Podcasts about as abraham

Matutina para el Día 191 | Julio 10 “Mi Dios envió su ángel, el cual cerró la boca de los leones, para que no me hiciesen daño, porque ante él fui hallado inocente; y aun delante de ti, oh rey, yo no he hecho nada malo.” Daniel 6: 22 Daniel le confirmó a Dario que Dios había enviado un ángel que le había cerrado la boca a los leones para que no le hicieran daño alguno. También esta es la primera vez que vemos a Daniel decir algo en su favor. Es posible que el haber dicho algo en su defensa antes de la ejecución del decreto, podría haber sido interpretado como miedo o debilidad en frente de sus enemigos. Pero ahora, cuando ya Dios había salvado su vida, él declara su inocencia. ¿Es posible que alguien pueda declararse totalmente inocente en este mundo? Romanos 3: 10 nos dice que “no hay ni un solo justo” ¿En que basaba Daniel su inocencia? El libro de Hebreos capítulo 11: 33 dice “los cuales por la fe conquistaron reinos, hicieron justicia y alcanzaron lo prometido; cerraron bocas de leones,” Esta experiencia de Daniel el foso de los leones es referenciada en el capítulo que es es considerado el Salon de la Fe. Y dice directamente que la razón por la que él fue protegido de los leones es por el poder de la fe. Pero ¿Qué tiene que ver la fe con la inocencia? En Gálatas 3: 6 dice: “Así Abraham creyó a Dios, y le fue contado por justicia.” Abraham alcanzó la justicia, o la inocencia delante de Dios a través de la Fe. El capítulo 6 de Daniel, el cual es una sombra de lo que será el decreto de muerte para los hijos de Dios en este tiempo, no permite ver lo importante que es la verdadera fe en la vida de todos nosotros. ¿Qué tan grande es tu fe hoy? La fe en Jesús nos puede justificar totalmente. Soy Oscar Oviedo y este es el Devocional “Daniel en 365 días” Producido por el Ministerio One4Seven #Matutina #DevocionalMatutino #Daniel365 #One4Seven

(Gn.18:1-15;   Lk.1:46-50,53-55;   Mt.8:5-17)   “Is anything too marvelous for the Lord to do?”   Our theme again is faith.  Do we believe as Abraham, as Mary, as the centurion?  Only such trust will save us. In our first reading the Lord appears to Abraham.  We have here the marvelous scene of faith being born, being conceived.  Abraham sits patiently, waiting, praying – expectant of the Lord's return to confirm His word to him.  Then, “looking up, he saw three men nearby.”  There is the Lord before him.  His reaction is one we all must learn to follow: he does not hesitate an instant.  He runs to them, bows before them (even to the ground), and begs them to stay with him that he might serve them.  With haste he has food prepared for them, “and he waited on them under the tree while they ate”; his eyes “like the eyes of a servant on the hand of his master” (Ps.123:2), he watches their every move to be certain they are well pleased.  (In addition to this quote from Psalms, one cannot help but think of Jesus' words to the church at Laodicea in the Book of Revelation (3:20): “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.”) As Abraham sits there gazing at the Lord, He speaks to His servant: “Where is your wife, Sarah?”  Here comes that which Abraham has been longing to hear.  His heart leaps up, and the Lord states His promise in no uncertain terms.  Now Sarah laughs.  But Abraham is no longer laughing.  The Lord tests him with the question, “Why did Sarah laugh?” to show to Abraham that he no longer thinks the promise too marvelous for the Lord to fulfill.  The Lord repeats the promise.  Abraham believes to the depths of his soul; He knows the word spoken to him is of truth.  And he shall take his wife in fruitful embrace. How appropriate to hear Mary's Magnificat in our daily bread, she who is the handmaiden of the Lord, who believed the words of the angel and so found the greatest blessing of the Lord and the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham.  How like Mary, the model of all the faithful, has her father Abraham come to be. And, of course, our gospel finds Jesus marveling at the faith of the Roman centurion, greater than any He has found in Israel.  It bodes well that all of faith shall be found at table in the kingdom of God, but we must heed Jesus' warning that “the natural heirs will be driven out.”  For we are the heirs of the Israelites.  As Catholics we now hold the covenant.  We have the apostolic succession, the sacraments, the teaching – all the gifts are ours.  But have we the faith necessary to gain entrance into His kingdom; are we prepared to come to His table and dine with Him who feeds us with the food of everlasting life?  Do we believe?  This question the Lord puts on all our souls.  How shall we answer? ******* O LORD, let us be quick to serve you and you will make a place for us in your kingdom. YHWH, instill faith in our very souls, the faith of Abraham and Mary, the faith the centurion shows even though he is not of your people.  And we shall bear fruit in abundance; and your mercy shall be known to the ends of the earth. Though our hearts be old and withered, O LORD, though we be beyond the age of giving birth, yet you come to us in your mercy and make us fruitful in your NAME.  And so, what should we do but praise you?  How ready we should be to obey your commands! Look upon your servants in our lowliness.  We are not worthy to have you come under our roof, yet your Son you give to us as our very food.  We indeed should feed you, O God, but it is you who provide for our needs; by your hand we are fed each day at the table of sacrifice – we who have been so far from your face, you heal and bring near by a word from your mouth, and so we praise you in joy.

(Gn.18:1-15;   Lk.1:46-50,53-55;   Mt.8:5-17)   “Is anything too marvelous for the Lord to do?”   Our theme again is faith.  Do we believe as Abraham, as Mary, as the centurion?  Only such trust will save us. In our first reading the Lord appears to Abraham.  We have here the marvelous scene of faith being born, being conceived.  Abraham sits patiently, waiting, praying – expectant of the Lord's return to confirm His word to him.  Then, “looking up, he saw three men nearby.”  There is the Lord before him.  His reaction is one we all must learn to follow: he does not hesitate an instant.  He runs to them, bows before them (even to the ground), and begs them to stay with him that he might serve them.  With haste he has food prepared for them, “and he waited on them under the tree while they ate”; his eyes “like the eyes of a servant on the hand of his master” (Ps.123:2), he watches their every move to be certain they are well pleased.  (In addition to this quote from Psalms, one cannot help but think of Jesus' words to the church at Laodicea in the Book of Revelation (3:20): “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.”) As Abraham sits there gazing at the Lord, He speaks to His servant: “Where is your wife, Sarah?”  Here comes that which Abraham has been longing to hear.  His heart leaps up, and the Lord states His promise in no uncertain terms.  Now Sarah laughs.  But Abraham is no longer laughing.  The Lord tests him with the question, “Why did Sarah laugh?” to show to Abraham that he no longer thinks the promise too marvelous for the Lord to fulfill.  The Lord repeats the promise.  Abraham believes to the depths of his soul; He knows the word spoken to him is of truth.  And he shall take his wife in fruitful embrace. How appropriate to hear Mary's Magnificat in our daily bread, she who is the handmaiden of the Lord, who believed the words of the angel and so found the greatest blessing of the Lord and the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham.  How like Mary, the model of all the faithful, has her father Abraham come to be. And, of course, our gospel finds Jesus marveling at the faith of the Roman centurion, greater than any He has found in Israel.  It bodes well that all of faith shall be found at table in the kingdom of God, but we must heed Jesus' warning that “the natural heirs will be driven out.”  For we are the heirs of the Israelites.  As Catholics we now hold the covenant.  We have the apostolic succession, the sacraments, the teaching – all the gifts are ours.  But have we the faith necessary to gain entrance into His kingdom; are we prepared to come to His table and dine with Him who feeds us with the food of everlasting life?  Do we believe?  This question the Lord puts on all our souls.  How shall we answer? ******* O LORD, let us be quick to serve you and you will make a place for us in your kingdom. YHWH, instill faith in our very souls, the faith of Abraham and Mary, the faith the centurion shows even though he is not of your people.  And we shall bear fruit in abundance; and your mercy shall be known to the ends of the earth. Though our hearts be old and withered, O LORD, though we be beyond the age of giving birth, yet you come to us in your mercy and make us fruitful in your NAME.  And so, what should we do but praise you?  How ready we should be to obey your commands! Look upon your servants in our lowliness.  We are not worthy to have you come under our roof, yet your Son you give to us as our very food.  We indeed should feed you, O God, but it is you who provide for our needs; by your hand we are fed each day at the table of sacrifice – we who have been so far from your face, you heal and bring near by a word from your mouth, and so we praise you in joy.

As Abraham begins to enter into the blessings of God in terms of land and goods and people, we see a godly spirit of generosity come through (and perhaps we see the start of a contrast with Lot). The blessing of God is meant to make his people a blessing to others.

As Abraham begins to enter into the blessings of God in terms of land and goods and people, we see a godly spirit of generosity come through (and perhaps we see the start of a contrast with Lot). The blessing of God is meant to make his people a blessing to others.

