next and we just need to trust Him.  He will not forsake Israel ever.  He will also not give up on us.  And even though crowns really hurt in the fixing, it's wonderful to have no pain in my teeth when it all heals.  I think that's what it will be like in Heaven.  No more pain.


13 From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14 From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.”
So in the last chapter, Paul came back from Tarsus.  In this section, Paul defends Israel, he acknowledges both Jews and Gentiles (us) worship God.  The significance of Israel's ancestry is very important.  Israel was a man chosen to build the nation.  He got the name, "Israel" by wrestling with God.  To me it doesn't seem like a good idea to wrestle with the Almighty.  But God was so pleased with him, He named him, "Israel."  And they most definitely became a great nation.  Jerusalem is their capitol city.  Even in 2015, people try to take their land.   The good news is, when Jesus takes us to the New Jerusalem, the wars will finally end for Israel.  Before then there will be 1000 years of peace where Jesus will reign.

I've wrestled with God at times too.  He likes to see us thinking and waiting for His call.  Personally, I believe God delights to see us reading His Word.  When I was working in programming, I'd panic when my contract jobs ended.  So the Lord would bring this verse to mind:

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:19)

Then I 'd get a call for another job...  The Bible is full of great advice and what God really wants us to do. 

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.(Psalms 119:105 NIV)

In this part of the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reminds the Jews of their inheritance.  And explains what it means to those of us who are Gentiles.   Can you see God's plan with the Apostle Paul through this?  He studied under the top Jewish teacher, "Gamaliel."  How cool is that?  God had been preparing Paul for an extraordinary ministry all along. 

Jews were in Egypt for 40 years.

16 Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: “Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 17 The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country; 18 for about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness; 19 and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years.

God gave them judges so Moses could govern without getting worn out.  Moses' Father-in-law, "Jethro" suggested he set up a small claims court for minor problems and a more serious court for  major offenses.  It reminds me of the way the US and England are set up. We have small claims up to the Supreme Court.  

“After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him:‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do. ’
Saul didn't turn out to be a very good king.  He was nice looking but not very good with people.  So God chose David as the Jewish king.  Jesus was born of the house of David.  He is the only Son of God. This is the short version of the interaction between Jesus and John the Baptist:

23 “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25 As John was completing his work, he said:‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’"


26 “Fellow children of Abraham (Jews) and you God- fearing Gentiles, (Us) it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.
Jesus was innocent.  He committed no sin.  He only died for us, so we could be forgiven.

32 “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
“‘You are my son; today I have become your father. ’

34 God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David. ’"

And now we're waiting for the second coming of Jesus.  In Revelation it says:

6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6 NIV)

Many believe this will happen on earth.  We will actually be able to live in peace for 1000 years. Plenty of time for a good nap : )

Here's my prayer-

Heavenly Father,
I thank You and praise You for all You have given us.  I pray You will restore our nation. Many people are discouraged with the turn of events in the USA and especially Israel.  I know that nothing is impossible for You.  I pray You will bless Israel and provide peace.  Please protect us from this President's ambitions and give our House and Senate boldness to fight the good fight.  I pray You will guide us to elect a qualified President in the next elections.

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Here's a song from Big Daddy Weave, "The Only Name," (link)

Dynamic Duo's (Acts 13, Isaiah 43:18-19, Luke 6:38)

"God blessed us good!"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Last week I cleaned out one of my cupboards and realized how I needed to get rid of some of my thoughts from my past too.  This week my husband and I went to do the grocery shopping and I realized the cupboard was full of canned foods we hadn't eaten. So we put most of it in a bag and gave it to the local food bank.  Thoughts of hungry children came to mind.  I made up our meals using some of the food we already had, and had a nice low grocery bill.  I kept thinking of families who needed this food more than we do.  That's the Holy Spirit's nudge : )

Let go of the past, confess to the Lord, forgive yourself, others, and move on. 
18 “Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert."
(Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV)

Give to others and find joy,
38 "Give, and it will be given to you:  good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
(Luke 6:38 NKJV)

If you remember, Paul was so volatile that Peter asked him to go back to Tarsus for awhile.  So while he was there he shared the gospel.  While he was gone, Peter helped the Christian Churches accept him.

