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Sunday, April 30, 2006

Jesus, The Victim, The Advocate

Glorietta Mass
"My little children, I write to you that you may not sin. But if anyone sins, we have an intercessor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Just One. He is the sacrificial victim for our sins and the sins of the whole world.

"How can we know that we know him? If we fulfill his commands.

"If you say, 'I know him,' but do not fulfill his commands, you are a liar and the truth is not in you. But if you keep his word, God's love is made complete in you. This is how we know that we are in him;"

1 JOHN 2:1-5

"Teach me to look beyond myself and instead
see the other people You care equally about."



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Saturday, April 29, 2006

The Fantastic Twelve

Ocean's TwelveFrom oceans12.warnerbros.com

"In those days, as the number of disciples grew, the so-called Hellenists complained against the so-called Hebrews, because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. So the Twelve summoned the whole body of disciples together and said, 'It is not right that we should neglect the word of God to serve at tables. So, friends, choose from among yourselves seven respected men full of Spirit and wisdom, that we may appoint them to this task. As for us, we shall give ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.'

"The whole community agreed and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and Holy SPirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenus and Nicolaus of Antioch who was a proselyte. They presented these men to the apostles who first prayed over them and then laid hands upon them.

"The Word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly and even many priests accepted the faith."

ACTS 6:1-7

"Lord, let Your peace and joy fuel me at work."



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Friday, April 28, 2006

The Rescuers!

Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers

"The Lord is my light and my salvation
- whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the rampart of my life;
I will not be afraid.

"One thing I ask of the Lord, one thing I seek -
that I may dwell in his house all the days of my life,
to gaze at his jewel and to visit his sanctuary.

"I hope, I am sure,
that I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.

"Trust in the Lord, be strong and courageous
- yes, put your hope in the Lord!
"

PSALM 27:1,4,13-14


"Thank You, Lord, for keeping me in Your safety."



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Thursday, April 27, 2006

Public Opinion

Rally
"So they brought them in and made them stand before the Council and the High Priest questioned them, 'We gave you strict orders not to preach such a Savior; but you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend charging us with the killing of this man.' To this Peter and the apostles replied, 'Better for us to obey God rather than any human authority!'

"'The God of our ancestors raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a wooden post. God set him as his right hand as Leader and Savior, to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses to all these things, as well as the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.'

"When the Council heard this, they became very angry and wanted to kill them."

ACTS 5:27-33

"Lord, You know my concern.
I have listened to other people's opinion.
However, above all, its Your Word and Will that matters.
Please speak Lord, Your servant is listening."



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Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Intimacy

CoupleCanon S45, f5.6, 1/60 sec

"The High Priest and all his supporters, that is the party of the Sadduccees, became very jealous of the apostles; so they arrested them and had them thrown into the public jail. But an angel of the Lord opened the door of the prison during the night, brought them our, and said to them, 'Go and stand in the Temple court and tell the people the whole of this living message.' Acordingly they entered the Temple at dawn and resumed their teaching.

"When the High Priest and his supporters arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin, that is the full Council of the elders of Israel. They sent word to the jail to have the prisoners brought in. But when the Temple guards arrived at the jail, they did not find them inside, so they returned with the news, 'We found the prison securely locked and the prison guards at their post outside the gate, but when we opened the gate, we found no one inside.'

"Upon hearing these words, the captain of the Temple guard and the high priests were bafled, wondering where all of this would end. Just then someone arrived with the report, 'Look, those men whom you put in prison are standing in the Temple, teaching the people.' Then the captain went off with the guards and brought them back, but without any show of force, for fear of being stoned by the people."

ACTS 5:17-26

"Lord, teach me to know You from my heart."



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Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Knowing Jesus

Pentax Optio S50

"In the same way, let the younger ones among you respect the authority of the elders. All of you, be humble in your dealings with each other, because God opposes the proud but gives his grace to the humble.

"Bow down, then, before the power of God so that he will raise you up at the appointed time. Place all your worries on him since he takes care of you.

"Be sober and alert because your enemy the devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Stand your ground, fim in your faith, knowing that our brothers and sisters, scattered throughout the world, are confronting similar persecutions. God, the giver of all grace, has called you to share in Christ's eternal Glory and after you ahve suffered a little he will bring yout o perfection: he will confirm, strengthen and establish you forever. Glory b to thim forever and ever. Amen.

"I have had these few lines of encouragement written to you by Silvanus, our brother, whom I know to be trustworthy. For I wantedt o remind you of the kindness of God really present in all this. Hold on to it.

"Greetings from the community in Babylon, gathered by God, and from my son, Mark.

"Greet one another with a friendly embrace. Peace to you all who are in Christ."

1 PETER 5:5-14

"Jesus, teach me to become like You."



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Monday, April 24, 2006

The Plan

Enigma
"As soon as Peter and John were set free, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and elders had said to them.

"When they heard it, they raised their voices as one and called upon God, 'Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth, of the sea and everything in them, you have put these words in the mouth of David, our father and your servant, through the Holy Spirit: Why did the pagan nations rage and the people conspire in folly? The kings of the earth were aligned and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.