Friday 11th June Rejoice - Joy reloaded 5. Stagnant water stinks but moving water stays fresh. Just like we have to drain the oil out of the engine of a car when it has lost its viscosity and freshness and fill it with fresh oil; we must ensure the oil of joy within us stays fresh. Rejoicing is how we reload and refresh our joy supply and gratitude is the key to rejoicing. When you can look at the situation challenging you and you can still break into praise, that's what joy is all about. Gratitude is that bubbling in your heart that spirit based on those inner conversations you have that shows you how much God has done in spite of the challenges. If you want to keep the oil of joy in your life fresh, you must be able to recount the things God has done regardless of how challenging the situations. Romans 4:18-20(AMPC), 18 [For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be.19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah's [deadened] womb.20 No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, Never forget, “Faith does not deny, it simply sees a higher fact based on God's Word”. Abraham clearly saw the odds against himself and Sarah having a child, his age and the deadness of Sarah's womb but it made no difference because he was completely focused on God's Word. He kept his faith and joy fresh by continual praise, and we know how the story ended – Isaac was born. Gratitude means to appreciate and to appreciate is to rise. As Abraham was appreciating God, he was rising higher to a new level. Gratitude elevated him and moved him to a place where everything was fresh and new. Keep the oil of joy in your life fresh by consciously practicing gratitude, not only will your joy be reloaded, you'll keep rising in your consciousness of your divine nature. God bless you and have a lovely weekend.

In this sermon, Pastor Clint looks at Genesis 24. As Abraham approaches the end of his life, he sends a servant back to his own people to find a wife for Isaac. How does Abraham know God's will for finding Isaac a wife? How does the servant make a plan according to God's will? In this text, we draw out principles to learn how to discern and pursue God's will.

As Abraham seeks a bride for Isaac, we get the picture of God the Father seeking a bride for Jesus. Rebekah was given a choice and we too must choose. Do we follow the Holy Spirit into a relationship with Christ or reject God’s salvation?

We see Abraham’s faith in God as he is tasked to sacrifice his most beloved son, Isaac. As Abraham is about to sacrifice his son, God stops him and provides a ram as sacrifice in his stead. This story gives us a glimpse into the gospel message, and how God provided the ultimate sacrifice for […]

Day 11 – Lenten Prayer and Reflection – 4th March 2021   As we open our hearts, we are going through these 40 days in our own wilderness where the Lord is inviting each of us. The word of God, in Romans 8:14, says "All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God." You and I as children of God, we are being called to rise in our spirituality during these 40 days. He's telling us, just as He did with Abraham, these days we're hearing even in the Wednesday prayer meetings, about sacrifice. As Abraham was prepared on climbing mountain Moriah to sacrifice, his life never became the same as he came to sacrifice Isaac. As Moses climbed Mount Sinai at the burning bush, he experienced the living God and his life changed. Jacob struggled with the Lord and he said, "Unless you bless me I will not leave this place." This morning that is the invitation, as it has been in the last so many days, days of mercy and grace for us, to walk in our own wilderness, rise in our spirituality, from within. And He says, "I am with you in your wilderness, I am with you." Let's go to the readings this morning, where the Lord is really waiting. Open our hearts and speak to us. The reading come as it did yesterday, from the prophet Jeremiah: Jeremiah 17:5 This is what the Lord says:... Who is speaking here? The Lord Himself. When God spoke at creation He said, "Let there be light" and there was light. Today the Lord is speaking to each of us through Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 17:5 continued "...Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. So here in this verse the Lord is very clearly telling us there is a curse if you trust in man, who depends on flesh for strength. Jeremiah 17:6 He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. There in the first two verses, the Lord was teaching us the curses. Then He gives us the other side of the coin: Jeremiah 17:7-8 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Here we have the introduction where we said it's the Lord who is telling us these words. When the Lord speaks things happen. Now He says here two choices. There is no middle ground. Either you are cursed or you are blessed. Often we go this middle path. We are in a lukewarm relationship. When it suits me God is there, when everything is going fine I forget about God. What are these curses and blessings He is talking about? When we are giving the first place to anything else other than God then our hearts are yearning for that one thing we are looking after. It could be a relationship, it could be power, it could be money, it   could be a career path. We are all focused on that. What is the word saying there? "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh." We know our God is a jealous God, He created us for a union with Him, He created us for a relationship with Him. He wants that union, He wants that relationship. Anything that takes us away from that intimacy, anything that takes us away from that relationship, takes us into another realm where we don't see the presence of God. Often isn't that what we hear? Recently I was talking to this lady, over and over again it's the same thing she's going through, a struggle in her marriage and this young son who is in addiction. I'm just trying to draw her closer and closer to Jesus but her focus is not on that. Even when she talks, she says, "I'm praying, but the prayer too is only a cry for help" not telling Lord Jesus, "Come into my situation, teach me what this struggle that I'm going through, so that you can help me come out of it." The Lord in these 40 days is saying, "Return to me, look at me, and I will take you through." That's the curse we go through. Many of us, how did we come into this experience? I know definitely myself, it was through sheer brokenness, through sheer desperation, nowhere else. I just clung onto the Lord, I cried and Lord in his mercy brought me into this experience of knowing Him. As I struggled, day after day, sat with Him, ministered to by Him, and I sat at the living waters and what did He do? He turned that same curse into a blessing. For many of us, testimony after testimony we hear of those, almost every one in our servers, that's what their experiences are. How did they come to serve? Many of you who are listening today are all coming caring for the word, wanting a change because you've experienced the God of love. Jeremiah 17:8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." What happens when we are connected to the vine? The vine and the branches. This is what happens when we are constantly connected to the Lord. We are always in that intimacy with Him. That's why the word of God here, very clearly tells us, if you giving first place to anything other than God, that there is a price we pay for it. The moment we turn to Him and give God the first place, that same curse will turn into a blessing, and you will bear fruit. What is the fruit the Lord is talking about? The fruit of peace, love, joy, patience, kindness. We know in Galatians 5, from verse 21 onward, we hear the fruit of the spirit. And as the verse goes on: Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." What is the Lord telling us here? He say's He's examining the heart and our minds. Each and every one of us have these two personalities. The personalities that we show the world and the personalities of who we really are. That's what the heart is. We may be saying all the nice things to a person, "Praise the Lord, God loves you" but inside we could be really cursing that person. Remembering something terrible this person had done to us. Or even if when we give a contribution, "Oh do I really have to contribute to this? I could do so much more with this money." "Need I have to spend time at a prayer meeting? I could be doing something else." Here the Lord is saying, He is examining our hearts because He knows every   thought, He knows our inner beings. He has created us in love. So constantly we have this battle, when we are disguising our deepest thoughts. The Lord in these 40 days is inviting you and I and He says, "My son, my daughter I am with you in these 40 days. Return to me from this life of depending on people, depending on power, wealth. Return to me and I want to make you a blessing. This blessing, when we are planted by the rivers of living waters, is not just for us. Always He blesses us to bless someone else. Isn't that what He did with His son? He sent His only son, so that He could come and live within us. Because He found, through creation, through every situation we lost our paradise. So now He's calling each of us, "Will you edenize the kingdom for me? Edenize first in your families. Bring paradise home, in your workplace, in your community." The call is constantly, "Return and edenize." We have been created for that. Let's look at it in a practical sense through the gospel. The gospel is from Luke 16:19-31. We have Jesus talking and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. So precise, every detail that Jesus goes through in the word. It's a parable addressed to the Pharisees, who are so caught up in the laws. They are good people, but they are caught up in all the laws, and he's telling each of us through this parable. Luke 16:19-20 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores. Here's this rich man in purple linen. It's what the Pharisees wore -- rich, luxurious. At the gate of this rich man, is Lazarus. Wherever, every day, he walked in and out of home, in and out of his rich residence clothed in all the finest purple linen who does he see? Look at the contrast. He's seeing this beggar. Luke 16:20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores… Such detail that the word of God is giving us. Someone who is just the opposite, the contrast, of this richness. Luke 16:21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. Let's just visualize this. As this rich man is walking, he sees this poor man, with sores and even the dogs are licking his sores. The same thing, let's just try and reflect in our own lives. There maybe someone, a co-worker at our work place who needs help from us, help with doing some task. There maybe someone even in our families who needs that help, and we're just saying, "No, I have no time for you." There may be someone who is wanting to spend time with you, a senior, and we're saying, "No I don't have time. I'm too busy." The richness of what we have, just as this rich man. The gospel doesn't say of any other sin that he had, but he just ignored that there was this poor man by this gate. He walked right by passed him. He could have been such a blessing to Lazarus. He could have helped Lazarus so much, and here what is Jesus telling us through this parable? He's inviting you and I, in our own lives, maybe today, there's a special needs child that we know of, there's a person desperately in need of some financial help. Let's examine our minds. Do we need to help this person, or can we just bypass and go into that lap of luxury? Luxury of our own time, to dwell on what we want, the luxury of an enjoyment that we can sacrifice. We're so blessed in CRL, we have a ministry that goes to the streets and we have servers who go to the streets and works with these street people. Could they not be doing other things in their lives? But they have decided   this is what they are called to do. And what is giving them the pleasure, is because they are uniting with Jesus with these poor people. What did Mother Teresa, when she was asked, "How can you pick up these children who are worm infested, who have literally skin pasted on their bones, nothing that can attract you to come to them?" And her response was, "I see Jesus in this little children." Look at the contrast, she came from a family in the west where she could have just continued. But she came to the streets of Calcutta, to be with these poor children. And what did it bear, just as He told us in the book of Jeremiah? It bore fruit. Today the Sisters of Charity are all over the world, helping poor children and adults, they don't look at age or factors. It's not a feature for them, it's not saying there's a beggar seated on the street. Their hearts go out to them. And today, that's our invitation. The Lord is calling us. It's not a sin of just ignoring, but a sin of omission. We can just pretend that it's not there. But as we always hear about it even on a Wednesday, there's sandpapering inside, we could just ignore and walk away. Luke 16:22 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. We see a striking difference here now, in the rich man and Lazarus. But what happens at the end of everything else? There comes a time we leave everything and we go back, we die. That's the eternity we go back to. So here Jesus is saying in this parable, they both died, and where did one go? One is with Abraham, in heaven, and where is the rich man? He's in hell, in hades. Often we live on this earth, on this short pilgrimage, we're so caught up in the luxuries, we're so caught up in not just the luxuries, but things that give our hearts enjoyment. And the Lord is saying, see what happens at the end. This is the lesson we are learning from this parable. Luke 16:24 So he called to him... Who called? The rich man called. Luke 16:24 continued ...'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' The rich man is now burning in hell and even there, look at his attitude. He says, "Send down Lazarus" like a servant attitude. "Send him to cool my tongue because I am in agony." Look at the agony that we could be in. Are we focused on our eternity when we go through this pilgrimage here on earth? Are we making these choices in our own lives? Look at Mother Teresa, today she is a Saint. Saint into the heart of God, and the bosom of Abraham. Do we think of that as our eternity in our own lives? Or are we only caught up in the luxuries of this world? Today that's what the Lord is inviting you and I. Now, through this parable, through these days of Lent, are we making different choices? Are we returning to the Lord, where one day we too will have the choice -- are we going back to the heart of God, are we going to be in the bosom of Abraham, or are we going to be in hades, in hell, burning? Because there is a chasm in between, there's no way we can go from one to the other. There's always a big divide. Are we focused on this eternity? Are   we focused while on this earth to bear fruit, to be by the streams of living water, or are we only focused on the richness and the luxuries? Luke 16:25 "But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. This is the reply that every one of us would receive. Through this parable, the Lord is reminding us, "My son, my daughter, in this 40 days return, change your lifestyle. Think about those who are less privileged, less blessed." Are they someone you just bypass? Can I turn today to a co-worker and say 'Can I help you?' Are we turning to a neighbour? I remember during the three months of curfew there was so much of change that happened in our lives, isn't it? We who didn't know our neighbours, we started talking to each other. We started sharing food with each other. If one got some groceries we would ask our neighbour, "Do you need something?" What happened during that curfew? We were getting connected to another who did not have. So came the three months and over, is that history? Is that something that's left behind? No, I really don't think so. Because from there on we built relationships with our neighbours. Now we know our neighbours, we know, because we've been talking to them, we know sometimes they might need help, so are we going to say, "The curfew is over now go and get your own groceries"? Or are we there? Do they see us as bearing fruit of love? Do they see us as those bearing a witness to Jesus? Or are we just seeing them. "Okay, I gave you some food during curfew, I gave you something else when you were in need, now just let me be, I have to move on." And we'll hear the voice of Abraham, "You had a choice, my son, my daughter, you had this choice of helping someone. Now that someone is being blessed here. Remember you had a choice, to trust that I will take care of your needs." Maybe sometimes we have just enough to get us by for our groceries, to pay our own bills, but someone who is really knocking at our doors, who is really needing help, are we trusting God? Are we trusting Him enough to say, "Lord I will share this portion with my neighbour. I will share my portion with this person in need, because I trust in you. I trust that you are going to take me through, because I want to be in your bosom, I want to be with Abraham." Luke 16:27-29 "He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' "Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' What's Abraham saying here? And what is Jesus telling us through this parable? Here, the rich man wants his other brothers to know the secret, he wants them to turn back, and Abraham says, "There is no point my sending Lazarus. There is Moses, there is the Prophets." What is he telling us today? They have the word of God, they have the living word, they can listen to this and be transformed. You and I, 40 days, day after day we are listening to beautiful reflections being given. Not just applying them to our day to day life, to our circumstances, wherever we go. As we heard today, from Prophet Jeremiah, where God himself speaks and says, "You have a choice. You can be a curse or you can be a blessing." You can be living in a world of richness and luxury, or you can care for my downtrodden. Because God so loved the world, He loved the world, He loved every one of us. From the beggar on the street, from the one who is tormenting you in your life today, from the one who is rejecting and reacting, from   the one who is cursing you, He loves every one of them. He loves the sinner, not the sin. And He's calling each of us, He's says: "Edenize, first return to me, I will give you my spirit. The spirit that bears fruit." We just see those who do not have, help those who don't know the Lord, through our actions, through our love encounter. But can we do this with your own strength? No, we cannot. Isn't that why you and I are following these Lenten programmes? And we're telling the Lord, "Lord, I don't want this to be human words, by different people every morning, Speak to my heart, You know my heart, I've been hiding the truth from everyone else, but You know the truth of my heart and I lay at it Your feet today. Lord I don't want what happened to the rich man to happen to me. Help me to spot every person who is in need. Ask our Saint Mother Teresa. We can pray to the Saints, the Catholic church we are so rich with the lives of the Saints who have gone before. That's why they are Saints, known and unknown. Even today, it's the feast of a Saint who is a prince, who is from royalty in Poland, and at age 25 he died, but he left everything and turned to the Lord to work with the broken, with the sinners, with poverty. Today that's our call. During this time of Lent, He says, "Trust me, I will take you through. Trust me, I'll be with you, constantly, right through the scripture. Do not be afraid, trust me." Let's make the choices, as we worship today, permit the Lord to enter our hearts. These wounded broken hearts of ours, and tell Him, "Lord I've been so wounded, I've been so caught up in my own luxury, I'm so comfortable in my little comfort zone. It's too much for me to break out of this." And what is He doing? He breaks us to make us. The potter and the clay. Are we permitting Him to be the potter, as He moulds us into His image, where we can say we are citizens of God. Our citizenship is in heaven, this is just a pilgrimage, this is our exodus, just as Israelites walked through the wilderness into the promised land. And today the Lord is telling us, "I am with you. Yes, you are hungry I will feed you, you are thirsty I will give you my precious blood, I will pour down my Holy Spirit on you, and walk with me. But look at the surroundings, don't ignore them. I have created you for a purpose, I've created you for love." God is love, we keep saying. He's created us in His image to love. Let's open our hearts and tell the Lord, "Lord, help me love like you did. Unconditionally." It's really difficult isn't it? There may be people who really hurt us and react to us, loving is the last thing we want to do. But that's our invitation these 40 days, when He tells us, "Return to me, I'll be with you.” Let us open our hearts in worship, so that the Lord can minister to us, so that He can tell us, "Yes, worship in spirit in truth and I am with you."

