Church discipline -- one of the most painful parts of a church body -- nobody likes to be the "tough" one to point out wrongs; but as the comments point out it 1) protects the community and 2) can lead to restoration with a surrendered heart (Paul's goal as stated in vs 5) So - the object is again - salvation for all, not pointing fingers to say one is better than another - it's about saving
There is a real difference about the judging of those outside and the ones inside the church (who have agreed that living in Christ's loving law is the right way) -- but the sentence that is hard for me is in vs 12 "Aren't we called to judge those within the church" I would much rather leave church discipline to someone else - - yet Paul said "we" and "called" - - - I'm not good at confrontation, just sayin'
I've noticed when I've been in positions where I had the power and authority to discipline, that if I was eager to discipline, then my spirit in doing it was totally wrong. It wasn't until I had spent a lot of time in prayer and was totally humbled by a view of my own dark heart, that I was able to discipline in the true meaning of the word.
I totally agree with your first paragraph statement that it's about redemption, not pointing fingers and making myself look good. It should never be about a person; it should always be about reconciliation and separating the sin from the sinner that has been redeemed at such a high price.
Joseph's story is so amazing. One day you have a cush life, in a second you don't. Just starts to get easy again and wham!, it's pulled out from under you for no fault of your own. Totally out of his control and seemingly God's. Hope comes in and is dashed when someone you helped totally forgets. Then in a matter of minutes, you go from the gutter to the top.
If I could only trust; finally reconcile with the point that my life in God's hands is really out of my control and just relax in the fact that He loves me, what a more peaceful existence I would experience. Instead, I give into my selfish nature of wanting it now and my way. We're all wired this way naturally and it's exactly why the world is in the condition it is. Selfishness vs self-lessness. God's ways are definitely higher than ours. Lord, please help me to give and not just take all the time. Help me to let go of the steering wheel and trust that You know how to drive and know where You're going.
Joseph took car of them (butler/baker) as he did the others -- to me this says that Joseph had compassion and care for all of them -- not just the prisoners with status (is there such a thing!!) Anyway -- a good pic of Joseph; and it plays out in his (Joseph's) concern that they were looking depressed (as if that wouldn't be typical in a prison) anyway - he cared.
I was struck with the thought of time in this reading -- 2 years went by without Joseph seeing any response from his dream-telling; it was important for God to set Pharoughs dream in place before Mr. Butler remembered - but I was wondering what character building went in to that 2 year spread, as God could have sent Pharough the dream in 6 months -- but He had to orchestrate not only Egypt, but the Canaan scene too. And then, when Joseph DID appear b4 Ph, his bold statement of "God will answer Pharoah's request" humbles me -- it's almost Job-like. Joseph saw NO evidence that God had remembered him in prison (as far as we know), yet basically Jo said, I KNOW my Redeemer lives. Then I wonder if it was God speaking through Jo, as how would Jo know for sure that God would answer? Surely there were many requests prayed by Jo that did not seem to be answered. I was thinking of the text that said when you come before rulers, don't worry about what to say -- if Jo was surrendered to God, God could speak through him as He did with the interpretation and the solution.
I always wondered why on the cow/grain dream, the magicians didn't fake an interpretation.
More on time -- so Jo was 30 when he became a ruler, 37 when the famine started, 44 when it ended (random trivia) So I'm guessing Jo would have been about 40 when he saw his brothers (maybe 20 when they sold him)
Jacob said "You have robbed me of my children" which makes me think that he was suspicious of deceit in his sons - the apple doesn't fall too far . . .
A lot of emotions going on in this story - tons of family dynamics and emotions - - - families can stir up the deepest emotions, joy, guilt, fear, depression - - interesting
As I read your comments again this morning I do think Joseph saw that God had heard him in prison. Of course, not for release, but he had a favorable position there. He was blessed to the same extent that he was in Potiphar's house, he just wasn't totally free. Of course, he was still a slave in P's house too. But in reality, he was free. Free where it mattered, all because he surrendered to God. Good stuff!
I think we can all relate to Hannah and the timing of when God answered her. It was when she was at the point of total surrender, wanting everything for God's glory and not just her own. Like Hannah, that pretty much happens to me after being humbled or frustrated by my peers. She has to just keep turning it over to God. It is out of her control and that in and of itself has got to be frustrating. Yep, I can relate.