"For indeed in this very city Herod with Pontius Pilate, and the pagans together with the people of Israel conspired against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. Thus, indeed they brought about whatever your powerful will had decided from all time would happen. But now, Lord, see their threats against us and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and work signs and wonders through the Name of Jesus your holy servant.'

"When they had prayed, the place where they were gathered together shook, and they were all filled with Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly."

ACTS 4:23-31

"Lord, allow me not to get my way.
Let me always be at the center of Your perfect will."



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Sunday, April 23, 2006

Love Is Not A Burden

Pregnant bellyFrom www.bbc.co.uk

"All those who believe that Jesus is the Anointed, are born of God; if you love the Father, you also love all those born of him. How may we know that we love the children of God? IF we love God and fulfill his commands.

"for God's love requires us to keep his commands. In fact, his commandments are not a burden

"because all those born of God overcome the world. And the victory which overcome the world is our faith. Who has overcome the world? The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

1 JOHN 5:1-6

"Lord may mothers learn to love their children more,
especially the ones still inside their wombs."



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Saturday, April 22, 2006

World Wonders

Dakak at DuskCanon S45, f3.2, 1/4 sec

"They were astonished at the boldness of Peter and John, considering that they were uneducated and untrained men. They recognized, also, that they had been with Jesus, but, as the man who had been cured stood beside them, they could make no reply.

"So they ordered them to leave the council room while they consulted with one another. They asked, 'What shall we do with these men? Everyone who lives in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign has been given through them, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this from spreading any further among the people, let us warn them never again to speak to anyone in the name of Jesus.' So they called them back and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

"But Peter and John answered them, 'Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's eyes for us to obey you rather than God. We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.' Then the council threatened them once more and let them go. They could find no way of punishing them because of the people who glorified God for what had happened."

ACTS 4:13-21

"Lord, may my every circumstance glorify You. Amen."



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Friday, April 21, 2006

Bonfire Blessings

Pentax Optio S50

"After this Jesus revealed himself to the disciples by the Lake of Tiberias. He appeared to them in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas who was called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee and two other disciples were together; and Simon Peter said to them, 'I'm going fishing.' They replied, 'We will come with you' and they went out and got into the boat. But they caught nothing that night.

"When day had already broken, Jesus was standing on the shore, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus called them, 'Children, have you anything to eat?' They answered, 'Nothing.' Then he said to them, 'Throw the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.' When they had lowered the net, they were not able to pull it in because of the great number of fish.

"Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, 'It's the Lord!' At these words, 'It's the Lord,' Simon Peter put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work and jumped into the water. The other disciples came in the boat dragging the net full of fish; they were nto far from land, about a hundred meters.

"When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, 'Bring some of the fish you've just caught.' So Simon Peter climbed into the boat and pulled the net to shore. It was full of big fish--one hundred and fifty-three--but, in spite of this, the net was not torn.

"Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast," and not one of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?' for they knew it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the break and gave it to them, and he did the same with the fish.

"This was the third time that Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after rising from the dead."

JOHN 21:1-14

"How great is Your love, O Lord!
Praise You forever and ever. Amen."



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Thursday, April 20, 2006

Understanding Scripture


"Then the two told what had happened on the road and how Jesus made himself known when he broke bread with them.

"As they went on talking about this, Jesus himself stood in their midst. (And he said to them, 'Peace to you.') In their panic and fright they thought they were seeing a ghost, but he said to them, 'Why ar eyou upset and why do such ideas cross your mind. Look at my hands and feet and see that it is I myself. TOuch me and see for yourselves that a ghost has no flesh and bones as I have.' (As he said this, he showed his hands and feet.)

"In their joy they didn't dare believe and were still astonished. So he said to them, 'Have you anything to eat?' and they gave him a piece of broiled fish. He took it and ate it before them.

"Then Jesus said to them, 'Remember the words I spoke to you when I was still with you: Everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.' Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

"And he went on, 'You see what was written: the Messiah had to suffer and on the third day rise from the dead. Then repentance and forgiveness in his name would be proclaimed to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Now you shall be witness to this."

LUKE 24:35-48

"Lord, give me a renewed love for Your Word
and open my mind to understand the Scriptures."



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Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Are You A Miracle-Worker?

Lame, Sick, Blind...
"Once when Peter and John were going up to the Temple at three in the afternoon, the hour for prayer, a man crippled from birth was being carried in. Every day they would bring him and put him at the temple gate called 'Beautiful'; there he begged from those who entered the Temple.

"When he saw Peter and John on their way into the Temple, he asked for alms. Then Peter with John at his side looked straight at him and said, 'Look at us.' So he looked at them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, 'I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, walk!'

"Then he took the beggar by his right hand and helped him up. At once his feet and ankles became firm, and jumping up he stood on his feet and began to walk. And he went with them into the Temple walking and leaping and praising God.

"All the people saw him walking and prasing God; they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, and they were all astonished and amazed at what happened to him."

ACTS 3:1-10

"Lord, give me the heart for those that need you most.
The poor, the lame, the sick, the blind, the outcast..."



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Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Uncompromising Ways

Jesus and John the BaptistPentax Optio S50

"'Let Israel then know for sure that God has made Lord and Christ this Jesus whom you crucified.'

