Proverbs

Book Of Proverbs

Summary: The value of wisdom is immeasurable; worth more then gold and beyond price men have spent life times seeking it. The book of proverbs is full of such value. It can be agreed that King Solomon who asked God for wisdom and was granted his request put the book together. Becoming the wisest man who ever lived Solomon left a legacy to his people and children. Still mystery shrouds Agur and Lemuel who are also mentioned in this book of wisdom. Some say they are other names for Solomon and still others kings. What I do know is three men of wisdom went to acknowledge Jesus and there being three men in this book create a great parallel. We are never done seeking wisdom and Proverbs is our first leap into that search from ethics to money the Authors give their insight.

Things I Noticed:

1. Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
2. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
3. How long. O simple ones, will you love being simple.
4. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7. Be not wise in your eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
9. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it" -when you have it with you.
10. The devious person is an abomination to the Lord.
11. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.
12. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
13. Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water your own well... Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breast fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love. (This verse is self explanatory.)
14. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
15. With perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.
16. He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. Wounds and dishonor will he gel and his disgrace will not be wiped away.
17. For wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare to her.
18. The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
19. Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
20. Do not reprove the scoffer or he will hate you; reprove a wise man and he will love you.
21. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
22. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself ; if you scoff, you alone will beat it.
23. The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry.
24. A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
25. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
26. A rich man wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
27. The desire of the righteous will be granted.
28. The treacherous are taken captive by their lust.
29. The righteous is delivered from trouble. (Pay attention to the next verse)
30. By knowledge the righteous are delivered.
31. ($)One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another with holds what he should give, and only suffers want.
32. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
33. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.
34. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
35. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband.
36. He who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. (Are we teaching ourselves to lacks sense with the worthless achievements we create with games, apps and media?)
37. The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
38. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
39. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.
40. Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
41. A wise son hears his father's instruction.
42. One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
43. Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
44. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
45. In everything the prudent acts with knowledge
46. A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul
47. Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise. (Find someone who is where you want to be and follow them.)
48. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.
49. Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
50. The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.
51. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.
52. The poor is dislike even by his neighbor... Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
53. In fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have refuge.
54. A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh but envy makes the bones rot.
55. Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.
56. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
57. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
58. To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good is it. (Learning when to give word is tricky business. It takes patients rather then rushing to tell what you know.)
59. ($)Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household.
60. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.
61. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
62. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
63. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.
64. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the days trouble.
65. By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.
66. When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
67. The heart of man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps.
68. How much better to get wisdom then gold!
69. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
70. Whoever gives thought to the word (matter) will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
71. Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. (Age gracefully with pride)
72. Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.
73. A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
74. Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys
75. With dishonor comes disgrace
76. The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
77. Humility comes before honor
78. An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
79. He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord
80. A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer then a brother.
81. Desire without knowledge is not good and whoever makes haste wit his feet misses his way.
82. Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
83. ($)Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord and he will repay him for his deed.
84. Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
85. It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every foo will be quarreling
86. Love not sleep, lest you come to property
87. Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
88. Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by the steadfast love his throne is upheld.
89. The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their grey hair (Age gracefully with pride)
90. To do righteous and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice
91. When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to the evildoers.
92. One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead.
93. Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.
94. The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
95. A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
96. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
97. ($)The rich rules over the poor and the borrower is the slave to the lender
98. ($)Be not one of those who gives pledges, who put ip security for debts
99. ($)Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.
100. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. (Buy a college education, books, and create life.)
101. ($)By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
102. For by wise guidance you can wage your war and in abundance of counselors there is victory
103. My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste, Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will bot be cut off.
104. For the righteous falls seven times and rises again
105. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.
106. Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.
107. It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
108. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
109. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head.
110. A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
111. Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.
112. Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
113. Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
114. He who guards his master will be honored.
115. As in water face reflects, so the heart of man reflects the man.
116. The righteous are bold as a lion.
117. If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
118. Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
119. A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor. (Our Current Government?)
120. ($)Whoever gives to the poor will not want.
121. Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.
122. One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
123. The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out.
124. Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those, who take refuge in him.
125. The lion, which is mightiest among beast and does not turn back before any.
126. Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more
127. ($)Defend the rights of the poor and needy.
128. Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (A good wife)
129. (...She is call blessed) Her husband also and he praises her "Many woman have done excellently but you surpass them all." (I say that to my wife often.)
130. A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Life has been rough as of lately and as John and I trace Jesus footsteps we are opened to the wonders of his teaching and the impact he left to us. As I hold on to the promises Jesus made I think it is time to head back to where the story began and get into the Torah. With that Genesis will be what will accompany me through Judea and Galilee as I journey with the Disciple He love. Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Luke

Book Of Luke

Summary: A doctor can only cure so much. It can be imagined that when Luke saw miracles and people being cured of ailments which he could not find cures for he was enthralled to find out the truth about them. Seeking the Lord led him to Paul and thus began Luke's journey to find out all about the man he would call messiah and savior. Till this day Luke's diligent work endures in the book that carries his name. Looking through the book of Luke we get a greater picture of who Jesus was following not only his birth but a story about him at the age of twelve. Written like a historian Luke can be cross referenced through Matthew and Mark where stories from their perspectives and rich depth to Luke's collected accounts. As we journey through Luke we get a rich picture of who Jesus was an quite a few tidbit of information none of the other gospels have. I would say read this slow for like a great meal or a fine drink this Gospel has much to offer...