Is it really a blessing to have a small child dumped on you when you're 80 or 90 years old? He was just weaned, so he was small. Maybe weaned back then was older than now but still.
Maybe though, that was good as the sons probably didn't want anything to do with a small child, so they didn't have as much influence on him as maybe they would of if he was a teenager.
It also struck me again how the Israelites had more confidence in an article of wood (ark) than they did in God. It never says here that they consulted God or asked Eli to pray for them. They just wanted the ark.
And did I read it right that Samuel slept in the Most Holy place?
Wow Chris - some of my same thoughts! I was thinking how they had made an idol out of the "ark" not concerned at all of God's presence -- just wanted that ark. BUT Eli and his daughter in law had a different take I think -- they seemed to understand the weight of what it really meant when the ark was gone.
I was thinking about how young Sam was too -- he had to have been under 5 -- maybe younger - but good thoughts on the evil sons influence - again, God's timing. and I was amazed at Hannah's prayer of JOY, even after leaving her precious son with an old man and evil sons -- I can't imagine doing that - - a lesson of her faith and commitment to her promise (shades of Jocabed)
Samuel grew tall, wise in the ways of the Lord and in favor with God and the people he served (sounds very much like the description of Jesus) and also -- his hair must have been long if he was a Nazarite -- I never picture him with long hair, do you?
"Why do you honor your sons more than you honor Me" I once heard this called relational idolotry -
In those days, messages from the Eternal were rare -- to me it seems like they are rare today as well -- Holy Spirit - rain down!
None of God's word were lost on Sam, his words could be trusted, All of Israel was influenced by Sams' words - - does anyone see a theme here?? When one is not afraid to speak the truth in love, people notice -- no smooshing going on (how do you spell that??) Honesty, integrity, God-fearing -- traits people notice as valid and trustworthy.
I think the angels had fun setting up the Dagon scene!
It's hard to picture any Bible characters with long hair as the pics I grew up with depicted them with what was "acceptable" at the time, not what reality. For example, all the Bible characters were white - really now, living in Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, etc? I don't think so, at the very least they should have had serious sunburn in the pics if that was the case!
Psalms was very refreshing today. Spurned a lot of thoughts and prayers. I will share just one, ok, maybe two.
30:2-3 "...You mended the shattered pieces of my life...gave me another chance, and saved me from joining those in that dreadful pit." This reminded me of the "Mended" book I'm reading by Angie Smith. How God shines through the cracks in our lives after we allow Him to put us back together again.
v11 ties in with this "...You turned my deepest pains into joyful dancing..." He brings praise out of some of the darkest hours of our lives. Uses those times to reach others and share with them the Good News of a Healing, Compassionate Savior. I just love that about Him.
The other thing I noted as I read these chapters was how much David was like us(me). He thought God left him at times and cried out like a forsaken or lost child. Before or after the fact, I know that God was with me, even when it seemed like I was by myself. David shared honestly what he was feeling in those times and I am grateful for his soul-baring frankness.
Yup -- I can't add to the two verses you chose -- but I agree; David once again nails it.
vs 4 "Pour out your hearts to the Eternal with praise and melodies" very humbling to think that the Eternal would have the time, the interest to listen to all that comes out of our hearts. Praise and melodies -- maybe, but fear, anger, doubt, whining? That's all part of what's packed in there.
I liked vs 11; but I liked 5 even better "His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning" Personification at its finest:)
vs 12 it's impossible to keep quiet - - and not about trivial matters -- but about His awesome-ness.
31:7 You recognized the sadness of my affliction. You felt deep compassion when YOu saw the pains of my soul. again - my God cares about what I am feeling. He may not move to change the situation, but He listens, He watches, He comforts, He cares - - - ''
31:10 "My sin has sapped me of all my strength" I've experienced this so many times -
And here's what the world will do with you; don't trust the world: "Like a shattered clay pot, I am easily discarded and gladly replaced" it can even happen closer to home than "the world" it can happen with family and friends - again I think of Jesus and how He didn't put His trust in any man.
That's kindof a downer not to end on -- so I'll go back to - - - joy greets the soul with the smile of morning:):)
Good thoughts. In your paragraph regarding 31:7 I agree that it doesn't seem like He moves to change the situation. What I've found instead is that He changes my response to the situation, since He's working with my heart, which has far greater and longer lasting consequences.