"When they heard this, they were deeply troubled. And they asked Peter and the other apostles, 'What shall we do, brothers?'

"Peter answered: 'Each of you must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins may be forgiven. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise of God was made to you and your children, and to all those from afar whom our God may call.'

"With many other words Peter gave the message and appealed to them saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.' So those who accepted his word were baptized; some three thousand persons were added to their number that day."

ACTS 2:36-41

"Help me always seek balance, Lord.
That I may forgoing, yet also obedient to You."



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Monday, April 17, 2006

Is It The Truth?

Google
"They left the tomb at once in holy fear, yet with great joy, and they ran to tell the news to the disciples.

"Suddenly, Jesus met them on the way and said, 'Peace.' The women approached him, embraced his feet and worshiped him. But Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me.'

"While the women were on their way, the guards returned to the city and some of them reported to the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests met with the Jewish authorities and decided to give the soldiers a good sum of money, with thi instruction, 'Say that his disciple came by night while you were asleep, and stole the body of Jesus. If Pilate comes to know of this, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.' The soldiers accepted the money and did as they were told. This story has ciruculated among the Jews until this day."

MATTHEW 28:8-15

"Bless You, Lord, and may many more people
be educated with Christian truths."



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Sunday, April 16, 2006

Last Two Minutes

Basketball
"Peter then spoke to them, 'Truly, I realize that God does not show partiality... No doube you have heard of the event that occurred throughout the whole coutnry of the Jews, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism john preached. You know how God anointed Jesus the Nazarean with Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all who were under the devil's power, because God was with him; we are witnesses of all that he did throughout the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem itself. Yet they put him to death by hanging him on a wooden cross.

"But God raised him to life on the third day and let him manifest himself, not to all the people, but to the witnesses that were chosen beforehand by God--to us who ate and drank with him after his resurrection from death. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to bear witness that he is the one appointed by God to judge the living and the dead. All the prophets say of him, that everyone who believes in him has forgiveness of sins through his Name.'

ACTS 10:34,37-43

"Lord, You paid a high price for my salvation.
Thank You for the greatest gift I have ever received."



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Saturday, April 15, 2006

Light Enters

Image of JesusCanon EOS 350D, f2.0, 1/15 sec

"When the sabbath was over, Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go and anoint the body. And very early in the morning on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they came to the tomb.

"They were saying to one another, 'Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?' But as they looked up, they noticed that the stone had already been rolled away. It was a very big stone.

"As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man in a white robe seated on the right, and they were amazed. But he said to them, 'Don't be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified; he has been raised and is not here. This is, however, the place where they laid him. Now go and tell his disciples and Peter; Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.' The women went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them. And they were so afraid that they said nothing to anyone."

MARK 16:1-8

"For all those people who quietly gave... Thank you."



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Friday, April 14, 2006

A Victory

Dance ShowdownCanon S45, f3.5, 1/8 sec

"The arrest of Jesus

"When Jesus had fiished speaking, he went with his disciples to the other side of the Kidron Valley. There was a garden there where Jesus entered with his disciples.

"Now Judas, who betrayed him, kenw the place since Jesus had often met there with his disciples. He led soliders o the Roman battalion and guards from the chief priests and Pharisees, who went there with lanterns, torches and weapons.

"Jesus knew all that was going to happen to him; he stepped forward and asked, 'Who are you looking for?' They answered, 'Jesus the Nazarene.' Jesus said, 'I am he.' Judas, who betrayed him, stood there with them.

"When Jesus said, 'I am he,' they moved back and fell to the ground. He then asked a second time, 'Who are you looking for?' and they answered, 'Jesus the Nazarene.' Jesus replied, 'I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, let these others go.' So what Jesus had said came true: 'I have not lost one of those you gave me.'

"Simon Peter had a sword; he drew it and struck Malchus, the High Priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus said to Peter, 'Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?'

"The guards and the soldiers, with their commander, seized Jesus and bound him; and they took him first to Annas. Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the High Priest that year; and it was Caiaphas who had told the Jes: 'It is better that one man should die for the people.'

"Simon Peter with another disciple followed Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the High Priest, they let him enter the courtyard of the High Priest along with Jesus, but Peter had to stay outside at the door. The other disciple, who was know to the High Priest went out and spoke to the maidservant at the gate and brought Peter in. Then, this servant on duty at the door said to Peter, 'So you also are one of his disciples?' But he answered, 'I am not.'

'Now the servants and the gurads had made a charcoal fire and were standing and warming themselves, because it was cold. Peter was also with them warming himself.

"The High Priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, 'I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in places where the Jews meet together, either at the assemblies in synagogues or in the Temple. I did not teach secretly. Why then do you ask me? Ask those who heard me, they know what I said.'

"At this reply one of the guards standing by gave Jesus a blow on teh face, saying, 'Is that the way to answer the High Priest?' Jesus said to him, 'If I have spoken wrongly, point it out; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?'

"Then Annas sent him, bound, to Caiaphas, the High Priest.

"Now Simon Peter stood there warming himself. They said to him, 'Surely you also are one of his disciples.' He denied it and answered, 'I am not.' One of the High Priest's servants, a kinsman of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, 'Did I not see you with him in the garden?' Again Peter denied it, and at once the cock crowed.

