#Power Washing Joppa

[powerwashingmrcleanllc]

What to Expect During a Professional Pressure Washing Service

Hiring a professional pressure washing service can be an effective way to keep your property clean and well-maintained. However, if you have never used a pressure washing service before, you may be wondering what to expect during the process. Will it disrupt your daily routine? How long will it take? Will there be any damage to your property? In this article, we will guide you through the process of a professional pressure washing service, from the initial consultation to the completion of the job. We will provide a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect, so you can be prepared and confident in your decision to hire a professional pressure-washing service. Whether you are looking to improve the appearance of your home or business, or simply want to keep your property well-maintained, understanding the pressure washing process can help you make an informed decision about the best way to achieve your goals.

Here's a general overview of what you can expect during a professional pressure washing service:

Initial consultation: The pressure washing company will likely begin by scheduling an initial consultation to discuss your specific needs and expectations for the service. During this consultation, they will inspect the property and identify any areas that may require special attention.

Preparation: Before the pressure washing service begins, the area to be cleaned will be prepared by clearing any objects or debris that may obstruct the cleaning process. This may include covering nearby plants, furniture, and other outdoor items to protect them from potential damage.

Cleaning: Once the preparation is complete, the pressure washing service will begin. Depending on the surface being cleaned, different techniques and cleaning solutions may be used to achieve the best results. For example, high-pressure cleaning may be used for concrete surfaces, while low-pressure cleaning may be used for more delicate surfaces like wood and siding.

Post-cleaning inspection: After the cleaning is complete, the pressure washing service will conduct a post-cleaning inspection to ensure that all areas have been properly cleaned and that no damage has occurred.

Follow-up: Depending on the service, a follow-up may be scheduled to check on the condition of the cleaned area and to address any concerns or issues that may arise after the initial service.

It's important to note that the specifics of the pressure washing process may vary depending on the company and the type of service being provided. However, regardless of the specifics, a professional pressure washing service will prioritize safety, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, hiring a professional pressure washing service is an effective way to keep your property clean and well-maintained. By understanding what to expect during the process, you can ensure that you receive the best service possible and that your property is properly cared for.

Are You Looking For a Pressure House Washing in Joppatowne, MD?

If you're looking for a Pressure Driveway Washing service in Joppatowne, MD, you're making a wise choice to keep your property looking its best. Over time, driveways can accumulate dirt, grime, oil stains, and other debris, making them look dull and unsightly. Pressure washing is a quick and efficient way to remove these contaminants and restore your driveway's appearance to its original beauty. By using high-pressure water and specialized cleaning solutions, pressure washing can also help to prevent damage and prolong the lifespan of your driveway. There are several pressure washing services in Joppatowne, MD that specialize in driveway washing, each with its own expertise and pricing. It's important to choose a reliable and experienced company that uses safe and effective cleaning techniques. With professional pressure driveway washing services, you can enhance the curb appeal of your property and also protect your driveway from future damage.

Mr. Clean Power Washing, LLC 702A Pulaski Hwy Suite D, Joppatowne, MD 21085, United States (443) 961-1980

[rwmhunt]

Leviticus, chapter 27

1. Smoke.

2. Indeed, at the time, to the roles ascribed, as unto a gender,

Be it so aligned, that you wouldn't find to express by yourself

Such ways as others divined, as otherwise, you might have thought to.

For it is that they wouldn’t look the way you would mean to appear,

Nor would they be pursuant of the actions that you wouldst be undoing of;

But, tis normal to be inspired- so

Then experience revelations, and the found skills that're of being alive;

To acknowledge them and allow for their alterance as unto others irrevocably.

See, Erotion can never go back.

Her auxiliary capacious desire is here ignited and thrust.

It is this passion that both excited the lord,

and hath made of her the compulsive conclusion.

For where the lord hath giv'n unto her

Of a low forrid, owl features, a froward, evilfavouredness–

Yet, hath she a mallum, passive and usable; and of how many shekels?

We shall see.

But the freedom that hath brought me to her

Might moreover be wrought agin us.

Here, you really have to drill down on the mental illness,

As I, my own actress.

3. Come madame,

Come all the rest.

O

Shagahll ahnaaah-

Which translate here as

Escrow, usufruct,

Lo, my

Incarnate ignominy,

In relatively tepid water,

Whimsy, say, jsyk, that

She'd hair like a whip

And pretty good eyes,

And if it be a female,

By such metric

As flux the matrix, yet,

I know not who I am, Erotion,

So know me only by my appetites.

4. Only in death,

At the courts of love,

Doth a woman gain of herself

Judgement as unto crime's advantage.

And still, I mean,

They're shaken still, as unto this day. 

For that they have still not recovered

And I know not that ever they will.

I love you as

Can experience

Nothing through you

O wait, but didn't I just?

That gait, that fate, that lately

Fell to someone else's statement-

Leviticus? That you? I know why

You’ve got to focus on this sort of stuff, 

But I really think, I think really that that is not 

Where the numbers are;

I’m talking to today,

As women

Imagine their bodies

To be their own.

5. To every little girl watching tonight;

Of five years, even unto twenty,

That thy worth shouldst be as a fifth

of thy fathers-

Those men who hath brought you forth,

For as thy be their daughters,

Here to see what I will prove

Unable to do;

In the singular vow-

To shew verily

What you need

Is a system of value judgements,

Set out so, before the lord. In shekels.

And where social shame provideth not enough discipline,

Graft unto it from the rod of cultural capital-

Say, that because the Children are inherently bad,

And aware only of their denial, might they

Be tripped into taking an onus

That isn't rightly theirs, so do good by it,

Or else, bloody-minded,

They hyperchargeth the tendencies that demarkate

My eternal and internal boundaries, or,

Maybe, my babies,

It's time to join the can cult;

To get a new book-

If such be my contribution,

Then such is enough.

6. Non-mathmatical aesthetic identities,

According to the valuation, as clearly uttered-

Though it be of an accident, with a minced oath attachment,

And baked-in with wild conjecture, yet, me thinks, I heard-

Piled high, of thousands, a pressure mountain, ah,

But we have a different scribe here to the last, imho.

So Mose has handed over the keys, though, I don't know

The hand that handled the sword as his, really, either...

For here, calculators are wrought, and to the ready,

But we'll dispatch with them, it is not necessary;

Set that ceaseless bucket down.

7. And the bawling of missives, meant for one, there unto all-

The original context collapsing; grafted deep onto him in death,

Riding out his memory towards a destiny of Her own choosing, who,

By whatever generosity in prior tact the intended might have possessed,

As wouldst prove to be a benison, if brought unto the conflagration, it's lost;

Even, forced out beyond itself, and the function,

Encouraged to carve up the message unto its own ends,

Where the loss of context is pulled out of its context and loved.

8. The imposition of women,

A short for sacrifice of well-being,

As She, ultimately, makes sacrifice of herself for her appetites,

But, de gustibus, in grafting them unto her in death,

So She truly hath lived, there be no defeat-

And riding forth her memory towards a hell of her own choosing,

As to scrutinise the system, adequately substantiates it's requirement-

Thy confirmation, by corroboration with a backward-thinking;

Too poor to be valued, a daylight over static water,

O whimsy,

That a priest should find a way with,

What’s lower than an afterthought?

I don't remember.

9. Is death hell?  Sheol? A well

Avernus, tartarus, hades,

A shale shell,

Too deep to see the stars from?-

Doth your bird speake?

Not as a rule, but as

A narratal tool-

10. Exchanges are not to be made,

Lo. but if they, yet so; then holy be-

I heard she'd words with the chatty rat,

That as earn you side-eye from fellow travellers-

Nae, twas just a flurry of feathers,

Like pigeons who momentarily flummox eachother

Into a figment of a fox, by misreading of the other's,

Otherwise meaningless, sudden motion;

So only as you are;

Never shall thy speake.

11. And should a priest do as he be bid,

And look the gift horse lowly, well,

He hath abused his powers,

And abusers are cowards,

Feared of their just desserts,

Should they try to revert

To a precedent

That's slumpt, inert,

And just is.

12.  To drop the eyes, so take

the focus off the waiting.

One handed,

Straineth, and,

Before I lose my medical status,

Make a mimesis to

The viability-shield

Of barrier nursing.

13. And there was an evening

When she cursed,

Turned white overnight-

Not even only just her hair.

And it ran on for days,

Days as months

That aged like years;

So, acuity straid,

Don't say impaired-

We just hang on.

14. In unspoken dotage,

She ordered a home report unto

My eternal and internal boundaries,

As global eyes be a-watching you;

In real time, you can't go back.

Lo, not like that you can't-

Details fetishized, or forgot,

And writes that she loves Jhwh,

Using an exclamation point to add an extra emphasis.

- I don't think I need to do anything else.

- I don't think I do either.

Alright then.

I'm saved, as while outside,

The world is raging,

As global eyes swell watching you,

The forgotten who fell from the storm;

Here, you really have to have a drill-down on the mental ills.

15. Yet after all the work, the depth,

I do think now only of numbers;

Where are the convolutions

That a life as this requires?

Lo, but my cut please.

16. Out to the field, the trap, she went,

Lifting the flap

From the batter'd tent,

The old vhs player, the old liniments,

Tinctures, unguents, hartshorn, clinked,

One silver shekel, minted anew,

Glinting from a box of screws,

Fungus sprung from a seam in the pattern,

Tins of yam and of sacred beans,

A scientologist's half-filled-in questionnaire,

Some garden tools, a dressing gown,

The buried bones, exhumed again,

The climbing harness, the bathroom rug,

The old kitchen table, stained with blood-

A water-damaged iliad upon it, still,

As everything was- quite sodden.

17. So, by visitation,

To or from Aunt Miriam

That changes were rung

Within the domestic routine,

Being within walking distance

To the Post Office

And from what comes of the tent of meaning.

18. Lo, for she loved her processes

As a kind of glockenspiel

And when arose opportunity,

Tinked it for the rest of us

- That it ran through us all-

A thimble's klang; O Jubilee.

19. If tears are the understanding of grief,

Then differential can be deferential,

- But do not let Miriam be led

Like a baby that is born dead,

As dead things that never were,

With a body that is only half there,

To be wondered of a second childhood-

So here Mose crows, plied to a strain

Unknown in the voice, alone,

- Please Lord, make her well!

And there was no water for the congregation.

20. And went down

Through Joppa

To watch the waves rolling in,

21. And Erotion ascribed unto each,

Meaning,

22. And farther out

Were many waves

That couldn't be

determined,

As everything that

Has already been said.

23. Yet Erotion still tried,

And was always happy

With her answers,

And so was I.

24. Where tiny grains of hail

Should swell into orbiting moons,

And pull at bodies,

And make wider water move,

That might be discerned

And distanced, and rifled for meaning

As mere memorandum.

25. That you may not break the speed limit

Does not mean you may not run,

Whence, from one chair

In her kitchen,

She may not push

The boundary of human thought

Where she may yet

Press of her own;

26. And rising, she taketh a step,

The like which is more of a push from the back

Than a reaching with the front

Of such manner as Dr Molock wouldst

Consider to be good; nevertheless,

She doth so switcheth on the radio

And is met with applause.

27. Theory of relativity ran thus-

Trained to shoot missed rounds at centre-mass,

Against the retroviral doctrine of lache's mutinous strikes;

A high-stress phase, where stakes hit low-calibre bystander.

But when she read, of the self-help book,

That no sense could thus be made,

Where each of the examples

Suffered a circumstance

Different to him,

She deemed.

28. Notwithstanding no devoted thing

Being here redeemed, evangelicals,

The difference between being washed over,

And taking something up from the wash-

And coming back with it, and thence,

holding it to a burthen, is easy to see, 

Only after.

29. Ransom and be gored,

As all masacres, undertaken

To guarantee the peace;

So let the bodies pile high: 

Same customs revolved, same characters.

You can take his horn-torn shirt unto thy sister;

That she was tough as old eggs,

In returning from the engine room;

Unctioned only; as still alive;

The perpetual repair.

30. Finally Miriam,

Over the hill,

Rose out

From the face of family impasse,

Repurposed the old

To adapt to the current;

Rode forth

To the corner,

In  'de Gustibus,-

The Solid Scran Van',

She says she means of herself

A safety net, to be

The wheel in the street,

31. And looketh up to see

God's face in the moon

Or whatever it was

That can't be drawn

And I won't be drawn.