Second Sunday of Lent Lectionary: 26 Reading I Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 God put Abraham to the test. He called to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am!” he replied. Then God said: “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love,  and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust  on a height that I will point out to you.” When they came to the place of which God had told him,  Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the LORD's messenger called to him from heaven,  “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am!” he answered. “Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the messenger. “Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God,  since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son.” As Abraham looked about,  he spied a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. So he went and took the ram  and offered it up as a holocaust in place of his son. Again the LORD's messenger called to Abraham from heaven and said:  “I swear by myself, declares the LORD,  that because you acted as you did  in not withholding from me your beloved son,  I will bless you abundantly  and make your descendants as countless  as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore;  your descendants shall take possession  of the gates of their enemies,  and in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing— all this because you obeyed my command.”     Reading II Rom 8:31b-34 Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son  but handed him over for us all,  how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who acquits us, who will condemn? Christ Jesus it is who died—or, rather, was raised—  who also is at the right hand of God,  who indeed intercedes for us.     Gospel Mk 9:2-10 Jesus took Peter, James, and John  and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,  and his clothes became dazzling white,  such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,  and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,  “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents:  one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;  from the cloud came a voice,  “This is my beloved Son.  Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves,  questioning what rising from the dead meant.

Reading I Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 God put Abraham to the test. He called to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am!” he replied. Then God said: “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on a height that I will point out to you.” When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the LORD’s messenger called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am!” he answered. “Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the messenger. “Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son.” As Abraham looked about, he spied a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. So he went and took the ram and offered it up as a holocaust in place of his son. Again the LORD’s messenger called to Abraham from heaven and said: “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you acted as you did in not withholding from me your beloved son, I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; your descendants shall take possession of the gates of their enemies, and in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing— all this because you obeyed my command.”Reading II Rom 8:31b-34 Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us, who will condemn? Christ Jesus it is who died—or, rather, was raised— who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.Gospel Mk 9:2-10 Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.

Pastor Fernando brings an important word about digging up the old wells. As Abraham did, we also need to open the old wells and fight for the next generation. The breakthroughs we receive today our children and grandchildren will inherit. Many around us need to find Christ and we need to open the way for revival.