My one thought on Job today was how his comments in 21 seemed to indicate that he entertained travelers. He listened to their experiences, in contrast to his companions that are not listening to him. In fact, Eliphaz blows off and flat out accuses him of being selfish and mean to those in need. Why he didn't give them the boot a LONG time ago, I don't know.
Got the majority of my encouragement this a.m. from JC and the verses it directed me too. I just love how God works. Like I said, He's way more concerned about my heart than even I am.
Well - knowing I'd have an early morning, I read Job last night -- nothing popped out at me; seems like I've tried Job in many versions -- and it all seems so foreign to me, maybe it's the talking in poetry form. A few verses jump out as Whoo-hoooo! Something I understand and I can draw from, but to wade through all the verbage to get there -- makes me long for Psalms!
So I went to JC as well this am -- here's what I got: "I pour My very Life into you, and all you have to do is receive Me. In a world characterized by working and taking, the admonition to rest and receive seems too easy" I think that's why it is difficult for us to open and receive -- it's so foreign to what we know here - - but then, we are supposed to be foreigners HERE -- and our homeland is heaven; so we need to get used to what God's country is like and not live like an earthling!!
So true. I was thinking as I read thru Isaiah this morning of the need, the deep need I have in my soul. The only Filler of that need is Christ. I just don't know myself like He does. He speaks so plainly in the reading today of the need of heart revival. Stop with the actions and get real with Me, is what I hear Him saying.
Is 56:2and 58:9,10 rings of Micah 6:8 -- He just wants us to be kind and care about people.
No stranger can say - I don't count. That's precious; everyone counts in God's eyes -- easy to feel at different times in your life like your life doesn't matter - apparently not:)
This line jumped out at me in 57:11 "You never seemed to care what I thought" Wow -- how many times have I been guilty of that -- ignoring the wisdom that comes from laying out my problems in front of God and asking what He thought -- instead, I go about my own little routine of solving problems or decisions.
Here's perspective in 57:15 "I live in the high and holy place, yet I am with the low, the weak, and the humble. What a God -- that cares for the little guy (that's all of us) Problem is -- even tho we're weak and low -- a lot of times humility isn't part of the equation - - this is my burden - my fault
So here's what God has seen (in my life so many times) "They pretend to want to learn what I teach" "They even ask Me, as though they care, about what I want them to be and do, as if they really want Me in their lives" Fasting days, . . . all you were really seeking was your own pleasure" - - Lord I am so sorry; Give me a humble teachable heart that is washed clean of me.
59:16 God looked long and hard, but there wasn't a single person who tried to put a stop to the injustice and lies. This reminds me of men he DID find: Job, Moses, Abraham -- He's on the look out for trustworthy, faithful and humble people with integrity.
I"ll just stop here with 60:19 The Eternal One will be all the light you ever need" Lord keep me facing the light -- asking for the gift of humility this day.
I love the thought that Jesus doesn't just arrive -- He is announced; both by John and God himself -- He came into the world as the world would expect in this aspect -- a KING!
and Mark is clear in verse 1 that He IS the Anointed One (the Messiah), the Liberating King (ahh -- He is truly a King!!) and if there is any doubt about who He is -- the Son of God -- are you guys listening? This is an important story to know!
Mark is also clear about the meaning of the Isaiah prophecy when he says that J the B was the messenger talked about
Great focus on the reason for baptism too 1) a sign of a changed heart and 2) God's forgiveness of their sin. How simple, but very relevant is THAT!
Another line that caught my attention was the people -- why they came to John and later Jesus -- "they confessed that they were deeply flawed and needed help"
I was also fascinated by Jesus focus on being in the moment -- being in God's moment "It's time" He knew when it was time to stay, to move, to speak, to remain quiet -- to counsel others to remain quiet; all so the work could advance at the right pace and in the right place. I want to be in God's "moment" like that -- and, Linda, take your cue - - Jesus went to a deserted place to pray -- no distractions -- Him and His dad.
O -- cudos to those disciples who left their stuff, their families, their employees - - they sold it all and went after that pearl of great price - - listen up, Linda.