32. As round the tent entrance

of a palace of cloud, plastered in doubloons,

And cannot be kept from my imagination,

And what I perseve is right lively to the world-

Das ding und sich and such and but;

For I'll be the judge of that, and to my bias-

Whatsoever cloys under the great varnisher,

Who layers the crack in the camel's back,

That yet, we all must press low under,

In sweetness and/or in revulsion,

Where we too are fallible, still

The lord must only be cute.

Lo, but i hold no decree

And yet am repulsed

By vitric surfactants.

33. A relationship, broken in three places,

Months after a tremendously successful campaign cycle,

Where I, a simple volunteer, am accused

Of such stuff as I do not do, while the A.B.C.

Confirmeth or annuls the meaning,

With one Boeing E-6B Mercury flying off the East Coast;

With another high over Oregon- lo, practically,

Laws are abstract,

And will not bend

To their being wrong,

When unto him a dybbuk,

And; the series is severed,

The characters gone.

Don't look.

Gives you memories.

34. So be.

- For, it's that we're made

Of an edible stuff, mulled the steer.

-Nae, for I ate my piglets and now

I'm glad of it, said the sow;

Lo.

-All's well.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

24th April >> Mass Readings (USA)

Saturday, Third Week of Eastertide

   or 

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest, Martyr.

Saturday, Third Week of Eastertide

(Liturgical Colour: White)

First Reading

Acts of the Apostles 9:31-42

The Church was being built up, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit she grew in numbers.

The Church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. She was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit she grew in numbers.

   As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.” He got up at once. And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

   Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated is Dorcas). She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving. Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid her out in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, rise up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R/ How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? or R/ Alleluia.

How shall I make a return to the LORD    for all the good he has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up,    and I will call upon the name of the LORD.

R/ How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? or R/ Alleluia.

My vows to the LORD I will pay    in the presence of all his people. Precious in the eyes of the LORD    is the death of his faithful ones.

R/ How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? or R/ Alleluia.

O LORD, I am your servant;    I am your servant, the son of your handmaid;    you have loosed my bonds. To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,    and I will call upon the name of the LORD.

R/ How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? or R/ Alleluia.

Gospel Acclamation

cf. John 6:63c, 68c

Alleluia, alleluia. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

John 6:60-69

To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”

   As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest, Martyr

(Liturgical Colour: Red)

(Readings for the memorial)

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

First Reading

Colossians 1:24-29

I am a minister of the Church in accordance with God’s stewardship.

Brothers and sisters: I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is him whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R/ The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

I will bless the LORD at all times;    his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD;    the lowly will hear and be glad.

R/ The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

Glorify the LORD with me,    let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me    and delivered me from all my fears.

R/ The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,    and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,    and from all his distress he saved him.

R/ The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

The angel of the LORD encamps    around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is;    blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

R/ The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

Gospel Acclamation

John 13:34

Alleluia, alleluia. I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

John 17:20-26

I wish that where I am they also may be with me.

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: “Holy Father, I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Sun., May 10, 2020

Apostle Simon the Zaelot

Saint Simon was from Cana in Galilee, and was known to the Lord and His Mother. Tradition says that he was the bridegroom at the wedding where the Savior performed His first miracle. After witnessing the miracle of the water which had been turned into wine, he became a zealous follower of Christ. For this reason, he is known as Saint Simon the Zealot.

Saint Simon was one of the twelve Apostles, and received the Holy Spirit with the others on Pentecost. He traveled to many places from Britain to the Black Sea, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. After winning many pagans to the Lord, Saint Simon suffered martyrdom by crucifixion.

Saint Demetrius of Rostov says that this Saint Simon is to be distinguished from the Apostle Simon Peter, and from the Lord’s relative Simon (Mt.13:55), who was the second Bishop of Jerusalem.

Saint Simon is also commemorated on June 30 with the other Apostles.

Source Orthodox Church of America_OCA

Blessed Taïs (Talsia)

Saint Thais lived in Egypt in the fifth century. Left an orphan after the death of her wealthy parents, she led a pious life, distributing her wealth to the poor, and she gave shelter to pilgrims on her estate. She decided that she would never marry, but would devote her life to serving Christ.

After spending all her inheritance, Thais was tempted to acquire more money by any means, and began to lead a sinful life. The Elders of Sketis near Alexandria heard of her fall, and asked Saint John the Dwarf (November 9) to go to Thais and persuade her to repent. “She was kind to us,” they said, “now perhaps we can help her. You, Father, are wise. Go and try to save her soul, and we will pray that the Lord will help you.”

The Elder went to her home, but Thais’s servant did not want to allow him into the house. Saint John said, “Tell your mistress that I have brought her something very precious.” Thais, knowing that the monks sometimes found pearls at the shore, told her servant to admit the visitor. Saint John sat down and looked her in the face, and then began to weep. Thais asked him why he was crying. “How can I not weep,” he asked, “when you have forsaken your Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ, and are pleasing Satan by your deeds?”

The Elder’s words pierced the soul of Thais like a fiery arrow, and at once she realized how sinful her present life had become. In fear, she asked him if God would accept the repentance of a sinner like her. Saint John replied that the Savior awaited her repentance. That is why He came, to seek and to save the perishing. “He will welcome you with love,” he said, “and the angels will rejoice over you. As the Savior said Himself, one repentant sinner causes the powers of Heaven to rejoice” (Luke 15:7)...keep reading OCA

Acts 9: 32-42 NKJV

Aeneas Healed

32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Restored to Life

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

Footnotes:

Acts 9:36 Lit., in Aram., Gazelle

Acts 9:36 Lit., in Gr., Gazelle

John 5:1-15 NKJV

5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, [a]Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, [b]paralyzed, [c]waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”

8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”

11 He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ”

12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

Footnotes:

John 5:2 NU Bethzatha

John 5:3 withered

John 5:3 NU omits the rest of v. 3 and all of v. 4.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

Source  Biblegateway

[cchmissions]

Israel Day Nine: Tuesday 1/08/19

Waking up Tuesday morning was difficult, for many reasons; knowing we wouldn’t be returning to the hotel; the stress of packing, unpacking, and repacking your suitcase hoping to get everything to fit once again; trying to mentally prepare ourselves for our 36 hour day and all the travels that the day held; and most grim, knowing our time in Israel was running out. Yet we made the best of our situation and left the hotel with high hopes of what our last day might have in store for us. Our hotel was located in the Northeastern part of Israel and our airport, the final destination of the day, was located near the middle of the country on the western side along the coast of the Mediterranean.