Acts Chapter 13
1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers:  Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
Although Paul was rough around the edges at first, the Lord led him to write most of the New Testament letters.  Also, Paul had been taught by the top teacher in the Synagogue, Gamaliel.  This knowledge would be very helpful for Paul to share.  So as the new Church tried to understand how things fit, Barnabas (a really nice man) and Paul, a Jewish scholor, became a dynamic duo.  In the New Testament the disciples went in twos a lot. 
 

Preaching in Cyprus
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.
They would have been in ancient Greece.  John spent many hours with Jesus.  He was a kind man who learned not to jump to conclusions from Jesus.  He always felt loved with Him.  Me too.  I think his time with Jesus also helped him learn much of the New Testament.  He wrote the book of John.  These are some of my favorite verses from Jesus to John:

7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again. ’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.  (John 3:7-8 NKJV) 

To me, that means today the Lord led me to share canned food at a foodbank and work on my blog.  Tomorrow, I will probably have another asignment.  The Holy Spirit inspires us. We might not even realize at first : )


6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar- Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.”

I think there's two dynamic duo's in this section:  Peter and Barnabas, and then John joined them.

The Sorceror was in the AD series about the Bible on TV.  I hope they release the movie in many languages so others can see and understand it.

And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
(Acts 13:1-12 NKJV)

Here's a song from Kim Walker, "We Cry Out" (link)



Christianbook.com is having a Clearance sale on Bibles, music and all sorts of stuff.  Enjoy!

An Angel set Peter free (Acts 12 )

We found this hanging plant holder at a local Nursery.
Perfect for our small courtyard!
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I'm back!  We've been having a lot of fun planting flowers and figuring out how to clean out the kitchen cupboards.  It's amazing how much stuff you can put away after 22 years together.  Oy!  I think my mind gets full of stuff I need to throw out too, like: past hurts, mistakes, embarassing moments. With Jesus, everyday is a new beginning when I confess my sin.  I've been saving money for quite awhile and was able to get some new graphic art tools for my Mac.  Now I just need to figure out how they work : )  I'm also working on setting up a new web site for my photos and artwork.  I'll post the link when I get it up and running.

If you've been watching the show AD on TV, this would've taken place after the end of the series. King Herod the (not so) great, was king in Jerusalem.  He was made king by the Romans.  I was totally amazed by how they showed the High Priest in Jerusalem praying with the Christian disciples.  They showed the Holy Spirit as a whisp of fire in the air joining both religions as one. 

Acts Chapter 12

1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.

The feast of Unleavened Bread was one of the feasts around Passover.  Jesus is the final Passover lamb.  I was on a Jewish Facebook page and read how some people believe the Jews crucified Jesus.  That's not true.  Jerusalem was a mess.  Romans crucified many people to try and gain control.  There were Jewish sects in Jerusalem, Pharisees and Sadducees.  The disciples and Jesus were Jewish.  It wasn't any one person who crucified Jesus it was all of us.  It was our sin from the Garden of Eden to 2015.  Out of amazing love, Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified for us.  That's more love than I can understand.  The Jews are still God's chosen people.  Jesus could've brought a legion of angels to set Himself free from the cross.  He chose to be our passover lamb instead.  Amazing love!  He died for Jews too.

5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”
During this time the Christians were multiplying and this upset the more traditional Jews.  They knew Messiah would come but this wasn't what they expected.  Some became comfortable in their present standing and didn't want change.  

12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. 15 But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”
This is just plain cute.  So an angel rescued Peter from prison and possibly execution.  Peter was all excited and couldn't wait to get to Mary's house to hide.  So he knocks and instead of letting him in Rhoda gets all excited and starts talking.  That sounds very familiar actually... hmmm

16 Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.
18 Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. 19 But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.
And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
Ok so Herod decided he'd just kill all the guards.  Nice guy huh?  They were proven guilty with no trial.

