December 31, 2018

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL DECEMBER 2018 – DON MCDANIEL

12/1/18 Saying Yes to God 1

Then Mary said [to the angel], “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

RECOMMENDED READING: Isaiah 6:6-8 “⁶Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. ⁷And he touched my mouth with it, and said:“Behold, this has touched your lips;Your iniquity is taken away,And your sin purged.”⁸Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:“Whom shall I send,And who will go for Us?”Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”.”

COMMENTS: How strong is your faith? How strong is my faith? I’ve often said a ¼” rope may be sufficient to hold my weight when I’m 12” off the ground but I would want a 1” rope if suspended 1000ft off the ground. Risk of rope failure is much greater. So too is risk of failure and degree of faith needed when risks are greater.

The risk to Mary to submit to God was great. She wasn’t sure Joseph would believe her. Would she loose the man she dearly loved? Would she face scandal and stoning, the common fate of unwed mothers? Scandal was more evident to unwed mothers during my parent’s generation but far more so at the time of Mary and Joseph.

We don’t know now much of these doubts filled Mary’s heart and mind, but get a hint that Joseph struggled with them for a time. Mary showed confident surrender and faith-trust when she submitted to God without reservation or question. She didn’t ask questions even though she probably had them.

Both she and Joseph had an angelic visit. God knew and provided the encouragement they needed as well as the protection and guidance as they would need it for protection. Satan did his worst to stop God’s plan but was repeatedly outsmarted and outmaneuvered by God. After all, God knew what satan would do before he did, but satan didn’t know what God would do or when.

Besides, when Mary saw Elizabeth and received encouragement from Elizabeth, her response of praise and worship of God (Luke 1:46-55) commonly called “Mary’s Song” filled her with faith and resolve as well as great ministry and ministry to us too.

Mary and Joseph show us the eternal benefit of trusting and obeying God, but also show us He does not ask more of us than we can give or more than we can give with His help. He gave them faith sufficient to obey and wisdom to know when to lean on Him and even wait til His help was provided.

I am also reflecting on who the Wise Men were and where they were from. They were Persian so were impacted by influence of Jews while in bondage there. Consider the impact Daniel had on the Babylonians and then the Medes and Persians showing their faith in God. For the wise men to believe in and follow a star to the birth site of the Messiah, the One who would become their Messiah too, is significant.

God orchestrated the events of that first Christmas as Daniel and Israel were being forced into bondage to Babylon. Even as Daniel went in that lion’s den and as his 3 friends went into that fiery furnace.

What wonderful things is God preparing us for that may require extra faith and obedience from us? I’m sure there are such things coming, things we don’t have a clue of nor can imagine. We can be a part in it if we follow Him but may miss out if we say no. HIS WILL WILL BE DONE WITH OUR PARTICIPATION OR IN SPITE OF OUR DISOBEDIENCE. It will be clear someday. AMEN? AMEN!

Let your default answer to God be “Yes”—and trust Him to reward your faith in His way (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Doubt breeds distress, but trust means joy in the long run. Charles H. Spurgeon

12/2/18 How Can This Be? 2

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” Luke 1:34

RECOMMENDED READING: Philippians 4:6-7 “⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

COMMENTS: Mary was confronted with two unbelievable messages when the angel Gabriel visited her. That she would have a child as a virgin, a child that would be the long awaited Messiah; and her elderly cousin Elizabeth would also have a child and forerunner of this Messiah. Before she was able to open herself to obey, she needed to ask the question – How can this be? This was not a question raised by doubt or of lack of understanding. But when she understood what it was she was asked to do and who it was who was asking, she was ready to obey. More questions and wonder filled her as time went on.

God, in His mercy, didn’t reveal all to Mary at once but a little at a time. She was not ready to learn of the pain and grief she would experience watching her Son be crucified but she was ready to learn her Son would be the long awaited Messiah. But when she saw Elizabeth and reaction to seeing her. When the shepherd and wise men visited her Son bearing gift. When Jesus grew and began to reveal His character and personality. When God’s revelation continued to be revealed to her, we are told “She pondered these things in her heart”.

Have you ever taken the time to ponder God’s revelations in your heart? When God reveals or does something significant for you, do you take some time to ponder and reflect of its significance and lesson? Times when I embrace that nudge to stop and reflect, God gives a rich sense of His presence and shows so much more. But times when I put that time off thinking later will be more convenient, I also discover that I forget and miss that second blessing. I remember something but the light has dimmed or gone out. Such times have come in the middle of the night and during a busy work day or when I am in the middle of a task I want to complete. But experience has taught me to give those times of insight and revelation priority and don’t wait. Granted, taking a couple of notes and returning later does help and has even been successful, but there is nothing better than stopping and putting life aside when God speaks. After all, such times don’t come along that often and even if they did, we need to remember who it is who wants our attention.

No, it isn’t likely like how Daniel or Mary or even Joseph experienced, but insights given to us quietly in our thoughts and dreams and through insights of others still give profound council and revelation from our Creator and Savior to us. If we didn’t need such revelation for present or future needs, He would provide it.

Why are we so slow to trust an infinite God? William S. Plumer

12/3/18 Fit for a King – Gold 3

The name of the first [river] is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good. Genesis 2:11-12

RECOMMENDED READING: 1 Kings 6:20-22 “²⁰The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid it with pure gold, and overlaid the altar of cedar. ²¹So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold. He stretched gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, and overlaid it with gold. ²²The whole temple he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the temple; also he overlaid with gold the entire altar that was by the inner sanctuary..”

COMMENTS: Solomon showed little restraint indulging in extravagance in his own palace so carried that extravagance when building and decorating God’s Temple. God granted Solomon great wisdom since he requested wisdom before wealth and power. That wisdom served him well but the power and wealth he acquired corrupted his wisdom. Degradation happened slowly over time. His councilors should have warned and guided him to show balance in using and sharing his wealth. Acquiring many wives without regard to God’s Will, while using such to develop alliance with other countries, may have made sense and matched customs in those countries. But by doing so, Solomon opened himself to pagan influences and pagan temptations, which even with his wisdom was not able to resist very long.

His life proves to us we are not able to withstand temptation very long alone either. We need God’s help but we also need to avoid temptation and flee it. My father used to say the only thing worse than poverty is prosperity. Prosperity brings greater temptations and distractions. Prosperity brings a false sense of self-sufficiency and self-dependence on God. BUT GOD NEVER INTENDED NOR EXPECTS NOR WANTS US TO OBEY HIM ALONE. When we try to, it is because we fail to involve Him before we get in trouble.

The lesson I keep needing to relearn is to wait for and seek His help first before I feel I need that help. The ongoing relationship with Him that He desires is also what I desperately need whether I feel that need or not. His Holy Spirit was given for that very purpose. We are not depriving someone else by seeking His help more often. We are only depriving ourselves of His continual help and council and strength and discernment and foreknowledge. We may not know what or when something will be happen but none the less He will prepare us and we will be ready to follow Him when we really need to.

12/4/18 The Eternal Light 4

Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was? John 7:42

RECOMMENDED READING: Micah 5:1-4 “ Now gather yourself in troops,O daughter of troops;He has laid siege against us;They will strike the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek.

THE COMING MESSIAH

²“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,Yet out of you shall come forth to MeThe One to be Ruler in Israel,Whose goings forth are from of old,From everlasting.”

³Therefore He shall give them up,Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth;Then the remnant of His brethrenShall return to the children of Israel.⁴And He shall stand and feed His flockIn the strength of the Lord,In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God;And they shall abide,For now He shall be greatTo the ends of the earth;.”

COMMENTS: Bethlehem means “the house of bread”. Bethlehem was also the place where lambs were raised for sacrifice in the temple at Jerusalem. Bethlehem was the birthplace of King David and is called the City of David. Micah foretold that Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the Messiah – ruler of Israel. Bethlehem is mentioned 35 times in the Old Testament. Over 300 predictions or prophecies are given of Christ in the Old Testament. I will provide more details on them in tomorrow’s devotion.

All this and so much more remind us God is never surprised nor unprepared. He gives us free will to choose wisely or foolishly. He offers us help and forgiveness when we turn to Him with a repentant heart. He even uses evil deeds to bring about good results. He always fulfills His promises and prophecies. But His timing and way are not ours nor a way we can comprehend until it comes to pass. But His ways and motives and results are always to our benefit and for His honor. Satan doesn’t know nor understand His ways and doesn’t know what will happen. Well, he knows God says that he will fail but, doesn’t know when and likely still believes he can outsmart or out maneuver God. He believes God is limited by His own love and decency so satan still believes such are weaknesses that give he, satan, an advantage. But little does he know God’s abilities and power are boundless and it is satan’s evil that limits and causes weakness. There is no doubt satan will lose and along with him those who follow and practice his evil. AMEN? AMEN!

