#Isaiah 52:5

[bojackson54]

History Connected by Coincidence? Or Coincidence Disguised as History?

Most casual observers might assess a seemingly random series of events and say, “Wow, That’s a Really Amazing Coincidence!” In fact, anyone looking at the birth of Jesus would have to admit there were some surprising coincidences that took place. After further review, however, I would submit that there is something more to it than that… You Can Look It Up… “In those days Caesar Augustus issued…

[doulafaith]

Christ's Breakthrough

“His Abide”  Reading  Reflecting Responding To God’s Word while Walking it Out Context: Matthew 27: 1-66 Focus:  Matthew 27:51-52 “At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.” Matthew 27: 51-52 Definition: Breakthrough – a military…

[martyschoenleber]

The Relationship Between Farming and Holiness

Analogies are helpful and here is a good one from a godly leader who now lives with Jesus. Jerry Bridges was a long time staff member with the Navigators, a discipleship ministry that started in the military but has expanded in to worldwide discipling movement.   Wise words from Jerry Bridges and his classic book The Pursuit of Holiness. Here’s the analogy that Bridges uses: “Farming is a joint…

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Good Samaritan

25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

26 He said unto him, "What is written in the law? How readest thou?"

27 And he answering said, "`Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.'"

28 And He said unto him, "Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live."

29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said unto Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

30 And Jesus answering said, "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his raiment and wounded him and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was. And when he saw him he had compassion on him,

34 and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host and said unto him, `Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again I will repay thee.'

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?"

37 And he said, "He that showed mercy on him." Then said Jesus unto him, "Go and do thou likewise." — Luke 10:25-37 | Third Millennium Bible (TMB) Third Millennium Bible, New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Cross References: Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Deuteronomy 6:24; Leviticus 18:15; Leviticus 19:18; Isaiah 58:7; Matthew 10:5; Matthew 18:28; Matthew 19:16; Matthew 24:34; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:52; Luke 10:38; Luke 16:15; Luke 18:31; Luke 19:28

Read full chapter

Notes: The parable of the Good Samaritan is a story to illustrate how we “love our neighbors as ourselves.” When other people need our help the most, like the man on the road, is when our love for neighbor is truly tested.

[writing-whump]

