Children Not Like the Others

My wife and I recently watched a thought-provoking documentary on YouTube titled “Autism, Telepathy, and Faith | Katie Asher.” It tells the story of Katie Asher’s son, Houston, who developed a form of autism that left him nonverbal and with limited motor function. Doctors essentially gave up hope that he would ever function in society. Many who interacted with Houston dismissed him—assuming he couldn’t engage in the same activities as other children.

But then something miraculous happened.

Houston did something that awakened a deep conviction in his mother: there was far more going on inside her son than anyone realized. Determined to reach him, Katie searched for ways to communicate—and what she uncovered was extraordinary. Houston demonstrated profound inner awareness. He could read people’s thoughts, converse with Yeshua (Jesus) and angels, grasp complex scientific concepts, and navigate the spiritual realm in ways few could imagine.

As I reflected on Houston’s story, I couldn’t help but think of Stephen Hawking. Though bound by a debilitating disease, his intellect was undeniable—and because society recognized his genius, people developed technology to help him communicate. That technology enabled him to lecture, teach, and inspire millions.

It makes me wonder: How many others—like Houston—have been quietly overlooked simply because they can’t express themselves in traditional ways? What gifts might we discover if we applied that same innovation and belief to those the world has written off?

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Something else was brought to mind. I did a post about the heart intitled "The Heart - It's Not Just A Pump". The Bible talks about the heart a lot. I found out that the heart is an amazing thing. Our hearts can communicate with each other and so much more.

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Another post I thought about is "Living Water – Water of Life – Life Giving Water"

There is just so so much out there of God that we have not discovered yet.

The Kingdom of God

I want to talk about Father God's kingdom—and share my belief that you and I are invited to live in it today.

In the Bible, especially in the book of Acts, we read about the early church. This first community of believers was founded on the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus) and held together by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Luke, a physician and close companion of the Apostle Paul, is traditionally believed to have written both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. His detail-oriented nature made him well-suited to record these events accurately and thoughtfully.

In Acts 1:1–11, Luke describes the risen Jesus speaking with His followers about the kingdom of God. He instructs them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then, before their eyes, He ascends into heaven—leaving them with the promise that He will return the same way.

This early Church was not simply an organization—it was a Spirit-formed body of believers.

• Their identity was rooted in who Yeshua is and what He accomplished for us.
• The Holy Spirit, promised by the Father, became their helper—teaching them, empowering them, and uniting them in love and purpose, just as Yeshua prayed in John 17:11: “that they may be one as we are one.”
• Entrance into this community began with repentance and baptism, as Peter declared in Acts 2:38–39: “Repent and be baptized... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
• These believers were devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their possessions, lived in unity, and praised God daily (Acts 2:42–47).

I've been reflecting deeply on this picture of the early Church, especially as I grow older. For much of my life, I’ve lived independently—doing things on my own, relying on my own strength. Family has helped at times, and for larger tasks I’ve hired assistance, though not always with satisfaction.

Now in my late 70s, I'm more aware than ever of the importance of true community. And despite being in church for most of my life, I don't believe I've ever been part of a fellowship that fully mirrors the Acts church—where the Holy Spirit knits believers together in unity, and God's authority, not man's, leads the way.

Jeremiah 9:24 reminds us what truly matters:
"Let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord.

Being part of God’s kingdom is a serious calling—not to be entered into lightly. Think about what Yeshua endured on our behalf: the sinless one, crucified for us, fulfilling prophecy, rising on the third day, and appearing to many before ascending. All of this was done so we might be forgiven and restored to the Father.

Lately, I’ve been thinking more about this kingdom in light of the troubling direction I see in today’s world. What we’re witnessing from political leaders—such as President Trump and his administration—reminds me of the rise of oppressive regimes in history, like Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Many people are fearful of what the future holds.

But in God’s kingdom, fear has no place. Who is more powerful than God? When we live under His rule—trusting in His righteousness, justice, and mercy—we can find peace even in uncertain times.

Stressful Times

Our US elections are coming up next Tuesday November 5, 2024. It is possible that Donald J. Trump could be elected as our president and personally, I do not feel that will be a good thing.

Trump and his allies appear to be following a strategy reminiscent of tactics used by Hitler and the Nazis. The initial goal is to secure enough popular support to win the presidency, while simultaneously working to undermine or eliminate opposition. If elected, their "Project 2025" blueprint could be enacted, potentially leading to the removal of those seen as threats or undesirable by those in power. This vision could include establishing a national religion, controlling media, and imposing increasing restrictions on freedoms.

If you support him and his allies, you may be unwittingly aiding this agenda. Right now, you may be useful in this pursuit of power but remember; those who outlive their usefulness may find themselves discarded or worse.

Have you noticed how more and more countries are falling under authoritarian rule, and how these leaders are starting to join forces? It’s unsettling to think about leaders like Putin and Kim Jong-un strengthening their alliance, with reports suggesting that North Korea might even be sending troops to support Russia in Ukraine. So many people caught in this struggle become pawns in a dangerous quest for power. If Trump were to become president again, many fear he will take an authoritarian approach here in the U.S., and the thought of him aligning with leaders like Putin is deeply troubling. It could put democratic values at risk in ways that would impact all of us, reshaping our world in ways we may not yet fully understand.

I wrote a post back in 2013 that I think may be very helpful to read and think about.

'Where's God"

Restoration

Restoration

Something I like to do when I am studying a specific subject in the Bible is I will make a list of all the scriptures. This post will go with my post ‘Forgiveness – Repentance – Restoration’.

