“Whoever keeps God’s word, in him truly love for God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” – 1 John 2:5-6
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“Whoever keeps God’s word, in him truly love for God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” – 1 John 2:5-6

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“Whoever keeps God’s word, in him truly love for God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” – 1 John 2:5-6
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.” (Mark 12:28–34, ESV)
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” 16 Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” – Luke 12:13-21
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalms 118:1-29, KJVA)
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalms 118:1-29, KJVA) bride must have long red hair down to her waist
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalms 118:1-29, KJVA) bride must have long red hair down to her waist
First century Jerusalem at the "gate beautiful" to the temple grounds. Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
Psalms 19:1-14 KJV To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (2) Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. (3) There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (4) Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, (5) Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. (6) His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. (7) The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (8) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (10) More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (11) Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (12) Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. (13) Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. (14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Emphasize the word "sure".
Michelangelo’s intense faith was the primary cause of the greatness of his work. His faith did more than affect the nature of his work—it affected his very thinking on the origin and function of art. Several of his statues portray the struggle of the individual to free himself from matter. He believed that, second only to man, marble was God’s greatest creation and that within each block of marble, there was a figure that God had placed; the job of the sculptor was to release that figure, much like at death our bodies will release our souls.
A GUY NAMED JOE RAZZ , GREW UP IN EVERETT MASSACHUSETTS,THIS PUB CAP GOATEE WEARING TOUGH GUY HE WAS SURROUNDED BY OLD SCHOOL IRISH GANGSTERS, MOBSTERS, HE WAS SELLING DRUGS UNTIL HE GOT HOOKED AND IN ANGUISH CRIED OUT TO GOD ,THEN RECIEVED JESUS CHRIST ,NOW HE IS SAVED HEALED AND ON FIRE FOR THE GOOD, POWERFUL LIGHT ON HIM
A GUY NAMED JOE RAZZ , GREW UP IN EVERETT MASSACHUSETTS,THIS PUB CAP GOATEE WEARING TOUGH GUY HE WAS SURROUNDED BY OLD SCHOOL IRISH GANGSTERS, MOBSTERS, HE WAS SELLING DRUGS UNTIL HE GOT HOOKED AND IN ANGUISH CRIED OUT TO GOD ,THEN RECIEVED JESUS CHRIST ,NOW HE IS SAVED HEALED AND ON FIRE FOR THE GOOD, POWERFUL LIGHT ON HIM
A GUY NAMED JOE RAZZ , GREW UP IN EVERETT MASSACHUSETTS,THIS PUB CAP GOATEE WEARING TOUGH GUY HE WAS SURROUNDED BY OLD SCHOOL IRISH GANGSTERS, MOBSTERS, HE WAS SELLING DRUGS UNTIL HE GOT HOOKED AND IN ANGUISH CRIED OUT TO GOD ,THEN RECIEVED JESUS CHRIST ,NOW HE IS SAVED HEALED AND ON FIRE FOR THE GOOD, POWERFUL LIGHT ON HIM
A GUY NAMED JOE RAZZ , GREW UP IN EVERETT MASSACHUSETTS,THIS PUB CAP GOATEE WEARING TOUGH GUY HE WAS SURROUNDED BY OLD SCHOOL IRISH GANGSTERS, MOBSTERS, HE WAS SELLING DRUGS UNTIL HE GOT HOOKED AND IN ANGUISH CRIED OUT TO GOD ,THEN RECIEVED JESUS CHRIST ,NOW HE IS SAVED HEALED AND ON FIRE FOR THE GOOD, POWERFUL LIGHT ON HIM
A GUY NAMED JOE RAZZ , GREW UP IN EVERETT MASSACHUSETTS,THIS PUB CAP GOATEE WEARING TOUGH GUY HE WAS SURROUNDED BY OLD SCHOOL IRISH GANGSTERS, MOBSTERS, HE WAS SELLING DRUGS UNTIL HE GOT HOOKED AND IN ANGUISH CRIED OUT TO GOD ,THEN RECIEVED JESUS CHRIST ,NOW HE IS SAVED HEALED AND ON FIRE FOR THE GOOD, POWERFUL LIGHT ON HIM
A GUY NAMED JOE RAZZ , GREW UP IN EVERETT MASSACHUSETTS,THIS SKULLY CAP GOATEE WEARING TOUGH GUY HE WAS SURROUNDED BY OLD SCHOOL IRISH GANGSTERS, MOBSTERS, HE WAS SELLING DRUGS UNTIL HE GOT HOOKED AND IN ANGUISH CRIED OUT TO GOD ,THEN RECIEVED JESUS CHRIST ,NOW HE IS SAVED HEALED AND ON FIRE FOR THE GOOD, POWERFUL LIGHT ON HIM
“If any one would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.” – Luke 9:23-24
“If any one would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.” – Luke 9:23-24
use text and include image of cross and Bible "What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life — for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us — what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete." [1 John 1:1-4]
use text "What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life — for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us — what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete." [1 John 1:1-4]
"Many believe - and I believe - that I have been designated for this work by God. In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for God and I put all my hope in Him.” - Michelangelo
Paint this scene fo rme: At length Siu-Zi and her father and grandmother and the others in their little company of friends came to a safe house in Hong Kong. It wasn’t as if there was no more reason to be afraid, though. One of the people who were helping Siu-Zi’s father remarked that they were very fortunate, since officers from the foreign ministry had come to the door just one day before Siu-Zi and her family had arrived, asking if there were any illegitimate travelers staying there. The man, whose name Ah Zi couldn’t remember, had laughed when he said, “We were able to tell them the whole truth! Nobody was staying at that house but me and my wife.” Show a montage with Siu-Zi and her father and grandmother, and the couple who run the safe house seated at a table talking, and the man and his wife answering the door, with police outside questioning them, and the kind man who Siu-Ze had seen outside the boat in the background.