Genesis 13:1-18. How do we relate to our belongings, time, and gifts? How can we own and be generous with them without being owned by them? As Abraham and Lot separate we get two pictures of how to live. By faith vs by sight. Sources: Iain Duguid and Derek Kidner

King David proclaims in Tehillim (17:15), "Ani Be’sedek Eheze Fanecha" – "I shall behold Your countenance in righteousness." The Gemara in Masechet Baba Batra (10) explains this verse as revealing a fundamental precept relevant to Sedaka (charity) – that whoever involves himself in charity earns the privilege of beholding the Divine Presence. King David here teaches us that "Be’sedek," through the great merit of Sedaka, "Eheze Fanecha" – one is rewarded with the privilege of beholding a revelation of Hashem.This concept is seen in other sources, as well. Parashat Vayera begins by telling us that Hashem revealed Himself to Abraham Abinu: "Vayera Elav Hashem." The Sages explain that G-d came to Abraham to perform "Bikur Holim" (visiting the sick), as Abraham was recovering from the painful procedure of circumcision. Of course, Hashem does not visit every ailing righteous person. Why, then, did He appear to Abraham Abinu at this time? The answer is provided in the continuation of the verse, which tells us that Abraham was sitting outside his tent, in the heat of the day, looking for wayfarers in need of hospitality. As Abraham made a special effort to involve himself in Hesed (kindness), he was worthy of beholding a revelation of G-d.This can be seen also in the Misva of Aliya Le’regel, which requires making a pilgrimage to the Bet Ha’mikdash every Pesah, Shabuot and Sukkot with special sacrifices. The Torah commands that on these three occasions, "Year’eh Kol Zechurcha" ("all your males shall be seen" by G-d), and the Gemara interprets the word "Yera’eh" to mean not only that we are seen by Hashem on these occasions, but also that we see Him. (The word "Yera’eh" can be read as "Yir’eh" – "will see.") However, the Torah adds, "Lo Yera’u Fanai Rekam" – we cannot come to the Bet Ha’mikdash on the festivals "emptyhanded." In order to behold the Shechina (Divine Presence), we must offer sacrifices. We earn the great privilege of seeing G-d’s presence only by giving. For this reason, the Arizal (Rav Yishak Luria of Safed, 1534-1572) taught that nowadays, when we do not have the Bet Ha’mikdash, we must give charity before every Yom Tob. Just as we needed to bring sacrifices in the Bet Ha’mikdash to behold the Shechina on the holidays, nowadays we must give charity in order to have this special privilege.The Ba’al Shem Tob (1698-1760) taught that the Shechina descends upon a person when he gives charity because the Divine Name is symbolically formed through the act of giving. The small coin, or bill, which one gives represents the first letter of Hashem’s Name, the letter "Yod." One takes the coin or bill in his hand, which has five fingers, and thus corresponds to the letter "Heh" (which has the numerical value of 5). The outstretched arm as one gives the money represents the tall, straight letter "Vav," and the needy person’s hand which receives the charity symbolizes the final letter "Heh," thus spelling the Name of "Havaya" ("Yod"-"Heh"-"Vav"-"Heh"’). Therefore, by giving charity, we bring Hashem’s presence.In light of this teaching, the Kabbalists instruct that if one is placing Sedaka money in a charity box, instead of giving it directly to a needy individual, he should first transfer the money from one hand to the other. If one is placing the money into a box, there is no final "Heh," as the recipient does not receive the money directly from the donor. Therefore, in order to form the final letter, one should move the money from one hand to the other and then place it in a box. This practice is alluded to in the verse which commands giving charity, "Naton Titen" ("you shall surely give" – Debarim 15:10). The phrase "Naton Titen" alludes to two acts of giving – moving the charity money from hand to the next, and then placing it in the Sedaka box.Moreover, the Kabbalists teach that in order to create the Name, one must initiate the process of giving. If one waits for the needy individual to come and outstretch his arm, requesting assistance, then the sequence of the letters is distorted. The Name must begin with the letter "Yod," which, as mentioned, corresponds to the money which one gives. Therefore, one must not wait for the person in need to come and ask for help, and should instead approach the poor person and outstretch his arm with the donation, in order to spell the Name the right way. This is alluded to in the aforementioned verse in Tehillim, in which David says, "Ani Be’sedek" – "I, through charity," referring to his initiating the donation of charity. The verse continues, "Esbe’a Be’hakitz Temunatecha" (literally, "I shall be satiated by Your image when I awaken"), which can be understood to mean that if we must be "awakened" by a needy person asking for help, rather than initiating the donation, then we see only "Temunatecha" – a vague image. If we give only after we are approached, then we form the Name, but the letters are jumbled, so we do not behold Hashem clearly. It is only when "Ani Be’sedek," when we initiate the giving of charity, that "Ehezeh Panecha," we see Hashem’s countenance clearly.This verse also teaches us another vitally important concept relevant to charity. The Gemara tells that Rabbi Eliezer would make a point of giving charity before prayer, based on this verse in Tehillim – "Ani Be’sedek Eheze Fanecha," which could be read to mean that David came to "see G-d" in prayer after fulfilling the Misva of charity ("Be’sedek"). The great merit of this special Misva helps ensure the prayer’s acceptance. Indeed, the Pele Yoetz (Rav Eliezer Papo, 1785-1828) writes that synagogues should place a charity box near the entrance so that everyone can give money to charity immediately upon entering. Even if not, one should try to at least set money aside for charity before each prayer, and this will help the prayer achieve the desired result.This concept may be explained in light of the Arizal’s teaching that before one prays, he should declare that he accepts upon himself the Misva of "Ve’ahabta Le’re’acha Kamocha" ("You shall love your fellow as yourself"), and proclaim his love for all his fellow Jews. This has been explained based on a parable of two brothers who lived in different countries, one of whom was very wealthy, and the other underprivileged. One day, the underprivileged brother decided to sell the little he had to fund a trip to his wealthy brother, certain that his brother would generously assist him.After the long, grueling journey, the impoverished man came to his brother’s home and knocked on the door."Who are you?" the brother asked."What do you mean? I’m your brother.""Sorry, I have nothing for you. Good luck." He slammed the door.Sometime later, the wealthy brother went to visit his aging father, whom he had not seen in quite a while. When he arrived, he knocked on the door. The father opened the door and asked, "Who are you?""Who am I?! I’m your son!""If you don’t recognize your brother as your brother," the father said, "then why should I consider you my son? If you’re not his brother, then you’re not my son."If we want a loving relationship with our father, then we need to treat our brothers like our brothers. When we pray, we come to G-d as a child coming before his loving father, asking for what we need. In order to do this, we must first affirm our commitment to fulfill the command of "Ve’ahabta Le’re’acha Kamocha," to regard all our fellow Jews as our brothers – for only then can we come before G-d and say that we are His children.This is why it is important to give charity before prayer, too. By giving charity, we are showing that we care about our fellow Jews like our brothers. And once we have made it clear that they are all our brothers, we can then stand before Hashem and ask Him to care for us like a loving father.

People Doing Good vs People Doing BadLouis brought up this idea for a topic last week, and listener Deborahsent in her perspective on the topic. We picked it up and ran with itfrom there.Deborah wrote:Firstly I would say there are no good or bad people per se just peopledoing “good” or “bad” things although this is also a question ofinterpretation; how you would define good or bad, in this instance Iwould look towards the person’s intentions as to whether they mean toharm or do good unto another. From an “Abrahamster” perspective I suppose you could say that you canonly create in your own reality, and if you’re seeing another in termsof lack & intending to do good by helping them you are in fact takingaway their power, you should hold them in your mind as whole and healthy& fulfilled and connected to source. In this regard if you’re wanting to“do good” in what we could term a charitable way, seeing one as lesserthan another in some way, we are in fact doing them a disservice bytaking away their power and so could be seen as doing them harm.If someone is doing bad & their intention is to harm I guess ultimatelythe only person they are harming is themselves, as you can’t create inanother’s reality. But by focusing on negativity they are doingthemselves a great disservice. As Abraham might say; the effects of theactions of one who is very much not connected to source are meagre &paltry compared to one who is, so I guess if the “harmee” were connectedto source the effects of the “harmer’s” actions would bounce right off them.My understanding is that the best service you can be to others & to theworld is to maintain your highest possible vibration & that this in andof itself will be of major benefit to all.(By the way you mentioned people who are DOING good & people that AREbad. Don’t know if this is a question of semantics & you just meantpeople trying to do good & people intending to do harm unto others?).LOVED the discussion today, some very helpful pointers thank you both!My attention was very much caught by your “opinion about not having anopinion” – I can very much see how judging something as good or badcreates drama & problems, how important it is to be in acceptance ofwhere we’re currently at and not judge situations as bad.However surely we all have opinions on things ? This doesn’t inherentlymean that we label others who don’t share those opinions as wrong &can’t be open or flexible.I don’t listen live, (I live in the UK and get up at 5am) & in themorning listen to the podcast, so I didn’t directly help manifest thefollowing (although if time is just a mental construct maybe I did! ),but when you were talking about not having opinions I was thinking ofthe very subject you proposed to talk about next week; vaccines.Certainly especially in this current situation I can see that it’sCRUCIAL not to be defined by your opinions or try to persuade others whohold a different point of view as I see how divisive & corrosive thatwould be & we aren’t defined by our opinions they’re ultimately justthought forms that come and go BUT we do all have them. Do you mean thatwe shouldn’t have attachment to our opinions, or that we shouldn’t labelthings as good or bad OR that we shouldn’t even hold an opinion? If thatmakes any sense!If you want to be a part of our upcoming Thanksgiving “rampage ofgratitude” episode, click here: https://www.loatoday.net/gratitudeBe sure to “tell a friend to tell a friend” about the LOA Today app.The easiest way to install it is to visit:https://www.loatoday.net/download.

As Abraham's life comes to an end, a new generation arises with a new patriarch, Isaac. This week's parasha is narrated by theatre actor and producer, our friend Jeremy.

As Abraham sat outside his tent ‘in the heat of the day’.. he could see what couldnt easily be seen […]

As Abraham faithfully obeyed God's difficult command and prepared to sacrifice Isaac, he did so with the resolute conviction that God "is able to do exceedingly abundantly all that we ask or think". His faith was stretched to the edge, but he had a next level calling that required that depth of faith. The Lord honored his fear and faith, and said Abraham's name twice as he stopped him, to reassured Abraham that He really was providing a substitute. That moment gave a powerful, multi-faceted picture of Jesus Christ, Who was offered as the Substitutionary Sacrifice for our sins. What started as an unthinkable step of faith points us to the imaginable love and mercy the Lord shows to all mankind. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCgu6QeGn8k&feature=youtu.be

I was out with some friends from church a couple of weeks ago. We had such a good night. I don’t think I’ve laughed so much in a long time. “It’s so good to laugh!” I said to Shona on the way home.Laughter can be goodNatural laughter: laughing with friends, good clean funSpiritual laughter: laughing with God at his goodnessLaughter can be badDirty laughter: rude jokes and filthy talkDoubting laughter: Skeptical dismissing of what someone saysDespising laughter: Sneering, mocking contempt of God or othersWhat about Abraham’s laugh in Genesis 17:17, where God told him not only that he would have a son when he was 100 years old, but that Sara would bear his son when she was ninety!Was Abraham’s laugh a good laugh or a bad laugh?I used to think it was bad because it questioned God. It was the kind of laugh that casts doubt on what God said.But I looked up Matthew Henry and he argued that it was a good laugh. He called it “Abraham’s joyful, thankful, entertainment of this gracious promise...It was a laughter of delight, not of distrust.” The questions were more about admiration and surprise than doubt.John Calvin says it was a mixed laugh. “He laughed, not because he either despised, or regarded as fabulous, or rejected, the promise of God; but, as is commonly wont to happen in things which are least expected, partly exulting with joy, and partly being carried beyond himself in admiration, he breaks forth into laughter....Abraham was as one astonished; as if he had received some incredible tidings.”Whether Calvin or Henry is right, I was wrong. What they say fits better with Romans 4:19-21.He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrennessof Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.It’s good laugh with friends, but it’s also good to reverently laugh with God at his astonishing, surprising, wonderful, awesome Gospel promises and grace. As Abraham showed, we can be flat on our faces while filled with holy laughter. He wasn't laughing his head off, but was laughing his heart out (John 8:56).This episode of Living the Bible lines up with Expedition 4: Day 6 in Exploring the Bible Together: A 52 Week Family Worship Plan and Exploring the Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids. You can catch up with previous episodes of the Living the Bible podcast here or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcast.

Readings: Exodus 34:4–6, 8–9 Daniel 3:52–56 2 Corinthians 13:11–13 John 3:16–18 We often begin Mass with the prayer from today’s Epistle: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” We praise the God who has revealed Himself as a Trinity, a communion of persons. Communion with the Trinity is the goal of our worship—and the purpose of the salvation history that begins in the Bible and continues in the Eucharist and sacraments of the Church. We see the beginnings of God’s self-revelation in today’s First Reading, as He passes before Moses and cries out His holy name. Israel had sinned in worshipping the golden calf (see Exodus 32). But God does not condemn them to perish. Instead, He proclaims His mercy and faithfulness to His covenant. God loved Israel as His firstborn son among the nations (see Exodus 4:22). Through Israel—heirs of His covenant with Abraham—God planned to reveal Himself as the Father of all nations (see Genesis 22:18). The memory of God’s covenant testing of Abraham—and Abraham’s faithful obedience—lies behind today’s Gospel. In commanding Abraham to offer his only beloved son (see Genesis 22:2, 12, 16), God was preparing us for the fullest possible revelation of His love for the world. As Abraham was willing to offer Isaac, God did not spare His own Son but handed Him over for us all (see Romans 8:32). In this, He revealed what was only disclosed partially to Moses—that His kindness continues for a thousand generations, that He forgives our sin, and that He takes us back as His very own people (see Deuteronomy 4:20; 9:29). Jesus humbled himself to die in obedience to God’s will. And for this, the Spirit of God raised Him from the dead (see Romans 8:11), and gave Him a name above every name (see Philippians 2:8–10). This is the name we glorify in today’s Responsorial—the name of our Lord, the God who is Love (see 1 John 4;8, 16).

As Abraham continued to trust God, God made a covenant with him, providing him with a token of assurance that His promises would come to pass.

Isaiah begs the people to listen, and asks them to look back at their past. As Abraham and Sarah were unique in their day, so to are God's faithful people today. Don't be afraid because you are alone. Just as God was with them, He is with you.

When God asked Abraham to give his son as a sacrifice on Mt. Moriah, he complied without questioning God as to why he asked this most unusual thing, especially when the boy had been a gift from God when they were childless.  As Abraham approached Moriah, he turned to the men accompanying him and said, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you" (Genesis 22:5).

As Abraham's life draws to a close, he continues to put his affairs in order. In Genesis 24, he searches for a wife for his son to carry on the divine promises.

Again, Pastor teaches from the story of Abraham about the importance of hope and faith. As Abraham walked out the promise of God for a son, we too can have hope.

As Abraham comes to the end of his life, his top priority is to see his son in a marriage that is directed by God's Word, dependent upon God's providence, and devoted unto God's glory

As Abraham walked by faith and not by sight, may the same be said of us. May we cling to the cross of Christ for all of our days.

As Abraham was busy sacrificing his son to God (maybe / maybe not) Isaac's mother Sarah was dealing with some issues of her own. After that we follow the story of Eliezer and ultimately the Death of Abraham. Feature Books:Legends of the Jews – GinsbergThe Bible***Free Additional Content*** Graphic Elements, Infographics, Text Versions of Selected Episodes, and other Fun stuff!Sign up for the Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/YIbLfFlick app link: https://flickchat.page.link/EWZu Flick app code: theabracast ***Credits***The voice of The Abracast – Hila Assor https://hilaassor.com/Theme Song “Red Horse Rising” by X-Proph3t: http://www.reverbnation.com/xproph3tWritten / Produced / researched / Performed – Jon Towers www.abracast.com ***Contact***Visit Website: www.abracast.comEmail Jon: Towers113@gmail.com Find Jon on Twitter: @jonnyaxx https://twitter.com/JonnyAxx Find Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/stigmatastudiosFind Jon On Instagram: http://instagram.com/stigmatastudios ***Support*** If you enjoy the show, learned something new, or was inspired you might consider supporting the show!Become a subscriber: www.subscribestar.com/abracast Become a Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/abracastJust wanna buy me a drink?: paypal.me/stigmatastudios Stigmata Studios Comic Books and Graphic Novels: www.stigmatastudios.com ***Advertise*** Got a book, Product or Podcast? Would you would like to get your message to my audience?Advertise on The Abracast: https://www.advertisecast.com/TheAbracastAdvertise on The Abracast: https://intellifluence.com/influencer/jon-towers-61030

What do others see, when they observe your life- What had Abimelech seen of Abraham in the 3 years- since their first, shocking encounter- -God is with you in all that you do.- As Abraham lived by faith in the Christ-promise of the Everlasting God, his life had shown that God was with him, and others had seen it.

Root Cause # 1 – Our Image of GodRoot Cause # 2 – Mimetic DesireRoot Cause # 3 – Death AnxietyThe Seven Stories• The Domination Story: ruling over others• The Revolution Story: overthrowing the rulers• The Isolation Story: withdrawing into isolation• The Purification Story: get rid of the people who are different• The Accumulation Story: horde the resources• The Victimization Story: no one has suffered as much as us• The Reconciliation Story: love, forgiveness and service for all people regardless of race and culture.Dismantling the Adamic Bomb• From the beginning of the Hebrew Scriptures sin and death are intertwined.• It is a slow unveiling (i.e. revelation) showing both the problems and the solution to violence.• The Hebrew Scriptures will solely poke holes in six of the seven stories.• There are stories that poke holes in the religious paradigm.• There are stories that given anthropological and psychological revelations of the way forward.Revelation One: Creation without Violence (Genesis 1:1-2:3)• There are countless ancient creation myths that center on divine violence, but the Hebrew account is not one of them.• God speaks the creation into existence.• God wills creation into existence.• Simplicity gives way to more and more complex creations.• Humanity is not an afterthought, brought about because of incessant violence.Revelation Two: The Psychology of the Expulsion from the Garden (Gen. 2:4-3:24)• The second creation account is vastly different describing a God who places prohibitions.• The “tree of knowledge” represents the desire to have unlimited knowledge and thus power.• There is a rivalry formed between Eve and God. Adam will join in.• They are exiled because of where mimetic rivalry always leads: to violence.Revelation Three: The Founding Murder (Gen. 4:1-26)• The Cain and Abel story begins with an assumption about God; the desire for sacrifice.• This is the very thing that causes the sibling rivalry that eventually leads to the shedding of blood.• Abel is seen as an obstacle for him in achieving favor with God and so he murders him.• It was an unjust slaying and Abel testifies to the truth of it as his blood cries from the ground.• In spite of Abel’s cry for retribution, God does not consent. God places a mark on Cain so no one would take vengeance.• His goal is to stop violence dead in its tracks.Revelation Four: The Cause of the Flood (Genesis 6:5-22)• The account of a flood occurs in many different cultures.• The uniqueness in the Hebrew version is what was deemed as the cause to the calamity.• The human inclination toward corruption and violence.• The Hebrew story reflects the theology of the day: God sends the flood.• However, God in this version makes a promise never to do it again.• The human enslavement to violence, and the divine commitment to abstain from it, are at odds from the beginning of time.Revelation Five: Thou Shalt Not Desire (Exodus 20:1-17)• Commandments six through nine are prohibitions that address violence in order from most to least overt.• You shall not murder• You shall not commit adultery• You shall not steal• You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor• Then the writer get to the heart of the issue: the mechanism that leads to violations of the previous four: you shall not covet.• The lawgiver seeks at first to forbid all the objects which they ceaselessly fight.• The objects can be too numerous, so he turns to the heart of the problem – desiring what belongs to the neighbor.Revelation Six: From Human to Animal Sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-18)• It is important to remember the scapegoat at the core of human culture.• What the ritual does is reenact the original violence against the community’s scapegoat.• It is a violent system, based on culture’s need to unite together over a corpse.• In the story of Abraham and Isaac we see the desire to sacrifice to appease God.• Abraham believed the way to appease God is human bloodshed.• He builds an altar but there is no sacrifice.• As Abraham goes to kill Isaac , we see God stopping him.• God rescues Isaac from this murderous, sacrificial assumption.Revelation Seven: A Critique of the Sacrificial System (Jer. 7:21-23; Ps. 40:6; Hos. 6:6)• We can see that within Judaism, there is a theological conversation that involves, at the very minimum, a harsh critique of the practice of sacrifice.• We also need to acknowledge that in spite of the critique over the practice of sacrifice, it remained the center of the faith up to and through the life and times of Jesus – until the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE.• Perhaps this is why Jesus quotes on multiple occasions the “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” passage from Hosea 6:6 (Matt. 9:13; 12:7).• Perhaps it is also the reason the writer of Hebrews quoting Psalm 40 in Hebrews 10:6-8.• Sacrifice is contrasted with doing the will of God.From the Old to the New Testament• We notice a progression away from violence toward mercy and peace.• There is progressive revelation taking place.• The revelation culminates in the person of Jesus Christ.• There is a crucifixion of the violent portraits of God in the person, work, death and resurrection of Christ.