Deuteronomy29:1

Covenant Renewal, Oaths, Restoration, Charges to the Nation

These are the words of the covenant that Yahweh commanded Moses to make with the Israelites in the land of Moab besides the covenant that he made with them at Horeb.

In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

1. 2 Chronicles 24:13

   So those doing the work labored, and the restoration for the work made progress under their hand. And they restored the house of God to its position and strengthened it.

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2. 2 Chronicles 27:3

   He built the upper gate of the house of Yahweh, and he did much restoration on the wall of Ophel.

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3. Ezra 5:1

   Temple Restoration Resumed

   Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and in Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them.

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4. Nehemiah 4:7

   Opposition Stopped

   Now when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the restoration of the walls of Jerusalem were going forward and the gaps were being closed, they were very angry.

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5. Job 42:1

   Job’s Repentance and Restoration

   Then Job answered Yahweh and said,

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6. Psalm 60:1

   A Lament After a Defeat and a Prayer for Restoration

   For the music director, according to Shushan Eduth.

   A miktam of David. To teach.

   When he fought Mesopotamia and Aram Zobah, and Joab returned and struck Edom in the Valley of Salt, twelve thousand persons.

   O God, you have rejected us. You have broken us. You have been angry. Restore us!

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7. Psalm 126:1

   A Prayer for Restoration

   A song of ascents.

   When Yahweh restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like dreamers.

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8. Isaiah 14:1

   The Restoration of Israel

   But Yahweh will have compassion on Jacob, and he will again choose Israel and set them on their land, and the immigrant will join himself to them, and they will attach themselves to the house of Jacob.

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9. Ezekiel 36:1

   Prophecy to the Mountains of Israel and of Israel’s Restoration

   “And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel; and so you must say, ‘Mountains of Israel, hear the word of Yahweh;

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10. Amos 9:11

    Restoration of Israel

    On that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen, and I will repair its breaches and will raise up its ruins and will build it like the days of old.

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11. Acts 3:21

    whom heaven must receive until the times of the restoration of all things, about which God spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from earliest times.

    In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

Repentance

Repentance

Something I like to do when I am studying a specific subject in the Bible is I will make a list of all the scriptures. This will go with my post ‘Forgiveness – Repentance – Restoration’.

2 Chronicles 33:10

Manasseh’s Repentance

And Yahweh spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they would not listen.

In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

1. Job 42:1

   Job’s Repentance and Restoration

   Then Job answered Yahweh and said,

   In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

2. Psalm 38:1

   A Prayer of Repentance

   A psalm of David. To bring to remembrance.

   O Yahweh, do not rebuke me in your anger or chastise me in your wrath.

   In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

3. Psalm 51:1

   A Prayer of Repentance and Plea for Mercy

   For the music director. A psalm of David.

   When Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

   Be gracious to me, O God, according to your loyal love. According to your abundant mercies, blot out my transgressions.

   In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

4. Jeremiah 3:11

   A Call for Repentance

   Then Yahweh said to me, “Apostate Israel has proved herself more upright than treacherous Judah.

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5. Joel 2:12

   A Call to Repentance

   “And even now,” declares Yahweh, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, and weeping, and wailing.”

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6. Amos 5:1

   A Lament and Call to Repentance

   Hear this word that I am going to intone over you as a lament, O house of Israel!

   In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

7. Matthew 3:8

   Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance!

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8. Matthew 3:11

   I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I am, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

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9. Mark 1:4

   John was there baptizing in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

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10. Luke 3:3

    And he went into all the surrounding region of the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

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11. Luke 3:8

    Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance! And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones!

    In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

12. Luke 5:32

    I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

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13. Luke 15:7

    I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

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14. Luke 24:47

    and repentance and the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

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15. Acts 5:31

    This one God has exalted to his right hand as Leader and Savior to grant repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

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16. Acts 11:18

    And when they heard these things, they became silent and praised God, saying, “Then God has granted the repentance leading to life to the Gentiles also!”

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17. Acts 13:24

    Before his coming John had publicly proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

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18. Acts 19:4

    And Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the one who was to come after him—that is, in Jesus.”

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19. Acts 20:21

    testifying both to Jews and to Greeks with respect to repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

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20. Acts 26:20

    but to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem and all the region of Judea and to the Gentiles, I proclaimed that they should repent and turn to God, doing deeds worthy of repentance.

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21. Romans 2:4

    Or do you despise the wealth of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

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22. 2 Corinthians 7:1

    Paul’s Joy at the Corinthians’ Repentance

    Therefore since we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of body and spirit, accomplishing holiness in the fear of God.

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23. 2 Corinthians 7:9

    now I rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved to repentance. For you were grieved according to the will of God, so that you suffered loss in no way through us.

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24. 2 Corinthians 7:10

    For grief according to the will of God brings about a repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted, but worldly grief brings about death.

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     Timothy 2:25

correcting those who are opposed with gentleness, seeing whether perhaps God may grant them repentance to a knowledge of the truth,

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26. Hebrews 6:1

    A Serious Warning Against Falling Away

    Therefore, leaving behind the elementary message about Christ, let us move on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and faith in God,

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27. Hebrews 6:6

    and having fallen away, to renew them again to repentance, because they have crucified again for themselves the Son of God and held him up to contempt.

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28. Hebrews 12:17

    For you know that also afterwards, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, because he did not find an occasion for repentance, although he sought it with tears.

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29. 2 Peter 3:9

    The Lord is not delaying the promise, as some consider slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

    In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations