Forgive as you would be forgiven.

Erev Yom Kippur October 11, 2016 ~ Yom Kippur October 12, 2016

As this time approaches please consider, here's the deal for the holiday,

You can't ask forgiveness of God until you've asked forgiveness of people the day before.

Not so easy right? 

THEY were WRONG! I am HURT! I am offended! WHERE is the JUSTICE?!

It flies in the face of our very nature to love those who hate us, to forgive the unforgivable - but it is indeed what we are asked to do. 

When I struggle with this, which I do - as by nature I am one unforgiving bitch, I think of Christ on the cross..."Father forgive them they know not what they do". 

Talk about a guy who had every right to be pissed off and claim injustice.

When I think "THEY don't deserve forgiveness", I remember neither do we... 

more specifically me, I do not deserve forgiveness. 

You see, I am a thief - a murderer - a sinner, guilty of many transgressions in both thought and deed.... and I know that my time is coming soon. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsNsc5znPGw

This man, who we know according to the historical record lived (there is more evidence that testifies to His life than that of Julius Caesar), this man endured unjust suffering - 

for you, for me, for all who would call upon His name. 

Consider Him. 
May you forgive and be forgiven. 

Today I say to you, L'shanah Tovah! Happy Rosh Hashanah! 

Shanah Tovah Umetukah... a good and sweet year!

"On Rosh Hashanah it is written… On Yom Kippur it is sealed. 

May it be written and may it be sealed that you have a new year that brings fulfillment and happiness, peace and prosperity - 

all of life’s very best things. 

Have a Happy, Healthy New Year!”

As is tradition, in the year to come I offer a prayer for my children; 

that they may live upstanding lives dedicated to acts of loving kindness, charity and study:

May God make you like Ephraim and Menasheh. 

May God Bless you and guard you.

May the light of God shine upon you, and may God be gracious to you.

May the presence of God be with you and give you peace.

In the matchless name of Christ the King, Yeshua Hamashiach - 

a boy from Bethlehem, a roughneck carpenter from Nazareth, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Anonymous - Native American Hopi Prophecy - Elders Speak

A Son, A Savior

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me...

We are all in the valley - the shadow of death looms over us all. 

We keep ourselves busy, busy, busy with the distractions of this world - of this life, 

but the clock keeps ticking, and to no man is promised tomorrow.

We do not have to endure alone, our God will go before us, He will walk through the valley with us - we can stand and fear no evil. 

It is important to remember, however, that our Savior did indeed walk alone.

He endured the darkness, that we may be saved unto the light. 

The Father turned from Him, because He bore our sin.

But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. "By His stripes you are healed."  1 Peter 2:24

https://jayweeks.com/medusae/

Psalm 91 KJV - He that dwelleth in the secret place...

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=KJV

Speak the Language of the Hebrew Man

#Testimony

My commandment to you is this, 

You love one other, 

just as I have loved you.John 15:12

I tell you friend 

I would not trade my name however small

That's written there, beyond the stars, in some celestial hall

For all the famous names on earth

For all the glory that they share

I'd rather be an unknown here

And have my name up there. 

- Coach Wooden

The Future is Now

Just One of Those Days...

THAT DAY, when you just didn't get it. 

The deal did not go down, or at least it did not go down as you had planned it would. 

Well, all days could be defined as "one of those days"if we allow them to be, I suppose.

So, we get to choose:

Bitterness or Joy.

Gratitude or Anger.

God's will, or our own.

#ThyWillBeDone

God is His own interpreter and He will make it plain. My prayer for all of us today is for strength, and joy - that despite circumstances, we will choose gratitude. 

May He turn His face to shine upon you and give you His peace

-jlrgrace

Mosaic Music/Patrick Lockwood Link to YouTube

God Moves In A Mysterious Way by William Cowper

Rochester Abandoned Subway | Atlas Obscura

http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/rochester-abandoned-subway

Save My Life: by Sidewalk Prophets

Tell me that I’m not forgotten
Show me there’s a God
Who can be more than all I’ve ever wanted
‘Cause right now I need a little hope
I need to know that I’m not alone
Maybe God is calling you tonight
To tell me something
That might save my life

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sidewalkprophets/savemylife.html

The Voices of Reason

We shall overcome.

"What we need is not division; what we need is not hatred, but love and compassion toward one another and a feeling of justice toward those who suffer within our community, whatever their color or faith. Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world." 

-- Robert F. Kennedy

I keep listening, but find I am unable to hear the voices of reason. During that era where many marched for civil rights and social justice, it seemed they spoke out for those who were unable to speak for themselves. Today people only speak on their own behalf, to further their own agenda. 