20 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country.

21 So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. 22 And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.
That sounds terrible, "eaten by worms" EWWW!

24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.
(Acts 12:1-25 NKJV)

In the USA we've had a terrible tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina.  A young man decided he would kill people in a Church and then himself.  The suicide failed, and he's in jail now.  To me, it seems demonic.  Self-destruction and the destruction of others, isn't normal.  There's no glory in killing innocents.  Then to make matters worse, News media are trying to get more attention by claiming it's a racist issue.  I don't know any racist people.  Never met one.  I'm sure there are some, but it seems to me the more News Casters who claim racism only fuels a fire that shouldn't exist.  Then someone brought up White Supremacy.  I didn't realize there are so many Albinos in the USA.  They are the only "white" people I know of.  This isn't about skin color.  It's about young men who kill people, they are showing up in all colors and sizes. It seems the devil is prowling seeking to destroy before Jesus comes again.  It's definitely evil.  These verses came to mind:

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen
(1 Peter 5:8-11 NKJV)

Here's my prayer-
Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift up those in Charleston, SC to You.  It must be so frightening to know young men would just go on a shooting spree toward innocent people.  I pray You will comfort those who mourn.  Please bring conviction to those who would use this tragedy for money on News shows.  It only inspires other young men to destroy lives.  I pray for peace in Jerusalem.  Bring peace to America.  Help us to come back to being good, noble people.  Help our president.  Grant us lots of wisdom as we elect the next President.


Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

In Jesus' Name, Amen.


Here's a song from "for King and Country," Shoulders (link)"

Peter had some explaining to do... (Acts 11, Matt 5:17-20)

"So glad God is in control, and not me!"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I've been working on our garden this week.  So sorry I've been away.  I'm still having fun and learning as I work on this blog.    My garden is looking good, I think I'm getting better each year.  I thought it might be a nice little side job to do some gardening for others.  My friend loved the idea.  She doesn't like to garden at all.  My husband has been working hard and we plan to finish things up tomorrow.  We're back to Acts 11 today.

Acts 11

1 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”
The original Jewish law forbid eating food that wasn't blessed by a Rabbi.  And before Jesus made the sacrifice on the cross, Gentiles were completely excluded.  Through Jesus we were all included in God's amazing plan.  Even the Jews weren't perfect.  Personally I'm really grateful.  And glad I'm not the only one who messes up.


4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying:  5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered,  I saw four- footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘ Rise, Peter; kill and eat. ’ 8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’
This was a recollection of Peter's vision.  God never intended to remove the law, but to fulfill it.

17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 5:17-20 NKJV)

9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 
What this says to me, is that God has cleansed the Gentiles.  We are no longer cast out of God's kingdom.  We are all part of His kingdom now.  This is really important to those of us who weren't born Jewish.  We all have an opportunity to join Jesus and enjoy His reign. The only time there will be complete peace on earth is when Jesus' reigns on earth.  

11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved. ’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

God's Holy Spirit gives us courage, words to say, comfort, understanding, the ability to heal through prayer.  The ability to escort new believers to our Lord Jesus.  I'm reading the verses above and remembered the words of Jesus.  They never really made sense to me until I could see it in these verses.  Here's what Jesus said:

“Blessed are you, Simon Bar- Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
(Matthew 16:17-19 NKJV)

If you read Jesus' words and skip the book of Acts it sounds insane.  Peter was a rough and tumble fisherman.  He had no tact or ability to speak eloquently.  He probably knew a lot of cuss words and yelled trying to get the fishing crew on top of things.  The disciples are people like us.  They worried, lost their tempers, couldn't understand some of what Jesus said.  They probably even drove their wives crazy at times and the opposite.  But when all the thoughts, visions and everything finally made sense to everyone, here's what happened:
18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

And that's why I totally love God's Word, it's so honest and believable!

If you remember when Stephen was killed by the Jewish leaders, the Church became afraid and wasn't aggressive for awhile.
19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.