Fic Masterlist 1-90

1. Sick and hurt Matthew, Isaiah and reluctant Seline help

2. Matthew defends Seline and gets sick

3. Matthew helping sick Isaiah

4. Matthew helping sick Isaiah p.2 (Isaiah's pov)

5. Matthew with stomach flu + caretaker Seline

6. Seline sick with Isaiah on the road

7. Seline sick p.2 + Isaiah and Matthew

8. Food poisoning Matthew + caretaker Isaiah

9. Isaiah poisoned at an event p.1 + Sonny and Matthew

10. Isaiah poisoned p.2 + Seline and Matthew as caretakers

11. Recovering Isaiah, panicked Matthew, moving in together idea

12. Sick Seline with a headache + Isaiah

13. Matthew mixing milk with bubbly drinks + Seline as caretaker

14. Matthew sick from roller coaster ride + Isaiah as caretaker

15. Isaiah stress sick during a movie night + Seline as caretaker

16. Hector with a broken leg + Isaiah reluctantly helps

17. Late night visit with bleeding hand Reuben + Isaiah angsting

18. Caleb sick from fear + Seline + Matthew

19. Seline crying + upset sick Matthew + Isaiah as caretaker

20. Hector sick from Seline's protective wards

21. Isaiah sick from a nightmare + Seline

22. Matthew sick from hiding an infected injury + Seline + worried Isaiah

23. Matthew with a stomach bug calls Isaiah to pick him up + awkward comfort Seline

24. Isaiah catches Matthew's bug + Seline + bellyrubs

25. Seline with a cold + Isaiah + fluff

26. Flashback: upset 18 years old Isaiah can't stop throwing up + crying + reluctant caretaker Sonny

27. Feverish Matthew + backstory reveal + Isaiah and Seline for comfort

28. Arnie with ear infection + Isaiah as caretaker + brotherly reunion

29. Isaiah + heart episode + sick at night + Matthew for help

30. Flashback fic: 17 years old Isaiah, abusive father, Reuben as prisoner

31. Drunk sick emotional Arnie + angry worried Hector

32. Emberassed in denial Isaiah sick from a gory movie + worried angry Matthew

33. Hector with food poisoning + guilty anxious Arnie + calling Isaiah for help

34. Hector recovering from food poisoning + emotional talk with Isaiah

35. Hurt Matt + Hector helps + brings him to Isaiah

36. Seline crying and stressing over trains + Matthew with a concussion for comfort

37. Isaiah comes home to find Seline and Matt huddled together in bed

38. Isaiah with a high fever and a nosebleed + calls Seline to come home to help

39. Hector with bruised ribs + Arnie sick with the flu hiding from he so he doesn't catch it

40. Part 2: Isaiah helping sick Arnie and hurt Hector

41. Seline with upset tummy + Isaiah gives her bellyrubs + fluff

42. Matt sick with heatstroke + Isaiah for comfort

43. Isaiah with heart episode at an event + meeting Matt's sister + Hector trying to help

44. Part 2: Isaiah with heart episode + Hector + Matthew argue

45. Burpy with little indigestion Isaiah + Seline fluff

46. Hector claustrophobic and motion sick on the subway + meeting Olive

47. Flashback: Seline and Isaiah first meeting + magic emeto

48. Hector and Arnie find out the truth about Isaiah + stress sick Hector + Arnie for comfort + angst

49. Feverish Seline cuddling with the boys

50. Stress sick Hector talks with Isaiah about the revelation

51. Arnie with a migraine at night from the revelation + Hector caretaker

52. Isaiah breaks down after the reveal + Matt and Seline for comfort

53. Hector invites Isaiah for breakfast with Arnie + emotional whump + crying + comfort

54. Seline argues with witches + gets attacked by their wolves + Isaiah for rescue

55. Cinema motion sick Matt + Seline + Isaiah

56. Hector gets sick + appendicitis + Arnie for comfort

57. Hector after appendicitis in pain + Isaiah + Arnie

58. Hector with appendicitis part 3

59. Isaiah overeats while visiting Seline's parents + Seline for comfort

60. Isaiah finds Matt coming down with something after the trip

61. Matt gets super sick and emotional during the night + Isaiah for comfort

62. Dylan meets Rip + sick from a hit to the stomach

63. Dylan with a cold + meets Isaiah + caretaker Seline

64. Sick Seline and Isaiah with Dylan's flu + Matthew caretaker

65. Hector + Arnie in a car accident

66. Arnie with stress migraine after the accident + Isaiah

67. Stress sick Isaiah angsting over the accident + Seline

68. Hurt Hector calls Isaiah for help in the middle of the night

69. Hurt Hector part 2: Isaiah, Matthew and Seline help

70. Seline emotional angsting + Isaiah mild food poisoning

71. Isaiah meets with Levi + Rip sick from nearly drowning + Dylan

72. Isaiah hurt hand + sick from pain + Matthew caretaker

73. Matthew with a brutal stomach bug + Isaiah

74. Isaiah violently sick with Arnie part 1

75. Isaiah super sick + Hector part 2

76. Isaiah sick part 3 + stress nauseous Hector + Arnie with a headache + Matt and Seline help out

77. Rip with a silver knife wound to his stomach + Dylan for help

78. Rip silver knife wound part 2: Dylan and Seline for comfort

79. Rip hurt part 3 + Dylan + Isaiah + Rip's backstory

80. Arnie with concussion + Hector and Isaiah angst/fluff

81. Matt sick from his shadow + Isaiah for comfort

82. Seline with period cramps at cinema with Isaiah + Hector and Arnie show up

83. Rip with a stress headache after a fight with Dylan + Isaiah

84. Matt passes out in the park + Hector + Olive

85. Matt fluff and comfort with Seline and Isaiah

86. Fluffy Isaiah and Seline date + slight overeating

87. Isaiah collapses from heart attack + Matt and Seline at the hospital

88. Waiting at the hospital Sel + Matt angst

89. Isaiah wakes up after the operation + nauseous Matt + Seline

90. Isaiah more coherent after surgery + super nausous + Matt

[albertfinch]

DEMONSTRATION OF HIS POWER 

Psalm 145:4b, "and shall declare Your mighty acts."

It says in 2 Chronicles 16:9 that He looks to and fro to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal towards Him. What would it look like for God to show Himself strong on your behalf? Wouldn't you like to find out?

In Isaiah 52:10 it says, "The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God."   The word there for "holy arm" in the Hebrew symbolizes strength or power.

God wants us to do mighty things through our lives. We need to break off this negative thinking through which we disqualify ourselves from being used by God based upon what we can or can't do.

God doesn't want us to do what we can do by ourselves. He wants to begin to do things through our lives that only HE can do, where only He gets the glory.

GOD WORKING THROUGH US

1 Corinthians 2:4-5, "And my speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

The word "demonstration" there means "to confirm, make public, make known." The Lord wants to do something through our life that confirms who He is to the world; He wants to make known through your Christ calling His mighty acts. We need to quit asking for just a little. We need to ask for "MIGHTY" things.