Daily Bible Study: Drawing on today’s (10/21) Mass reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, Fr. Simon explains the relationship between faith and works, emphasizing the importance of trust. As Abraham trust the Lord with his son Isaac, so we must trust the Lord in our own lives. Email – Can I attend my […] All show notes at Father Simon Says October 21st – The Relationship Between Faith and Works - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

The Patriarchs show a way to seek God and to share our lives with him. On Truth of the Spirit, host Patti Brunner discusses the Patriarchs of the Old Testament starting with Abraham, our Father of Faith, and then continue the blood line. I’m going to tell their story. I will show you how they foreshadow Christ and the Church. The Lord chose one man and then touched members of his family as faith continues to be handed down to the generations. This model is used over and over throughout history and is the basis for our Church. As Abraham  connected with God and lives were changed so, too, those of the modern world. Sometimes the plan of God is hidden and not realized until it is reflected upon by later generations. The Patriarchs lived lives touched by hardship and decisions, by passion and mistakes that affected them and by the influence of the world around them.

Ever seem like God is distant when things are tough? God does not try us to fail us but tries us to trust Him even more. These are our most rewarding times, as we’ve already secured our victory through our relationship with Christ! He left the decision to sacrifice Isaac with Abraham. Because of his relationship with God, he was able to trust more. As Abraham demonstrates here, we pray your faith increases in faith through the Lamb’s Life.

The Good and Sovereign Rule of God a. God places us in time and space for His good purposes. b. Even when we cannot see him, God works for the good of his people. c. God moves sovereignly to keep his covenant promises. d. God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. Esther 7:1-6 V. 1. Haman was depressed; a feast with the king & queen would feed his pride. The king at this point does not know of Esther’s Jewish heritage. V. 3. The king is shocked to hear his own queen ask for her own life. Not just her own life, Esther intercedes for the lives of all the Jewish people. The king must have expected Esther to ask for material things, but Esther asks for something far more precious, far more than what a king’s riches could afford. We live in a world that tries to place human value on only sexuality or what political party you support or how much money you have in the bank or whether you’re born or unborn or old or young. Our faith is one that speaks of the value and sacredness of human life itself. We believe that all people, young and old, rich and poor, male and female, strong and weak, people who agree with us and people who would oppose us – all of them, everyone was made in the image of God. Every human life in every stage is precious. Esther prays, for life: “let my life be granted for my wish, and my people for my request.” We must pray for life and salvation. We must intercede against wickedness that would destroy life. We must give our money, our time, our prayers that lives might be saved, suffering relieved, and souls saved from the destruction of sin. Intercession for Life and Salvation  Pray for the perishing  As Elijah for the widow’s son (1 Ki 17)  Pray for the righteous among the wicked  As Abraham for Sodom (Gen 18)  Pray for your children and grandchildren  As Job for his children (Job 1:5)  Pray for your friends  As Job for his friends (Job 42:8)  Pray for those guilty of sin  As Jesus for those who crucified him (Lk 23:34) Vv. 5-6. Who? A foe, enemy, This wicked Haman. Minces no words: this was evil. Esther 7:7-10 V 7. Irony: Haman was angry that Mordecai would not bow before him. Now Haman bowed begging before Esther. Vv. 9-10. Irony: Mordecai was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Haman sowed pride, arrogance, death, conspiracy. He reaped self-destruction. Sowing and Reaping. Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Haman had been warned by his friends and his wife, “you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.” The Lord is good to give warnings of his coming judgment. 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. The Lord is not wishing that any should perish, but all to repent. The wicked, the proud, those who refuse to put their faith in Christ will perish. God calls his people to intercede for the perishing.

[Quran Chapter 2] 122. O Children of Israel! Remember My blessing which I bestowed upon you, and that I have favored you over all people. 123. And beware of a Day when no soul will avail another soul in any way, and no ransom will be accepted from it, and no intercession will benefit it, and they will not be helped. 124. And when his Lord tested Abraham with certain words, and he fulfilled them. He said, "I am making you a leader of humanity." He said, "And my descendants?" He said, "My pledge does not include the wrongdoers." 125. And We made the House a focal point for the people, and a sanctuary. Use the shrine of Abraham as a place of prayer. And We commissioned Abraham and Ishmael, "Sanctify My House for those who circle around it, and those who seclude themselves in it, and those who kneel and prostrate." 126. When Abraham said, "O My Lord, make this a peaceful land, and provide its people with fruits—whoever of them believes in God and the Last Day." He said, "And whoever disbelieves, I will give him a little enjoyment, then I will consign him to the punishment of the Fire; how miserable the destiny!" 127. As Abraham raises the foundations of the House, together with Ishmael, "Our Lord, accept it from us, You are the Hearer, the Knower. 128. Our Lord, and make us submissive to You, and from our descendants a community submissive to You. And show us our rites, and accept our repentance. You are the Acceptor of Repentance, the Merciful. 129. Our Lord, and raise up among them a messenger, of themselves, who will recite to them Your revelations, and teach them the Book and wisdom, and purify them. You are the Almighty, the Wise." --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mochzamroni/support

As Abraham prepares to die, he arranges to have a wife found for Isaac. The woman will be Rebekah, a member of Abraham's extended family, and a woman of faith herself. We should live and die by faith to ensure future generation of faith-filled...

As Abraham & Sarah lament their inability to have children, things take a strange and appalling turn. Meanwhile, as God & Abraham start making promises to each other, it becomes apparent that Abraham may have offered more than he bargained for...

As Abraham, the Father of Faith, reaches the end of his earthly life, we take a closer look at the issue of faith and how it works in the life of the believer...

As Abraham, the Father of Faith, reaches the end of his earthly life, we take a closer look at the issue of faith and how it works in the life of the believer...