"Jesus before Pilate

"Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the court of the Roman governor. It was now morning. The Jews didn't enter lest they be made unclean (by coming into the house of a pagan) and be unable to eat the Passover meal. So Pilate went out and asked, 'What charge do you bring against this man?'

"They answered, 'If he were not a criminal, we ould not be handing him over to you.' Pilate said, 'Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.' But they replied, 'We ourselves are not allowed to put anyone to death.'

"It was clear from this what kind of death Jesus was to die, according to what Jesus himself had foretold.

"Pilate then entered the court again, called Jesus and asked him, 'Are you the King of the Jews?' Jesus replied, 'Does his word come from you, or did you hear it from others?'

"Pilate answered, 'Am I a Jew? You own nation and the chief priests have haded you over to me. What have you done?' Jesus answered, 'My kingship does not come from this world. If I were king like those of this world, my guards would have fought to save me from being handed over to the Jews. But my kingship is not from here.'

"Pilate asked him, 'So you are a king?' And Jesus answered, 'Jus as you say, I am a king. For this I was born an for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of truth hears my voice.' Pilate said, 'What is truth?'

"Pilate then went out to the Jews again and said, 'I find no crime in this man. Now according to a custom, I must release a prisoner of yours at the Passover. With your agreement I will release for you the King of the Jews.' But they insisted and cried out, 'Not this man, but Barabbas!' Now Barabbas was a robber.

"Then Pilate had jesus taken away and scourged. The soldiers also twisted thorns into a crown and put it on his head. They have threw a cloak of royal purple around his shoulders and began coming up to him and saluting him, 'Hail, king of the Jews,' and they struck him on the face.

"Pilate went outside yet another time and said to the Jews, 'Look, I am bringing him out and I want you to know that I find no crime in him.' Jesus then came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak and Pilate pointed to him saying, 'Here is the man!'

"On seeing him the chief priests and the guards cried out, 'Curciry him! Crucify him!' Pilate replied, 'Take him youselves and have him crucified, for I find no case against him' The Jews then said, 'We have a law, and according to the Law this man myust die because he made himself Son of God.'

"When Pilate heard this he was more afraid. And coming back into the court he asked Jesus, 'Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. Then Pilate said to him, 'You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you just as I have power to crucify you?' Jesus replied, 'You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is more guilty.'

"From that moment Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, 'If you release this man, you are no friend of Ceasar. Anyone who makes himself king is defying Caesar.'

"When Pilate heard this, he had Jesus brought outside to the place called the Stone Floor--in Hebrew Gabbatha--and there he had him seated in the tribune. It was the Preparation Day for the Passover, about noon. So Pilate said to the Jews, 'Here is your king.' But they cried out, 'Away! Take him away! Crucify him!' Pilate replied, 'Shall I crucify your king?' And the chief priests answered, 'We have no king but Caesar.'

"Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.

"Jesus is crucified

"They took charge of him. Bearing his own cross, Jesus went out of the city to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew: Golgotha. There he was crucified and with him tow others, one on either side, and Jesus was in the middle.

"Pilate had a notice written and fastened to the cross that read: Jesus the Nazorean, King of the Jews. Many Jewish people saw this title, because the place where Jesus was crucified was very close to the city. It was moreover, written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek. The chief priests said to Pilate, 'Do not write: "The king of the Jews"; but: "This man claimed to be king of the Jews"' Pilate answered them, 'What I have written, I have written.'

"When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one part of each of them. But as the tunic was woven in one piece from top to bottom, they said, 'Let us not tear it, but cast lots to decide who will get it.' This fulfilled the words of Scripture: They divided my clothing among them; they cast lots for my garment. This was what the soldiers did.

"Jesus' last words

"Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister Mary, who was the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdala. When Jesus saw the Mother, and the disciple, he said to the Mother, 'Woman, this is your son.' Then he said to the disciple, 'There is your mother.' And from that moment the disciple took her to his own home.

"With that Jesus knew all was not finished and he said, I am thirsty, to fulfill what was written in Scripture. A jar full of bitter wine stood there; so, putting a sponge soaked in the wine on a twig of hyssop, they raised it to his lips. Jesus took the wine and said, 'It is accomplished.' Then he bowed his head and gave up the spirit.

"The pierced Christ

"As it was Preparation Day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross during the sabbath, for this sabbath was a very solemn day. They asked Pilate to have the legs of the condemned men broken, so they might take away the bodies.

"The soldiers came and broke the legs of teh first man and of the other who had been crucified with Jesus. When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead; so they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a lance and immediately there came out blood and water.

"The one who has seen here gives his witness to that you may believe: his witness is true and He knows that he speaks the truth. All this happened to fulfill the words of the Scripture, Not one of his bones shall be broken. Another text says: They shall look on him whom they have pierced.

"After ths, Joseph of Arimathea approached Pilate, for he was a disciple of Jesus, though secretly, for fear of the Jews. And he asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate agreed, so he came and took away the body.

"Nicodemus, the man who earlier had come to Jesus by night, also came and brought a jar of myrrh mixed with aloes, about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, following the burial custom of the Jews.