12/5/18 351 Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Christ 5

Prophecy	Description	Fulfillment
1. Gen 3:15	Seed of a woman (virgin birth)	Gal 4:4-5; Matt 1:18
2. Gen 3:15	He will bruise Satan’s head	Heb 2:14; 1 John 3:8
3. Gen 5:24	The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated	Mark 16:19
4. Gen 9:26-27	The God of Shem will be the Son of Shem	Luke 3:36
5. Gen 12:3	Seed of Abraham will bless all nations	Gal 3:8; Acts 3:25-26
6. Gen 12:7	The Promise made to Abraham’s Seed	Gal 3:16
7. Gen 14:18	A priest after the order of Melchizedek	Heb 6:20
8. Gen 14:18	King of Peace and Righteousness	Heb 7:2
9. Gen 14:18	The Last Supper foreshadowed	Matt 26:26-29
10. Gen 17:19	Seed of Isaac (Gen 21:12)	Rom 9:7
11. Gen 22:8	The Lamb of God promised	John 1:29
12. Gen 22:18	As Isaac’s seed, will bless all nations	Gal 3:16
13. Gen 26:2-5	The Seed of Isaac promised as the Redeemer	Heb 11:18
14. Gen 28:12	The Bridge to heaven	John 1:51
15. Gen 28:14	The Seed of Jacob	Luke 3:34
16. Gen 49:10	The time of His coming	Luke 2:1-7; Gal 4:4
17. Gen 49:10	The Seed of Judah	Luke 3:33
18. Gen 49:10	Called Shiloh or One Sent	John 17:3
19. Gen 49:10	Messiah to come before Judah lost identity	John 11:47-52
20. Gen 49:10	Unto Him shall the obedience of the people be	John 10:16
21. Ex 3:13-15	The Great “I AM”	John 4:26; 8:58
22. Ex 12:5	A Lamb without blemish	Heb 9:14; 1 Pet 1:19
23. Ex 12:13	The blood of the Lamb saves from wrath	Rom 5:8
24. Ex 12:21-27	Christ is our Passover	1 Cor 5:7
25. Ex 12:46	Not a bone of the Lamb to be broken	John 19:31-36
26. Ex 15:2	His exaltation predicted as Yeshua	Acts 7:55-56
27. Ex 15:11	His Character-Holiness	Luke 1:35; Acts 4:27
28. Ex 17:6	The Spiritual Rock of Israel	1 Cor 10:4
29. Ex 33:19	His Character-Merciful	Luke 1:72
30. Lev 1:2-9	His sacrifice a sweet smelling savor unto God	Eph 5:2
31. Lev 14:11	The leper cleansed-Sign to priesthood	Luke 5:12-14; Acts 6:7
32. Lev 16:15-17	Prefigures Christ’s once-for-all death	Heb 9:7-14
33. Lev 16:27	Suffering outside the Camp	Matt 27:33; Heb. 13:11-12
34. Lev 17:11	The Blood-the life of the flesh	Matt 26:28; Mark 10:45
35. Lev 17:11	It is the blood that makes atonement	Rom. 3:23-24; 1 John 1:7
36. Lev 23:36-37	The Drink-offering: “If any man thirst”	John 7:37
37. Num 9:12	Not a bone of Him broken	John 19:31-36
38. Num 21:9	The serpent on a pole-Christ lifted up	John 3:14-18; 12:32
39. Num 24:17	Time: “I shall see him, but not now.”	John 1:14; Gal 4:4
40. Deut 18:15	“This is of a truth that prophet”	John 6:14
41. Deut 18:15-16	“Had you believed Moses, you would believe me.”	John 5:45-47
42. Deut 18:18	Sent by the Father to speak His word	John 8:28-29
43. Deut 18:19	Whoever will not hear must bear his sin	Acts 3:22-23
44. Deut 21:23	Cursed is he that hangs on a tree	Gal 3:10-13
45. Joshua 5:14-15	The Captain of our salvation	Heb 2:10
46. Ruth 4:4-10	Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed us	Eph 1:3-7
47. 1 Sam 2:35	A Faithful Priest	Heb. 2:17; 3:1-3, 6; 7:24-25
48. 1 Sam 2:10	Shall be an anointed King to the Lord	Matt 28:18; John 12:15
49. 2 Sam 7:12	David’s Seed	Matt 1:1
50. 2 Sam 7:13	His Kingdom is everlasting	2 Pet 1:11
51. 2 Sam 7:14a	The Son of God	Luke 1:32; Rom 1:3-4
52. 2 Sam 7:16	David’s house established forever	Luke 3:31; Rev 22:16
53. 2 Ki 2:11	The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated	Luke 24:51
54. 1 Chr 17:11	David’s Seed	Matt 1:1; 9:27
55. 1 Chr 17:12-13	To reign on David’s throne forever	Luke 1:32-33
56. 1 Chr 17:13	“I will be His Father, He…my Son.”	Heb 1:5
57. Job 9:32-33	Mediator between man and God	1 Tim 2:5
58. Job 19:23-27	The Resurrection predicted	John 5:24-29
59. Psa 2:1-3	The enmity of kings foreordained	Acts 4:25-28
60. Psa 2:2	To own the title, Anointed (Christ)	John 1:41; Acts 2:36
61. Psa 2:6	His Character-Holiness	John 8:46; Rev 3:7
62. Psa 2:6	To own the title King	Matt 2:2
63. Psa 2:7	Declared the Beloved Son	Matt 3:17; Rom 1:4
64. Psa 2:7-8	The Crucifixion and Resurrection intimated	Acts 13:29-33
65. Psa 2:8-9	Rule the nations with a rod of iron	Rev 2:27; 12:5; 19:15
66. Psa 2:12	Life comes through faith in Him	John 20:31
67. Psa 8:2	The mouths of babes perfect His praise	Matt 21:16
68. Psa 8:5-6	His humiliation and exaltation	Heb 2:5-9
69. Psa 9:7-10	Judge the world in righteousness	Acts 17:31
70. Psa 16:10	Was not to see corruption	Acts 2:31; 13:35
71. Psa 16:9-11	Was to arise from the dead	John 20:9
72. Psa 17:15	The resurrection predicted	Luke 24:6
73. Psa 18:2-3	The horn of salvation	Luke 1:69-71
74. Psa 22:1	Forsaken because of sins of others	2 Cor 5:21
75. Psa 22:1	“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”	Matt 27:46
76. Psa 22:2	Darkness upon Calvary for three hours	Matt 27:45
77. Psa 22:7	They shoot out the lip and shake the head	Matt 27:39-44
78. Psa 22:8	“He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him”	Matt 27:43
79. Psa 22:9-10	Born the Savior	Luke 2:7
80. Psa 22:12-13	They seek His death	John 19:6
81. Psa 22:14	His blood poured out when they pierced His side	John 19:34
82. Psa 22:14-15	Suffered agony on Calvary	Mark 15:34-37
83. Psa 22:15	He thirsted	John 19:28
84. Psa 22:16	They pierced His hands and His feet	John 19:34-37; 20:27
85. Psa 22:17-18	Stripped Him before the stares of men	Luke 23:34-35