Because we did have such a long day of driving, our tour guide planned a stop along the way at Caesarea. In 22 BC, King Herod had a dream that he wanted to build the largest port on the Mediterranean. Twelve years later, his dream came true. Caesarea, named after Augustus Caesar, used to be a very powerful city because of it’s location along the shore and the numerous entertainment options it provided. Before modern-day cruises became popular, ships would only sail shore-to-shore and dock every night so the fisherman or passengers could sleep on land. Caesarea offered its’ inhabitants and guests with plenty of leisure activities: chariot racing, gladiator games, and live theater at the large amphitheater that would have held 6,000 people. Unfortunately, a lot of this materialistic city was destroyed by conquest or overtaken by the waves of the Mediterranean. The amphitheater though is still functioning and used weekly for concerts. Most sites we stopped at had a gift shop, Caesarea being no exception. This shop was special though in that it had Bamba, our new favorite Israeli snack. More than half the group bought a bag to eat on the trip home.

Our next stop was Tel Aviv, or the New York of Israel. It is Israel’s second largest city and most populous city, oddly enough it is also one of the newest cities in Israel. Founded in 1909, Tel Aviv became a place where Jewish refugees would flood throughout the 20th century. Today it is a major tourist attraction, known for its’ nightlife, shopping, and fashion industry. It was very fitting that we spent the majority of our time in Tel Aviv at the Caramel Market, the largest market in Tel Aviv. Two city streets, parallel to each other, were full of vendors selling handmade crafts, produce, off-brand clothing, spices, sweets, electronics, wall décor, and so much more. The narrow streets were packed with other market goers all trying to get a look at the goods being offered; it really did feel like New York.

While at Caesarea, our guide Efrat received an exciting phone call saying that we would be able to tour Independence Hall, the building where Israel declared it was a nation, while in Tel Aviv. The Hall was supposed to be closed for visitors for the next few years, so our visit was truly an unexpected treat. Beginning as a house, then an art museum, and now a historical site the Independence Hall has had about as many changes as Israel has. During our tour, we sat where guests sat in 1948 during the meeting that would eventually declare Israel a nation. There is nothing particularly special about the house, which makes it a rather odd place to have such an important meeting. But because Israel was still not at peace, the founders needed somewhere safe where they could meet. The then art museum seemed like the perfect disguise, and the shelter walls and high windows of the basement didn’t hurt either.

After being educated about the creation of Israel as a nation, we got on the bus and took a short ride to Joffa/Joppa. This ancient port has many biblical stories attached to it: Solomon transported cedars here to build the First Temple (2 Chronicles 2:5-6), Jonah the prophet fled from God (Jonah 1:3), and where Peter brought Tabitha back to life and stayed with Simon the Tanner (Acts 9:36-43). Our first stop was an outlook of the shoreline and St. Peter’s church, built to commemorate the visit and miracles of Peter while in Joffa. Efrat shared that most churches face east, in Israel however, because sunlight and Jesus will eventually come from the east. St. Peter’s church is no exception, but because it faces east towards the Mediterranean Sea, it is meant to represent that the church is open to all people even those across the sea—even Gentiles. We then walked to the believed site of Simon the Tanner’s home, and Lance retold the story of Peter healing Tabitha Dorcus. Back on the bus it was time to go to the Closing Dinner.

The entire trip, Passages had provided five-star accommodations, but the Closing Dinner was the most luxurious of all. The conference hall where we ate was two stories tall, with one wall being glass windows from the ceiling to the floor. Before being served, our group along with Efrat and Michael, our body guard, met in a separate lounge to hold a debrief of the trip. Everyone shared their favorite part of the trip and something they learned/want to take back with them. It was interesting hearing the 38 different perspectives of the trip, and how some people’s highlights were others deleted scenes. It was very bittersweet, sitting all together one last time, knowing we wouldn’t ever be able to recreate this trip.

Since my return, many people have asked me “Would you want to go back?”. And the easy answer is yes, yes I would. But honestly, I feel that it would be a disservice if I went back outside of Passages. Having started only three years ago, it was amazing how developed, professional, and pristine Passages and the entire trip was. They provided us with so much extra information, viewpoints, and insights that made the trip all the more meaningful. The immense amount of detail and effort that is poured into our schedule really showcases Passages desire for the students to learn and be more than just mindless tourists. I also couldn’t imagine coming back and not having Efrat as my personal guide. Her knowledge of the bible, land, Jewish culture, and Israeli history was absolutely inspiring. She said that she started giving tours after college just trying to make some money before something better came along, 29 years later she has mastered the art of tour-giving and could probably do it in her sleep. I would say without any doubts, that every single person on our bus was positively affected by her presence and inspired to learn more about our own faith because of her.

For our last supper, pun 100% intended, we were served our choice of veal, chicken, or fish. A significant amount of sides and pita was also consumed. While dessert was being served, we acknowledged each of the 8 buses, the faculty, tour guides, and body guards that were represented in the room. Once we were done eating, we had to rush to the airport to have enough time to make it through customs before our flight departed. Many hugs were given to Efrat and Michael, before we finally had to go our separate ways. Both of our flights went smoothly without any issues. The one thing on most people’s minds after landing was when they could get fast food. It seemed that a week without a hamburger or pizza was more difficult than expected. Honestly though, does anything say America more than a McDonalds?

The partially destroyed amphitheater in Caesarea Phillippi, and view of Mediterranean

The view of the amphitheater from the stage; it used to be 3 stories tall

Remains of Caesarea Phillippi, most washed away by the sea

The bus with all of our Bamba 

Carmel Market in Tel Aviv 

The original photo of Ben Gurion, the leader of Israel during both World Wars, in Independence Hall

Staircase down to the port 

Jaffa port 

Luxurious location of our last meal in Israel 

The last meal in Israel (chicken served at the fancy dinner) 

First meal post-Israel (please laugh at the comparison between this and the last meal in Israel) 

[dailychapel]

Psalm 112

1Hallelujah! Happy are they who fear the Lord *

and have great delight in his commandments!

2Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *

the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3Wealth and riches will be in their house, *

and their righteousness will last for ever.

4Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *

the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.

5It is good for them to be generous in lending *

and to manage their affairs with justice.

6For they will never be shaken; *

the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.

