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Good Friday when the Good shepherd lays His life down for his sheep. Jesus came into Jerusalem on Sunday, Wednesday evening He would reveal the true meaning of the Passover meal & establish a new covenant with the people of God. Jesus would be arrested and condemned to the cross by the religious leaders who failed to understanding the time of His visitation. Friday, Early in the afternoon (3pm); Jesus is now on the Roman made cross and He would call out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” And When he had said these words, he breathed his last. It is finished, Jesus did what He had come to do, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” the symbol of the cross reminds us of God’s redemptive love. The only love that can; conquer All, change All, restore All. If you believe in God, do you believe in God’s act of love?

Before I Even knew you, you knew me by name. Before I even believed you, You prepared the plans and paths over my life. Before I even loved you As ‘my lord and my God’ you Jesus, you loved me. Your love for us led you all the way to the cross. Every step, every taunt, every nail, every tear, every moment, your love was steadfast, your love was unfailing, your love is everlasting. And now, to the cross I must go believing in your LOVE & believing in your NAME to the very end. Thank you Jesus x

Passover takes place tonight in Jerusalem. You might be familiar with this event in the gospels where Jesus took some bread, broke it gave it to His disciples and said “This is my body which is given FOR you; Do this in REMEMBRANCE of ME.” In two hours time I’ll be going live with my friend @moshicco from Jerusalem as we walk you through the symbols, practice and principals of the Passover meal. Join me, if you have never fully understood the Passover meal which in turn means you never fully under stood what Christians call the Lord’s supper in; Matthew 26:20-35 Mark 14:22-31 Luke 22: 1-38 Excited to share this time with you all x Follow @keshetjourneys

This is Passion week, a week we as Christians remember the historical events that unfolded in Jesus’ final week; Jesus would entered Jerusalem on a donkey. He would be Proclaimed as the messiah by the crowds. Jesus would teach in the temple and confront and be confronted by corrupted religious understandings and thinking. Jesus would celebrate the Passover Seder with his disciples which today we know as the last supper. Jesus would pray in the garden of Gethsemane. He would be betrayed by one of His own followers for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus would be arrested by the religious leaders, He would be unfairly accused and tried, He would be questioned by Pilate the Roman Governor in-charge and here He would ultimately be condemned to death by the religious leaders and those who followed them when given a choice to release one prison Jesus or a violent man who wanted to revolt against Rome. Jesus would be mocked, whipped and crucified, He would be pieced and and He would be buried in a wealthy man’s tomb in a garden just outside the city walls. 3 days Later Jesus’ tomb would be discovered empty, Because Jesus would rise from that tomb - Alive & resurrected to prove who He truly is & and reveal what God had foretold long before. Fulfilling the prophecy that had been written by never fully understood by many. In light of these Covid-19 events. A time of fear and anxiety I would say this to you all. Seek out the face of Christ. For His life Death and resurrection is our Hope in the face of a broken world. For it is HOPE that brings comfort, not COMFORT that brings hope. My Hope is in Christ Paul the apostle puts it like this as he writes to the Corinthians; Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses “I am, who I am” This was in response to Moses asking God what name should he take back to his people so they know that God himself sent Him & God says; “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” Our English bible will read I am, who I am. However The more accurate translation from Hebrew to English is actually “I will be, what I will be” I learnt this just recently and here is what amazed me about this. God is not just defined but rather He must be experienced. Experienced in this moment and every future moment you have. Pictured here are the stairs that would have led Jesus up to the Temple Mount during the time the second temple period. These are the stairs you would have to walk up to make it to the peak of God’s holy Hill. Mount Moriah. God invites us all up these stairs to a future day, to a depose discovery of who He is or will Be to you. Today that first step is with Jesus, and those who remain on that path to glory. “I will be, what I will be” is an active invitation to all believers to 1. keep seeking his face and 2. keep following him despite the cost and tolls of this present age. Remember when Jesus spoke with the rich ruler in Luke 18:18? Now this ruler claimed to have been following the law & its commandments since his youth, yet Jesus said “One thing you still Lack”. Clearly the Law wasn’t enough. Jesus went on to say Sell your possessions, distribute it to the Poor and “COME FOLLOW ME”. Follow me? It’s active. It’s constant. It’s dynamic. It’s a invite now & it’s an invite tomorrow. Jesus is not defined, Jesus is experienced. I will be, what I will be. So my question to you is this; what will you be without God? What could you BE with Jesus.

One of my greatest experiences was teaching and sharing the gospel in Jerusalem. pictures Here I was teaching in the garden of gethsemane at the foot of the mount of olives. Zion is the place that God himself claims he chose to bring forth His story of redemption & salvation for humanity. Next week is the Passover celebration on the Jewish calendar. This day of remembrance is a huge part of Jewish culture & tradition, it’s something God instructed Moses & the Israelites to consistently keep & participate in every year FORVER. It is a day to remember how the God of the Bible delivered his people out of the hands of slavery and into the covenant promise He made with Abraham 400 years earlier. Many of us out there may have never fully understood or experienced what this Passover event signifies or even reveals about Jesus. So myself and my friend @moshicco will be hosting a live Instagram story. Moshe who is in Jerusalem will show us what a Passover meal looks and how it points to the glory of Jesus & the gospel message. To watch this story hosted by myself and Moshe follow the @keshetjourneys account now and stay tuned for more details. We are hoping to both encourage and enlighten many of those who remain in quarantine during this significant event which Jesus himself celebrated with his disciples. I’m So excited to be doing this! Follow @keshetjourneys now x

Jesus once said, “give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and Give back to God what belongs to God.” In light of this profound statement Jesus made some 2,000 years ago. I have a question for you... When will you give back to God what is rightfully His? Your praise, your worship, your loyalty? it might be given in your time of plenty or given in your time of need. But If it is in your time of need, Will it only be in your time of need that you give back to God? or will it be from now until forever more in light of recent events? I found this coin while I was cleaning my house this afternoon. Its from 1920 making it over 100 years old. It’s safe to say the original, original, original owner who used this coin to buy & sell is no longer with us. The coin has survived, yet none of its previous owners can make that claim. It’s a scary thought to have I know. But it’s the reality we all must accept & face. I want you to remember this; this coin holds no value in heaven neither does your bank balance or estate. What truly holds value in heaven is this; Did you believe in Jesus, did you believe in the “Holy One” whom God sent, did you seek out his face, and did you, to the best of your ability try to live out what Jesus himself, instructed us to try to do with the short amount of time we have been given? I can assure you Jesus didn’t come to save the property belonging to caesar. Jesus came to save you, the one who reads these words and is ready to believe in his name & His covenant promise sealed in His blood. To believe in Jesus above all things, in all things for all things. His kingdom will come. It not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when And Caesar’s kingdom like all the other kingdoms of the world will been gone. So ask yourself truly in the quiet of your mind, would you be willing to give back to God what belongs to God? I am.

New Merch from my very own brand @palmsundaysco is officially available on the site. This is a Pre-sale with all Orders being shipped no later then 14th of April 2020. International shipping available with FREE shipping on orders over $100 US dollars. As A support of the @enditmovement who fight against slave labor, I am producing my clothing line through a company called known supply. To ensure fair trade and a trusted source and supplier. This is a Limited release based on demand. Palm Sundays co was my idea of having a daily little reminder that our King has already come. Thanks for all your love and support x

If Jesus doesn’t seem to plainly tell you who He is, know there is a reason for this. Jesus unlike any other wants YOU to HEAR His WORDS. Wants YOU to SEEK out His face for YOURSELF. To discover Jesus - an individual MUST be willing & able to push past the noise, separate from the crowd, pull away from cultural traditions, resist empty pleasures & wholeheartedly pursue Jesus’ words & His ways. It Sounds like a lot of work? Well, it is. But the individual who does this work is the individual who Jesus is waiting to reveal himself to. And in your desolate & isolated place, where few have been and fewer are willing to wander towards, it is there where Jesus is waiting for you. Why is this so? Well, The individual who does all the work described above is the same individual who after finding jesus is willing to stay on the PERSECUTED path, pursuing all people, in all places for God’s PURPOSE & His coming kingdom. A kingdom where Jesus rules & reigns forevermore. A kingdom where the weak are made strong, the poor become rich, & those who are consider least are no longer last. I truly love Jesus. Jesus unlike any other invites you, He doesn’t force you. He let’s you choose, not with over bearing control but with an absolute truth. Today & tonight My heart has lamented over these words which Jesus’ quoted from the prophet Isaiah. These words reveal two things; 1. Who Jesus is 2. The current condition of the human heart toward’s God only Son who He so graciously sent into this fallen world. YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, W ITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:14 Praying for you tonight, whoever you are. Wherever you are.

Hoodie coming soon from My brand @palmsundaysco 🌴

What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it, Or an image, a teacher of falsehood? For its maker trusts in his own handiwork When he fashions speechless idols. Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, ‘Awake!’ To a mute stone, ‘Arise!’ And that is your teacher? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, And there is no breath at all inside it. But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him. ‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2:18-20‬ We need only be Silent long enough to listen to what God has been saying for a long ago. Today, Our “idols” come in many forms, many shapes & many sizes. You can have your pick. Yet these idols still share the same qualities to the idols of old. They are still man-made, they still speak no words, they still teach no truths & they still breathe no breaths. Why? Because.... A man forged it, either an object people craved and trust in or a false teaching that appeared pleasing to an ear yet held no real truth for a broken humanity. Let me be clear - the Newer version of a invisible God is still a false God if it doesn’t fit into EXACTLY what GOD has said from genesis to Malachi (OT) An invisible God can not & will not help you, Can not & will not guide you, can not & will not save you. Cause the man who made it, is long gone. The God of the Bible is no longer invisible either, he took on human flesh as Jesus. The God of creation said this some 2,700 years ago; 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 there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, And there is no savior besides Me. ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:10-11‬ Jesus claimed to be this very God. A God who redeemed then & still redeems now. During his ministry Jesus spoke like this God & He did what this God said he was gonna do every step of the way. No one else is coming to save us. Jesus came & now we no longer need to wonder who God is but rather choose to believe in his NAME or not.. The LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the ONLY one, and His name the ONLY one Zechariah 14:9

Isaiah the prophet says; Arise, shine, for YOUR light has come, and the GLORY of the Lord rises upon YOU. See, DARKNESS covers the earth and thick DARKNESS is over the peoples, but the Lord RISES upon you and his glory appears OVER you.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭60:1-2‬ This is the Christians FUTURE HOPE that we have SECURED in Jesus by Grace through faith. In light of these current circumstances of COVID-19 remember that this day is coming closer and closer which Isaiah prophesied about some 2,700 years ago, Isaiah says; They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭60:6‬ Gifts of Gold and frankincense - now all those Bible nerds like me might think of another event that involves gift giving of Gold and frankincense. If you guessed the wise man from the East and a child Jesus then you are correct! But wait, one gift is missing from the wise men’s list - Myrrh. So why is it missing? well myrrh was associated with Jesus’ pending death at that point. It was even used to embalm His crucified Body according to John 19:39. Yet myrrh is missing from isaiah’s list because when the full glory of Jesus has been revealed to all nations there shall be no more death, which means no more fear of death or pain or suffering. Isaiah reveals a hidden truth then and a promise kept by God in verse 16 we shall know who is our Lord, our savior and our redeemer forever and ever. Jesus need only die once, once for all who believe & have called on the name of the lord. The other two gifts remain because Jesus remains our King (Gold) & our High priest (frankincense) in the order of Melchizedek read (Genesis 14:17-22 Hebrews 7: 13-17) It’s Jesus. Those who read the Old Testament as much as the new will have confidence in God’s sovereign plan. Even today. Even in the light of a great darkness over the earth. Praying for those who pray to Christ! We will be ok. Praying for those who don’t know Christ. Seek out His face. Amen.