As we watch the Presidential election unfold in sordid politics, as we endure the storm of our climatic change, as we hear of wars and rumors of wars and nations rise against nations - I find myself searching for just one voice of reason. 

In America we have the unprecedented possibility to allow the voice of the people to rise above all others in a resounding shout - one of unity and brotherhood, one of freedom and justice for all. Instead, we see the divide-between rich and poor, white and black, Christian and Muslim - growing... a gulf between us widens, as we allow ourselves to be conquered by ignorance and hate. 

My fellow Americans, 
My fellow citizens of the world,
NOW IS THE TIME TO STAND.
Deep in my heart, I do believe, we SHALL overcome someday - we shall ALL BE FREE.
We must, however, STAND TOGETHER. 
We can not let the power elite, the 1%, the forces that enslave, to steal from us this world. 
Fear not, our Lord is with us. He will strengthen us. 
He will uphold us with His righteous right hand. 

http://ingpeaceproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/6-Martin-luther-King-Junior-Quotes-2-1024x748.jpg

Let us serve each other; in our communities, our brothers and sisters - 

no matter, race, creed or religion. 

-JLR Grace

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/68/77/c5/6877c517f8e9a312f169c61c7c9bbb24.jpg

Fear Not

Terror got ya? Gripped with anxiety, or do you have a prescription for that?

BE STRONG. CHOOSE COURAGE. Even harder, HAVE HOPE.

I drove by a serious accident involving a vehicle and a telephone pole yesterday. Watched a woman screaming in pain being loaded in to an ambulance. First responders deal with these situations daily, and I am filled with gratitude and have the utmost respect for those who serve their fellow man in their most desperate times of need. "There is no greater love than this, that a man would lay down his own life for that of his friends." John 15:13. I am grateful for those who run towards danger, instead of from it - so thankful for the watchmen on the wall. We are called to care for one another, are you able and willing to answer that call?

What a world, what a world. Who needs scary stories, when you have the horrors of life, am I right??? North Korea and Iran unleashing their nukes, kids killing kids and everybody just going about their business, pausing only to pray that the "government" will solve all their problems. YIKES, people, we have got to get back to basics here.

My Fellow Americans and Citizens of the world I am here to tell you that you live in what may be the most exciting time in recorded human history. You were chosen to be here NOW, and while things may look bleak or overwhelming, please stop and consider - you were born for a time such as this.

SOURCE: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/48/ce/2a/48ce2aab00dc0eec003a305652771815.jpg

Before our very eyes we watch as Orwell, Phillip K. Dick, Asimov, Huxley and H.G. Wells have become prophets. We also watch as words, recorded 2000 years ago by an itinerant preacher and roughneck carpenter from Nazareth come to pass.

The following is a list of things, that I do not fear, but that I watch with growing apprehension;

• Climate Change, Unprecedented Weather
• Mass Animal Deaths (Revelation 8:9)
• Wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:7)
• GOVERNANCE BY DATA/Loss of Civil Liberties
• The Internet of Things (Daniel 12:4)
• RFID Chip, don't stand in line for it people. (Revelation 13:16-17)

The following videos are compilations of news footage from around the world, 

I think it is important to SEEK FOR YOURSELF. 

Look at was is going on in the world, and know YOU have a job to do. 

There is a bigger picture and YOU are part of it.

We live in incredible times.

Times that call for discernment, eyes wide open and no fear. Do not be deceived.

May God bless you and keep you, may He turn His face to shine upon you and give you His peace. 

-JLR Grace

#Putin Tweet from Nick Armstrong (@10centnickel)

Nick Armstrong (@10centnickel) tweeted at 6:18pm - 27 Nov 15:

Year 2068: peanut butter shortages lead to the collapse of North America. Immortal Emporer Putin takes over the world. Vodka permeates life. (https://twitter.com/10centnickel/status/670381232161624064?s=17)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=18

Waiting for the Rapture?

Well, it would be a nice idea wouldn't it? Whisk me away Lord... no trial or tribulation for me. Unlike Noah, we don't need a boat and will not go through the storm, won't have to endure any time (let alone 40 days) in the desert, Jonah may have had to spend 3 days in the belly of the whale - but not us! We are going to get zapped outta here...right? WRONG.

Our Savior HIMSELF, said we would endure tribulation in this world;

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

If you believe in the rapture, my hope is with you for sure. However, I think you should examine scripture (from Genesis to Revelation) for yourself, and see if that line of thinking truly lines up with what our Messiah taught.

For example;
 Jeremiah 5: 7"How can I pardon you? Your children have forsaken me, and sworn by what are no gods.... 9Shouldn't I punish them for these things?" says Yahweh; "and shouldn't my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? 10"Go up on her walls, and destroy; but don't make a full end. Take away her branches; for they are not Yahweh's. 11For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me," says Yahweh. 12They have denied Yahweh, and said, "It is not he; neither shall evil come on us; neither shall we see sword nor famine. 

I ask you to take a close look at the history of "rapture" theology, it is the invention of man.

• Prior to 1830 AD, this was unheard of doctrine - taught by no church
• A man named John Nelson Darby invented this doctrine around 1830 AD, based on essentially one passage in scripture; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, and also his interpretation of the "missing" church from the later chapters in the book of Revelation. 
• I believe that the Rapture is a great deception, designed to get the eyes of believers off the signs of the times.

SOURCE: http://wallpaper4god.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Mark-7-7-8-free-bible-verse-desktop-wallpapers.jpg

Well, I believe we will have to endure as Noah did, and we are possibly going to need a bigger boat. Those were some CrAZy days, and I think we too must be prepared for a wild ride.

Jeremiah 5:31 tells us this, and asks us an important question, what do you say?
The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?

For an excellent and informative Biblical teaching on what was happening in the days of Noah and what will be happening according to scripture in the days to come I recommend:

#PrayforParis ... Pray for the WORLD

A Poem by

Karuna Ezara Parikh

SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/Ezara/posts/10153207396043202:0?fref=nf&pnref=story

My fellow Americans, my brothers and sisters across the world,

We MUST call evil, evil. 

We must stand steadfast in the face of fear and be courageous, and we must stand together against those who would seek to spread terror, violence and horror. 

This is not a time to withdraw, or to build walls. 

This is a time to reach out and take each others hands, to walk united - in a show of force - a force of good. 

This is not a time to be politically correct. 

This not a time to be worried about causing offence, this my friends is a time for serious action - from the streets of small towns to the paved walks of great cities, WE MUST CRY FREEDOM. 

DO NOT LET YOUR VOICE BE SILENCED BY FEAR.

Today I pray, not for the peace the world would give, but that peace which only God can give, that peace that passes understanding. I pray for those in the line of fire, those searching for hope, that they would be given the strength and courage to endure. May God bless us and have mercy on our souls, in the matchless name of Christ the King. Amen. 

-JLR Grace

SOURCE: http://www.etonline.com/news/156503_21_of_martin_luther_king_jr_s_most_powerful_quotes/

Poland, a prayer for independence

"I came here because I love Poland and want to show it," said 27-year-old Piotr, who came with his fiancee. He added: "I came here for my grandfather, who fought in the Warsaw Uprising (against the Nazi occupation of the Polish capital), and for his father, who fought for independence". (AFP.11/12/2015) 


SOURCE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/poland/11989250/EU-flag-burned-as-tens-of-thousands-join-Warsaw-nationalist-demo.html

My thoughts and prayers are with you my Polish brothers and sisters. May God bless and protect those who are demonstrating peaceably for their freedom. 

#NeverAgain 

#WorkDoesNotMakeYouFree 

#StopIslamisation

SOURCE: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8-ELW3JJb8EMUcTmX0nCfYOt5hsetKPpj8Ux65KT0UamkEXhw_6FEJWaOAhSCWagZpIPn9NRnq4Yp0qUaKmxGVn_EtzNSUEm0nLkSl_FJR6_aP-pVJahSMrmmBp-CjSdGLAH-ObJwNtZ/s1600/arbeit_macht_frei1.jpg

AFP. (2015, November 12). EU flag burned as tens of thousands join Warsaw nationalist demo - Telegraph. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/poland/11989250/EU-flag-burned-as-tens-of-thousands-join-Warsaw-nationalist-demo.html

Ukraine, a prayer for safety

As conflicts continue to escalate across the world, and we see refugees fleeing in record numbers unlike anything since the last World War, I want to offer up prayer today for all those oppressed, hurting and living in fear. All of those who live in danger daily, while many turn a blind eye and go on with daily life there are so many who are in the midst - who are enduring this tribulation now.
My prayer is that the Lord is with you, that you would know His peace - not that the world may give but His peace that passes understanding, that you would know hope and love and through these find strength.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. 

The Lord be with all of you. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

I am blessed to have so many who read these words on foreign shores, so far from my home, and it is my heart's desire that today you would know you are in my prayers and on my mind:

Ukraine

Brunei

Afghanistan

Iran 

Iraq 

North Korea

Syria

China

Philippines

Malaysia

Israel

Africa

May God bless you and keep you, may He turn His face to shine upon you and give you His peace.