7They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *

their heart is right; they put their trust in the Lord.

8Their heart is established and will not shrink, *

until they see their desire upon their enemies.

9They have given freely to the poor, *

and their righteousness stands fast for ever; they will hold up their head with honor.

10The wicked will see it and be angry; they will gnash their teeth and pine away; *

the desires of the wicked will perish.

Acts 9:32-43 NRSV

As Peter went here and there among all the believers, he came down also to the saints living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed!” And immediately he got up. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

[carolap53]

Acts 9:22-43

22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.

23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

Aeneas and Dorcas

32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

New International Version

(NIV)

[the-christian-walk]

BEAUTIFUL ACTS (PART 2)

Can I pray for you in any way?

Send any prayer requests to Gods4all@aol.com In Christ, Mark

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.

Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.”

She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Acts 9:36-43

This ends today’s reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

“Take care of My sheep.” John 21:16

These were some of the final words that Jesus shared with Peter, the disciple He said He would build His church upon.

Peter took those words to heart after receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. From the second chapter of Acts on, we see him playing a prominent role in preaching and teaching as well as performing miraculous healings of the lame and afflicted, and exorcisms of demons from the possessed while in Jerusalem.

Then, in yesterday’s message from the latter part of Acts, chapter 9, we found Peter visiting Lydda, a town located a little more than twenty miles to the northwest of Jerusalem. There, he encountered and healed a man who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years, making sure the man knew it happened by the will and power of Jesus. Amazed by the beautiful act they had witnessed, the scriptures tell us that all residents of Lydda and the surrounding area of the plain of Sharon chose to believe in the Lord.  

As a result of his work in Lydda and elsewhere in Judea, Peter’s name and reputation began to spread.

We know this as we look at the closing verses of Acts 9 and the second beautiful act which forms the theme for this second of two devotions on the subject.

The scriptures tell us about a woman named Tabitha (or Dorcas in Greek) who lived in Joppa, a city in the western side of Judea and right on the Mediterranean Sea. We learn she was a Christian and very well known in the community for her selfless sacrifice in doing good and helping the less fortunate, two things that Jesus followers were called to do.

Well, sadly the charitable woman fell ill and died, her body washed and placed in an upstairs room. Distressed over the loss, other disciples in Joppa had received word that Peter was just eleven miles to the southeast in Lydda and so two men were dispatched to find him and urge him to come to Joppa at once.

We read where Peter complied with the request and when he arrived in Joppa, he was ushered to the room where Tabitha was laid. He found himself surrounded by widows who showed Peter all the cloths that Tabitha had made for them while she was alive, evidence of her beautiful acts of kindness toward them.

Peter had to be deeply moved by it all. Perhaps he had flashbacks to the three times Jesus had brought people back from the dead, remembering the widow’s son of Nain, Jairus’ daughter, or Jesus’ close friend, Lazarus. Knowing he now possessed very similar power, Peter, moved by the will of His Lord and the Holy Spirit, dismissed everyone from the room before falling to his knees and praying. We read where he then gave the command, “Tabitha, get up!” and immediately, her eyes were opened and she say up, very much alive.

Imagine the sheer amazement and joy that all the believers, especially the widows, felt when Peter came out of the room with Tabitha walking with him. The news of the miracle resurrection spread across Joppa like wildfire and as a result, “many people believed in the Lord”. It had to be very gratifying and satisfying for Peter who was ever increasingly being used by Jesus as an instrument of His will to grow the Christian church, first in Jerusalem and then Judea.

Beautiful acts were leading to a bountiful harvest of new believers and as a result, the Christian church continued to grow. Peter was a key player in this growth and as we’ll see in Acts, chapter 10, he would once again be in demand in another Judean city to the north of Joppa.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

PS: Feel free to leave a comment and please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it. Send any prayer requests to Gods4all@aol.com

[treediscountservice]

All About Tree Trimming and Pruning Methodology

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Crown Cleaning

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Crown Thinning

Selective removal of live tree branches reduces canopy density, allowing more sunshine and air to penetrate and reach nearby lawn and landscape plants.

Reduction pruning

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Structural pruning

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Crown raising

Pruning cuts to detach live or dead branches from the bottom part of a tree to raise the canopy level of a tree. Crown raising is achieved to increase visibility or provide more overhead clearance for structures, cars, power lines, machinery, or pedestrians.

Restoration Pruning

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[dfroza]

Love seeks to teach us humility.

we see this throughout the Scriptures, including Today’s reading from the book of Matthew:

“Examine your motives to make sure you’re not showing off when you do your good deeds, only to be admired by others; otherwise, you will lose the reward of your heavenly Father. So when you give to the poor, don’t announce it and make a show of it just to be seen by people, like the hypocrites in the streets and in the marketplace. They’ve already received their reward! But when you demonstrate generosity, do it with pure motives and without drawing attention to yourself. Give secretly and your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly.”

“Whenever you pray, be sincere and not like the pretenders who love the attention they receive while praying before others in the meetings and on street corners. Believe me, they’ve already received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your innermost chamber and be alone with Father God, praying to him in secret. And your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly. When you pray, there is no need to repeat empty phrases, praying like the Gentiles do, for they expect God to hear them because of their many words. There is no need to imitate them, since your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. Pray like this:

‘Our Beloved Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms,

may the glory of your name

be the center on which our lives turn.

Manifest your kingdom realm,

and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth,

just as it is in heaven.

We acknowledge you as our Provider

of all we need each day.

Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves

release forgiveness to those who have wronged us.

Rescue us every time we face tribulation

and set us free from evil.

For you are the King who rules

with power and glory forever. Amen.’

“And when you pray, make sure you forgive the faults of others so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you withhold forgiveness from others, your Father withholds forgiveness from you.”

“When you fast, don’t look gloomy and pretend to be spiritual. They want everyone to know they’re fasting, so they appear in public looking miserable and disheveled. Believe me, they’ve already received their reward. When you fast, don’t let it be obvious, but instead, wash your face and groom yourself and realize that your Father in the secret place is the one who is watching all that you do in secret and will continue to reward you.”

“Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value. For your heart will always pursue what you esteem as your treasure.

“The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light to enter into your being. If your heart is unclouded, the light floods in! But if your eyes are focused on money, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. How profound will be the darkness within you if the light of truth cannot enter!

“How could you worship two gods at the same time? You will have to hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t worship the true God while enslaved to the god of money!”