86. Psa 22:18	They parted His garments	John 19:23-24
87. Psa 22:20-21	He committed Himself to God	Luke 23:46
88. Psa 22:20-21	Satanic power bruising the Redeemer’s heel	Heb 2:14
89. Psa 22:22	His Resurrection declared	John 20:17
90. Psa 22:27-28	He shall be the governor of the nations	Col 1:16
91. Psa 22:31	“It is finished”	John 19:30; Heb 10:10-12, 14, 18
92. Psa 23:1	“I am the Good Shepherd”	John 10:11; 1 Pet 2:25
93. Psa 24:3	His exaltation predicted	Acts 1:11; Phil 2:9
94. Psa 30:3	His resurrection predicted	Acts 2:32
95. Psa 31:5	“Into Your hands I commit my spirit”	Luke 23:46
96. Psa 31:11	His acquaintances fled from Him	Mark 14:50
97. Psa 31:13	They took counsel to put Him to death	Matt 27:1; John 11:53
98. Psa 31:14-15	“He trusted in God, let Him deliver him”	Matt 27:43
99. Psa 34:20	Not a bone of Him broken	John 19:31-36
100. Psa 35:11	False witnesses rose up against Him	Matt 26:59
101. Psa 35:19	He was hated without a cause	John 15:25
102. Psa 38:11	His friends stood afar off	Luke 23:49
103. Psa 38:12	Enemies try to entangle Him by craft	Mark 14:1; Matt 22:15
104. Psa 38:12-13	Silent before His accusers	Matt 27:12-14
105. Psa 38:20	He went about doing good	Acts 10:38
106. Psa 40:2-5	The joy of His resurrection predicted	John 20:20
107. Psa 40:6-8	His delight-the will of the Father	John 4:34; Heb 10:5-10
108. Psa 40:9	He was to preach the Righteousness in Israel	Matt 4:17
109. Psa 40:14	Confronted by adversaries in the Garden	John 18:4-6
110. Psa 41:9	Betrayed by a familiar friend	John 13:18
111. Psa 45:2	Words of Grace come from His lips	John 1:17; Luke 4:22
112. Psa 45:6	To own the title, God or Elohim	Heb 1:8
113. Psa 45:7	A special anointing by the Holy Spirit	Matt 3:16; Heb. 1:9
114. Psa 45:7-8	Called the Christ (Messiah or Anointed)	Luke 2:11
115. Psa 45:17	His name remembered forever	Eph 1:20-21; Heb. 1:8
116. Psa 55:12-14	Betrayed by a friend, not an enemy	John 13:18
117. Psa 55:15	Unrepentant death of the Betrayer	Matt 27:3-5; Acts 1:16-19
118. Psa 68:18	To give gifts to men	Eph 4:7-16
119. Psa 68:18	Ascended into Heaven	Luke 24:51
120. Psa 69:4	Hated without a cause	John 15:25
121. Psa 69:8	A stranger to own brethren	John 1:11; 7:5
122. Psa 69:9	Zealous for the Lord’s House	John 2:17
123. Psa 69:14-20	Messiah’s anguish of soul before crucifixion	Matt 26:36-45
124. Psa 69:20	“My soul is exceeding sorrowful”	Matt 26:38
125. Psa 69:21	Given vinegar in thirst	Matt 27:34
126. Psa 69:26	The Savior given and smitten by God	John 17:4; 18:11
127. Psa 72:10-11	Great persons were to visit Him	Matt 2:1-11
128. Psa 72:16	The corn of wheat to fall into the Ground	John 12:24-25
129. Psa 72:17	Belief on His name will produce offspring	John 1:12-13
130. Psa 72:17	All nations shall be blessed by Him	Gal 3:8
131. Psa 72:17	All nations shall call Him blessed	John 12:13; Rev 5:8-12
132. Psa 78:1-2	He would teach in parables	Matt 13:34-35
133. Psa 78:2b	To speak the Wisdom of God with authority	Matt 7:29
134. Psa 80:17	The Man of God’s right hand	Mark 14:61-62
135. Psa 88	The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary	Matt 27:26-50
136. Psa 88:8	They stood afar off and watched	Luke 23:49
137. Psa 89:27	Firstborn	Col 1:15-18
138. Psa 89:27	Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kings	Luke 1:32-33
139. Psa 89:35-37	David’s Seed, throne, kingdom endure forever	Luke 1:32-33
140. Psa 89:36-37	His character-Faithfulness	Rev 1:5; 19:11
141. Psa 90:2	He is from everlasting (Micah 5:2)	John 1:1
142. Psa 91:11-12	Identified as Messianic, used to tempt Christ	Luke 4:10-11
143. Psa 97:9	His exaltation predicted	Acts 1:11; Eph 1:20
144. Psa 100:5	His character-Goodness	Matt 19:16-17
145. Psa 102:1-11	The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary	John 19:16-30
146. Psa 102:25-27	Messiah is the Preexistent Son	Heb 1:10-12
147. Psa 109:25	Ridiculed	Matt 27:39
148. Psa 110:1	Son of David	Matt 22:42-43
149. Psa 110:1	To ascend to the right-hand of the Father	Mark 16:19
150. Psa 110:1	David’s son called Lord	Matt 22:44-45
151. Psa 110:4	A priest after Melchizedek’s order	Heb 6:20
152. Psa 112:4	His character-Compassionate, Gracious, et al	Matt 9:36
153. Psa 118:17-18	Messiah’s Resurrection assured	Luke 24:5-7; 1 Cor 15:20
154. Psa 118:22-23	The rejected stone is Head of the corner	Matt 21:42-43
155. Psa 118:26a	The Blessed One presented to Israel	Matt 21:9
156. Psa 118:26b	To come while Temple standing	Matt 21:12-15
157. Psa 132:11	The Seed of David (the fruit of His Body)	Luke 1:32; Act 2:30
158. Psa 129:3	He was scourged	Matt 27:26
159. Psa 138:1-6	The supremacy of David’s Seed amazes kings	Matt 2:2-6
160. Psa 147:3-6	The earthly ministry of Christ described	Luke 4:18
161. Prov 1:23	He will send the Spirit of God	John 16:7
162. Prov 8:23	Foreordained from everlasting	Rev 13:8; 1 Pet 1:19-20
163. Song 5:16	The altogether lovely One	John 1:17
164. Isa 2:3	He shall teach all nations	John 4:25
165. Isa 2:4	He shall judge among the nations	John 5:22
166. Isa 6:1	When Isaiah saw His glory	John 12:40-41
167. Isa 6:8	The One Sent by God	John 12:38-45
168. Isa 6:9-10	Parables fall on deaf ears	Matt 13:13-15
169. Isa 6:9-12	Blinded to Christ and deaf to His words	Acts 28:23-29
170. Isa 7:14	To be born of a virgin	Luke 1:35
171. Isa 7:14	To be Emmanuel-God with us	Matt 1:18-23; 1 Tim 3:16