This is what the Lord said to the prophet Jeremiah who witnessed the destruction of the first Jewish temple in Jerusalem at the hands of Babylon: Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They 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. ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:5-8‬ 700 years later Jesus would speak these words to the people. Therefore everyone who hears these words of MINE and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the ROCK. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of MINE and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:24-27‬ One man is blessed by trusting Jesus. The other is cursed by denying Jesus. People of other faiths often say to me show me where Jesus claimed to be God. My response is to read what God said before Jesus came and then read what Jesus said Himself. The oneness of His words tell you the truth your seeking, but it will require you to work, to read to seek his face. God said to the prophet Isaiah 700 years before Jesus was crucified & risen from dead to his glory; I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done! God goes on to say this; I bring near my righteousness, it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay I will put SALVATION in Zion. JESUS will save those who believe in His salvation that HE put on display in Jerusalem. Amen

King David would buy this piece of land which was once a threshing floor in Jerusalem near the city of David. David’s son Solomon would build the first temple - a dwelling place for God among His people. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would say this to Solomon; I have consecrated this house that you built (the first temple) by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. The first temple would be destroyed in 586BC by Babylon. The second temple would be rebuilt but again destroyed in 70AD this time by the Roman empire. But just prior to that second event; Jesus of Nazareth a Jew, would come and challenged our very understanding of who we think God is & more importantly make his name KNOWN in the exact same place God had chosen. Since that moment people all over the globe must ask themselves this question; was Jesus truly the God of creation as He claimed to be? He would be accused of blasphemy, crucified as guilty. And yet three days later Raised up & resurrected in God’s Glory. Appearing to over 500 witnesses in Jerusalem and hence the Christian movement begun. Proclaiming the Good news which is Jesus the redeemer and defeated of death. 2,000 years on I can assure you this; the eyes and heart of Jesus are still focused & fixed on returning to this Holy Hill which waits for him to set the record straight. On that day He will Reveal His divinity as clearly as the doubters have requested of of his followers. On that day it will be too good for a believer & sadly too late for a denier. Because when God says “forever” He means FOREVER. Everything points to Jesus. But how often do you point to Jesus to seek him out?

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My latest podcast with @tobylogsdon is available. The Link is currently my bio. We continue our discussion on some of the essentials of the Christian faith! I Would love to hear your thoughts for all those who listen. Leave a comment below x

True Christianity is unlike any other belief. Most religions or religious ideas (including a deformed Christianity that never did or no longer followings the scriptures) often desires you to reflect traditions, superficial behaviors & practices which will make you LOOK set apart FROM others. While uniquely in true Christianity Jesus desires his followers to REPEATEDLY REFLECT him which will make you BECOME set apart FOR others. The difference is; - FOR others instead of FROM others - BEING instead of just LOOKING the Part So What do I mean? As a Christian We believe we are NOT brought to God to be considered ABOVE ALL but rather to SERVE ALL. In doing so we must willingly choose to surrender our most basic human rights of COMFORT in exchange for COMPASSION. Our most basic human rights of HONOR, in exchange for HUMILITY. The apostle Paul in a letter to the Ephesians said this; For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves, it is the GIFT of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus FOR good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would WALK in them. Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-10‬ 1. Have you ever met a true Christian? 2. Have you ever become a true Christian? A true Christian; SEEKS a SELFLESS SALVATION completely focused on SACRIFICING for others in an attempt to; SHOW & SHARE the only SAVING & SANCTIFYING STORY of Jesus Christ our SAVIOR; reaching out to those who are STRICKEN, to those who are STRUGGLING and to those who are SADDENED by a SELFISH & SINKING world. In the words of Isaiah the prophet; How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭52:7‬

Moses lived 120 years, some 3,500 years ago. Moses’ relationship with God was like no other prophet. Exodus 33:11 tells us that God himself use to speak to Moses FACE TO FACE just as a man speaks to his friend. In the Moab wilderness Moses would address the people of Israel one last time before they would enter the promised land of Canaan. During His last speech He declares that God will raise up a prophet like him from AMONG you (Jewish people) from your countrymen, and that the people of God should listen to him. Before Moses dies He also declares these words which can be found in what is now know as the song of Moses; Deuteronomy 32:39 reads; See now that I, I am He, and there is no God besides me: it is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, and there is no one who can deliver from my hand. Through Moses God said - I am LIFE - I am responsible for taking life (DEATH) & giving life back (RESURRECTION) There is NO GOD besides me. Pictured here is the famous Dome of the rock, a modern day symbol of the Islamic faith. It was built in 691AD. However, in 33AD a mere 1.43 Miles (2.29 Km) from Here a man, some would call a prophet, or a rabbi or a teacher named Jesus would make this claim of himself. I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in ME will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in ME will never die. Do you believe this? ‭‭(John‬ ‭11:25-26‬) But hang on, Moses said that it was God who takes life in order to give it again. Yet here in this moment in human history Jesus makes that exact same claim that He is the RESURRECTION and HE is the LIFE. It’s important to note that after saying these words Jesus would raise a dead men from His tomb to the dismay of all who would witnessed it. Moses in the same book would state this about false Gods - there you will serve gods, the works of man’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell. But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find Him IF you search for him with all your heart and all your soul. Jesus broke bread & ate with those who would believe in His name. Jesus would claim to be our God.

This is your opportunity to discover the biblical landscape, this is your chance to deepen your understand of not only the life but also the events that surround Jesus the messiah. Join me this year as I tour a small group through the Holy land. To the most significant sites and places where Jesus changed our very understanding of the God of All creation. The link is in my bio where you can view the itinerary and sign up if this is an experience you have always wanted to fulfill. Spaces are becoming limited. I look forward to seeing you there x

Jesus said this; Enter through the NARROW gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are MANY who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is NARROW that leads to life, and there are FEW who find it. (Matthew‬ ‭7:13-14‬) To all those wondering what God’s definition of “Life” truly is. We need only open johns gospel. Hours before His arrest, Jesus with disciples would pray a loud on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. These are the words spoken aloud for the benefit of His disciples and you and me. “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over ALL flesh, that to ALL whom You HAVE given Him, He may give eternal life. Then we the reader lands on John 17:3 which is the simplest definition of what eternal “life” is. 17:3 - This is eternal life, that they may KNOW You (The Father), the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom YOU have sent. Life is knowing Jesus - the narrow road that leads to life, that avoids destruction and avoids destructive paths is ONLY through knowing Jesus. Not hearing about Jesus, not just liking Jesus, I use the word KNOWING because many will hear his name, many will be familiar with his name, but he who knows JESUS is He or she who walks in his path daily. This is the narrow road that few find. This is exactly what Jesus was referring to. We as a society have attempted to make a narrow path, a wide road once more. But we can’t, there is no quick way to discovering God with out coming to the foot of the cross. And what seems impossible to enter through when you understand your own sin is not, but it will require something of you. Belief in Jesus. Not a blind belief but a dedicated belief to Jesus that will play out in your everyday life. Before Jesus revealed the reality of these two paths that we must choose from, he offered this encouragement to those considering a new path. Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find it, knock and it will be opened to you. For EVERYONE who ASKS receives, and he who SEEKS finds, and him who KNOCKS it will be opened. Amen.

An extreme focus on individual rights is often coupled with a complete oversight of an individuals responsibilities. Today, There are many choices when it comes to religions and many “Gods” to chose from. A singular God who might boost in power & might to conquer all who have come before him. A mysterious God who boosts in a zen like attitude or A God of endless deities to delight in and over. Yet Only One God entered into the human story & waived His RIGHT to be glorified, waived His RIGHT to be served by His creation. Only One God humbled himself from the heavens, and that pure humility has continued to confuse proud men to this day. I mean What kind of God would possibly take on human flesh and allow himself to be eaten up by the evil of this world Jesus. Jesus choose to waiver His Godly RIGHT, in exchange for a labor of love. And it’s Jesus himself who reveals this to us. Jesus said this on the night of his arrest that led him to His crucifixion on the cross. While praying to the Father he proclaimed these words; I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the WORK you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had WITH you BEFORE the world began. ‭‭John‬ ‭17:4-5‬ Before the world began? Jesus is God. Jesus said this about His pending death to His disciples ; whoever wants to become GREAT among you MUST be your servant, and whoever wants to be first MUST be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to SERVE, and to GIVE his life as a ransom for many. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20:26-28‬ A God who serves? Jesus is God. His purpose was to offer up His life on the cross, so that a small few would be inspired by God’s GREAT love & in doing so continue to offer up their lives for others. This is why Jesus gave a new commandment to those who would follow him. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you MUST love one another. By this EVERYONE will know that you are MY DISCIPLES, if you love one another. ‭‭John‬ ‭13:34-35‬ Waive your rights in exchange for advancing the gospel, Just as Jesus waived His rights as God so that you might know His Unfailing Love. This is the gospel

The world is obsessed with romance. But the world is not in love with love. Romance alone is not Love, romance could be an expression or a feeling associated with love, but it’s not that ‘on-going powerful & universally altering force’ that is (in English at least) a simple four letter word. The New Testament of the Bible was originally written In Greek. The Greek language unlike English has FOUR different words to articulate FOUR different types of love. Storgi - protective love. Philia - friendship love. Eros - romantic Love. Agapi - Godly love. So What would a combination of ALL FOUR of these love’s look like to someone today? My definition of love is this; a lifetime offering, Vowing Everything. L - lifetime O - offering V - vowing E - everything Love - It’s Giving & it’s sacrificing for another. It’s Honoring, connecting, offering & protecting. Not just collecting and not just eventually & conveniently rejecting. Many ‘romance’ one another today, so equally many fall in and out of romance as the novelty wears on & off. Some would say, “I just fell out of Love” Again Many flirt & tempt today, so many fall in and out of flirting and tempting once the playful pleasure disappears. Again some would say “I just lost that spark” Could it be said that in this modern society, Few can truly love, because too few can truly understand what love is or what love is all about? I think the further & further we move away from Jesus, the further and further our definitions of love become more myth & legend, rather then truth and testament. Blaming everyone else’s short falls and not our own short term self focused desires. We ALL must first define love to truly find love. He who is love will allow others to build a house on his foundation. A house Where neither wind, nor rain, nor flood will bring its walls crashing down. (Matthew 7:24) Jesus made a lifetime offering, vowing EVERYTHING to those who would believe in his name. And thus I fell In love with love BECAUSE He showed me what love truly looks like.

I am with you & I am for you. The high roads, the long roads, the low roads, the short roads. There is no sunset worth watching, no road worth walking without you.