So who is the Quran for? Is it for the Arabs? Yes, it is written in Arabic, but it surprisingly does not speak well of the Arabs. It is interesting that the group of people that is addressed the most is the Children of Israel [68:52] It is in fact a message to the world. [38:87] "This is a reminder for the world. Arabs only mentioned ~9 times in the Quran and most the mentions do not speak highly of them Moses is the most frequently cited prophet in the Quran Muhammad mentioned 4 times Jesus / Adam each mentioned 25 times Abraham 69 times Moses is mentioned 136 The Quran is a book meant for the Children of Israel (39 times) Divine Commandments to All Jews: "You Shall Believe in This Quran." [2:40] O Children of Israel, remember My favor, which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your part of the covenant, that I fulfill My part of the covenant, and reverence Me. [2:41] You shall believe in what I have revealed herein, confirming what you have; do not be the first to reject it. Do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price, and observe Me. [2:42] Do not confound the truth with falsehood, nor shall you conceal the truth, knowingly. [2:47] O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I blessed you more than any other people. [2:48] Beware of the day when no soul can avail another soul, no intercession will be accepted, no ransom can be paid, nor can anyone be helped. Interesting that God sent Moses to Pharaoh who had a speech impediment and similarly God sent the Quran in Arabic to the Children of Israel [2:49] Recall that we saved you from Pharaoh's people who inflicted upon you the worst persecution, slaying your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting test from your Lord. [2:50] Recall that we parted the sea for you; we saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people before your eyes. [2:51] Yet, when we summoned Moses for forty nights, you worshiped the calf in his absence, and turned wicked. [2:52] Still, we pardoned you thereafter that you may be appreciative. [2:53] Recall that we gave Moses scripture and the statute book, that you may be guided. As expected from the Creator's final message, one of the prominent themes in the Quran is the call for unity among all believers, and the repeated prohibition of making any distinction among God's messengers. If the object of worship is one and the same, there will be absolute unity among all believers. It is the human factor, i.e., devotion and prejudice to such powerless humans as Jesus, Muhammad, and the saints that causes division, hatred, and bitter wars among the misguided believers. A guided believer is devoted to God ALONE, and rejoices in seeing any other believer who is devoted to God ALONE, regardless of the name such a believer calls his or her religion. Unity of All Submitters [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. Honoring Previous Scripture [5:44] We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and the priests, as dictated to them in GOD's scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations, are the disbelievers. The Gospel of Jesus: Guidance and Light [5:46] Subsequent to them, we sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the previous scripture, the Torah. We gave him the Gospel, containing guidance and light, and confirming the previous scriptures, the Torah, and augmenting its guidance and light, and to enlighten the righteous. [5:47] The people of the Gospel shall rule in accordance with GOD's revelations therein. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations are the wicked. Quran: The Ultimate Reference [5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD's revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny—all of you—then He will inform you of everything you had disputed. A Witness From the Children of Israel [46:10] Proclaim: “What if it is from God, and you disbelieved in it? A witness from the Children of Israel has borne witness to a similar phenomenon, and he has believed, while you have turned too arrogant to believe. God does not guide the wicked.” The following quotation is taken from STUDIES IN JEWISH MYSTICISM , (Association for Jewish Studies, Cambridge, Mass., Joseph Dan & Frank Talmage, eds., Page 88, 1982). The quotation refers to the work of Rabbi Judah the Pious (12th Century AD): The people [Jews] in France made it a custom to add [in the morning prayer] the words: " 'Ashrei temimei derekh [blessed are those who walk the righteous way]," and our Rabbi, the Pious, of blessed memory, wrote that they were completely and utterly wrong. It is all gross falsehood, because there are only nineteen times that the Holy Name is mentioned [in that portion of the morning prayer]... and similarly you find the word 'Elohim nineteen times in the pericope of Ve-'elleh shemot. . . . Similarly, you find that Israel were called "sons" nineteen times, and there are many other examples. All these sets of nineteen are intricately intertwined, and they contain many secrets and esoteric meanings, which are contained in more than eight large volumes. . . Furthermore, in this section there are 152 (19x8) words. ... The Quran's Common Denominator [74:30] Over it is nineteen. [74:31] We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people. [74:32] Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. [74:33] And the night as it passes. [74:34] And the morning as it shines. One of the Great Miracles [74:35] This is one of the great miracles. [74:36] A warning to the human race. Common Link Between Jews, Christians and Muslims is Abraham Submission (Islam): Abraham's Religion [2:135] They said, "You have to be Jewish or Christian, to be guided." Say, "We follow the religion of Abraham—monotheism—he never was an idol worshiper." No Distinction Among God's Messengers [2:136] Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.” [22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion—the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you "Submitters" originally… [16:123] Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham,* the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper. Abraham was the one who was given the Salat (Contact Prayer)  [21:73] We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat).* To us, they were devoted worshipers. Children of Israel doing Salat 5:12 [5:12] GOD had taken a covenant from the Children of Israel, and we raised among them twelve patriarchs. And GOD said, "I am with you, so long as you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and believe in My messengers and respect them, and continue to lend GOD a loan of righteousness. I will then remit your sins, and admit you into gardens with flowing streams. Anyone who disbelieves after this, has indeed strayed off the right path.” Moses doing Salat 10:87 [10:87] We inspired Moses and his brother. "Maintain your homes in Egypt for the time being, turn your homes into synagogues, and maintain the Contact Prayers (Salat). Give good news to the believers.” Jesus doing Salat 19:31 [19:27] She came to her family, carrying him. They said, "O Mary, you have committed something that is totally unexpected. [19:28] "O descendant of Aaron, your father was not a bad man, nor was your mother unchaste." [19:29] She pointed to him. They said, "How can we talk with an infant in the crib?" [19:30] (The infant spoke and) said, "I am a servant of GOD. He has given me the scripture, and has appointed me a prophet. [19:31] "He made me blessed wherever I go, and enjoined me to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat) for as long as I live. Losing the Contact Prayers (Salat) [19:59] After them, He substituted generations who lost the Contact Prayers (Salat), and pursued their lusts. They will suffer the consequences. Many Messengers / One Message [2:253] These messengers; we blessed some of them more than others. For example, GOD spoke to one, and we raised some of them to higher ranks. And we gave Jesus, son of Mary, profound miracles and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Had GOD willed, their followers would not have fought with each other, after the clear proofs had come to them. Instead, they disputed among themselves; some of them believed, and some disbelieved. Had GOD willed, they would not have fought. Everything is in accordance with GOD's will. Satan’s claim - “I am better than he” To prove we worship God Alone we have to show that we are willing to kill our egos One of the test at the time of Muhammad was that he changed their direction of prayer from Mecca (specifically towards the Kaaba) to Jerusalem Abolition of Bigotry and Prejudice [2:142] The fools among the people would say, "Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?" Say, "To GOD belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path." We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful. Qiblah Restored to Mecca [2:144] We have seen you turning your face about the sky (searching for the right direction). We now assign a Qiblah that is pleasing to you. Henceforth, you shall turn your face towards the Sacred Masjid. Wherever you may be, all of you shall turn your faces towards it. Those who received the previous scripture know that this is the truth from their Lord. GOD is never unaware of anything they do. [2:145] Even if you show the followers of the scripture every kind of miracle, they will not follow your Qiblah. Nor shall you follow their Qiblah. They do not even follow each others' Qiblah. If you acquiesce to their wishes, after the knowledge that has come to you, you will belong with the transgressors. Abraham built Kaaba 2:127 and 22:26 -27 [22:26] We appointed Abraham to establish the Shrine: "You shall not idolize any other god beside Me, and purify My shrine for those who visit it, those who live near it, and those who bow and prostrate. [22:27] "And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations." [2:125] We have rendered the shrine (the Ka'aba) a focal point for the people, and a safe sanctuary. You may use Abraham's shrine as a prayer house. We commissioned Abraham and Ismail: "You shall purify My house for those who visit, those who live there, and those who bow and prostrate.” Abraham Delivered All the Practices of Submission (Islam) [2:127] As Abraham raised the foundations of the shrine, together with Ismail (they prayed): "Our Lord, accept this from us. You are the Hearer, the Omniscient. [2:128] "Our Lord, make us submitters to You, and from our descendants let there be a community of submitters to You. Teach us the rites of our religion, and redeem us. You are the Redeemer, Most Merciful. [2:129] "Our Lord, and raise among them a messenger to recite to them Your revelations, teach them the scripture and wisdom, and purify them. You are the Almighty, Most Wise.” [2:130] Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous. [2:131] When his Lord said to him, "Submit," he said, "I submit to the Lord of the universe." [2:132] Moreover, Abraham exhorted his children to do the same, and so did Jacob: "O my children, GOD has pointed out the religion for you; do not die except as submitters." [2:133] Had you witnessed Jacob on his death bed; he said to his children, "What will you worship after I die?" They said, "We will worship your god; the god of your fathers Abraham, Ismail, and Isaac; the one god. To Him we are submitters." [2:134] Such is a community from the past. They are responsible for what they earned, and you are responsible for what you earned. You are not answerable for anything they have done. Becca/Baca/Mecca Psalm 84:4 - 7 4 How blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You. Selah 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; even the autumn rain covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion. [3:95] Say, "GOD has proclaimed the truth: You shall follow Abraham's religion—monotheism. He never was an idolator." [3:96] The most important shrine established for the people is the one in Becca; a blessed beacon for all the people. [3:97] In it are clear signs: the station of Abraham. Anyone who enters it shall be granted safe passage. The people owe it to GOD that they shall observe Hajj to this shrine, when they can afford it. As for those who disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone. HaJJ Exodus 5:1 Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.’” The Hebrew word in Exodus 5:1 for “festival” is “wə-yā-ḥōg-gū” This word “Hag” means to make pilgrimage or to make pilgrim’s feast It is linked to the Arabic word Hajj which means pilgrimage One of the related words to Hag means “a festival sacrifice” Exodus 5:2-3 2 Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.” 3 Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Now let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God, or he may strike us with plagues or with the sword.” [22:36] The animal offerings are among the rites decreed by GOD for your own good. You shall mention GOD's name on them while they are standing in line. Once they are offered for sacrifice, you shall eat therefrom and feed the poor and the needy. This is why we subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation. Wilderness The Hebrew word “mid-bawr” translated as wilderness in Exodus 5:1, is also used in Numbers 1:1 and 1:19. Numbers 1:1 1 And the LORD spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying: 19 As the LORD commanded Moses, so did he number them in the wilderness of Sinai. If you look at the definition of this word it also means “desert” Mount Sinai - no one knew for sure where it is located Mountain of Fire - Documentary https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabal_al-Lawz Many believe that Mount Sinai was not in they Sinai Peninsula but in northwest Saudi Arabia  Hereb (Jebel Al-Lawz)  Also known as the Mountain of Moses In Midyan ~420 miles from Cairo ~600 miles from Mecca Moses went to Midyan (Arabian peninsula)  (Medina) Jethro / Shuaib [20:40] "Your sister walked to them and said, 'I can tell you about a nursing mother who can take good care of him.' We thus returned you to your mother, that she may be happy and stop worrying. And when you killed a soul, we saved you from the grievous consequences; indeed we tested you thoroughly. You stayed years with the people of Midyan, and now you have come back in accordance with a precise plan. [28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, "May my Lord guide me in the right path." [28:23] When he reached Midyan's water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, "What is it that you need?" They said, "We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man.” http://biblehub.com/hebrew/4057.htm http://biblehub.com/hebrew/2287.htm Circle The alternate form of the primitive root of Hag is Khug which means: to describe a circle or to draw a circle Phylactery - a small leather box containing Hebrew text worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law The phylacteries contain 4 passages of scripture Exodus 13:1-10 Exodus 13:11-16 Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Deuteronomy 11:13-2 Connected to a wrap that is wrapped 7 times around the left arm Muslims also circle the Kaaba 7 times during Hajj http://biblehub.com/bdb/2287.htm [17:107] Proclaim, "Believe in it, or do not believe in it." Those who possess knowledge from the previous scriptures, when it is recited to them, they fall down to their chins, prostrating. [17:108] They say, "Glory be to our Lord. This fulfills our Lord's prophecy." [17:109] They fall down on their chins, prostrating and weeping. For it augments their reverence. [17:110] Say, "Call Him GOD, or call Him Most Gracious; whichever name you use, to Him belongs the best names." [10:93] We have endowed the Children of Israel with a position of honor, and blessed them with good provisions. Yet, they disputed when this knowledge came to them. Your Lord will judge them on the Day of Resurrection regarding everything they disputed. [2:120] Neither the Jews, nor the Christians, will accept you, unless you follow their religion. Say, "GOD's guidance is the true guidance." If you acquiesce to their wishes, despite the knowledge you have received, you will find no ally or supporter to help you against GOD. [2:121] Those who received the scripture, and know it as it should be known, will believe in this. As for those who disbelieve, they are the losers. [2:122] O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I blessed you more than any other people. [2:123] Beware of the day when no soul will help another soul, no ransom will be accepted, no intercession will be useful, and no one will be helped. [3:98] Say, "O followers of the scripture, why do you reject these revelations of GOD, when GOD is witnessing everything you do?" [3:99] Say, "O followers of the scripture, why do you repel from the path of GOD those who wish to believe, and seek to distort it, even though you are witnesses?" GOD is never unaware of anything you do. [3:100] O you who believe, if you obey some of those who received the scripture, they will revert you, after having believed, into disbelievers. [3:101] How can you disbelieve, when these revelations of GOD are being recited to you, and His messenger is in your midst? Whoever holds fast to GOD will be guided in the right path. [3:102] O you who believe, you shall observe GOD as He should be observed, and do not die except as Submitters. Isaiah 42:6 6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, 7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 43:10-13 10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. 11 I am the Lord, and apart from Me there is no savior. 12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God. 13 Yes, and from ancient days I am He. No one can deliver out of My hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” Requirements of the Test [6:158] Are they waiting for the angels to come to them, or your Lord, or some physical manifestations of your Lord? The day this happens, no soul will benefit from believing if it did not believe before that, and did not reap the benefits of belief by leading a righteous life. Say, "Keep on waiting; we too are waiting." Religious Sects Condemned [6:159] Those who divide themselves into sects do not belong with you. Their judgment rests with GOD, then He will inform them of everything they had done. [6:160] Whoever does a righteous work receives the reward for ten, and the one who commits a sin is requited for only one. No one suffers the slightest injustice. [6:161] Say, "My Lord has guided me in a straight path—the perfect religion of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshiper." [6:162] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe. [6:163] "He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit." [6:164] Say, "Shall I seek other than GOD as a lord, when He is the Lord of all things? No soul benefits except from its own works, and none bears the burden of another. Ultimately, you return to your Lord, then He informs you regarding all your disputes." [6:165] He is the One who made you inheritors of the earth, and He raised some of you above others in rank, in order to test you in accordance with what He has given you. Surely, your Lord is efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is Forgiver, Most Merciful. The Quran: God's Message to the Jews and Christians [5:15] O people of the scripture, our messenger has come to you to proclaim for you many things you have concealed in the scripture, and to pardon many other transgressions you have committed. A beacon has come to you from GOD, and a profound scripture. [5:16] With it, GOD guides those who seek His approval. He guides them to the paths of peace, leads them out of darkness into the light by His leave, and guides them in a straight path. Unity of All Submitters [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