172. Isa 8:8	Called Emmanuel	Matt 28:20
173. Isa 8:14	A stone of stumbling, a Rock of offense	1 Pet 2:8
174. Isa 9:1-2	His ministry to begin in Galilee	Matt 4:12-17
175. Isa 9:6	A child born-Humanity	Luke 1:31
176. Isa 9:6	A Son given-Deity	Luke 1:32; John 1:14; 1 Tim 3:16
177. Isa 9:6	Declared to be the Son of God with power	Rom 1:3-4
178. Isa 9:6	The Wonderful One, Peleh	Luke 4:22
179. Isa 9:6	The Counselor, Yaatz	Matt 13:54
180. Isa 9:6	The Mighty God, El Gibor	1 Cor 1:24; Titus 2:3
181. Isa 9:6	The Everlasting Father, Avi Adth	John 8:58; 10:30
182. Isa 9:6	The Prince of Peace, Sar Shalom	John 16:33
183. Isa 9:7	To establish an everlasting kingdom	Luke 1:32-33
184. Isa 9:7	His Character-Just	John 5:30
185. Isa 9:7	No end to his Government, Throne, and Peace	Luke 1:32-33
186. Isa 11:1	Called a Nazarene-the Branch, Netzer	Matt 2:23
187. Isa 11:1	A rod out of Jesse-Son of Jesse	Luke 3:23-32
188. Isa 11:2	Anointed One by the Spirit	Matt 3:16-17; Acts 10:38
189. Isa 11:2	His Character-Wisdom, Knowledge, et al	Col 2:3
190. Isa 11:3	He would know their thoughts	Luke 6:8; John 2:25
191. Isa 11:4	Judge in righteousness	Acts 17:31
192. Isa 11:4	Judges with the sword of His mouth	Rev 2:16; 19:11, 15
193. Isa 11:5	Character: Righteous & Faithful	Rev 19:11
194. Isa 11:10	The Gentiles seek Him	John 12:18-21
195. Isa 12:2	Called Jesus-Yeshua	Matt 1:21
196. Isa 22:22	The One given all authority to govern	Rev 3:7
197. Isa 25:8	The Resurrection predicted	1 Cor 15:54
198. Isa 26:19	His power of Resurrection predicted	Matt 27:50-54
199. Isa 28:16	The Messiah is the precious corner stone	Acts 4:11-12
200. Isa 28:16	The Sure Foundation	1 Cor 3:11; Matt 16:18
201. Isa 29:13	He indicated hypocritical obedience to His Word	Matt 15:7-9
202. Isa 29:14	The wise are confounded by the Word	1 Cor 1:18-31
203. Isa 32:2	A Refuge-A man shall be a hiding place	Matt 23:37
204. Isa 35:4	He will come and save you	Matt 1:21
205. Isa 35:5-6	To have a ministry of miracles	Matt 11:2-6
206. Isa 40:3-4	Preceded by forerunner	John 1:23
207. Isa 40:9	“Behold your God”	John 1:36; 19:14
208. Isa 40:10	He will come to reward	Rev 22:12
209. Isa 40:11	A shepherd-compassionate life-giver	John 10:10-18
210. Isa 42:1-4	The Servant-as a faithful, patient redeemer	Matt 12:18-21
211. Isa 42:2	Meek and lowly	Matt 11:28-30
212. Isa 42:3	He brings hope for the hopeless	John 4
213. Isa 42:4	The nations shall wait on His teachings	John 12:20-26
214. Isa 42:6	The Light (salvation) of the Gentiles	Luke 2:32
215. Isa 42:1-6	His is a worldwide compassion	Matt 28:19-20
216. Isa 42:7	Blind eyes opened	John 9:25-38
217. Isa 43:11	He is the only Savior	Acts 4:12
218. Isa 44:3	He will send the Spirit of God	John 16:7-13
219. Isa 45:21-25	He is Lord and Savior	Phil 3:20; Titus 2:13
220. Isa 45:23	He will be the Judge	John 5:22; Rom 14:11
221. Isa 46:9-10	Declares things not yet done	John 13:19
222. Isa 48:12	The First and the Last	John 1:30; Rev 1:8, 17
223. Isa 48:16-17	He came as a Teacher	John 3:2
224. Isa 49:1	Called from the womb-His humanity	Matt 1:18
225. Isa 49:5	A Servant from the womb	Luke 1:31; Phil 2:7
226. Isa 49:6	He will restore Israel	Acts 3:19-21; 15:16-17
227. Isa 49:6	He is Salvation for Israel	Luke 2:29-32
228. Isa 49:6	He is the Light of the Gentiles	John 8:12; Acts 13:47
229. Isa 49:6	He is Salvation unto the ends of the earth	Acts 15:7-18
230. Isa 49:7	He is despised of the Nation	John 1:11; 8:48-49; 19:14-15
231. Isa 50:3	Heaven is clothed in black at His humiliation	Luke 23:44-45
232. Isa 50:4	He is a learned counselor for the weary	Matt 7:29; 11:28-29
233. Isa 50:5	The Servant bound willingly to obedience	Matt 26:39
234. Isa 50:6a	“I gave my back to those who struck Me”	Matt 27:26
235. Isa 50:6b	He was smitten on the cheeks	Matt 26:67
236. Isa 50:6c	He was spat upon	Matt 27:30
237. Isa 52:7	Published good tidings upon mountains	Matt 5:12; 15:29; 28:16
238. Isa 52:13	The Servant exalted	Acts 1:8-11; Eph 1:19-22; Phil 2:5-9
239. Isa 52:14	The Servant shockingly abused	Luke 18:31-34; Matt 26:67-68
240. Isa 52:15	Nations startled by message of the Servant	Luke 18:31-34; Matt 26:67-68
241. Isa 52:15	His blood shed sprinkles nations	Heb 9:13-14; Rev 1:5
242. Isa 53:1	His people would not believe Him	John 12:37-38
243. Isa 53:2	Appearance of an ordinary man	Phil 2:6-8
244. Isa 53:3a	Despised	Luke 4:28-29
245. Isa 53:3b	Rejected	Matt 27:21-23
246. Isa 53:3c	Great sorrow and grief	Matt 26:37-38; Luke 19:41; Heb 4:15
247. Isa 53:3d	Men hide from being associated with Him	Mark 14:50-52
248. Isa 53:4a	He would have a healing ministry	Matt 8:16-17
249. Isa 53:4b	Thought to be cursed by God	Matt 26:66; 27:41-43
250. Isa 53:5a	Bears penalty for mankind’s iniquities	2 Cor 5:21; Heb 2:9
251. Isa 53:5b	His sacrifice provides peace between man and God	Col 1:20
252. Isa 53:5c	His sacrifice would heal man of sin	1 Pet 2:24
253. Isa 53:6a	He would be the sin-bearer for all mankind	1 John 2:2; 4:10
254. Isa 53:6b	God’s will that He bear sin for all mankind	Gal 1:4
255. Isa 53:7a	Oppressed and afflicted	Matt 27:27-31
256. Isa 53:7b	Silent before his accusers	Matt 27:12-14
257. Isa 53:7c	Sacrificial lamb	John 1:29; 1 Pet 1:18-19
258. Isa 53:8a	Confined and persecuted	Matt 26:47-27:31
259. Isa 53:8b	He would be judged	John 18:13-22
260. Isa 53:8c	Killed	Matt 27:35