"There was a garden in the place where Jesus had been crucified, and, in the garden, a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. As the tomb was very near, they buried Jesus there because they had no time left before the Jewish Preparation Day."

JOHN 18:1-19:42

"Father, not my will but yours be done."



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Thursday, April 13, 2006

Humility

Lucky BambooPentax Optio S50

"It was before the feast of the Passover. Jesus realized that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father, and as he had loved those who were his own in the world, he would love them with perfect love.

"They were at supper and the devil had already put into the mind of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray. Jesus knew that the Father had entrusted all things to him, and as he had come from God, he was going to God. So he got up from table, removed his garment and taking a towel, wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel he was wearing.

"When he came to Simon Peter, Simon said to him, 'Why, Lord, you want to wash my feet!' Jesus said, 'What I am doing you cannot understand now, but afterwards you will understand it.' Peter replied, 'You shall never wash my feet.'

"Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you can have no part with me.' Then Simon Peter said, 'Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!'

"Jesus replied, 'Whoever has taken a bath does not need to wash (except the feet), for he is clean all over. You are clean, though not all of you.' Jesus knew who was to betray him; becaus of this he said, 'Not all of you are clean.'

"When Jesus had finished washing their feet, he put on his garment again, went back to the table and said to them, 'Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another's feet. I have just given you an example that as I have done, you also may do."

JOHN 13:1-15

"Father, teach us to be humble as Jesus was humble before you."



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Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Humble Pie

Pies

"The Lord Yahweh has taught me
so I speak as his disciple
and I know how to sustain the weary.
Morning after morning he wakes me up
to hear, to listen like a disciple.

"The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear.
I have not rebelled,
nor have I withdrawn.

"I offered my back to those who strike me,
my cheeks to those who pulled my beard;
neither did I shield my face
from blows, spittle and disgrace.

I have not despaired,
for the Lord Yahweh comes to my help.
So, like a flint I set my face,
knowing that I will not be disgraced.

"He who avenges me is near.
Who then will accuse me?
Let us confront each other.
Who is now my accuser?
Let him approach.

"If the Lord Yahweh is my help
who will condemn me?
All of them will wear out like cloth;
the moth will devour them."

ISAIAH 50:4-9


"Lord, fill me up with everlasting food.
Quench my thirst that I may be nourished."



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Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Called From Birth

Supernatural trailershowing a baby

"Listen to me, O islands,
pay attention, peoples from distant lands.
Yahweh called me from my mother's womb;
he pronounced my name before I was born.

He made my mouth like a sharpened sword.
He hid me in the shadow of his hand.
He made me into a polished arrow
set apart in his quiver.

"He said to me, 'You are Israel, my servant,
Through you I will be known.'
'I have labored in vain,' I thought
'and spent my strength for nothing.'
Yet what is due me was in the hand of Yahweh,
and my reward was with my God.
I am important in the sight of Yahweh,
and my God is my strength.

"And now Yahweh has spoken,
he who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
to gather Israel to him.
He said: ''Tis not enough
that you be my servant,
to restore the tribes of Jacob,
to bring back the remnant of Israel.
I will make you the light of the nations,
that my salvation will reach to the ends of the earth."

ISAIAH 49:1-6


"Lord, You created me.
Grant me the grace to live for each day."



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Monday, April 10, 2006

Having It All

Meralco commercial: son hugging mom

"The Lord is my light and my salvation
-- whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the rampart of my life;
I will not be afraid.
When the wicked rush at me
to devour my flesh,
it is my foes who stumble,
my enemies fall.

"Though an army encamp against me,
my heart will not fail;
though war break out against me,
I will still be confident.

"I hope, I am sure,
that I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.


"Trust in the Lord, be strong and courageous
-- yes, put your hope in the Lord!"

PSALM 27:1,2,3,13-14


"Help me believe that with You, my life is full."



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Sunday, April 09, 2006

Death Can't Vanquish Life

Blessing of the Palms
"Conspiracy against Jesus

"It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were looking craftily for a way to arrest Jesus and put him to death; for they said, 'Not during the Festival, or there might be trouble among the people.'

"Jesus anointed at Bethany

"Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper. As he was reclining at dinner, a woman entered carrying a precious jar of expensive perfume made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfumed oil on Jesus' head. Then some of them became angry and said, 'What a useless waste of perfume. It could have been sold for more than three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor.' And they criticized her.

"But Jesus said, 'Let her alone; why are you troubling her? What she has just done for me is a very charitable work. At any time you can help the poor, but you will not have me forever. This woman has done what was hers to do, she has anointed my body beforehand for my burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever the Good News is proclaimed, and this will be throughout the world, what she has done will be told in praise of her.'

"Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Jesus to them. On hearing him they were excited and promised to give him money. So Judas started planning the best way to hand him over to them.

"The Lord's supper

"On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the day whent he Passover Lam was killed, the disciples asked him, 'Where would you have us go to prepare the Passover meal for you?'