Paint this scene: At length Siu-Zi and her father and grandmother and the others in their little company of friends came to a safe house in Hong Kong. It wasn’t as if there was no more reason to be afraid, though. One of the people who were helping Siu-Zi’s father remarked that they were very fortunate, since officers from the foreign ministry had come to the door just one day before Siu-Zi and her family had arrived, asking if there were any illegitimate travelers staying there. The man, whose name Ah Zi couldn’t remember, had laughed when he said, “We were able to tell them the whole truth! Nobody was staying at that house but me and my wife.” Show a montage with Siu-Zi and her father and grandmother, and the couple who run the safe house seated at a table talking, and the man and his wife answering the door, with police outside questioning them.
At the bustling Kuala Lumpur airport, Wing-Sun and his Mother say farewell to his father before he leaves for a six‐week business trip to London. We see Wing Sun and his mother from the back, as Father stands on the escalator going up to his departure gate, and turns toward us to wave goodbye. Many other passengers and children are standing around. The airport is modern and well lit.
St. John Chrysostom writing on the Love of God and On God's Providence
Inside an informal church in Kuala Lumpur. Wing Sun and his father and mother, along with Siu Zi, his friend from school are there together. We are standing in the back of the room, and there are many more people than there were in the London church. There are people of different ethnicities, but mostly Chinese Malaysian. The Pastor, a Chinese man, is standing up front speaking to the congregation, facing them. The atmosphere is hot and sweaty, with ceiling fans running, but still welcoming, Wing Sun is happy that his family is together and also that his friend Siu Zi, who he has just learned is a Christian, can be there too.
1 Peter 3:21-22 KJV The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (22) Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Emphasize the word "subject".
“To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song. God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.” (Psalms 67:1-7, KJV)
Elijah at the cave on Mount Horeb hearing God speaking to him
Acts 1:6-11 JUB (6) ¶ Then those that were come together asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? (7) And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put under his authority only. (8) But ye shall receive the virtue of the Holy Spirit which shall come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (9) And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, (11) who also said, Ye men of Galilee, what do ye stand gazing at up into heaven? This same Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
"For those who feel it, nothing makes the soul so religious and pure as the endeavor to "Create something perfect; for God is perfection, and whoever strives after it, is striving after something divine." - Michelangelo
In a quiet coffee shop with only a few customers a young man about 25 sits at a table with his back to us, an inviting cup of coffee on the table, and a MacBook Pro open in front of him. He has a couple books stacked on the side by the laptop and he's deep in thought about the content on his screen. Nearby a barista brews a latte for another customer. This is online education at its best.
Prayer, in all its forms, from quiet meditation to festal shouts, is not laborious; it is a blessed communion with Almighty God Who engages us beyond our flesh and beckons us to rise to meet Him. We are strengthened by the Holy Spirit in our effort to find Christ. We are participators, not spectators. Our way of life and especially our worship, both personal and communal, needs to ascend with fervor just as it did with the Jewish pilgrims who sang and prayed the “Songs of Ascent” (Psalms 120-134) on their way up to Mount Zion. But how wonderful it would be for those who can say with Jacob the very next verse: “How awesome is this place. This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” – Genesis 28:17
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” (John 14:16-17, KJV)
In a restaurant we see a young couple facing the camera. She stands behind him as he sits on a restaurant chair. The chair is backwards, and his arms are folded on top of the chair's back. She has her arms around him with her hands in front of him. She is bending down and her head is next to his. A petite diamond ring graces the ring finger on her left hand. They are very casual and both smiling. It looks like he might have just "popped the question!" This is the most wonderful day!
Paint this scene fo rme: Siu-Zi and her Father were locked in their apartment for a very long time, unable to go outside. They scarcely had enough water to drink, and not nearly enough food to eat. After those terrible days, a deep, silent sorrow had settled over the family. Siu-Zi’s Father and Grandmother were now the adults in her life, and it seemed as if they were at a loss for what to do. Siu-Zi's Father was very unhappy, not only about the death of his wife and father-in-law, but also about the way the family had been treated by the government officials. Siu-Zi heard him talking to their neighbor in the hallway outside their apartment, and thought to herself that she had never before heard Father complain about anything. As they talked, two other neighbors came out of their apartments. The conversation became loud, and it seemed to Siu-Zi that everyone was very upset.