“This is why I tell you to never be worried about your life, for all that you need will be provided, such as food, water, clothing—everything your body needs. Isn’t there more to your life than a meal? Isn’t your body more than clothing?

“Consider the birds—do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they? So, which one of you by worrying could add anything to your life?

“And why would you worry about your clothing? Look at all the beautiful flowers of the field. They don’t work or toil, and yet not even Solomon in all his splendor was robed in beauty like one of these! So if God has clothed the meadow with hay, which is here for such a short time and then dried up and burned, won’t he provide for you the clothes you need—you of little faith?

“So then, forsake your worries! Why would you say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For that is what the unbelievers chase after. Doesn’t your heavenly Father already know the things your bodies require?

“So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.”

The Book of Matthew, Chapter 6 (The Passion Translation)

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 3rd chapter of Ezra that documents the starting point of the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem:

[The Building Begun]

When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled into their towns, the people assembled together in Jerusalem. Jeshua son of Jozadak and his brother priests, along with Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and his relatives, went to work and built the Altar of the God of Israel to offer Whole-Burnt-Offerings on it as written in The Revelation of Moses the man of God.

Even though they were afraid of what their non-Israelite neighbors might do, they went ahead anyway and set up the Altar on its foundations and offered Whole-Burnt-Offerings on it morning and evening. They also celebrated the Festival of Booths as prescribed and the daily Whole-Burnt-Offerings set for each day. And they presented the regular Whole-Burnt-Offerings for Sabbaths, New Moons, and God’s Holy Festivals, as well as Freewill-Offerings for God.

They began offering Whole-Burnt-Offerings to God from the very first day of the seventh month, even though The Temple of God’s foundation had not yet been laid.

They gave money to hire masons and carpenters. They gave food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and Tyrians in exchange for the cedar lumber they had brought by sea from Lebanon to Joppa, a shipment authorized by Cyrus the king of Persia.

In the second month of the second year after their arrival at The Temple of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua son of Jozadak, in company with their brother priests and Levites and everyone else who had come back to Jerusalem from captivity, got started. They appointed the Levites twenty years of age and older to direct the rebuilding of The Temple of God. Jeshua and his family joined Kadmiel, Binnui, and Hodaviah, along with the extended family of Henadad—all Levites—to direct the work crew on The Temple of God.

When the workers laid the foundation of The Temple of God, the priests in their robes stood up with trumpets, and the Levites, sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise God in the tradition of David king of Israel. They sang antiphonally praise and thanksgiving to God:

Yes! God is good!

Oh yes—he’ll never quit loving Israel!

All the people boomed out hurrahs, praising God as the foundation of The Temple of God was laid. As many were noisily shouting with joy, many of the older priests, Levites, and family heads who had seen the first Temple, when they saw the foundations of this Temple laid, wept loudly for joy. People couldn’t distinguish the shouting from the weeping. The sound of their voices reverberated for miles around.

The Book of Ezra, Chapter 3 (The Message)

my personal reading of the Scriptures for monday, march 8 of 2021 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible, along with Today’s Psalms and Proverbs

A post by John Parsons that looks deeper into this week’s Torah reading:

Shalom friends. This week we have a "double portion" of Torah: parashat Vayakhel (ויקהל) and parashat Pekudei (פקודי). Much of this material is repeated from the earlier description of the Tabernacle (המשׁכן) to underscore the importance of the sacrificial system (the altar) and to foretell the two advents of Messiah Yeshua. Note that God commanded Moses to assemble the Tabernacle on "the first month in the second year [from the date of the Exodus], on the first day of the month" (i.e., Nisan 1, or Rosh Chodashim, see Exod. 40:17). The new moon of Nisan, then, marks the beginning of the month of salvation (חודש הישועה), both regarding the Exodus from Egypt (and the establishment of the altar at the Tabernacle), as well as the greater Exodus the altar at the cross of Messiah (Luke 9:31).

Once the Tabernacle was fully assembled and all its vessels were accounted for and inspected, Moses anointed all its components with the sacred anointing oil, called shemen ha-mishchah (note that the word "mishchah" (משׁחה) comes from the same root as "Messiah" (משׁיח), indicating that the Mishkan (i.e., Tabernacle) would foreshadow God's plan of redemption given in Yeshua). Moses then formally initiated Aaron and his four sons into the priesthood, marking their hands and feet with sacrificial blood and “waving them” before the Lord to picture resurrection. The Divine Presence - manifest as the Shekhinah Cloud of Glory – then filled the Holy of Holies in the Tent of Meeting.

The Book of Exodus ends: “And Moses was not able to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the Glory of the LORD (כבוד יהוה) filled the Mishkan (המשׁכן). Throughout all their journeys, whenever the Cloud was taken up from over the Mishkan, the people of Israel would set out. But if the Cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the Cloud of the LORD (i.e., anan Adonai: ענן יהוה) was on the Mishkan by day, and Fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys” (Exod. 30:35-38).

The Presence of the Glory of God that descended from Sinai upon the newly dedicated Mishkan represented a climactic moment for the fledgling nation, since the Sin of the Golden Calf had jeopardized whether God would indeed dwell within the midst of the camp of Israel... Recall that it was only after Moses had returned from Sinai bearing the second set of Tablets (on Yom Kippur) that the glow of the LORD’s redeeming love radiated from his face, and new hope was given to Israel (prefiguring the New Covenant). The King of Glory would accompany the people from Sinai to the Promised Land! (The narrative continues in the Book of Numbers, beginning exactly one month after the Mishkan was assembled.) [Hebrew for Christians]

3.7.21 • Facebook

Today’s message from the Institute for Creation Research

March 8, 2021

The Dying Thief

“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)

One of the most remarkable scriptural passages is that of the “deathbed” conversion of the sinful thief crucified with Jesus. Christ recognized his repentance, forgave his sin, and offered him eternal life as he died. As reflected in the hymn “There Is a Fountain,” salvation comes to sinners who repent, turn from their sin, and believe on Him, without any works involved or strings attached.

The dying thief rejoiced to see

That fountain in his day;

And there may I, though vile as he,

Wash all my sins away.