"So Jesus sent two of his disciples with these instructions, 'Go into the city and there a man will come to you carrying a jar of water. Follow him to the house he enters and say to the owner, 'The Master says: Where is the room where I may eat the Passover meal with my disciples?' Then he will show you a large room upstairs, already arranged and furnished. There you will preapre for us.' The disciples went off. When they reached the city, they found everything just as Jesus had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

"When it was evening, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were at table eating, Jesus said, 'Truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who shares my meal.' They were deeply distressed at hearing this and asked him, oen after the other, 'You don't me, do you?' And Jesus answered, 'It is one of you Twelve, one who dips his bread in the dish with me. The Son of Man is going as the Scripture say he will. But alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed; better for him if he had never been born.'

"While they were eating, Jesus took breakd, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. And he said, 'Take this, it is my body.' Then he took a cup and after he had given thanks, passed it to them and they all drank from it. And he said, 'This is my blood, the blood of the Covenant, which is to be poured out for many. Turly, I say to you, I will not taste the fruit of the vine again until the day I drink the new wine in the kingdom of God.'

"Peter's denial foretold

"After singing psalms of praise, they went out to the Hill of Olives. And Jesus said to them, 'All of you will be confused and fall away; for the Scripture says: I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. But after I am raised up, I will go to Galilee ahead of you.'

"Then Peter said to him, 'Even though all the others fall away, I will not.' And Jesus replied, 'Truly, I say to you, today, this very night before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.' But Peter insisted, 'Though I have to die with you, I will never deny you.' And all of them said the same.

"Gethsemane

"They came to a place which was called Gethsemane and Jesus said to his disciples, 'Sit here while I pray.'

"But he took Peter, James and John along with him, and becoming filled with fear and distress, he said to them, 'My soul is full of sorrow, even to death. Remain here and stay awake.'

"Then he went a little further on and fell to the ground, praying that if possible this hour might pass him by. Jesus said, 'Abba (Daddy), all things are possible for you; take this cup away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want.'

"Then he came and found them asleep and said to Peter, 'Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn't you stay awake for one hour? Keep watch and pray, all of you, so that you may not slip into temptation. The spirit indeed is eager but human nature is weak. And going away he prayed saying the same words. When he came back to the disciples, he found them asleep again; they could not keep their eyes open, and they did not know what to say to him.

"When he came back the third time, he said, 'You can sleep on now and take your rest! It is all over, the time has come; the Son of Man is now given into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look: the one betraying me is right here.'

"The arrest

"While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, who had been sent by the chief priests, the teachers of the Law and the elders. The traitor had aranged a signal for them, 'The one I kiss, he is the man. Arrest him and take him away under guard.'

"So, when he came, he went directly to Jesus calling, 'Master! Master!' and kissed him. Then they seized Jesus and arrested him. One of the bystanders drew his sword and struck out at the High Priest's servant, cutting off his ear.

"Jesus turned to them saying, 'So you have set out againsta a robber! Did you need swords and clubs to arrest me? Day after day I was among you teaching in the Temple and you did not arrest me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.' Then they all deserted him and fled.

"A young man covered by nothing but a linen cloth followed Jesus. As they took hold of him, he left the cloth in their hands and fled away naked.

"They led Jesus to the High Priest and all the chief priests assembled with the elders and the teachers of the Law. Peter had followed him at a distance and went right into the courtyard of the High Priest, where he sat with the guards, warming himself at the fire.

"Now the chief priests and the whole Council tried to find some evidence against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they were unable to find any. Even though many came up to speak falsely against him, their evidence did not agree. At last some stood up and gave this false witness, 'We heard him say: "I will destroy this Temple made by hands and in three days I will build another not made by human hands." But even so their evidence did not agree.

"The High Priest then stood up in the midst of them and asked Jesus, 'Have you no answer at all? What of this evidence against you?' But Jesus was silent and made no reply.

"The Hight Priest put a second question to him, 'Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?' Then Jesus answered, 'I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Most Powerful and coming with the clouds of heaven around him.' The High Priest tore his clothes to show his horror and said, 'What more evidence do we need? You have just heard his blasphemous words. What is your decision?' And they all condemned Jesus saying, 'He must die.'

"Some of them began to spit on Jesus and, blindfolding him, they struck him saying, 'Play the prophet!' And the guards set upon him with blows.

"Peter disowns Jesus

"While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the High Priest's servant-girls came by. Noticing Peter beside the fire, she looked straight at him and said, 'You also were with Jesus, the Nazarene.' But he denied it, 'I don't know or understand what you are talking about.' And he went out through the gateway.

"The servant-girl saw him there and told the bystanders, 'This man is one of them.' But Peter denied it again. After a little while those standing by said to Peter, 'Of course you are one of them; you are a Galilean, aren't you?' And Peter began to justify himself with curses and oaths, 'I don't know the man you are talking about.'

"Just then a cock crowed a second time and Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him, 'Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.' And he broke down and wept.

"Jesus before Pilate

"Early in the morning, the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the Law (that is, the whole Council or Sanhendrin) had their plan ready. They put Jesus in chains, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.

"Pilate asked him, 'Are you the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered, 'You say so.' As the chief priests accused Jesus of many things, Pilate asked him again, 'Have you no answer at all? See how many charges they bring against you.' But Jesus gave no further answers, so that Pilate wondered.