In this episode, I'm joined by Abraham Okusanya, author of a new book called Beyond The 4% Rule: The science of retirement portfolios that last a lifetime. Regular (and loyal) listeners to this podcast will remember Abraham from episode 11, back in February 2015, and more recently in episode 114, in September 2016, when we spoke about 'brainless portfolios'. Abraham is hosting a conference in London next week called The Science of Retirement, and he's just published a new book called Beyond The 4% Rule: The science of retirement portfolios that last a lifetime. Before I share our conversation with you, here's the blurb from the book, to give you some context: "Retirement income planning used to be so simple. Most people never had to worry about how to convert their retirement savings into income for the rest of their lives. Today's low annuity rates, closure of increasing numbers of defined benefit schemes and the Pension Freedoms, introduced by the UK Government in 2015, ripped up the retirement income planning rulebook. "The book confronts the challenge of how to secure a sustainable income that lasts a lifetime from your portfolio. It delves into the detail of the various withdrawal strategies, asset allocation and the unavoidable question of how long before you pop your clogs. This book helps retirees and their advisers navigate the treacherous retirement income landscape, using sound empirical evidence and practical application." The reason I wanted to chat to Abraham about his book was because we often refer to the 4% rule and it's become one of those throwaway financial rules of thumb, often mentioned without really digging into the details. As Abraham will explain in a moment, the rule is based on really robust science, but there's more to consider for individuals - in particular, the impact of fees, the underlying asset allocation and the assumption that retirement income will stay at the same level for the rest of life - spoiler alert, it doesn't!

As Abraham draws near to the end, he sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. The resulting drama reveals the remarkable providence of God

As Abraham draws near to the end, he sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. The resulting drama reveals the remarkable providence of God

download this episode Instead of thinking of obstacles as something to be overcome, savvy creators know those blocks serve as signposts saying, "Not this way." As Abraham says, everything we want is downstream, not upstream. Which means obstructions and hurdles are our friends in that they can trigger us to realign to what we want rather than proceed on the path where we won't find fulfillment. That's why overcoming obstacles is overrated. Read more at the blog.  

As Abraham, we are sojourners in this land, living in faith and looking to a better country, the city of the living God. Are you living life for what God has promised his children, or for this fleeting world?

Our Lord, accept from us. God says: As Abraham and Ishmael build up the foundations of the House, ‘Our Lord, accept from us. You are the All Hearing, the All Knowing. (Chapter 2: Verse 127) Take a moment to learn the true meaning of faith worship and devotion as we continue with the 127 and 128th verses of the second verses of the Noble Quran.

-Genesis 12:10-13:4; -Pastor Peter Franz; -We are called daily to serve Jesus. To serve God we need to be in His will - if we try to work outside of Gods will we sin. As Abraham came back to the altars he built to God we must come back in repentance to the altar and be renewed in Him. Thank you Lord that You are faithful to restore, renew and refresh us daily and draw us back to You...

What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Rom 4:3). Abraham counted the stars in heaven, and God said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed that what God said would be fulfilled, and his faith was counted as righteousness. Just as he counted the stars, God counted him as righteous. It was the most vital step that he had to take in order for God’s plan and promise to be fulfilled in him. In the same way, in order for God’s word to be fulfilled in you and for all his promises to come true, you must be righteous before him. Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear (Isa 59:1-2). The truth is that God desires to save you more than you want him to save you, but he cannot if you are unrighteous before him. However, once this unrighteousness is removed, he can save you from all problems and sufferings, and his blessings can be yours unlimitedly. Therefore, the promise (to be heir of the world) comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all (Rom 4:16). As Abraham was counted as righteous by faith, we who believe in Christ were also counted as righteous by faith, not by works. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness (vv. 20-22)." “To do what he had promised” means “to fulfill what he had promised.” Abraham believed in the fulfillment of God’s word, and you followed him by believing the same way. Thus, you were counted as righteous the same way. No matter how acutely Satan brings charges against you, it is God who justified you and counted you as righteous through Christ. You can always go near to him and stand before him with boldness and confidence. … let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water (Heb 10:22). Yet, you should not forget that it was by the following truth that you were made righteous. Jesus said: It is written: “And he was numbered with the transgressors”; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment (Luke 22:37). Sin is spiritual, and unrighteousness is a spiritual condition—a reality in the spiritual world. Christ did not sin in this physical world, yet he was numbered (counted) as unrighteous in the spiritual world. On the other hand, we who sinned in this world were counted righteous in the spiritual world through Christ. This, too, came as the fulfillment of God’s word, and we are Abraham’s offspring, the new humanity—the believers of the fulfillment of God’s word.

(Heb 12:8-10; John 1:14; 2 Cor 5:1-8) The Bible reminds us that our time on this earth is short and temporary. As Abraham lived in tents and walked with God, we do the same. As Jesus tented on this earth and fulfilled God's purposes of redemption through caring and sharing, we do the same. Our ultimate home is not the tents we live in now, but the home that God is preparing for us. We want to be ready when he comes.

As Abraham lincoln's bicentennial birthday approaches, Bill Moyers sits down with historian and lincoln biographer Eric Foner to discuss the legacy and the legend of America's most studied president. Having just received Illinois' highest honor, the Order of lincoln, Eric Foner is author of Our lincoln: New Perspectives on lincoln and his World and speaks to Moyers about the evolution of lincoln's image from politician to icon. And, news and analysis of this week's events with NYU journalism professor and PressThink blogger Jay Rosen and political journalist and Salon.com blogger Glenn Greenwald.