261. Isa 53:8d	Dies for the sins of the world	1 John 2:2
262. Isa 53:9a	Buried in a rich man’s grave	Matt 27:57
263. Isa 53:9b	Innocent and had done no violence	Luke 23:41; John 18:38
264. Isa 53:9c	No deceit in his mouth	1 Pet 2:22
265. Isa 53:10a	God’s will that He die for mankind	John 18:11
266. Isa 53:10b	An offering for sin	Matt 20:28; Gal 3:13
267. Isa 53:10c	Resurrected and live forever	Rom 6:9
268. Isa 53:10d	He would prosper	John 17:1-5
269. Isa 53:11a	God fully satisfied with His suffering	John 12:27
270. Isa 53:11b	God’s servant would justify man	Rom 5:8-9, 18-19
271. Isa 53:11c	The sin-bearer for all mankind	Heb 9:28
272. Isa 53:12a	Exalted by God because of his sacrifice	Matt 28:18
273. Isa 53:12b	He would give up his life to save mankind	Luke 23:46
274. Isa 53:12c	Numbered with the transgressors	Mark 15:27-28
275. Isa 53:12d	Sin-bearer for all mankind	1 Pet 2:24
276. Isa 53:12e	Intercede to God in behalf of mankind	Luke 23:34; Rom 8:34
277. Isa 55:3	Resurrected by God	Acts 13:34
278. Isa 55:4a	A witness	John 18:37
279. Isa 55:4b	He is a leader and commander	Heb 2:10
280. Isa 55:5	God would glorify Him	Acts 3:13
281. Isa 59:16a	Intercessor between man and God	Matt 10:32
282. Isa 59:16b	He would come to provide salvation	John 6:40
283. Isa 59:20	He would come to Zion as their Redeemer	Luke 2:38
284. Isa 60:1-3	He would show light to the Gentiles	Acts 26:23
285. Isa 61:1a	The Spirit of God upon him	Matt 3:16-17
286. Isa 61:1b	The Messiah would preach the good news	Luke 4:16-21
287. Isa 61:1c	Provide freedom from the bondage of sin	John 8:31-36
288. Isa 61:1-2a	Proclaim a period of grace	Gal 4:4-5
289. Jer 23:5-6	Descendant of David	Luke 3:23-31
290. Jer 23:5-6	The Messiah would be both God and Man	John 13:13; 1 Tim 3:16
291. Jer 31:22	Born of a virgin	Matt 1:18-20
292. Jer 31:31	The Messiah would be the new covenant	Matt 26:28
293. Jer 33:14-15	Descendant of David	Luke 3:23-31
294. Ezek 34:23-24	Descendant of David	Matt 1:1
295. Ezek 37:24-25	Descendant of David	Luke 1:31-33
296. Dan 2:44-45	The Stone that shall break the kingdoms	Matt 21:44
297. Dan 7:13-14a	He would ascend into heaven	Acts 1:9-11
298. Dan 7:13-14b	Highly exalted	Eph 1:20-22
299. Dan 7:13-14c	His dominion would be everlasting	Luke 1:31-33
300. Dan 9:24a	To make an end to sins	Gal 1:3-5
301. Dan 9:24a	To make reconciliation for iniquity	Rom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:18-21
302. Dan 9:24b	He would be holy	Luke 1:35
303. Dan 9:25	His announcement	John 12:12-13
304. Dan 9:26a	Cut off	Matt 16:21; 21:38-39
305. Dan 9:26b	Die for the sins of the world	Heb 2:9
306. Dan 9:26c	Killed before the destruction of the temple	Matt 27:50-51
307. Dan 10:5-6	Messiah in a glorified state	Rev 1:13-16
308. Hos 11:1	He would be called out of Egypt	Matt 2:15
309. Hos 13:14	He would defeat death	1 Cor 15:55-57
310. Joel 2:32	Offer salvation to all mankind	Rom 10:9-13
311. Jonah 1:17	Death and resurrection of Christ	Matt 12:40; 16:4
312. Mic 5:2a	Born in Bethlehem	Matt 2:1-6
313. Mic 5:2b	Ruler in Israel	Luke 1:33
314. Mic 5:2c	From everlasting	John 8:58
315. Hag 2:6-9	He would visit the second Temple	Luke 2:27-32
316. Hag 2:23	Descendant of Zerubbabel	Luke 2:27-32
317. Zech 3:8	God’s servant	John 17:4
318. Zech 6:12-13	Priest and King	Heb 8:1
319. Zech 9:9a	Greeted with rejoicing in Jerusalem	Matt 21:8-10
320. Zech 9:9b	Beheld as King	John 12:12-13
321. Zech 9:9c	The Messiah would be just	John 5:30
322. Zech 9:9d	The Messiah would bring salvation	Luke 19:10
323. Zech 9:9e	The Messiah would be humble	Matt 11:29
324. Zech 9:9f	Presented to Jerusalem riding on a donkey	Matt 21:6-9
325. Zech 10:4	The cornerstone	Eph 2:20
326. Zech 11:4-6a	At His coming, Israel to have unfit leaders	Matt 23:1-4
327. Zech 11:4-6b	Rejection causes God to remove His protection	Luke 19:41-44
328. Zech 11:4-6c	Rejected in favor of another king	John 19:13-15
329. Zech 11:7	Ministry to “poor,” the believing remnant	Matt 9:35-36
330. Zech 11:8a	Unbelief forces Messiah to reject them	Matt 23:33
331. Zech 11:8b	Despised	Matt 27:20
332. Zech 11:9	Stops ministering to those who rejected Him	Matt 13:10-11
333. Zech 11:10-11a	Rejection causes God to remove protection	Luke 19:41-44
334. Zech 11:10-11b	The Messiah would be God	John 14:7
335. Zech 11:12-13a	Betrayed for thirty pieces of silver	Matt 26:14-15
336. Zech 11:12-13b	Rejected	Matt 26:14-15
337. Zech 11:12-13c	Thirty pieces of silver cast in the house of the Lord	Matt 27:3-5
338. Zech 11:12-13d	The Messiah would be God	John 12:45
339. Zech 12:10a	The Messiah’s body would be pierced	John 19:34-37
340. Zech 12:10b	The Messiah would be both God and man	John 10:30
341. Zech 12:10c	The Messiah would be rejected	John 1:11
342. Zech 13:7a	God’s will He die for mankind	John 18:11
343. Zech 13:7b	A violent death	Mark 14:27
344. Zech 13:7c	Both God and man	John 14:9
345. Zech 13:7d	Israel scattered as a result of rejecting Him	Matt 26:31-56
346. Zech 14:4	He would return to the Mt. of Olives	Acts 1:11-12
347. Mal 3:1a	Messenger to prepare the way for Messiah	Mark 1:1-8
348. Mal 3:1b	Sudden appearance at the temple	Mark 11:15-16
349. Mal 3:1c	Messenger of the new covenant	Luke 4:43
350. Mal 4:5	Forerunner in spirit of Elijah	Matt 3:1-3; 11:10-14; 17:11-13
351. Mal 4:6	Forerunner would turn many to righteousness	Luke 1:16-17