Psalm 145:13 "Your Kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations."

From generation to generation He's going to show Himself strong. Right now God is looking for a people who will say, "Okay, Lord. Show Your deeds now in our generation." He wants to demonstrate who He is THROUGH our life. We don't disqualify ourselves because of our present position.

SEEING GOD AS HE IS IN US

Daniel 11:32 - It says, "But those who know their God will be strong and do great exploits."

The word "know" there means to "to perceive and see." The Lord wants a people who will perceive, see and understand Him, and they will be strong and do exploits. He wants His people to be strong in His might and power. As you begin to see God as a mighty God, it does something in you, and you won't be so easily tossed to and fro. You won't easily give the devil so much credit.

Are you ready to know God as Mighty God through your life?

This authority comes through the vastness of knowing and understanding our Christ identity.

Ephesians 1:17-19 - "[I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power"

Before we can receive this realm, we must have a hunger to know Him and who we are in Him like never before. We must shake off complacency.

Jesus never just taught; He taught and did(action). He always had a message, but the message was carried with weight by demonstration of the Kingdom, and God wants to increase the demonstration of His power in His people, His Body, now as well as then.

WISDOM AND REVELATION -- A GIFT

Paul goes on to pray, "that He may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him." It is for the purpose of knowing Him. Remember that it says, "Those who know their God will do great exploits." (Daniel 11:32)l

Let us pray that the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17) grants us understanding into a deeper realm of knowing Him and our identity in Christ as we affirm and meditate on the scriptures in the epistles of Paul.

Are you are tired of shallow-water Christianity?  Are you ready for the deep, deep things of God?

God wants His people to walk in such a realm of knowing Him that as soon as we walk into a place, we can discern what is God or what is not of God. He wants us to come to the point that we are living according to the promise of 1 John 2:27, that we have an "anointing within to teach you as you abide in Him."

He wants to DEMONSTRATE MIGHTY ACTS through our lives. One of the things that the Lord wants to begin to manifest through the church is a people who are living by KNOWING God and advancing God's Kingdom through their calling in Christ, who aren't bouncing off every wall but are guided by the Holy Spirit into seeking and pursuing God's purpose for their lives.  Unbelievers around us will start saying, "How do you do this? There's something different about you; what is it? You're anchored and not tossed about. There's a confidence about you." And our answer will be, "I KNOW Him."

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[childofchrist1983]

God loves and cares for us more than we will ever know. He rejoices with us in moments of happiness; His heart breaks with us in times of sorrow. He is present during good times and bad. Our lives are His treasure. He loves us when we are unlovable and forgives us when unforgivable. God is the same from beginning to end. He is consistent, reliable, and loves us unconditionally. He remains devoted to us all the days of our life. And as true and born -again Christians we thank Him for this and for His eternal presence and everlasting love. God is holy and almighty and deserving of all praise honor and glory. We rejoice in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, knowing He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8). May our hearts always be filled with thanksgiving and rejoicing. May He help us to praise Him freely and honestly like all believers who came before us. May we live a life that showcases our love and trust in Him and His Holy Word and Spirit as He uses us draw others to Him and His soul-saving Gospel Truth daily. May He continue guide, correct and protect us, so that we continue to grow in Him and not weaken and stray. May we all remain faithful to Him and to this duty and purpose He has called us to. Seek and put your faith and trust in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ and let Him do the rest. May He humble our hearts and help us focus on following and serving Him daily and helping others with joy and happiness. We lift our voices in praise to Him for His love, mercy, peace, faithfulness and grace. - For EVERYTHING!

It is vital that we remain rooted in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit and that we live and walk as a beacon of His light and love and share and spread the Gospel Truth daily, so that the lost souls in this world can come to know Him and be saved. The more we focus on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, growing spiritually by building our relationship with Him, leaning on Him and His Holy Word and Spirit, the better off we will be. Thanks to this and our faith in Him, we know that everything will be alright. And we will forever be grateful to Him. As true and born-again Christians, we believe in Him and His Holy Word and we strive daily to walk in His Holy Spirit. We know though our mortal bodies should die, He will raise us up and into new and glorious bodies (The Rapture). We who are truly His and alive at His second coming will never die, and our bodies will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and so shall we ever be with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven forevermore (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is one of many promises given to us by God Himself. Thank God for His strength and guidance when we are faced with sin and temptation. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Through Bible study and prayer, God reveals His wisdom and guides us to see opportunities to grow closer to Him and grow spiritually. He gives us direction to live our lives daily according to His will.

Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven (John 3:5, 14:6), the ONLY way to salvation (Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9) and He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26). Jesus Christ the LORD of lords, KING of kings, the GOD of gods (Deuteronomy 10:17, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16) - He is the Living, Almighty and Everlasting God (Isaiah 9:6, Revelation 1:8, John 3:16, John 3:36, Jeremiah 10:10). There is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5). We MUST humble ourselves before Him, turning our backs on false teachers, false gods and idols and our sinful ways. We MUST repent and turn back to God and recognize who He is and love Him in return for His great love for us. We MUST make God top priority everyday! May we be motivated to spread God's Holy Word and Gospel Truth to all the Earth, knowing that it is the only hope of all those lost in their sins. Let us not hold out a false hope for men to be saved without the Gospel, but instead, strive to do our part to get the Gospel out to a lost and dying world.

Leaning on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit strengthens us and our knowledge and wisdom about God and His Gospel Truth, exposing these imposters. May God help us to seek and lean on Him daily to gain the strength, wisdom and spiritual discernment needed to expose Satan and his imposters who seek to destroy us and God's ultimate Truth. Everyday, we must remember to share Jesus Christ's Gospel Truth with the world and to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and from the eternal damnation of Hell. In all we say and do, may all praise, honor and glory always be given to Him and His Kingdom of Heaven.

With renewed minds, hearts and wills, let us serve Him humbly and faithfully out of pure love and grateful rejoicing. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us. Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful LORD, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

24th October >> Mass Readings (USA)

Thursday, Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time 

or

Saint Antony Mary Claret, Bishop. 

Thursday, Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II))

First Reading Ephesians 3:14-21 Rooted and grounded in love, you may be filled with the fullness of God.

Brothers and sisters: I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Philippians 3:8-9

Alleluia, alleluia. I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 12:49-53 I have not come to establish peace but division.

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-----------------------

Saint Antony Mary Claret, Bishop 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Thursday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Isaiah 52:7-10 All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, Announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, For they see directly, before their eyes, the LORD restoring Zion. Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the LORD comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8, 10

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise; give to the LORD the glory due his name!

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity.

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Gospel Acclamation Mark 1:17

Alleluia, alleluia. Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 1:14-20 I will make you fishers of men.

After John the Baptist had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Wrapped in Love 

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

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VERSE OF THE DAY 

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+ Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.

=======================

** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM STRONG 

I AM FEARLESS 

I AM COURAGEOUS 

I AM LISTENING 

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READ TIME: 9 Minutes & 6 Seconds

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THOUGHTS:

======================

   So, we can debate when Jesus was born and fuss about whether Christmas isn’t his birthday, but today, we are focusing on Jesus and his birth; his birth was incredible, and how he came into this world was amazing. God used a virgin to bring his son into the world, someone that was pure for a pure human being; Jesus was confirmed through different verses in the Bible that he was coming to the world.

 • Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

•Jeremiah 23:5: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land

 

•Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son

    Jesus came here for the sinner, when he was born his birth was done not with royal linen or gold everywhere he was simply born in a manger. “Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.

  A lot of us need all these things before we do anything, but not Jesus; he just needed a place to enter, and he did. and as he grew, he grew to do his father's work even as a child, his parents lost him one day because he wanted to teach. He told his mother I was about my father's business; he knew then what his calling was. 

  Luke 2:49-50 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

Do you know your calling? Do you know that Jesus called us all to do something? My calling might not look like yours, but we all are called to do something amazing in his name. Jesus knew what he must do; you see that he must be about his father’s business, which means he must teach and save the world; a lot of us don’t want to do his will; we don’t want to do the calling he has placed on us because we feel we can’t do it, but when God placed a calling on us he will give us the strength and power to do it, our power is finite, but he is infinite. 

  Verse 52: Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and all the people.

  His wisdom grew as he grew, and many people were astonished by what he knew because he grew up locally in the town, and some saw him as just Jesus, the carpenter’s boy.

  Matthew 13:55;57 Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. (57) They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

  As he was here, many people refused to listen to him; they were offended he was even teaching; they felt he couldn’t be the Messiah because he was the son of a carpenter. No matter where you come from or your past sins, God wants to use you; a lot of people don’t understand our journey, a lot of people don’t understand the passion you have for the love of God, but that’s okay what’s the most important thing is God, not our emotions leading  us. 

  John 15:6   If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned

  This week, we learned about our connection with God and how we must continue to have a stable connection with God and how to do this, we must pray and read our word; a lot of us don’t want to go through this and put the time in with God, we want all the blessing, but not the blesser we want all the gift but no studying and God wants us to always be in our word.

   James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

   When we start to study and allow God to use us, we will be attacked, but we shouldn’t be surprised because of what Jesus went through. Jesus had people who were cruel to him, but he still pushed forward through the words and mistreatment, and we must do the same. 