In Love,

-JLR Grace

A Poem for Those Departed by BCJ Grace

 A Poem for Those Departed by Benjamin (Franklin Walker) Charles Jude Grace

"Years have passed since I've seen your eyes
Go narrow with suspicion or widen in surprise
But not a day goes by
When I don't think of how hard you tried
To make me feel loved and accepted
Peaceful and not rejected
This goes for many we've lost you see
And I carry all their spirits within me
As well all do I'm quite sure
We have had the strength of heart to endure
Great tragedy and strife
But in the end we've come out smiling
Calling out to life
Remembering how it goes on
Whispering names in a song
So think now of how much we've stood
Together as a family, a unit of good
You are my all and my light and my life
So peace be with you
And have a good night"
©BCJG2015

I believe.

Why DO you believe what you believe? A seeker of fairy tales, a believer in legend and myth, a simple minded weakling? If that is what you want to call me, go right ahead. 

I believe in one true God, who died to know me, who rose to save me, 

and calls to YOU today. 

Your Creator is not distant, He is not heartless and He is not make believe. 

In this great age of unbelief, be different ... 

Seek for yourself and you shall find.

Peace. Forgiveness. Love.

-JLR Grace

by Carol Wimmer

Third Day: "Creed"

I believe in God the Father, 
Almighty Maker of heaven and Maker of earth,
And in Jesus Christ 
His only begotten son our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirt, 
born of the virgin Mary.
Suffered under Pontius Pilot 
where he was crucified dead and buried.

And I believe what I believe in 
is what makes me what I am.
And I did not make it, 
no it is making me
It is the very truth of God 
and not the invention of any man.

I believe that He who suffered
was crucified, buried and dead.
He descended into hell
and on the third day He rose again.
He ascended into heaven 
where He sits at God's mighty right hand.
I believe that He's returning to judge
the quick and the dead of the sons of men.

I believe it, I believe it. I believe it.
I believe it, I believe it. I believe it.

I believe in God the Father, 
Almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of earth
And in Jesus Christ His
only begotten Son our Lord.
I believe int the Holy Spirit, 
one Holy Church
The communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sin
I believe in the resurrection
I believe in a life that never ends.

grace in the wilderness

Wolcott Falls: Wolcott, NY 9/14/2015

On this past Monday (9/14/15) in celebration of Rosh Hashanah, I participated in the ritual of "tashlikh" or "casting off", symbolically casting my sins into a body of water by throwing rocks representing my sins for the year.

"He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea" (Micah 7:19). 

I should have most likely thrown a number of huge boulders.

Sin. Ugh. 

Why are we humans so fallible and filthy? 

Even Paul said; 

"I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate." (Romans 7:15). 

And he was was a pretty "good" guy, yet, even he could not get it right all the time, Saint Paul, the apostle - chosen by the Messiah - screwed up. 

God is funny that way, He seems to choose some pretty messed up individuals to represent Him down here... 

God, You gotta love the guy, He really seems to have a great sense of humor.

Of course to be fair, flawed - imperfect - screwed up people ARE all He has to work with!

My sins? Well, they are grievous and many. 

The ten commandments? I've trespassed every one in the course of my life, not "merely" in thought - but in deed. 

I have much to be forgiven for. 

For this forgiveness, I am grateful, and in my gratitude I commit to love. 

May I walk in forgiveness each day He allows me on this earth, may I remember how much I have been forgiven and extend that forgiveness to others. 

I offer you this reminder today:

Do you doubt? (Yeah, well so did Thomas.)

Do you deny Him? (Yeah, well, so did Peter.)

Get over yourself.

Seek and you shall find, look not at the reflections or shadows of God that have been perpetrated by the "church", instead look for yourself. 

You will discover a God who came to earth as none other before Him, a Man who lived like no other before, or since. 

I was blessed to read the following from Jeremiah during service on Monday evening. My prayer today is that we all may go out in the dance of the merrymakers - and that we all may find grace in this wilderness.

In love, 

JLR Grace 

Jeremiah 31: 1 - 7
1	"At that time, says the LORD, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people."
2	Thus says the LORD: "The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest,
3	the LORD appeared to him from afar. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
4	Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall adorn yourself with timbrels, and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.
5	Again you shall plant vineyards upon the mountains of Sama'ria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit.
6	For there shall be a day when watchmen will call in the hill country of E'phraim: `Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God.'"
7	For thus says the LORD: "Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, `The LORD has saved his people, the remnant of Israel.'