Barnabas is a dear sweet man.  He shows up with the apostle Paul, and others. I would imagine him to be like a wonderful person who always seeks to see the best in things and never dwells on the bad.  Someone who would say, "Yup we have a flat tire. Time to get some exercise and walk."
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Not sure if you remember but Peter sent Paul back to Tarsus because all the Churches were upset with him.  It was Barnabas who believed in Paul and went to get him.
 
27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And here's the first Christian relief effort to Judea, described in the New Testament of the Bible.
(Acts 11:1-30 NKJV)


Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You and praise You for Israel and the shining light they are.  I pray for Your hand to shelter them from danger and storms.  I pray You will help the USA remember who we are, a melting pot of all nations with one dream, freedom and independance.  Bless our country with Your presence Father.  I pray You will grant wisdom to our world leaders.  So much going on.  Protect those in harms way.

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

In Jesus' Name, Amen.


Here's a song from Kerrie Roberts, "No Matter What" (link)

Jesus came for every race, every nation (Acts 10:24-48, Matthew 15:21-28)

We are still having some crazy weather in New Jersey.  Thunderstorms are on the way.  Usually that's a good thing because then the humidity clears out and it cools down.  I've been working on pastel paintings.  They actually have pastels that are water soluble now. So you can make paintings that way.  So fun!  Plus it's non-toxic.  Very good, I won't pass out while working on that beautiful sunset : )

I don't know if people in other nations have these problems but now and then people get into fights because of race (the color of their skin).  It doesn't make much sense, skin doesn't define our hearts, or our courage.  As far as I know skin is the outer wrapper that holds our organs in the right place.  So what if God likes variety, and makes people different?   I'm an artist, I think it's cool!  When Jesus was walking with the disciples, people were like they are today.  We really don't change through the years, we just swap places when we go to Heaven.  Jesus had a lot to teach people while He walked on earth.  One of them was people are designed and crafted by God.

Here's how Jesus handled racism.

21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon- possessed.”
23 But He answered her not a word.
And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”

I think this was a set up so Jesus could teach the disciples some manners. : )  He has a great way of doing that!  Even today.

24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

So He walks on and the woman persists.  

25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”

Jesus knows what we're about to say before we even think it.  No way to hide. I should note that women weren't allowed to do much in society at this time.  So Jesus healed a Gentile and a woman.  He has no boundaries.

26 But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.”
27 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
(Matthew 15:21-28 NKJV)

So we left off last week where Peter and Cornelius met and became friends.


24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”
This is the new Peter.  He's no longer yelling at people for doing stupid things, he's polite. God changed me that way too when I became a Christian, so grateful!  I had terrible language and He made me nice and sweet (err most of the time).  < Not perfect at all!

30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you. ’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”
An angel visited Cornelius wearing bright clothing.  That would be so amazing.  Until now Gentiles (people who weren't Jewish) were considered unclean.  Peter had a vision about food that wasn't blessed by a Priest.  I'm wondering if the day he spent with Jesus and the Gentile woman came to mind.  This is the future of Christianity, it's for all nations, all races, all languages.

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said:  “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 

39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

This is one of the verses that helped me clear my guilty conscience:

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
(1 John 1:9-10 NKJV)

God is not distracted by race, in His eyes we're all beautiful.  He loves all of us.
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
There are many interpretations of the use of tongues in the Church.  It's when a Believer speaks in a tongue they don't know.  If I went to Russia and immediately spoke Russian, that would be a miracle of the Holy Spirit.  I don't know any languages : )   My personal belief is that God gave us the gift of tongues for when we need it.  Some consider it a holy personal language for prayer.  I'm not able to do that.  I'm too logical and want to speak direct with God.  It's one of the lesser spiritual gifts.  But it can sure be helpful in trying to communicate with people.  I do remember when I was a little girl a Spanish girl came to my neighborhood.  She seemed lonely so we made friends.  We spoke together just fine.  Later she told me I was the only one who understood her and would speak to her.  Hmmm that's interesting : )

Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
(Acts 10:24-48 NKJV)
So Peter baptized the first Gentiles that day. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You and praise You for allowing those of us who aren't Jewish into Your kingdom.  I am so grateful for Jews for Jesus and pray we will be able to share with each other and grow stronger.  I pray for wisdom in selecting our next president.  Bless the News Reporters to do their jobs well, so we can know the facts and have good leadership again in the USA.  I lift up the Supreme Court and pray Your Holy Spirit will guide them as they make decisions this week.  Remind them how important Moms and Dads are for little children.  Thank You for Israel and the shining light they are.  

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Hillsong, Touch the Sky (link)

A meeting with an Angel and Cornelius (Acts 10:1-23, John 3:8, Isaiah 30:21)

"We usually never know when we meet angels"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

My husband just called to let me know he has to get a hair cut to do a TV commercial where he works.  I'm so proud of him.  How fun!  I never paid much attention to this chapter about Cornelius but it's a really sweet story.

1 There was a man named Cornelius who lived in Caesarea, captain of the Italian Guard stationed there. 2 He was a thoroughly good man. He had led everyone in his house to live worshipfully before God, was always helping people in need, and had the habit of prayer. 
This is like a dream come true.  Cornelius spent his life honoring God and praying for others.  He led everyone in his house to worship God.  He was known as a man who helped people.  It reminds me to "bless and not curse."  Be sure to pray for others and not just grumble right?

3 One day about three o'clock in the afternoon he had a vision. An angel of God, as real as his next–door neighbor, came in and said, "Cornelius."
Wouldn't it be wonderful to meet an angel of God?  We imagine and maybe sometimes don't realize an angel is present.

4 Cornelius stared hard, wondering if he was seeing things. Then he said, "What do you want, sir?"

The angel said, "Your prayers and neighborly acts have brought you to God's attention. 5 Here's what you are to do. Send men to Joppa to get Simon, the one everyone calls Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the Tanner, whose house is down by the sea."
It's always a good thing when God sends an angel to say how proud God is of you.  Not so much if you've done something really bad.  But we can find forgiveness by acknowledging and repenting a sin.  Now I would be all over this running out the door before the angel finished what he was saying.  But not Cornelius.  He must've been full of faith, steady, a good man.

7 As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two servants and one particularly devout soldier from the guard. 8 He went over with them in great detail everything that had just happened, and then sent them off to Joppa.
It sounds like Cornelius didn't want to stop doing his good deeds and sent servants in his place.  I'm sure we would've liked him and will like him in Heaven.  Maybe he'll tell us stories.

9 The next day as the three travelers were approaching the town, Peter went out on the balcony to pray. It was about noon. 10 Peter got hungry and started thinking about lunch. While lunch was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the skies open up.

Something that looked like a huge blanket lowered by ropes at its four corners settled on the ground. 12 Every kind of animal and reptile and bird you could think of was on it. 13 Then a voice came:"Go to it, Peter––kill and eat."

14 Peter said, "Oh, no, Lord. I've never so much as tasted food that was not kosher."
15 The voice came a second time:"If God says it's okay, it's okay."
I think God smiled when Peter said that he wouldn't eat the food unless it was blessed by a Priest (kosher).

16 This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the skies.
17 As Peter, puzzled, sat there trying to figure out what it all meant, the men sent by Cornelius showed up at Simon's front door. 18 They called in, asking if there was a Simon, also called Peter, staying there. 19 Peter, lost in thought, didn't hear them, so the Spirit whispered to him, "Three men are knocking at the door looking for you. 20 Get down there and go with them. Don't ask any questions. I sent them to get you."
We don't understand all that happens around and to us.  It reminds me of these verses:

8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.
(John 3:8 NKJV)

21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.
(Isaiah 30:21 NKJV)

It's fascinating to think we could be talking to an angel one day and not even realize.