  Psalm 62:5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.”

  While we are going through it, we must know we aren’t alone; it might feel like it , but we aren’t. God wants us always to know we are never alone and that we can wait on him! I can be in the worst place in my life, and I know he understands me, and I know that he won’t allow me to endure by myself. 

  Joseph endured so much, but the lord was with him every step of the way. God made sure he had favor even with people around him; when we allow God to use us and we walk in him, he will make our enemies our footstool; a lot of us won’t wait for God to move; we do it ourselves, and we should always wait on God in our hard time.

   Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

  Fear can make us feel like we are all alone, but fear is a tactic the enemy uses to keep us stagnant in the plan of God; sometimes, we can think we are moving, but we aren’t because we have allowed fear to take over sure plenty of people in the Bible, we’re afraid. Still, they didn’t let their fears stop them from doing the will of God. We must stop allowing fear to run our lives and start letting God control what’s happening in our lives; when we let God conquer our fears, we can better handle what’s happening around us. 

    *** Today, we reviewed what we learned this week about the birth of Jesus. Jesus was born in a manger. A lot of us wouldn’t set foot in a manger, but he did; he was born there, the lord wanted when he came into this world that it be simple, and it was, he could’ve came into this world draped in gold, and in the best place to stay in but that would’ve taken away from the beauty of who he is and why he came here. 

  As he got older, he started to do what he was called to do, and many of us know our calling, but because it’s not what we want, we refuse to do it. God has called us all to do something in our lives, whether to preach, teach, or be an usher; whatever it is, we must do it for his glory.

   We might be fearful of what that is and fearful of doing it, but whatever he’s given to us, we can do it in his strength, not our own. We do it in him and for him; that’s why we must ask for a fresh anointing to go into the world and teach about him every day. We all have been afraid, but we can all conquer it if we keep our hand in his hand. If you feel that you have allowed fear to take over or have a calling on your life that you haven’t started, go and talk to God today, and he will extinguish all your fears and point you in the right direction.  ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

======================

PRAYER

=====================

Heavenly Father, thank you for today, thank you for giving us , health, and strength. Lord, we need you so severely we ask you to be with us and help us to understand that you can conquer anything that comes our way; Lord, we ask you to give us a fresh anointing so that we may teach the way you want us to teach preached the way you want to preach we do everything in your will. We can’t do it alone. We ask you right now to cover us in your blood, help us to apply this lesson to our lives, and help us to be more like you in Jesus' name, amen.

======================

REFERENCES 

======================

+ Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you

 

+ Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears

 

+ Luke. 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.

======================

FURTHER READINGS 

======================

 Proverbs 21

Isaiah 37

Hosea 12

Lamentations 13

Joshua 24

======================

[apocrypals]

Previously, on Apocrypals part 5: The Fifth One

As we begin our sixth (!) calendar year of Apocrypals, here is a list of the texts we have covered so far on the show in case you want to read along or catch up. They’re arranged in a way that appeases my systematic nature.  

Tanakh/Old Testament:

Genesis (episodes 16-20)

Exodus (episodes 33 and 35)

Leviticus (episode 59)

Numbers (episode 62)

Deuteronomy (episode 65)

Joshua (episode 73)

Judges (episode 80)

Ruth (episode 45)

1 Samuel (episode 89)

2 Samuel (episode 90-91)

1 Kings (episode 99)

2 Kings (episode 106)

Esther (episode 37)

Job (episode 101)

Ecclesiastes (episode 52)

Song of Songs (episode 34)

Isaiah (episode 4)

Jeremiah (episode 43-44)

Lamentations (episode 48)

Ezekiel (episode 55-56)

Daniel (episode 2)

Hosea (episode 108)

Jonah (episode 31)

Micah (episode 74)

Nahum (episode 74)

Deuterocanon/capital-A Apocrypha:

Tobit (episode 13)

Judith (episode 22)

Greek Additions to Esther (episode 37)

1 Maccabees (episode 27)

2 Maccabees (episode 28)

3 Maccabees (episode 53)

4 Maccabees (episode 78)

The Prayer of Azariah aka the Song of the Three Holy Children (episode 2)

Susanna (episode 2)

Bel and the Dragon (episode 2)

The Prayer of Manasseh (episode 6)

New Testament:

Matthew (episodes 8-9)

Mark (episode 7)

Luke (episode 10)

John (episode 11-12)

Acts of the Apostles (episode 1)

Romans (episode 5)

1 Corinthians (episode 25)

2 Corinthians (episode 42)

Galatians (episode 72)