The “fountain” of blood flowing from the cross produces great rejoicing in those who have acknowledged His lasting work. “With the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19), we can be forgiven and born into His family. We receive the ability for and privilege of living victorious, holy lives. “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

All have chosen sin; all deserve judgment. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). But because of Him, we can be “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33). JDM

[frederickwiddowson]

The Acts of the Apostles, the history of the early church, by Luke the physician - Acts 9:32-43 comments: Peter and Tabitha

Acts 9:32 ¶  And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33  And there he found a certain man named Æneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34 ��And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35  And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

 Palsy, like leprosy, was a catch-all term in Early Modern English for a number of illnesses which we have since defined more specifically. Typically a weakness in part of or the whole body it is often described in such a way as to sound like a stroke with the person unable to use one side of their body and affecting the speech.

 Acts 9:36 ¶  Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37  And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38  And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39  Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40  But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41  And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42  And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43  And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

 Tabitha is an Aramaic name while Dorcas is a Greek name. Strong says that Tabitha and Dorcas both mean the same thing although he says they mean, “gazelle.” Matthew Henry states that the names refer to a “pleasant creature” like a deer.

 Here, Peter is provided two things by God. First there is an opportunity to show the power of Christ through the Apostle at the raising of a great saint, beloved by many. Then, by the fame he gains in Joppa with many people believing in Christ as a result of Peter’s ministry he stays in Joppa many days which prepares him for another significant event to come next in the salvation of the Roman centurion. God sets us up to serve Him when we are willing and open to do so and puts opportunities in our path even when we are not. But, Peter is more than willing.

[powerwashingmrcleanllc]

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Essex, MD: A Journey to Maryland's Best-Kept Secret

Are you looking for a hidden gem in Maryland to explore? Look no further than Essex, MD! This charming town has plenty of unique experiences to offer visitors, from exploring local history to trying out delicious cuisine. But that's not all - if you're a homeowner or business owner, you'll want to pay special attention to our guide on gutter cleaning in Essex. Keep your property in top shape and avoid costly water damage with our expert tips and tricks.

Ready to start your journey to Essex's best-kept secret? We'll take you on a virtual tour of the town's top attractions, from the serene waterfront to the bustling farmer's market. Along the way, we'll share insider tips on where to find the best local cuisine, unique shopping experiences, and historical landmarks.

But it's not all fun and games - as a property owner, it's important to stay on top of essential maintenance tasks like gutter cleaning. We'll show you how to get the job done quickly and safely, so you can enjoy all that Essex has to offer without worrying about water damage or other issues.

So what are you waiting for? Join us on a journey to discover the hidden gems of Essex, MD - and learn how to keep your property in top shape with expert gutter cleaning advice.

As you explore Essex, MD, you'll quickly realize that this town is full of surprises. From the picturesque waterfront to the historic architecture, there's something new and exciting around every corner.

One of the best ways to experience the town's unique charm is by visiting the local farmer's market. Here, you'll find an impressive array of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and tasty treats from local vendors. It's the perfect place to stock up on snacks for your journey or to grab some souvenirs to take back home.

If you're interested in history, be sure to check out the Essex-Middle River Civic Council. This organization is dedicated to preserving the town's rich heritage and offers a variety of tours, events, and programs for visitors. You'll learn about everything from the area's Native American roots to its industrial past and beyond.

Of course, no trip to Essex would be complete without exploring the town's natural beauty. Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. Or head to Rocky Point Park for a picnic, a round of golf, or a relaxing day on the beach.

But amidst all the fun and adventure, don't forget about the importance of maintaining your property. Gutter cleaning is a crucial task that can help prevent water damage, pest infestations, and other issues. Our guide will show you how to clean your gutters safely and efficiently, so you can protect your investment and enjoy your time in Essex to the fullest.

Essex, MD is a hidden gem that's waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, this charming town has something for everyone. And with our expert gutter cleaning tips, you can keep your property in top shape and enjoy all that Essex has to offer with peace of mind.

Now, when it comes to keeping your property looking its best in Essex, MD, there's no better option than Mr. Clean Power Washing, LLC. This locally owned and operated company has been serving the community for years, and their expert team of professionals knows just what it takes to get your property looking like new again.

From power washing your home's exterior to cleaning your gutters and everything in between, Mr. Clean Power Washing, LLC has the experience, equipment, and expertise to get the job done right. They use only the highest-quality products and techniques to ensure that your property is spotless and well-protected against damage.

But it's not just their skill and expertise that make Mr. Clean Power Washing, LLC the best choice in Essex. This company is also known for their exceptional customer service and attention to detail. They take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences, and work closely with you to develop a customized cleaning plan that meets your exact specifications.

So if you're looking for the best in gutter cleaning, power washing, and property maintenance in Essex, MD, look no further than Mr. Clean Power Washing, LLC. With their top-notch services and commitment to excellence, you can trust them to keep your property looking its best all year long. Contact them today to learn more and schedule your appointment.

Mr. Clean Power Washing, LLC

3 Harko Ct, Essex, MD 21221

(443) 619-3133

[180brg]

Acts 9

Saul’s Conversion

9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.

23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,[a] but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

Aeneas and Dorcas

32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Footnotes:

Acts 9:29 That is, Jews who had adopted the Greek language and culture

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

21st April >> Mass Readings (USA)

  for Saturday of the Third Week of Eastertide

or

Saint Anselm of Canterbury, Bishop, Doctor.

Saturday of the Third Week of Eastertide

(Liturgical Colour: White) First Reading Acts of the Apostles 9:31-42 The Church was being built up, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit she grew in numbers. The Church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. She was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit she grew in numbers.    As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.” He got up at once. And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.    Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated is Dorcas). She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving. Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid her out in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, rise up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord. The Word of the Lord R/ Thanks be to God. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17 R/ How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? or R/ Alleluia. How shall I make a return to the LORD    for all the good he has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up,    and I will call upon the name of the LORD. R/ How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? or R/ Alleluia. My vows to the LORD I will pay    in the presence of all his people. Precious in the eyes of the LORD    is the death of his faithful ones. R/ How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? or R/ Alleluia. O LORD, I am your servant;    I am your servant, the son of your handmaid;    you have loosed my bonds. To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,    and I will call upon the name of the LORD. R/ How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? or R/ Alleluia. Gospel Acclamation cf. John 6:63c, 68c Alleluia, alleluia. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel John 6:60-69 To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”    As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” The Gospel of the Lord R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ. —————————