12/6/18 Man of Sorrows 6

Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Genesis 35:19

Recommended Reading: Genesis 35:16-20 “¹⁶Then they journeyed from Bethel. And when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath, Rachel labored in childbirth, and she had hard labor. ¹⁷Now it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said to her, “Do not fear; you will have this son also.” ¹⁸And so it was, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-Oni; but his father called him Benjamin. ¹⁹So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). ²⁰And Jacob set a pillar on her grave, which is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day.”

COMMENTS: Bethlehem has always been a small insignificant town in history and still is, but holds great significance in God’s purpose. Bethlehem is where the sacrificial lamps for the temple in Jerusalem were raised. Bethlehem is where Rachael is buried, where King David was born and has great significance in story of Ruth. But greatest significance and fulfillment of prophecy is to be the birthplace of Jesus, the Messiah. Micah foretold Jesus birth in Bethlehem (5:2) 600 years before the event. His birth was announced by a multitude of angels to a small group of shepherds and by a star to a group of important men from Persia.

Puzzling is Jesus’ birthday or even month of His birth are not mentioned in scripture. Even celebrating Jesus’ birth was not instituted until 330 AD. Celebrating birthdays was a pagan custom of Rome and not a Jewish Custom. Likewise, Christians believed Jesus was part of the Godhead prior to His birth, so didn’t have a beginning. But when Empower Constantine made Christianity the religion of Rome, the pagan holiday December 25^th was changed to be the celebrated date of Christ’s birth. It still is.

12/7/18 A Humble Birth 7 And [Mary] brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Recommended Reading Philippians 2:5-8: “⁵Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

COMMENTS: Today most enjoy blessing kings could not. Inside running water and hot showers and inside toilets were not known by King Solomon. We can talk to or write to anyone in the world and get a response instantly. We can witness news as well. We can travel to anywhere in the world within a 24 hour period and access local places on roads Rome could have dreamed of.

I am able to write and share this journal with literally thousands across the USA and in many distant countries instantly from the convenience of my own home and receive responses back. God, in His mercy, has even put in place educations systems in most countries so most graduating from high school at least have ability to read English, so I am not limited by language.

Missionaries and Evangelists and Christian laypeople couldn’t have imagined such tools of outreach 100 or even 50 years ago. But I believe Christ’s return is eminent and is using all tools available to enable His servants to share His Gospel and win as many lost as will receive before He returns. But persecution of Christians is increasing in number and in intensity. More Christians are martyred and imprisoned and beaten today than any other time in history. 3000 Christians were martyred in 2017 globally compared to 1500 in 2016.

But Christmas is a unique and wonderful time when non-Christians are the most open to hear Christ’s message. The humble story of Christ’s birth opens doors since most believe Jesus was born and lived a real life even though fewer know that story.

Jews and Muslims may not believe Jesus is the Christ and God incarnate and the World’s Messiah and Redeemer, but they believe He lived and demonstrated God’s character and work.

I am taking an online course to renew my Lay servant certification with the United Methodist Church. The class compares Christian – Jewish – Islam doctrine and beliefs and even uses a book that documented deep discussions and friendship that developed between 3 women, one Muslim – one Jew – and one Christian. Is an interesting and enlightening study and is helping me understand each and I am hopeful will better equip me to minister to Muslim and Jewish believers.

Jesus came to show us how to live. He came to be the sacrificial perfect lamb for our sins. He came to conquer the ravages of sin and death. He came to provide forgiveness for sin and redemption of our relationship with God One day He will return to bind and remove satan for the world and restore the world to the perfect place He originally created and intended for us to inhabit. He will remove sickness and aging and death. He will remove sin and all its damage and consequences. He will rule and He will be our king. We have so much Good News to share and His eternal life to offer. We need not be ashamed or timid in sharing His Good News, but we need to share it and demonstrate it like the Good News it truly is. AMEN? AMEN!

Jesus came into the world “in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). This month, remember that Jesus’ birth was His invitation to welcome Him as a humble Lord and Savior.