Things I Noticed:

1. He must not drink wine or strong drink and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. (John the baptist followed rules of the Nazirite.)
2. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
3. Whoever has two tunics is to share with who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.
4. Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.
5. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever.
6. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.
7. The Beatitudes are in Luke 6:20-22 its the believers manifesto take a look.
8. But i say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
9. Give to everyone who begs of you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand for them back. And as you wish that other would do to you. do so to them.
10. But love you enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be Merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
11.The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
12.  Women who accompanied Jesus: Mary Magdalene, Joanna wife of Chuza, and Susanna not to mention many others.
13. Take care the how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken. (I find it important that Jesus talks about hearing and how we listen here.)
14. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with fear. (For good deeds can even cause fear.)
15. Declare how much God has done for you.
16. And he called the together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure disease, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
17. Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked "Who does the crowds say that I am?"
18. If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
19. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses or forfeits himself?
20. Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is greatest.
21. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem.
22. No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.
23. the Lord appointed seventy-two
24. THe one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.
25. I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven .
26. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. (Gifts are great and all but...)
27. No one know who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28. And I tell you, ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
29.Whoever is not with me is against me , and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
30. When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest.
31. For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love God. (You tithe can goods, and money for missionaries and ministries of all kinds while you ignore with impunity justice and the love of God.)
32. For you love the best seats in synagogues and greetings in the marketplace. (For you love having the the front row spots reserved in church and the fame of your name being when you travel.)
33. Nothing is covered up that is not revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
34. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
35. One's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. (Yes Jesus said that)
36. Life is more then food, and the body more than clothing.
37. Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning.
38.If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants.
39. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
40. some are last who will be first and some are first will be last.
41. At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him "Get away from here for Herod want to kill you."  (That's right warned by the Pharisees.)
42. I tell you, you will not see me until you say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
43. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
44. The resurrection of the just.
45. Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?
46. there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
47. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
48. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?
49. But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void. (Yes the Old Testament has not passed away.)
50. Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come. (A warning no often heard)
51. Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must  forgive him.
52. Will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night?
53. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand, how to answer, for I will give to you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.
54. But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day you come upon you suddenly like a trap.

John the beloved, John the revealator. John the one who was young and laid his head up Jesus. It is with John I go to discuss next with about Jesus. Still my journey also continues to search out Wisdom in Solomon's proverbs. Through the stormy seas of the day to day grind and the desert of a bad economy one must always search for she whom is wisdom.  Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Psalms Book V

Psalms Book V

Summary: The Fifth book of Psalms is the ending to the opus that is, this book. The high point is over and the rest of the journey is downhill as the sunsets and dusk is upon us. God's character is revisited and his promises highlighted as the sunsets. The Psalms over arching song has settle to the low hums of the strings and double reed wood winds underline God with a sense crossing breezes. In this the fifth and final book of the Psalm covering psalm one hundred seven through one hundred fifty.

Things I Noticed:

1. For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. (What do you crave?)
2. I give myself to prayer.
3. Let them know that this your hand; you, O Lord, have done it. Let them curse, but you will bless!
4. For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.
5. The Lord says to my Lord (David is seeing God speak to Jesus)
6. You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
7. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
8. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom; all those who practice it have good understanding
9. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
10. I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
11. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
12. I was pushed hard, so that I was feeling but the Lord helped me.
13. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
14. I am a sojourner on the earth; and hide not your commandments from me!
15. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
16. I am a companion of all who fear you, of this who keep your precepts.
17. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
18. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Sounds like the American work ethic. An anxious toil.)
19. He it is who makes that clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
20. For though the Lord is high he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.
21. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.
22. O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
23. You discern my thoughts from afar.
24. You hem me in, behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. (The security he offers to those he loves is endless.)
25. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
26. Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up on my hands as the evening sacrifice!
27. In company with men who work iniquity and let me not eat of their delicacies!
28. With my voice I cry out to the Lord
29. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.
30. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. (Great worship image.)
31. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
32. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
33. The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
34. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
35. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. (All the stars are already named.)
36. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!
37. Sing to the Lord a new song.
38. Let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing.
39. Let them sing for joy on their beds.
40. This is honor for all his godly one.

Wisdom is someone you court. Build wisdom a place to stay and convince her to stay for your life. As Dr. Luke and I continue after Jesus' footsteps, his teaching and his finger prints Solomon will tell us his proverbs. This experience brings images of tents on open plains, stories and tales, food and hot tea. I will find ways to bring those into this time in the word. Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Psalms Book IV

Psalms Book IV

Summary: The Forth book of Psalms is filled longer songs and sonnets. As the journey seems to take a different turn into a recounting of history and then to God's character. The Psalms over arching song whose notes are hidden through each entry seem to reach a crescendo of who God is and what he has done. In this the fourth of five books of Psalm covering psalm ninety through one hundred six.