Ephesians (episode 81)

Hebrews (episode 104)

1 John (episode 49)

2 John (episode 49)

3 John (episode 49)

Revelation (episode 50)

Pseudepigrapha (Jewish apocrypha):

The Testament of Solomon (episode 24)

The Story of Ahikar (episode 14)

The Ascension of Isaiah (episode 6)

1 Enoch (episode 39-40)

2 Enoch (episode 61)

3 Enoch (episode 86-87)

Jubilees (episodes 82 and 83)

The Letter of Aristeas (episode 70)

The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness (episode 71)

Joseph and Aseneth (episode 93)

New Testament apocrypha:

The Protevangelium aka Infancy Gospel of James (episode 29)

The Acts of Pilate/Gospel of Nicodemus (episode 23)

Mors Pilati/Death of Pilate (episode 23)

The Acts of Paul and Thecla (episode 22)

The Acts of Peter (episode 3)

The Acts of Peter and Paul (episode 3)

The Acts of Andrew and Matthias (episode 60)

The Acts of Thomas and His Wonderworking Skin (episode 66)

The Life of Xanthippe, Polyxena, and Rebecca (episode 57)

Questions of Bartholomew (episode 41)

Resurrection of Jesus Christ by Bartholomew (episode 41)

The Book of Bartholomew (episode 67)

Acts of John (episode 46)

The Acts of Andrew (episode 97)

Syriac Infancy Gospel (episode 47)

Infancy Gospel of Thomas (episode 54)

Infancy Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (episode 79)

The Adoration of the Magi (2020 Christmas bonus episode)

The History of Joseph the Carpenter (episode 103)

The First Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Second Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Third Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Apocalypse of Peter (episode 75)

The Apocalypse of Paul (episode 95)

The Gospel of Philip (episode 92)

The Gospel of Mary (episode 92)

The Gospel of Jesus’s Wife (episode 92)

The Gospel of Judas (episode 100)

The Greater Questions of Mary (episode Secret 69)

The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine:

The Life of Saint Nicholas (episode 26)

The Life of Saint Lucy (episode 26)

The Life of Saint Christopher (episode 15)

The Life of Saint Benedict (episode 15)

excerpts from The Passion of the Lord (episode 23)

The Life of Saint Sebastian (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Blaise (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Agatha (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Roch (episode 63)

The Life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (episode 77)

The Life of Saint Barbara (episode 77)

The Life of Saint Dunstan (episode 85)

The Life of Mary Magdalene (episode 94)

The Life of Saint Martha of Bethany (episode 102)

The Life of Saint Margaret of Antioch (episode 102)

Other:

Historia Trium Regum/The Legend of the Three Kings by John of Hildesheim (episode 30)

Muirchu’s Life of Saint Patrick (episode 36)

The Life of Saint Guinefort (episode 63)

The Life of Saint Mary of Egypt (episode 69)

The Life of Saint Pelagia (episode 69)

The Life of Saint Martin by Sulpicius Severus (episode 76)

The Life of Saint Columba (episode 84)

The Life of Saint Wilgefortis (episode 94)

Lives of cephalophoric saints (bonus episode cephalo4)

Stories of the Baal Shem Tov from The Golden Mountain (episode 96)

More stories of the Baal Shem Tov from The Golden Mountain (episode 107)

Solomon and Ashmedai (bonus episode double chai)

Listener questions (episode 32)

Bible trivia questions (episode 38)

Halloween-themed Chick tracts (episode 51)

Christmas-themed Chick tracts (episode 98)

Bible Adventures and the Wisdom Tree catalogue of video games (episode 64)

The Da Vinci Code, the movie (episode 88)

Guess the Bible character from Persona 5 (bonus episode Persona 5)

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron (episode 105)

You can find links to all these episodes with show notes and more on the Apocrypals wiki

[versebyverse]

2025 Bible Read Through:

Green weeks are larger, blue are shorter, chapter wise.

Prophets

Week 1

Joshua

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Week 2

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Week 3

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Week 4

Judges

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Week 5

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Week 6

17

18

19

20

21

1 Samuel

1

2

Week 7

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Week 8

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Week 9

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

Week 10

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Week 11

31

2 Samuel

1

2

3

4

5

6

Week 12

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Week 13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Week 14