Church discipline -- one of the most painful parts of a church body -- nobody likes to be the "tough" one to point out wrongs; but as the comments point out it 1) protects the community and 2) can lead to restoration with a surrendered heart (Paul's goal as stated in vs 5) So - the object is again - salvation for all, not pointing fingers to say one is better than another - it's about saving
ReplyDeleteThere is a real difference about the judging of those outside and the ones inside the church (who have agreed that living in Christ's loving law is the right way) -- but the sentence that is hard for me is in vs 12 "Aren't we called to judge those within the church" I would much rather leave church discipline to someone else - - yet Paul said "we" and "called" - - - I'm not good at confrontation, just sayin'
I've noticed when I've been in positions where I had the power and authority to discipline, that if I was eager to discipline, then my spirit in doing it was totally wrong. It wasn't until I had spent a lot of time in prayer and was totally humbled by a view of my own dark heart, that I was able to discipline in the true meaning of the word.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your first paragraph statement that it's about redemption, not pointing fingers and making myself look good. It should never be about a person; it should always be about reconciliation and separating the sin from the sinner that has been redeemed at such a high price.
Joseph's story is so amazing. One day you have a cush life, in a second you don't. Just starts to get easy again and wham!, it's pulled out from under you for no fault of your own. Totally out of his control and seemingly God's. Hope comes in and is dashed when someone you helped totally forgets. Then in a matter of minutes, you go from the gutter to the top.
ReplyDeleteIf I could only trust; finally reconcile with the point that my life in God's hands is really out of my control and just relax in the fact that He loves me, what a more peaceful existence I would experience. Instead, I give into my selfish nature of wanting it now and my way. We're all wired this way naturally and it's exactly why the world is in the condition it is. Selfishness vs self-lessness. God's ways are definitely higher than ours. Lord, please help me to give and not just take all the time. Help me to let go of the steering wheel and trust that You know how to drive and know where You're going.
Joseph took car of them (butler/baker) as he did the others -- to me this says that Joseph had compassion and care for all of them -- not just the prisoners with status (is there such a thing!!) Anyway -- a good pic of Joseph; and it plays out in his (Joseph's) concern that they were looking depressed (as if that wouldn't be typical in a prison) anyway - he cared.
ReplyDeleteI was struck with the thought of time in this reading -- 2 years went by without Joseph seeing any response from his dream-telling; it was important for God to set Pharoughs dream in place before Mr. Butler remembered - but I was wondering what character building went in to that 2 year spread, as God could have sent Pharough the dream in 6 months -- but He had to orchestrate not only Egypt, but the Canaan scene too. And then, when Joseph DID appear b4 Ph, his bold statement of "God will answer Pharoah's request" humbles me -- it's almost Job-like. Joseph saw NO evidence that God had remembered him in prison (as far as we know), yet basically Jo said, I KNOW my Redeemer lives. Then I wonder if it was God speaking through Jo, as how would Jo know for sure that God would answer? Surely there were many requests prayed by Jo that did not seem to be answered. I was thinking of the text that said when you come before rulers, don't worry about what to say -- if Jo was surrendered to God, God could speak through him as He did with the interpretation and the solution.
I always wondered why on the cow/grain dream, the magicians didn't fake an interpretation.
More on time -- so Jo was 30 when he became a ruler, 37 when the famine started, 44 when it ended (random trivia) So I'm guessing Jo would have been about 40 when he saw his brothers (maybe 20 when they sold him)
Jacob said "You have robbed me of my children" which makes me think that he was suspicious of deceit in his sons - the apple doesn't fall too far . . .
A lot of emotions going on in this story - tons of family dynamics and emotions - - - families can stir up the deepest emotions, joy, guilt, fear, depression - - interesting
As I read your comments again this morning I do think Joseph saw that God had heard him in prison. Of course, not for release, but he had a favorable position there. He was blessed to the same extent that he was in Potiphar's house, he just wasn't totally free. Of course, he was still a slave in P's house too. But in reality, he was free. Free where it mattered, all because he surrendered to God. Good stuff!
DeleteI think we can all relate to Hannah and the timing of when God answered her. It was when she was at the point of total surrender, wanting everything for God's glory and not just her own. Like Hannah, that pretty much happens to me after being humbled or frustrated by my peers. She has to just keep turning it over to God. It is out of her control and that in and of itself has got to be frustrating. Yep, I can relate.
