People can be funny, in the most peculiar of ways. For example: It's funny that by accusing God's messenger of being a betrayer, a city, though inadvertently, readily acknowledges kinship. But, by the same token, when the scriptural accusation of betrayal is against the city, she shifts stance: Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word: "Your own people who hate you, and exclude you because of my name, have said, ’Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy!’ Yet they will be put to shame. (Isaiah Ch.66 v.5, NIV) Suddenly, with a turned back, she denies kinship.
Unfortunately, the same hypocrisy is evident in all of their distorted thinking. Because, though they are incredibly quick to credit their barrage of rituals for their victories, the same judgment is not applied against their rituals when they suffer defeat. But, Jesus said, "Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. (Matthew Ch.26 v.52, MSG) Swords, rituals–Same concept.
I just love that the New Testament affirms and reinforces the Old Testament. ²⁸Isn't it clear, friends, that you, like Isaac, are children of promise? ²⁹In the days of Hagar and Sarah, the child who came from faithless connivance (Ishmael) harassed the child who came--empowered by the Spirit--from the faithful promise (Isaac). Isn't it clear that the harassment you are now experiencing from the Jerusalem heretics follows that old pattern? (Galatians Ch.4, MSG)
FACTS. I am harassed, hounded, and surrounded daily. But, because the LORD goes out before me....
Unfortunately, the same hypocrisy is evident in all of their distorted thinking. Because, though they are incredibly quick to credit their barrage of rituals for their victories, the same judgment is not applied against their rituals when they suffer defeat. But, Jesus said, "Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. (Matthew Ch.26 v.52, MSG) Swords, rituals–Same concept.
I just love that the New Testament affirms and reinforces the Old Testament. ²⁸Isn't it clear, friends, that you, like Isaac, are children of promise? ²⁹In the days of Hagar and Sarah, the child who came from faithless connivance (Ishmael) harassed the child who came--empowered by the Spirit--from the faithful promise (Isaac). Isn't it clear that the harassment you are now experiencing from the Jerusalem heretics follows that old pattern? (Galatians Ch.4, MSG)
FACTS. I am harassed, hounded, and surrounded daily. But, because the LORD goes out before me....
(If you know, you know)
You see, while Jezebel increased her troops against one person; Gideon, a commander in God's army, decreased his troops against a vast army.
With the widest smile on my face and giddiness in my spirit, counting it all joy, I proclaim, God's ways are just different!
Orphans – Widows – Elders
(Prioritizing the least of these of Christ's disciplines)
Middle of 
the garden
the garden