21

22

23

24

1 Kings

1

2

3

Week 15

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Week 16

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Week 17

18

19

20

21

22

2 Kings

1

2

Week 18

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Week 19

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Week 20

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

Week 21

24

25

Isaiah

1

2

3

4

5

Week 22

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Week 23

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Week 24

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Week 25

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

Week 26

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

Week 27

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

Week 28

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

Jeremiah

1

2

Week 29

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Week 30

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

Week 31

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Week 32

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

Week 33

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

Week 34

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

Week 35

52

Ezekiel

1

2

3

4

5

6

Week 36

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Week37

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Week 38

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

Week 39

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

Week 40

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

Week 41

Hosea

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Week 42

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Week 43

Joel

1

2

3

Amos

1

2

3

4

Week 44

5

6

7

8

9

Obadiah

1

Jonah

1

Week45

2

3

4

Micah

1

2

3

4

Week 46

5

6

7

8

9

10

Nahum

1

Week 47

2

3

Habakkuk

1

2

3

Zephaniah

1

2

Week 48

3

Haggai

1

2

Zechariah

1

2

3

4

Week 49

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Week 50

12

13

14

Malachi

1

2

3

4

[biblegumchewontheword]

Books of the Bible

Here is a detailed list of the 66 books of the Bible, divided by the Old and New Testaments, along with their divisions and categories:

**Old Testament:**

**Pentateuch (5 books):**

1. Genesis

2. Exodus

3. Leviticus

4. Numbers

5. Deuteronomy

**Historical Books (12 books):**

6. Joshua

7. Judges

8. Ruth

9. 1 Samuel

10. 2 Samuel

11. 1 Kings

12. 2 Kings

13. 1 Chronicles

14. 2 Chronicles

15. Ezra

16. Nehemiah

17. Esther

**Poetry/Wisdom Books (5 books):**

18. Job

19. Psalms

20. Proverbs

21. Ecclesiastes

22. Song of Solomon

**Major Prophets (5 books):**

23. Isaiah

24. Jeremiah

25. Lamentations

26. Ezekiel

27. Daniel

**Minor Prophets (12 books):**

28. Hosea

29. Joel

30. Amos

31. Obadiah

32. Jonah

33. Micah

34. Nahum

35. Habakkuk

36. Zephaniah

37. Haggai

38. Zechariah

39. Malachi

**New Testament:**

**Gospels (4 books):**

40. Matthew

41. Mark

42. Luke

43. John

**History (1 book):**

44. Acts

**Pauline Epistles (13 books):**

45. Romans

46. 1 Corinthians

47. 2 Corinthians

48. Galatians

49. Ephesians

50. Philippians

51. Colossians

52. 1 Thessalonians

53. 2 Thessalonians

54. 1 Timothy

55. 2 Timothy

56. Titus

57. Philemon

**General Epistles (8 books):**

58. Hebrews

59. James

60. 1 Peter

61. 2 Peter

62. 1 John

63. 2 John

64. 3 John

65. Jude

**Apocalyptic (1 book):**

66. Revelation

This list represents the traditional order and grouping of the books of the Bible in most Christian denominations.

These are the 66 books that make up the Bible.

Title: The Significance of Each Book of the Bible

Introduction:

The Bible is a collection of 66 books that together form the inspired Word of God. Each book has its own unique message, themes, and significance that contribute to the overall story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Let's explore the importance of each book of the Bible.

Lesson Points:

1. The Old Testament:

- Genesis: The book of beginnings, detailing creation, the fall, and the establishment of God's covenant with His people.

- Exodus: The story of the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

- Psalms: A collection of songs and prayers that express a range of human emotions and provide a guide for worship.

- Proverbs: Wisdom literature that offers practical advice for living a righteous and wise life.

- Isaiah: Prophecies about the coming Messiah and God's plan of salvation.

2. The New Testament:

- Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of the kingdom of God.

- Acts: Chronicles the early spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early church.

- Romans: Explains the doctrine of justification by faith and the implications of salvation through Christ.

- Corinthians: Addresses issues within the church and provides practical guidance for Christian living.

- Revelation: Offers apocalyptic visions of the end times, the victory of Christ, and the establishment of the new heaven and earth.

3. Themes and Messages:

- Each book of the Bible contributes to the overarching themes of God's love, redemption, forgiveness, and salvation for all humanity.

- Together, these books provide a complete narrative of God's work in the world and His plan for His people.

Application:

- Take time to explore and study each book of the Bible, seeking to understand its unique message and significance.

- Reflect on how the themes and stories in the Bible can impact your own life and faith journey.

- Consider how the teachings and examples in the Bible can shape your beliefs and actions as a follower of Christ.

Conclusion:

The books of the Bible are not just separate entities but are interconnected parts of the larger story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Each book has its own importance and contributes to the overall message of God's plan for salvation. May we approach the study of the Bible with reverence and openness to the wisdom and guidance it offers for our lives.