ReplyDeleteIs it really a blessing to have a small child dumped on you when you're 80 or 90 years old? He was just weaned, so he was small. Maybe weaned back then was older than now but still.
Maybe though, that was good as the sons probably didn't want anything to do with a small child, so they didn't have as much influence on him as maybe they would of if he was a teenager.
It also struck me again how the Israelites had more confidence in an article of wood (ark) than they did in God. It never says here that they consulted God or asked Eli to pray for them. They just wanted the ark.
And did I read it right that Samuel slept in the Most Holy place?
Wow Chris - some of my same thoughts! I was thinking how they had made an idol out of the "ark" not concerned at all of God's presence -- just wanted that ark. BUT Eli and his daughter in law had a different take I think -- they seemed to understand the weight of what it really meant when the ark was gone.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about how young Sam was too -- he had to have been under 5 -- maybe younger - but good thoughts on the evil sons influence - again, God's timing. and I was amazed at Hannah's prayer of JOY, even after leaving her precious son with an old man and evil sons -- I can't imagine doing that - - a lesson of her faith and commitment to her promise (shades of Jocabed)
Samuel grew tall, wise in the ways of the Lord and in favor with God and the people he served (sounds very much like the description of Jesus) and also -- his hair must have been long if he was a Nazarite -- I never picture him with long hair, do you?
"Why do you honor your sons more than you honor Me" I once heard this called relational idolotry -
In those days, messages from the Eternal were rare -- to me it seems like they are rare today as well -- Holy Spirit - rain down!
None of God's word were lost on Sam, his words could be trusted, All of Israel was influenced by Sams' words - - does anyone see a theme here?? When one is not afraid to speak the truth in love, people notice -- no smooshing going on (how do you spell that??) Honesty, integrity, God-fearing -- traits people notice as valid and trustworthy.
I think the angels had fun setting up the Dagon scene!
It's hard to picture any Bible characters with long hair as the pics I grew up with depicted them with what was "acceptable" at the time, not what reality. For example, all the Bible characters were white - really now, living in Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, etc? I don't think so, at the very least they should have had serious sunburn in the pics if that was the case!
ReplyDeletePsalms was very refreshing today. Spurned a lot of thoughts and prayers. I will share just one, ok, maybe two.
30:2-3 "...You mended the shattered pieces of my life...gave me another chance, and saved me from joining those in that dreadful pit." This reminded me of the "Mended" book I'm reading by Angie Smith. How God shines through the cracks in our lives after we allow Him to put us back together again.
v11 ties in with this "...You turned my deepest pains into joyful dancing..." He brings praise out of some of the darkest hours of our lives. Uses those times to reach others and share with them the Good News of a Healing, Compassionate Savior. I just love that about Him.
The other thing I noted as I read these chapters was how much David was like us(me). He thought God left him at times and cried out like a forsaken or lost child. Before or after the fact, I know that God was with me, even when it seemed like I was by myself. David shared honestly what he was feeling in those times and I am grateful for his soul-baring frankness.
Yup -- I can't add to the two verses you chose -- but I agree; David once again nails it.
ReplyDeletevs 4 "Pour out your hearts to the Eternal with praise and melodies" very humbling to think that the Eternal would have the time, the interest to listen to all that comes out of our hearts. Praise and melodies -- maybe, but fear, anger, doubt, whining? That's all part of what's packed in there.
I liked vs 11; but I liked 5 even better "His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning" Personification at its finest:)
vs 12 it's impossible to keep quiet - - and not about trivial matters -- but about His awesome-ness.
31:7 You recognized the sadness of my affliction. You felt deep compassion when YOu saw the pains of my soul. again - my God cares about what I am feeling. He may not move to change the situation, but He listens, He watches, He comforts, He cares - - - ''
31:10 "My sin has sapped me of all my strength" I've experienced this so many times -
And here's what the world will do with you; don't trust the world: "Like a shattered clay pot, I am easily discarded and gladly replaced" it can even happen closer to home than "the world" it can happen with family and friends - again I think of Jesus and how He didn't put His trust in any man.
That's kindof a downer not to end on -- so I'll go back to - - - joy greets the soul with the smile of morning:):)
Good thoughts. In your paragraph regarding 31:7 I agree that it doesn't seem like He moves to change the situation. What I've found instead is that He changes my response to the situation, since He's working with my heart, which has far greater and longer lasting consequences.