It’s too easy to day dream with you x

The year is 1020BC - David a shepherd runs quickly toward the battle line to meet Goliath. Reaching into his bag he removes a single stone, he slings it and strikes the Philistine giant called Goliath on the forehead. The stone sinks into his forehead, and he falls facedown on the ground. David is triumphant over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down Goliath and killed him. Goliath fell right here in the valley of Elah. A single stone defeats an Evil giant who seemed to be impossible to defeat and overcome by many men. In the book of Daniel, it would also be a single stone that would bring a statue crashing down in dream/vision. (Read Daniel 2:34) Psalm 118:22 talks about a stone which the builders rejected would become the chief cornerstone. Jesus would refer to this verse in a parable of the tenants. Peter, Jesus’ disciple would further explain this in his first epistle. “For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:6-9‬ You aren’t gonna defeat the giant, just as you can’t defeat evil. But the Stone will. The rock that is Jesus. Just as Paul the apostle says of Jesus; He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Jesus is calling you out to have no fear of evil or evil men. For evil and evil men have no chance to survive in his presence. Visit Israel in 2020 with me. Link in bio @taggedbyjesus tour

A burden I’m happy to carry on my shoulders. You are the best sunrise x

Under all these city lights, you shine the brightest of the bright. Xx

Jesus spoke to a great crowd during his sermon on the mount. Matthew’s gospel records this event in chapters 5,6,7. Go Have a read. Today you could probably read this entire sermon in a matter of minutes. But if you wished to live out these principles Jesus presents, well it would unfortunately take you an entire lifetime. Those who would be chosen by God, those who Jesus reveals himself to; he or she will probably Continue to go back to these words of Jesus time and time again. Chapter 5, 6, and 7 will make you question your character, challenge your current commitments and hopefully correct your future choices from this day onwards. There is no doubt that this sermon once read, and understood will reveal something about you. But more to the point these words of Jesus recorded here will reveal a much deeper truth that many of us are too scared to admit or attempt to investigate. The God of the universe was among us. Yahweh humbled himself and took on human flesh. He came, He revealed and He delivered on every promise he had every made to a broken humanity. Jesus is God. At the end of this sermon some 2,000 years ago Jesus would be confronted by a man with leprosy. A man who was only ever gonna ask one thing of the king of kings and lord of lords. One simple request. Kneeling before Jesus this leper said this to Jesus “Lord, if you WILL, you CAN Make me clean” Jesus’ response is not only direct but clear - “I will;Be clean. And IMMEDIATELY his leprosy was cleansed. For the Christian or the non christian After reading the sermon on the mount, after letting Jesus’ words soak into your heart, who among you would not ask Jesus to do the same? Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. Make my heart pure, pure enough so that one day I too can kneel before you and see your face. I will take people to this mountain on my next tour. For more details click on link in my bio @taggedbyjesus @keshetjourneys

Where the palm trees have better communities than the people. Welcome to LA.

First things first, I am now officially involved in a new podcast series with pastor @tobylogsdon Our first episode can be heard on the podcast app simply search “Bible study podcasts org” and listen to this weeks episode where Toby & I both share our testimonies of how we discovered Christ. The Link to that podcast is currently attached to my Instagram story. (Swipe up) Secondly, there is still some limited stock of My palm Sundays co sweaters. The sweater is Pictured above, check out @palmsundaysco website 20% off this week using the code “palm20” at checkout. World wide shipping is available while stock lasts. Finally if you do listen to todays podcast feel free to Leave a comment below. I would love to get questions, challenges and insights that Toby and I can address in future episodes! Much love & thank you for the continued support x

2,000 years ago Jesus himself healed a cripple near this gate known as the sheep’s gate. (John 5:2) Today however, this Gate is actually known as the lions gate. Legend has it that in the 16th century Sultan Suleiman’s predecessor Selim had dreams of being Eaten alive by lions because of his plan to level the city of Jerusalem. He believed he was spared of this fate only after he promised to protect the city by building a wall around it. Sheep, lions, lambs and a Ram. SHEEP were of course part of the sacrificial system of the temple this was part of the law instructed by Moses long ago (Leviticus). These Sacrificial sheep would have be taken in through this gate during the second temple period. An unblemished LAMB was of course the blood sacrifice during the Passover event in Egypt (exodus 12). The Innocent blood of the lamb saving the Israelites from clutches of death it self. A RAM would be the sacrifice which God himself would provide to a faithful Abraham on Mount Moriah in the place of his own son Isaac. That one ram is said to have had its horns caught in thorns (genesis 22:13). Interestingly enough Jesus who was God’s innocent replacement sacrifice for us was also crowned with thorns trapped around his head (John 19:2) His death was not the end but rather the entire plan of God from the beginning. A resurrected Jesus in His full glory would be referred to in the book of revelation as ‘THE’ LION of the tribe of Judah. Sheep, lions, lambs and a Ram. There is only one gate YOU need worry about from this day forward. Jesus referred to himself as ‘THE’ gate. Read these words of Jesus found in john’s gospel; Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Thus says the Lord, the KING of israel & His redeemer! I am the first & I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it? (Isaiah 44) Jesus

Zechariah 9:9 The coming of a king. Palm Sunday. This sweater is Available on my @palmsundaysco site. 20% off using the code “palm20” at checkout.

Casual vibe.

LA

. Jesus himself raised at least three people from the dead in the gospels. The most prominent of these would have to be that of Lazarus, his friend. Lazarus, Who had been buried in a tomb for 4 days was personally called out by Jesus. To the dismay & disbelief of all those around the tomb that day, Lazarus walked out alive! Yet Chapter 11:35 leading up to this resurrection reads this; JESUS WEPT. The shortest verse in the entire New treatment. Yet it highlights something far deeper then many might have ever noticed. Did Jesus cry because Lazarus had died? No, In a previous verse Jesus had already told his disciples that this illness does not lead to death for Lazarus (11:4) So Did Jesus cry because he saw others crying? Well, Again Jesus already knew he was going to raise Lazarus in front of the tomb, so I think not. So what made Jesus weep? The answer is found in the responses of all who knew Jesus leading up to this tomb. 1. It started with his doubting DISCIPLES about the purpose of the journey to Bethany. if Lazarus was already dead, then going there might bring them in more danger from the religious leaders who already wanted to kill Jesus. 2. Next we hear the words of Lazarus’ sister MARTHA, who states “lord had you been here (earlier) my brother would have not died. Now, Even though she believed in the resurrection power of God, she did NOT believe Jesus had any power in that moment. 3. Her words will be repeated shortly by her sister MARY Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died. 4. A lack of faith in Jesus is finally emphasized by the Jewish friends of Mary & Martha in front of the tomb talking amongst themselves saying could Jesus not have kept this man from dying? Yet Before arriving at the tomb Jesus told Martha this; Whoever BELIEVES in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? Who believed Jesus? The sad reality is no one. Even those closest to the king of kings who is Jesus still didn’t believe He is Resurrection and life. Thus it was a lack of belief in Jesus that would bring Him to tears. Belief means EVERYTHING TO JESUS.

Back by popular demand x

#enditmovement❌ Raising a voice for modern day slavery since 2012, since then the movement has made ground highlighting the issue and support the organizations who are on the front line of modern day slavery. 40 million people are trapped Slavery is a 150 billion dollar industry. 71% are women and girls 1 in 4 are children. Join me today as I join others raising our voices & shining a light on this global battle. Our hope is awareness will lead to definite and Defiant action against those who profit from the exploitation of another humans basic right to freedom. @enditmovement

Contrary to popular belief Jesus did not come to bring peace to the world. Not this current world anyway. What?! That’s crazy! where would you get such an idea Nathaniel? The Bible. Specifically what Jesus said. Let’s read Matthew 10:34-38 Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth (told you) I did not come to bring peace, but a sword (not for violence). For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross (personalized) & follow me is not worthy of me. Now before you go thinking Jesus wants you to pick up a sword let’s be clear about what he was saying. He knew His message was divisive. The world wants many options, Jesus only gives you two. It’s His way or your way but it can't be both. Thus a division of two groups can be identified. I take comfort knowing this; Jesus never lied to me or sugarcoated a situation or scenario. He gave me a chilling reality of what Christianity is really gonna look like. Remember when jesus said ‘if the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.’ So I guess you can forget about worldwide popularity. But Why would anyone hate Jesus? Didn’t he just preach love? Well, yes but He also commanded obedience to God’s commandments, which in most cases takes away Living how ever you wanna live. On top of that He called His followers to Pick up their cross? What did Jesus mean? Well picking up your cross leads to one thing, walking to your own crucifixion. Something in your life will be holding you back from God. That’s your cross. And you must die to yourself in order to live in Christ. It’s The pursuit of happiness vs the pursuit of Christ. So who does Jesus bring peace to if not the world? The individual who follows him; Jesus said - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Amen

God DOESN’T love you for who you are. Now that I have your attention. Here’s the reality - Even though you have heard pastor after pastor & priest after priest say God loves you unconditionally, that statement fails to leave you on a foundation of truth. Here is the truth. As unpopular as it’s gonna sound. God doesn’t love you for who you are. God LOVES you for who you CAN become in Christ. You see To be loved & to truly Fall in love is TWO sides of ONE coin. That’s Love An Unconditional love in a one sided relationship isn’t pretty. It’s actually really ugly in a real world setting & for anyone who has ever dated a narcissist they can attest to that living hell. In a modern world ruled by social media & insecurity we have truly become narcissistic in our approach with God. “Im not gonna change, take me as I am, unconditionally, I can’t give you more! I shouldn’t have to! I need love! I need Validation! Give me! Give me! And then just let me live my life, my way!” You might be asking at this point is what I’m actually saying biblical? Well let’s see what Jesus said to those who were following him IF you LOVE me, you will KEEP my commandments. When talking about LOVE itself, Jesus said this; there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend. Love is Sacrificial according to Jesus With two parties. Jesus also said for whoever wants to save their life will lose it but whoever loses their life for ME will find it. Real Love has an exchange. So biblically It doesn’t sound like love is a one way street. Sadly today we are more concerned about knowing if God loves us, as opposed to asking the question do I love Jesus & how? In the book of Romans Paul states that you are closer to your salvation now, then when you first believed. Closer? Does that mean The more I fall in love with Christ, the more I believe in him & the more I’m willing to lose my life for a God who has already lost his for me, the closer I get to truly being saved. The point - Jesus is not finished with you yet, so you are not finished with you yet. Phil 1:6 I am sure of this, that he who BEGAN a good work in you will bring it to COMPLETION at the day of Jesus Christ

It was never God’s intention to be distant from humanity. It was never God’s intention to be invisible to all mankind. Yet history will show it has often been our intentions to distance ourselves from the God of creation. History will show it has often been our intentions to hide From God or to ASSUME He must remain invisible, so that we can continue to define what we THINK God might be, rather then seeing who God reveals himself to be in the flesh, For men and women like you and I to SEE What’s amazing about Jesus is this - He single handedly removed the distance, he single handedly bridged the gap and he single handedly made what was long kept invisible to most is visible now for all to see, for all to experience the ONE and ONLY creator of everything that has ever been created. Jesus is the purpose & the reason I stand before you all today, as I sit in my apartment here in Los Angeles and ponder over the greatest of my God, I truly get lost in awe and wonder. He is and always will be My lord and my God. My God showed no limitations because My Lord and My God did not just speak from Heaven, but He also spoke on earth. Find His words in the gospels, Find His truths in the entire bible And discover more of who Jesus is and forever will be by living out his calling for your life in this world. For those who want more, I have created an opportunity to see this land with your own eyes. Seeing this land changed my life, my hope is it could change yours too. There is a link in my bio for more info on this 2020 tour June 29th-8th of July

Abraham Saw Jesus. Even though Abraham lived thousands of years before Jesus of Nazareth would travel through the land of judea, Samaria & Galilee preaching the Good news of God’s kingdom. After God first spoke to Abraham in genesis chapter 12 we read these words. So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; & Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated & the people they had acquired in Harran, & they set out for the land of Canaan (modern day Israel/Palestine), & they arrived there. Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The Lord APPEARED to Abram & said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, WHO had APPEARED to him.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭12:4-7‬ NOTE: Abraham did not have to “travel” to some heavenly realm to see God? It even points out twice that God APPEARED to Him where he was, near Shechem a place I have seen with my own eyes. Abraham must have been filled with Joy - remember prior to that moment he had only ever heard the voice of God instructing him to leave His land and Come into God’s promise. God’s APPEARANCE confirmed Abraham wasn’t hearing things, THIS God was real & APPEARED before His VERY eyes. Abraham FILLED with Joy marked this occasion by building an altar to the LORD who he had just SEEN. Now read this from John’s gospel in chapter 8 where the Pharisees are accusing Jesus of lying & exaggerating His sonship and divinity as God. This was Jesus’ response to those who also believed in Abraham as the father of their nation. If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad. Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am! Jesus claims Abraham saw Him and rejoiced but goes one step further - Jesus claims He always existed

ALL scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness that the person of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Note: “ALL SCRIPTURE” Yet we live in a culture that will use one verse of the Bible to formulate the basis of everything, one sound bite to create an opinion of an entire topic or event. In John 14:28 Jesus said ‘the father is greater then I.’ NOTE: jesus said this before His crucifixion and it has confused many new believers. Those opposed to Jesus’ divinity think this is a strong hold to dispute Jesus as God even though the very same gospel that this verse comes from tells us that Jesus was with God and WAS God in the beginning. The gospel of John is key to unlocking the beautiful and unbreakable Father/Son relationship. And here within the context of this book we will discover a deeper & more beautiful truth of God’s giving and exchanging nature. John 8:54 Jesus says this - if I glorify myself, my glory is NOTHING. It is my father who glorifies me” JESUS won’t claim a greatness of self as man does. John 12:16 reveals this that even Jesus’ disciples did not fully understand many things about Jesus because He had NOT YET been glorified by the FATHER. NOTE: One verse is not gonna piece together a puzzle. THE ENTIRE story is needed. John 17:1 Jesus says this - father the hour has come, glorify your son that the son may glorify you. Can you see what is going on? Can you see the exchange that is taking place here? The son’s purpose is to glorify the Father and the FATHER in turn glorifies the SON. Jesus says the father is greater than I, because the Son came only to glorify the father, & in turn the father will glorify the son when “it is finished” If the father is greater and the FATHER in turn gives ALL his Authority on heaven & earth to the son post ‘The Cross’ what does that mean? Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is ABOVE EVERY NAME, that at the name of Jesus EVERY knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father

From the very beginning of the Hebrew Scriptures we are told that God’s presence desired to dwell on earth. Read Page one, paragraph one. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:1-2‬ Here we will read how God turned darkness/chaos into Order/light with His Word. The sages of old would call this hovering spirit ‘The spirit of the Messiah’. The redeemer who would bring the world to its perfection. All events subsequent to the creation are the steps leading towards this ultimate Goal. A Good world. Shalom - As it should be. A true kingdom of God. A kingdom yet to come. In chapter 22 of genesis Yahweh (God) would promise Abraham (the father of the Jewish nation) that through his descendants “All nations would be blessed” All nations would imply All people groups. Note: The true biblical definition of a blessing would be anything that brings you closer to Yahweh. Not often preached at your local church. We know two things - Jesus was a Jew & Jesus was proclaimed as the true messiah by those who followed him. Jesus Christ means Jesus the messiah. Jesus is the one who would bless all nations as promised by God, as well as the one who would dwell among his creation literally, The one who would redeem a falling man with a forgiving God, the one who would turn your chaos into order. The simple reality is that Man can not bridge that Gap between himself and God. No amount of good works will do that. Christianity stands alone in their belief that man can not earn his way into God’s presence (heaven) with works, But rather grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Simple put a gift from God you can’t earn, buy or steal. Meaning - Only God can build that bridge. God said the messiah was coming for thousands of years. God said that bridge was soon to be built and revealed. Man however would need to come to a realization - that before crossing this bridge he would need to leave his pride and ego behind. That bridge, The word, That redeemer, The messiah is Jesus. This post is about JESUS.

Join me as I take one last tour through the HolyLand in 2020 June 29th - July 8th. Link in my bio for more details. This is Your chance to bring the gospel to life.to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. To grow in faith. Music @ptonypterodactyl Song title - Eschaton.

The Bible is not just a book you can glance over or read once. Those who truly seek out God quickly realize that they must walk with & wrestle over the many pages of this book for the rest of their life as they slowly edge closer and closer to meeting it’s true author... JESUS The apostle Peter wrote this of God’s word. All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news that was preached to you. ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:24-25‬ I am Forever amazed at how deep God’s word goes into the depth of the human heart. Receive it, Read it, reflect over it & rejoice in it’s hope, that we like God’s word may have an eternity with him.

An opportunity to see the Holy Land with me from the 29th of June - 8th of July 2020. There are Places still available. Click on Link in my bio for more details. This is the place where the gospels come to life.

You have heard it said; The enemy of my enemy is my friend. But if a corrupted humanity in the form of a FALLEN, self servicing & self centered world is my enemy then who is my friend? The answer - Righteousness, more specifically He who is the very definition of the true righteousness of God - Jesus himself. A disciple of Jesus (John) wrote these words in an attempt to encourage the early church family; And now, little children, abide in him (Jesus), so that when he (Jesus) appears (again) we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he (Jesus) is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:28-29‬ Jesus said these words on a mountain side in Galilee during His 3 and a half year ministry - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be FILLED. FILLED with what you might be asking? Well, The apostle Paul provides an answer in his letter that he sent to the early Church of Rome in the first century after Jesus’ crucifixion & resurrection. Paul wrote this; For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Notice - Eating and drinking vs Hungering and thirsting for righteousness. One, we will do naturally for ourselves, the other, we must seek out in the pursuit of Jesus the Christ. Righteousness. Before His arrest in Jerusalem Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as our helper. Jesus said; Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment That helper is my friend. And That friend turns out to be this world’s enemy - this is God in His fullness - father, son and Holy Spirit. In a world like we have today I needed a savior to become an ally. An ally to become a helper, and that helper to become a friend. The revelation of God, A God who saves x

The news of Kobe Bryant’s sudden passing has rocked the world today. More so knowing that His beautiful daughter was Among those souls lost in this tragic accident. My thoughts & prayers are with the families & friends who now have to live out this horrific tragedy. Saddened by this news, I myself have been in somber thought all day & have came to realize that when something like this happens there will always be two things pouring out of people in its wake 1. Compete shock. 2. Fear of regret. Those who have experienced something similar - losing a loved one unexpectedly often say I wish I had of told them “I loved you” more or I wish I had more time with that person, just another day, another week, another month or even another moment. The truth however is this - when it comes to those we truly LOVE anything less then eternity is NEVER gonna be enough, never.. Let me say that again, For those we SO DEARLY LOVE only an eternity with them & around them will ultimately do. I follow Jesus so I turn to God’s word to make sense of the heartbreaking world we all face. I want you to read what God’s word says here; He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:11‬ We can all agree this doesn’t feel right, right now, “death”... it just doesn’t sit well no matter how we try to compartmentalize it. If both Eternity & love is in our hearts, then God placed them in there for a reason. Eternity must be God’s ultimate plan for those who love. Many will ask God why? Why did this happen? But I think the question we need to be asking more then finding out the why is this; God what will you do now? What will you do with Death? What will you do with our Pain? And finally what do you want me to do as I face it all? These are the questions that need to be asked and answered. Jesus unlike any other claimed to be “The life & The resurrection” and he used those words for a reason.. Don’t believe me, believe him. He is not finished. We are not finished. Death will one day lose its sting when eternity & love finally meet.

King David lived in the land of Judea (Israel/Palestine) from 1085 BC - 1015 BC That’s Over one thousand years before Jesus. We know Jesus is a descendant of King David from the genealogy in Mathews gospel. King David was described as a man after God’s own heart, He is also responsible for writing many of the psalms found in the Bible today. In psalm 110 David wrote this - The Lord says to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭110:1‬ A future day to come? But Who was the Lord over king David’s life? When Thomas one of Jesus disciples first came face to face with the RESURRECTED Jesus he proclaimed this “My Lord and my God!" ‭‭John‬ ‭20:28‬ Those who might say Jesus wasn’t God, might not have been told that His own disciple proclaimed it directly to Jesus’ face and what was Jesus’ response? Jesus said this - Have you believed because you have seen me? BLESSED are those who have NOT seen and YET have BELIEVED. ‭‭John‬ ‭20:29‬ In Psalm 22 - king David seemingly writes of Jesus’ crucifixion. In Psalm 23 - king David writes of the journey he will go on with His Lord Jesus. In Psalm 24 - David sings of the Glory of King Jesus. So if the crucifixion has passed, and the fullness of Jesus’ glory here on earth has not yet come to its completion. Then that leaves you & I smack bang in the middle of psalm 23. Read these words The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He MAKES me lie down in green pastures. He LEADS me beside still waters. He RESTORES my soul. He LEADS me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for YOU are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ALL will see the valley of the shadow of death. ALL will walk through it. But who will see Jesus. Who will fear no evil, not because they are brave, but because the Good shepherd who is Jesus leads them back to God’s holy place?

On my way to gym I often pass a neighbor in the street as he is working in his garden. I have known him for many years, we often joke around or discuss many little things in our passings by, but today he mentioned the bitterness that he seems to see growing around the area we both call home. Saying Neighbors no longer act like neighbors and bitterness is surely closing off communities and people from one another. After my workout my mum Asked me to pick up some olive oil for dinner. As I was at the check out counter I was talking with an Italian women who used to help her family pick the olives in the family business. She said “that’s good olive oil you have there cause it’s from the second press” she went on to say “I use to hate the first press because it was always so bitter.” I went on to tell her about the practices of first century jews in Israel/Palestine & how the first press would always be offered up to the temple & God, the second press was used for food and the third press was finally used for lighting the lamps around the home. She didn’t know that and then in that moment I said “See God wants to take our bitterness first” I took this Picture on my last trip to Israel in the famous Garden of gethsemane. The place where Jesus went to prayed three times, the gospels retell how he was “pressed” in prayer. Just like an olive oil press - 3 times. From here Jesus would allow himself to be arrested and condemned to death at the hands of bitter and hate filled religious leaders. Jesus clearly offered up His life, and we as Christians celebrate His sacrifice on our behalf. So what did I ponder as I made my way home? Jesus will take what is bitter in your life first. Just like the first olive oil press. Jesus will give you what is Good in the eyes of God second. Just like the second olive oil press. And finally what remains will allow you to be a light that shines before others. just like the third olive oil press. The world is a bitter place. Jesus came to free people from that bitterness by taking it from those who would call out his name. What a beautifully yet truthfully story of the human condition. We need a God who has come to save.