[martyschoenleber]

Worst Trade Ever

We are a sports dominated culture like no culture before us. I include myself. A day isn’t complete for me in the Spring, Summer or Fall without an update on how the Phillies did. Ditto for the Fall and Winter in relation to the Philadelphia Eagles. Both those major sports sometime have so-called “Blockbuster Trades.” So maybe this metaphor makes sense to many. Here’s my version of the worst…

[godslove]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦

The Greek word for evangelists is euaggelistes which means “one who brings good news.” This word is only found in two other places in the New Testament.

⁸ “On the next day, we left and came to Caesarea, where we went to the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven, and stayed with him.”

—Acts 21:8

⁵ “As for you, always be sober. Endure hardships, do the work of preaching the gospel, and carry out your ministry to the fullest extent.”

—2 Timothy 4:5

All Christians are called to evangelize and reach out to the lost with the Gospel

¹⁸ Then Jesus approached them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the world.”

—Matthew 28:18-20

but some are given an extra measure of faith and effectiveness in this area. The spiritual gift of evangelism is found in this verse where Paul says that Jesus:

¹¹ “It was he who established some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry in building up the body of Christ,”

—Ephesians 4:11-12

Evangelists are given the unique ability by the Holy Spirit to clearly and effectively communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. They are burdened in their hearts for the lost and will go out of their way to share the truth with them. Evangelists are able to overcome the normal fear of rejection and engage non-believers in meaningful conversations about Jesus. Their gift allows them to communicate with all types of people and therefore they receive a greater response to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. They continually seek out relationships with those who don’t know Jesus and are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to approach different people. They love giving free treasure away for Jesus,

⁷ “However, we hold this treasure in earthen vessels so that it may be clear that this immense power belongs to God and does not derive from us.”

—2 Corinthians 4:7, The State of an Apostle

and it brings them great joy knowing that the “feet that bring good news” are beautiful to those who believe.

⁷ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who bears good news and proclaims glad tidings, announcing salvation and saying to Zion, “Your God is king.”

—Isaiah 52:7

⁵ “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and began proclaiming the Christ to them. ⁶ The crowds welcomed the message proclaimed by Philip because they had heard and seen the signs he was doing. ⁷ For unclean spirits emerged with loud shrieks from many people who were possessed, and many others who were paralyzed or crippled were cured. ⁸ Thus, there was great joy in that city.

—Acts 8:5-8

¹² However, when the people came to believe Philip as he preached about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”

—Acts 8:12

²⁶ Then the angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and head south along the road that leads from Jerusalem down to Gaza, the desert road.” ²⁷ Therefore, he got up and set out. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, an official at the court of the Candace, that is, the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship ²⁸ and was now returning home. As he sat in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. ²⁹ Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join that chariot.” ³⁰ When Philip ran up, he heard him reading from the prophet Isaiah, and he asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” ³¹ He replied, “How can I, unless I have someone to instruct me?” Then he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. ³² This was the Scripture passage he had been reading: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter; like a lamb that is silent before its shearer he did not open his mouth. ³³ In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who will be able to speak of his posterity? For his life on earth has been taken away.” ³⁴ Then the eunuch said to Philip, “Please tell me, about whom is the prophet speaking—about himself or someone else?” ³⁵ And so Philip, starting with this text of Scripture, proceeded to explain to him the good news of Jesus. ³⁶ As they were traveling along the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, here is some water. What is to prevent me from being baptized?”

³⁷ And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch said in reply, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

³⁸ Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water, and he baptized him. ³⁹ When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but he went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ Philip, however, appeared in Azotus and continued his journey, proclaiming the good news in every town until he reached Caesarea.”

—Acts 8:26-40, Baptism of a High Official

¹⁸ Then Jesus approached them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the world.”

—Matthew 28:18-20

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart

1 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Blessed Is the One Who Finds Wisdom

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes-- Keep sound wisdom and discretion; 22 So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. 23 Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you. 29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety's sake. 30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; 32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright. 33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. 34 Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble. 35 The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools. — Proverbs 3 | New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible; New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 7:11; Exodus 20:6; Exodus 22:29; Leviticus 19:13; Leviticus 26:14; Numbers 9:20; Deuteronomy 11:21; Job 4:6; Job 11:19; Job 21:24; Job 28:15; Psalm 37:1; Proverbs 1:9; Proverbs 2:4; Proverbs 6:14; Proverbs 8:10-11; Proverbs 8:27-28; Proverbs 9:11; Isaiah 5:27; Daniel 12:3; Joel 2:24; Micah 2:1; Matthew 11:29; Luke 2:52; John 7:17; Romans 12:16; Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 2:1; Hebrews 12:5-6; 1 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 5:5; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 3:19