"At every Passover festival, Pilate used to free any prisoner the people asked for. Now there was a man called Barabbas jailed with the rioters who had committed murder in the uprising. When the crowd went up to ask Pilate the usual favor, he said to them, 'Do you want me to set free the King of the Jews?' For he realized that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him out of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask instead for the release of Barabbas. Pilate replied, 'And what shall I do with the man you call King of the Jews?' The crowd shouted back, 'Crucify him!' Pilate asked, 'What evil has he done?' But they shouted the louder, 'Crucify him!'

"Jesus crowned with thorns

"As Pilate wanted to please the people, he freed Barabbas and after the flogging of Jesus had him handed over to be crucified.

"The soldiers took him inside the courtyard known as the praetorium and called the rest of their companions. They clothed him in a purple cloak and twisting a crown of thorns, they forced it onto his head. Then they began saluting him, 'Long life to the King of the Jews!' With a stick they gave him blows on the head and spat on him; then they knelt down pretending to worship him.

"When they had finished mocking him, they pulled off the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him.

"The crucifixion

"The soldiers led him out of the city to crucify him. On the way they met Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the country, and forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.

"When they had led him to the place called Golgotha, which means the Skull, they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he would not take it. Then they nailed him to the cross and divided his clothes among themselves, casting lots to decide what each should take.

"It was about nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. The statement of his offense was displayed above his head and it read, 'The King of the Jews.' They also crucified two robbers with him, one on the right and one on his left.

"People passing by laughed at him, shook their head and jeered, 'Aha! So you ar able to tear down the Temple and build it up again in three days Now save yourself and come down from the cross!'

"In the same way the chief priests and teachers of the Law mocked him saying to one another, 'The man who save others cannot save himself. Let's see the Messiah, the king of Israel, come down from his cross and then we will believe in him.' Even the men who were crucified with Jesus insulted him.

"The death of Jesus

"When noon came, darkness fell over the whole land and lasted until three o'clock; and at three o'clock jesus crioed out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabachthani?' which means 'My God, my God, why have you deserted me?' As soon as they heard these words, some of the bystanders said, 'Listen! He is calling for Elijah.' And one of them went quickly to fill a sponge with bitter wine and, putting it on a reed, gave him to drink saying, 'Now let's see whether Elijah comes to take him down.'

"But Jesus uttered a loud cry and gave up his spirit. And immediately the curtain which enclosed the Temple sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom.

"The captain who was standing in front of him saw how Jesus died and heard the cry he gave; and he said, 'Truly, this man was the Son of God.'

"There were also some women watching from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and Joset and Salome, who had followed Jesus when he was in Galilee and saw to his needs. There were also others who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

"The burial

"It was now evening and as it was Preparation Day, that is the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea boldly went to PIlate and asked for the body of Jesus. Joseph was a respected member of the Council who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God.

"Pilate was surprised that Jesus should have died so soon; so he summoned the captain and inquired if Jesus was already dead. After hearing the captain, he let Joseph have the body.

"Joseph took it down and wrappe in in linen sheet he had bought. He laid the body in a tomb which had been cut out of the rock and rolled a stone across the entrance to the tomb. Now Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Joset took note of where body had been laid."

MARK 14:1-15:47

"Lord, I thank You that beyond death's door is eternity.
I thank You that You invite me to be part of that eternity."



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Saturday, April 08, 2006

Cleanse Him Free

Dipolog LandmarkCanon S45, f8, 1/40 sec

"You will then say to them: Thus says Yahweh: I am about to withdraw the Israeli9tes from where they were among the nations. I shall gather them from all around and bring them back to their land. I shall make them into one people on the mountains of Israel and one king si to be king of them all. They will no longer form two nations or be two separate kingdoms, nor will they defile themselves again with their idols, their detestable practices and their sins. I shall free them from the guilt of their treachery; I shall cleanse them and they will be for me a people and I shall be God for them. My servant David will reign over them, one shepherd for all. They will live according to my lawas and follow and practice my decrees. They will settle in the land I gave to my servant jacob where their forefathers lived. There they will live forever, their children and their children's children. David my servant will their prince forever.

"I shall establish a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I shall settle them and they will increase and I shall put my sanctuary in their midst forever. I shall make my home at their side; I shall be their God and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I am Yahweh who makes Israel holy, having my sanctuary among them forever."

EZEKIEL 37:21-28

"Lord, cleanse us from all our impurities;
purify our thoughts, words and deeds
that we may be pleasant to Your sight."



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Friday, April 07, 2006

The Chords of Disunity

South Border ConcertPentax Optio S50

"I hear many people whispering,
'Terror is all around!
Denounce him! Yes, denounce him!'
All my friends watch me to see if I will slip;
'Perhaps he can be deceived,' they say;
'then we can get the better of him
and have our revenge.'

"But Yahweh, a mighty warrior, is with me.
My persecutors will stumble and not prevail;
that failure will be their shame
and their disgrace will never be forgotten.
Yahweh, God of hosts, you test the just
and probe the heart and mind.
Letr me see your revenge on them,
for to you I have entrusted my cause.
Sing to Yahweh! Praise Yahweh and say:
he has rescued the poor from the clutches of the wicked!
"

JEREMIAH 20:10-13


"Grant us wisdom, Lord, to know which can be
a solution to the problem of poverty."