Saint Anselm of Canterbury, Bishop, Doctor

Liturgical Colour: White. First Reading Ephesians 3:14-19 To know the love of Christ, that surpasses knowledge. 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. The Word of the Lord R/ Thanks be to God. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 R/ I will bless the Lord at all times. or R/ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. I will bless the LORD at all times;    his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD;    the lowly will hear and be glad. R/ I will bless the Lord at all times. or R/ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Glorify the LORD with me,    let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me    and delivered me from all my fears. R/ I will bless the Lord at all times. or R/ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,    and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,    and from all his distress he saved him. R/ I will bless the Lord at all times. or R/ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. The angel of the LORD encamps    around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is;    blessed the man who takes refuge in him. R/ I will bless the Lord at all times. or R/ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Fear the LORD, you his holy ones,    for nought is lacking to those who fear him. The great grow poor and hungry;    but those who seek the LORD want for no good thing. R/ I will bless the Lord at all times. or R/ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Gospel Acclamation John 6:63, 68c Alleluia, alleluia. Your words, Lord, are spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Matthew 7:21-29 He taught them as one having authority. Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’    “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”    When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. The Gospel of the Lord R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

[ana-yanka]

Leather terms

https://books.google.ca/books?id=CylRAAAAYAAJ&dq=history+of+leather+%22oil+dye%22&source=gbs_navlinks_s

Knight's American Mechanical Dictionary: Volume 3

Authored by: Edward Henry Knight

“Tan’ning. Tanning is an operation which combines with the substance of the skin any other compound which has the property of rendering it imputrescitic. The agent most generally employed is a soluble vegetable extract termed tannin, which forms insoluble compounds with the albumen, gluten, gelatine, and other components of the skin.

Tannin is yielded by the bark of oak, willow, and many other trees. The bark of oak is by far the most usual source of tannin. Catechu, valonia, and many other inspissated vegetable extracts are also used. 

Another class of agents which fortify the fibrous portions of skins against the joint attack of warmth, air, and moisture are minerals which seem to act as preservative salts on the gelatino-fibrous structure of the skin. Such are alum and salt, and copperas. See Tawing.

It is difficult to determine the origin of this art, and it is somewhat confused by translating words referring to hides as if they meant tanned hides, that is, leather. 

Skins and raw hides were first used and were afterward softened by means probably substantially similar to those adopted by the North American Indians. The art was reduced to a scientific basis by Sir H. Davy. 

The pounding of skins, and sewing them up and inflating them, or filling them with tanning or tawing liquor, is shown in the ancient paintings of Kourna, Thebes.

Simeon of Joppa was a tanner, and dwelt by the seaside. Elijah and John Raptist wore leather girdles, perhaps raw hide. Strabo referee to the dresses of the Massaytan islanders as being of bark, owing to their having no cattle, and also to the skins used by other people. Pliny’s statement of the materials used in treating leather shows that both the tanning and tawing operations were practiced.

Alum, sulphates of iron and copper, gall-nuts, bark of pomegranate, lotus, wild-vine roots, leaves of sumac, erythronium, Rhus coriaria, and many inspissated juices.

The Saracens used alum. Du Cange mentions bark-mills and ground bark. 

The art of tanning, though practiced immemorially in Europe, undoubtedly originated in the East, which, until very recent times, had almost a monopoly on the finer kinds of leather. In 1730, a man was sent from France to the Levant to learn the process of morocco manufacture, and in 1749 the first European morocco manufactory was established in St. Hippolyte, in Alsace ; the art was not fairly developed in France before 1797.

[...] Half-dried sole-leather was formerly rendered compact and, to some extent, flexible, by being beaten by hand with hammers. In Switzerland, as early as 1800, water-power hammers, and subsequently, stamps were employed.

[...] Fresh slaughter hides are washed and scraped on the flesh side ; salted hides are sometimes scraped, but dry hides do not require this treatment. Each of the latter kinds is soaked in water 10 or 14 days, and occasionally rubbed or beaten to supple them.

The skins are then placed in pits containing lime-water of 3 or 4 different degrees of strength ; they are gradually transferred from the weaker to the stronger solutions, until, in the course of two or three weeks, the lime has dissolved the hair sheath and, by combining with the fat, formed an insoluble soap. They are handled, that is, taken from the pits, and allowed to drain for an hour or two each day. When the hair is readily separable, they are removed from the pit and scraped upon the beam, a stand having a rounded upper surface, with the unhairing-knife (this is a curved, two-handled scraper, fitting the convexity of the beam) ; the hair comes off easily, its removal leaving a grain. Flesh and fat remaining on the other side are cut off with the fleshing-knife, which has a sharp convex edge ; this process is termed fleshing. The hides are then washed in water, scraped, to get rid of adhering lime, the ears and projecting parts cut off, when they are ready for the tan-pit. The use of lime is objectionable, as it dissolves portions of the skin which would make good leather, makes the surface unequal, and interferes with the action of the tan. Various plans have been tried to avoid its use, among others smoking, causing incipient fermentation which loosens the hair, piling the hides together and converting them with spent tan or litter, and allowing partial putrefaction to take place ; and exposing them to air, kept constantly damp by the spray of water. In some cases weak acids are used, as very dilute sulphuric acid, sour milk, pyroligneous acid [wood acid], fermented barley, rye-water, and bran ; the two latter are sometimes used after liming. The effect of weak acids is to swell the pores, enabling the tanning liquor to penetrate them more readily. This process is termed raising.” 

[dailybiblelessons]

The Fourth Sunday in Easter

New Testament Lesson: Acts 9:36-43

Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;¹  he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths  for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,  I fear no evil; for you are with me;  your rod and your staff—  they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me  in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;  my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me  all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord  my whole life long.

¹ This idea is part of the description of those before the throne of God in Revelation 7:13-17.

New Testament Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,

“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the  Lamb!”

And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing,

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

For this reason they are before the throne of God,  and worship him day and night within his temple,  and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;  the sun will not strike them,  nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,  and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

New Testament Gospel Lesson: John 10:22-30

At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one.”

Year C Easter 4 Sunday

Selections from Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings copyright © 1995 by the Consultation on Common Texts. Unless otherwise indicated, Bible text is from Holy Bible New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All right reserved. Image credit: Jesus Walks in the Portico of Solomon (Jésus se promène dans le portique de Salomon) by James Tissot via the Brooklyn Museum. This image is in the public domain.