ReplyDeleteMy one thought on Job today was how his comments in 21 seemed to indicate that he entertained travelers. He listened to their experiences, in contrast to his companions that are not listening to him. In fact, Eliphaz blows off and flat out accuses him of being selfish and mean to those in need. Why he didn't give them the boot a LONG time ago, I don't know.
Got the majority of my encouragement this a.m. from JC and the verses it directed me too. I just love how God works. Like I said, He's way more concerned about my heart than even I am.
Well - knowing I'd have an early morning, I read Job last night -- nothing popped out at me; seems like I've tried Job in many versions -- and it all seems so foreign to me, maybe it's the talking in poetry form. A few verses jump out as Whoo-hoooo! Something I understand and I can draw from, but to wade through all the verbage to get there -- makes me long for Psalms!
ReplyDeleteSo I went to JC as well this am -- here's what I got: "I pour My very Life into you, and all you have to do is receive Me. In a world characterized by working and taking, the admonition to rest and receive seems too easy" I think that's why it is difficult for us to open and receive -- it's so foreign to what we know here - - but then, we are supposed to be foreigners HERE -- and our homeland is heaven; so we need to get used to what God's country is like and not live like an earthling!!
So true. I was thinking as I read thru Isaiah this morning of the need, the deep need I have in my soul. The only Filler of that need is Christ. I just don't know myself like He does. He speaks so plainly in the reading today of the need of heart revival. Stop with the actions and get real with Me, is what I hear Him saying.
ReplyDeleteIs 56:2and 58:9,10 rings of Micah 6:8 -- He just wants us to be kind and care about people.
ReplyDeleteNo stranger can say - I don't count. That's precious; everyone counts in God's eyes -- easy to feel at different times in your life like your life doesn't matter - apparently not:)
This line jumped out at me in 57:11 "You never seemed to care what I thought" Wow -- how many times have I been guilty of that -- ignoring the wisdom that comes from laying out my problems in front of God and asking what He thought -- instead, I go about my own little routine of solving problems or decisions.
Here's perspective in 57:15 "I live in the high and holy place, yet I am with the low, the weak, and the humble. What a God -- that cares for the little guy (that's all of us) Problem is -- even tho we're weak and low -- a lot of times humility isn't part of the equation - - this is my burden - my fault
So here's what God has seen (in my life so many times) "They pretend to want to learn what I teach" "They even ask Me, as though they care, about what I want them to be and do, as if they really want Me in their lives" Fasting days, . . . all you were really seeking was your own pleasure" - - Lord I am so sorry; Give me a humble teachable heart that is washed clean of me.
59:16 God looked long and hard, but there wasn't a single person who tried to put a stop to the injustice and lies. This reminds me of men he DID find: Job, Moses, Abraham -- He's on the look out for trustworthy, faithful and humble people with integrity.
I"ll just stop here with 60:19 The Eternal One will be all the light you ever need" Lord keep me facing the light -- asking for the gift of humility this day.
I love the thought that Jesus doesn't just arrive -- He is announced; both by John and God himself -- He came into the world as the world would expect in this aspect -- a KING!
ReplyDeleteand Mark is clear in verse 1 that He IS the Anointed One (the Messiah), the Liberating King (ahh -- He is truly a King!!) and if there is any doubt about who He is -- the Son of God -- are you guys listening? This is an important story to know!
Mark is also clear about the meaning of the Isaiah prophecy when he says that J the B was the messenger talked about
Great focus on the reason for baptism too 1) a sign of a changed heart and 2) God's forgiveness of their sin. How simple, but very relevant is THAT!
Another line that caught my attention was the people -- why they came to John and later Jesus -- "they confessed that they were deeply flawed and needed help"
I was also fascinated by Jesus focus on being in the moment -- being in God's moment "It's time" He knew when it was time to stay, to move, to speak, to remain quiet -- to counsel others to remain quiet; all so the work could advance at the right pace and in the right place. I want to be in God's "moment" like that -- and, Linda, take your cue - - Jesus went to a deserted place to pray -- no distractions -- Him and His dad.
O -- cudos to those disciples who left their stuff, their families, their employees - - they sold it all and went after that pearl of great price - - listen up, Linda.