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Thursday, April 06, 2006

Bed of Roses... and Thorns

RosePentax Optio S50

"'Truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never experience death.' The Jews replied, 'Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died and the prophets as well, but you say: "Whoever keeps my word will never experience death." Who do you claim to be? Do you claim to be greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets also died.'

"Then Jesus said, 'If I were to praise myself, it would count for nothing. But he who gives glory to me is the Father, the very one you claim as your God, although you don't know him. I know him and if I were to say that I don't know him, I would be a liar like you. But I know him and I keep his word.

"As for Abraham, your ancestor, he looked forward to the day when I would come; and he rejoiced when he saw it.'

"The Jews then said to him, 'You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?' And Jesus said 'Truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.' They then picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple."

JOHN 8:51-59

"Make me a servant, humble and meek.
Lord, let me lift up those who are weak."



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Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Tap Me

Tap
"Jesus went on to say to the Jews who belived in him: 'You will be my true disciples if you keep my word. Then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.' They answered him, 'We are the descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves of anyone. What do you mean by saying: You will be free?'

"Jesus answered them, 'Truly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave. But the slave doesn't stay in the house forever; the son stays forever. So, if the Son makes you free, you will be really free.

"I know that you are the descendants of Abraham; yet you want to kill me because my word finds no place in you. For my part I speak of what I have seen in the Father's presence, but you do what you have learned from your father.

"They answered him, 'Our father is Abraham.' Then Jesus said, 'If you were Abraham's children, you would do as Abraham did. But now you want to kill me, the one who tells you the truth--the truth that I have learned from God. That is not what Abraham did; what you are doing are the works of your father.'

"The Jews said to him, 'We are not illegitimate children; we have one Father, God.' Jesus replied, 'If God were your Father you would love me, for I came forth from God, and I am here. And I didn't come by my own decision, but it was he himself who sent me."

JOHN 8:31-42

"Soften my heart, O Lord, so I may choose your path."



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Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Just In Time


"From Mount Hor they set out by the Red Sea road to go around the land of Edom. The people were discouraged by the journey and began to complain against God and Moses, 'Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is neither bread nor water here and we are disgusted with this tasteless manna.'

"Yahweh then sent fiery serpents against them. They bit the people and many of the Israelites died. Then the people came to Moses and said, 'We have sinned, speaking against Yahweh and against you. Plead with Yahweh to take the serpents away.'

"Moses pleaded for the people and Yahweh said to him, 'Make a fiery serpent and set it on a standard; whoever has been bitten and then looks at it shall live.'

"So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a standard. Whenever a man was bitten, he looked towards the bronze serpent and he lived."

NUMBERS 21:4-9

"Father, Your Word is our stronghold."



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Monday, April 03, 2006

Forgiven

Coral Formations at Currimao, IlocosCanon S45, f5.6, 1/501 sec

"As for Jesus, he went to the Mount of Olives.

"At daybreak, Jesus appeared in the Temple again. All the people came to him, and he sat down and began to teach them.

"Then the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They made her stand in front of everyone. 'Master,' they said, 'this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now the Law of Moses orders that such women be stoned to death; but you, what do you say?' They said this to test Jesus, in order to have some charge against him.

"Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. And as they continued to ask him, he straightened up and said to them, 'Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her.' And he bent down again, writing on the ground.

"As a result of these words, they went away, one by one, starting with the elders, and Jesus was left along with the woman standing before him. Then Jesus stood up and said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' She replied, 'No one.' And Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go away and don't sin again.'"

JOHN 8:1-11

"Lord, forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."



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Sunday, April 02, 2006

Seeing Jesus

Various professions
"There were some Greeks who had come up to Jerusalem to worship during the feast. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, 'Sir, we wish to see Jesus.' Philip went to Andrew and the two of them told Jesus.

"Then Jesus said, 'The hour has come fo the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, ti remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

"Those who love thier life destroy it, and those who despise their life in this world keep it for everlasing life.

"Whoever wants to serve me, let him follow me and wherever I am, there shall my servant be also. If anyone serve me, the Father will honor him.

"Now my soul is in distress. Shall I say: 'Father, save me from this hour'? But, I have come to this hour to face all this. Father, glorify your Name!' Then a voice came from heaven, 'I have glorified it and I will glorify it again!'

"People standing there heard something and said it was thunder; but others said, 'An angel was speaking to him.' Then Jesus declared, 'This voice did not come for my sake but for yours.'"

JOHN 12:20-33

"Lord, You know better who to send me
to bring me closer to You.
May I see them as they come.



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Saturday, April 01, 2006

In His Glory

Greenbelt ChapelCanon S45, f3.5, 1/13 sec

"Yahweh made it known to me and so I know! And you let me see their scheming: 'Take care, even your own brothers and family are false with you and behind your back they freely criticize you. Do not rust them when they approach you in a friendly way.'

"But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. I did not know it was against me that they were plotting, 'Let us feed him with trials and remove him from the land of the living and let his name never be mentioned again.'

"Yahweh, God of hosts, you who judge with justice and know everyone in his heart and in his intentions, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause."

JEREMIAH 11:18-20

"All glory is only for You, Lord Jesus."



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