21 Peter went down and said to the men, "I think I'm the man you're looking for. What's up?"

22 They said, "Captain Cornelius, a God–fearing man well–known for his fair play––ask any Jew in this part of the country––was commanded by a holy angel to get you and bring you to his house so he could hear what you had to say." 23 Peter invited them in and made them feel at home.
(Acts 10:1-23 Message)

Here's a song-
Toby Mac, Speak Life (link)

One man (or lady) sharpens another (Acts 9:17-43, Acts 9:5, Proverbs 27:17)

Peter & Paul (Saul)
Growing in Christ

A few years ago my cousins asked me to get on Facebook so we could all talk.  So I did.  I've never been fond of Facebook because I like my privacy.  So then I started getting all these Christian friends.  And then there were some nice graphics.  And now I need to focus on my artwork more for sure and my blog!!?  It can be very time consuming.  I like the Christian stuff that's being passed around though.  My husband said the same thing.   

We left off with Saul being led to Ananias and accepting Christ as Savior.  It's interesting this is also where the Television series left off last Sunday night.  So we can see how the Bible and the movie are the same.

We left off with Saul trying to destroy all the Christians.  Then Jesus Himself spoke to him and asked, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?"

Saul asked Jesus who he was. 

Acts 9:5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."

After that Saul lost his vision.  Jesus sent him to Ananias another disciple.  Jesus must've known He could trust Ananias to help Saul.  He was a terrible tyrant that tried to kill Christians.  I'd be nervous if I met the old Saul.

17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
This would take a lot of courage on everyone's part.  One thing that comes to mind is Saul's character.  He realized he made a mistake and then changed.  Here's what he did next:
20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
I was lost and now I'm found.  This is the message we all share.  There's a point when we realize we're just plain lost.  We don't know how to fix our lives but we know it's on the wrong track.  So Saul who set out to destroy Christians wound up sharing Christ.  So the Jews wanted him killed.

23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
This is just the beginning of some of the fun stories with the disciples, angels came, walls fell down, all sorts of wonders happened.  Lots of people became Christians.

I would be terrified too!!!  I'm basically a wimp.  I confess.  But Saul wanted to go to Jerusalem and join the disciples there.
26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
Paul was from Tarsus.  He was uh, enthusiastic in his pursuit to lead others to Christ.  I imagine him as like a tiger, so eager to get the job done.  Err actually that was my reputation in business, I was lovingly called, "Mad dog,"  because I always got the job done  when others couldn't.  Paul is the "Mad dog" of evangelism!  (truth is I prayed a lot! and I have a high pitched voice  : )

Paul is one of my Bible heroes.  I gotta admit, it would've been good if he could've been a little bit more tactful.  He wound up in prison and all sorts of stuff.  Life is hard sometimes isn't it?  All or nothing is good, especially with a mixture of love.

31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Wow Paul left to go to Tarsus and everyone had peace...  Hmmm.  I can't wait to meet him in Heaven.  He must've had so much energy and enthusiasm.

32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 

34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
So Paul is gone for a bit and Peter starts to show more compassion.  Remember he told a man he couldn't be a Christian because he asked if he could pay them to get what they had.  We know it's not about money but the poor man didn't understand. God brings unusual friends together to sharpen and shape each other.  I've prayed and seen the Lord heal people.  It's amazing.  I don't know if I would have the courage to tell someone to get up and walk.  The secret here is God's Holy Spirit within the people.

17 As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
18 The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever protects their master will be honored.
(Proverbs 27:17-18 NIV)

Ok and here's a great lady for those of us who are women:
36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
(Acts 9:20-43 NKJV)

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You and praise You for helping us find friends that help us grow.  I am so glad we aren't alone.  I pray You will step in and sort out the middle east.  I know so little about it.  I pray for wisdom in selecting our next president.  Bless the News reporters to do their jobs well, so we can have good leadership again in the USA.  I lift up the Supreme Court and pray Your Holy Spirit will guide them as they make decisions this week.  Help them not break the constitution.  Remind them how important Moms and Dads are.  Thank You for Israel and the shining light they are.  

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Need to breathe, Multiplied (link)