Things I Noticed:

1. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2. O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth!
3. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth.
4. for He has done marvelous things!
5. I will ponder the way that is blameless.
6. You are remembered throughout all generations. (From Adam to now the Lord name has carried across the ages. Think about that versus Buddha or Scientology.)
7. Covering yourself with light as with a garment. (The Lords threads are light. Which in scientific terms are waves of energy that gives off sound waves. Thus even God's close praise him in song.)
8. Then they yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor, and ate sacrifices offered to the dead.

Dr. Luke and I will continue our quest to preserve Jesus' footsteps and his teaching. I think it bears repeating on this adventure with Dr. Luke I will dance and weep, pray and contemplate to the rhythm of the Psalms. It will be a wondrous experience that I will as always share with you. Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Mark

Mark

Summary: Mark is know by many as companion to Paul, John Mark, the Evangelist but my favorite is that kid who ran away naked when Jesus was arrested. The book of Mark is a concise revelation of Jesus from Birth to Death to Resurrection. In the early church it was highly popular and was re-enacted many times. Biblical scholars think it was used as a base for the books of Matthew and Luke. Though similarities can be seen through out the three books the difference in tellings and teachings that help to continue to bind the canonical Gospels as truthful evidence.

Things I Noticed:

1. The Spirit immediately drove him into the wild. (The Spirit takes you to so many unexpected places)
2. He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Get some alone time with the creator.)
3. Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
4. The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.
5. Boanerges = Sons of Thunder
6. And his mother and his brothers came, standing outside they sent to him and called him. (We speak out for the as the Lord leads. Sometimes this makes people want to stop or disagree with us. Even our family. It happened to Jesus and it can happen to us.)
7. Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.
8. Then came the rulers of the synagogue, Jarius by name.
9. Shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them. (Careful of what your actions.)
10. Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while. For many were coming and going, and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. (Jesus was very popular.)
11. You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition to men.
12. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
13. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. (Remember salt slows down the degenerate process, it makes things taste better and it purifies. But salt must be used, if salt is only kept in a jar it is useless.)
14. The Jesus was indignant when they tried to stop the kids from hanging out with him.
15. Have faith in God.
16. Do not doubt in your heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.   Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying forgive. (Mark 11:23-25)
17. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
18. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.
19. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake.
20. After that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
21. But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
22. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
23. There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. (The people who followed and watched. Never notice this list till now.)
24. In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.

Continuing on my journey to catch up I brought you Mark. Dr. Luke walked a long path and its time for me to follow in his footsteps to see what he uncover in his quest. While on that path I will dance and weep, pray and contemplate to the rhythm of the Psalms. It will be a wondrous experience that I will as always share with you. Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Psalms Book III

Psalms Book III

Summary: The third book of Psalms is filled with more struggles of the heart. The journey seems to through it see to be a lull in the melody of the book. Reading through Psalms there seems to be a over arching song whose notes are hidden through each entry; this the third of five books. This Covers from Psalm seventy-three through eighty-nine.

Things I Noticed:

1. Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2. Your is the day, yours also the night
3. When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep tremble.
4. I will open my mouth in a parable, I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. (If we forget our past we are doom to repeat the future)
5. A company of destroying angels (There are those who job is destruction.)
6. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of the wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
7. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne

Been awhile again I know the rhythm of life changes with marriage, but we will find a new pace together. The complexity of the book is a symphony all itself. While I continue to listen through its crescendos and lulls I will call upon our dear Dr. Luke to show me his collection of Jesus' life. So be on the look out for my next post. Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Psalms Book II

Psalms Book II

Summary: The second book of Psalms has a eclectic mix of authors from King David, to a Psalmist, to King Salomon in there words. Songs, poetry and sonnets the mind of many men kings and artist seeking king of kings. Filled with more struggles of the heart this entry is the second of five books. This Covers from Psalm forty-two through seventy-two.

Things I Noticed:

1. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls.
2. By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me.
3. Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.
4. You are the most handsome of the sons of men (good description of Jesus)
5. There is a river whose stream make glad the city of God.
6. Be still, and know that I am God.
7. Our God comes; he does not keep silence, before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
8. For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills and all that moves in the field is mine.
9. You thought that I was one like yourself (yeah people mistakes about God like that a lot.)
10. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
11. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
12. You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?
13. My God in his steadfast love will meet me
14. We went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance
15. O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you
16. Let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel
17. Answer me, O Lord, fro your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy turn to me.
18. But I am afflicted and in pain let your salvation, O God, set me on high!
19. But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, Oh God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!
20. In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me!
21. Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.

Been awhile I know but I been getting married so excuse the delay. This book is like a complexed drink filled with many flavors strong and rich. While I dev deep into its embrace I and also walking with Mark and Jesus in his Gospel. So be on the look out for my next post. Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.