12/8/18 Eternal Life Before Earthly Life 8

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. John 1:1-2

Recommended Reading: John 1:14 “¹⁴And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

COMMENTS: John is a wonderful Gospel and insight into Eternal past of Christ but also His oneness not only with God the Father but also with Scripture as His Living Word. Jesus’ birth was recorded with all its miracles and wonders but the date and year was not recorded. Some clue is known based on Roman census ordered but Christmas was not given a date nor celebrated by the early church and not until Christianity become a accepted and recognized religion in the Roman Empire, when the Empower, Emperor Constantine, was converted on his death bed in 313AD. Then December 25 was chose as Christ’s birthday because the date was not known by then and because a pagan holiday was already observed by Rome who now wanted to observe Christian holidays instead of pagan holidays. The reason Christ’s birth was not observed by His followers was:
1. Jews did not observe personal birthdays so did not think to do so.

The other reason was because Christ predated His birth. As God, Christ’s existence continued for eternity past before His human birth. John 1:14 tells us “the eternal Word of God” became flesh and dwelled among us. Philippians 2:6-8 also tells us that the eternal God did not lord His status over humanity but became one of us – humble and as a servant. He practiced, lived, and gave us a perfect example of how He wants and empowers us to live too.

John reveals to us also that the Bible is God’s Word dictated by men but inspired and authored by God Himself. But John goes further and tells us our Bible is living and current and beneficial for all generations past – present – future because it transcends and applies to new and old situations and circumstances and problems. It gives life because it has life from His divine life. John then reveals that Jesus is one with His Word.

Truth is no one fully comprehends nor understands the concept of Trinity of God. For God to be One but also Three. To not be three separate God’s but One God revealed in 3 ways or persons. That doesn’t make sense by our human minds and reasoning. We can’t comprehend being 2 places at the same time interacting with people in both places at the same time. The closest we can come is phone calls but even then we can’t effectively communicate with 2 people at the same time. We must talk to them one at a time. BUT GOD CAN AND GOD DOES ALL THE TIME AND TO MILLIONS MORE THAN 2 AT THE SAME TIME TOO.

Well, we can debate Trinity but at the end of the day, all we can do is accept this attribute of God because scripture reveals God this way and leave it to when we get to heaven to discover and understand God better.

So if Christ abides in and is present in His Word, then we can enjoy personal fellowship directly with Him as we read and meditate and take His Word into our minds and soul. His Holy Spirit is how He then provides an even more real and personal and continual fellowship with us no matter where we are ore where we go or who we are with. Because God is Trinity and comes to us through Christ in His Word and through His Holy Spirit available to us 24x7x365 and because Christ is our constant advocate with that Father , then access to God is 24x7x365 and our relationship with Him is real as well as personal.

I am taking an online course to qualify for recertification as a United Methodist lay servant. The course focus is on the common history of Christianity and Judaism and Islam back to Abraham. It also deals with all three beliefs and doctrines and teachings. The book “The Faith Club” is written by three women, one of each religion, who became close friends and explored and shared their beliefs with each other. Is an interesting study and will give more observations when course is completed. They all appear to have doubts and all appear to have a deep faith and devotion to their “God”. The question is explored do they all worship the same God? If so, are all 3 faiths valid and genuine? Are all 3 ways to worship God acceptable to Him? These women tried to explore and answer this question in the book and course is exploring their journey and discussing aspects of that journey while also sharing personal experiences related to questions and information revealed each day of class.

Some interesting things I have thus far discovered:

All three women were devout but limited in exposure to their scriptures
All three women were primarily taught their religion’s beliefs by parents and church teachers
All three gain opinions and world views based on what they knew and learned – including opinions of each other’s religions and beliefs. All three discovered many of those opinions were not valid.
All three believed their religion and scripture is the only valid source of scripture or at least others are incomplete or only partially true. Also note the Christian woman was also Catholic so many of her beliefs are different from Protestant beliefs and doctrine.

So what do I think?

Well, I am noticing how persuasive the arguments supporting the validity of all 3 religions is and how persuasive the argument is that all three are worshipping the same God, but just in different ways. This concerns me and is unsettling for obvious reasons.
Each is very sincere and caring and moral. Each provides good representation and great deal to discussion. BUT ONE BIG COMMON FLAW I ALSO NOTICED IN ALL 3. NONE OF THEM HAD READ THEIR “BIBLE’ THROUGH. The Muslim hadn’t read the Q’uran through nor studied it to discover how it’s teaching compared with what she had been taught which was mostly compatible with Jesus’ teachings . The Jewish woman hadn’t read through her old testament completely either nor understood all the prophecies of her Messiah’s coming. The Christian woman also had not read through her Bible either, so all three found it easier to accept each other’s doctrine and beliefs.
They can’t , no can we debate whether Mohammed was visited by Gabriel as he reported and as recorded along with other angelic visits in the Q’uran. It is interesting that all 3 women and all 3 religions believe Jesus did live and did do the miracles reported and did live and die as reported.
What is fundamentally the biggest and most important difference is “Who is Jesus?” Is He God or just a good man and wonderfully effective prophet? The answer Judaism and Islam is that He was a prophet, but not God. Christians believe He was and is much more than a prophet, He is God Himself and the perfect sacrificial Lamb who died and took on our sins for us.

SO WHAT DO I THINK? WELL, I BELIEVE IT VITAL TO ONLY STUDY OTHERS BELIEFS OR THEIR SCRIPTURES WITH THE BIBLE ALONG SIDE TO BALANCE AND PROVIDE DISCERNMENT. BY DOING THIS I NOTICED:

JOHN 14:6 -11“⁶Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.⁷If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.⁸Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.⁹Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?¹⁰Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.¹¹Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
All three may be praying to the same God but Jesus said THE ONLY WAY TO GOD IS THROUGH BELIEVING IN JESUS THROUGH JESUS.
The other encouraging verse is Jeremiah 29:11-13 ¹¹For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith theLord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.¹²Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.¹³And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
There are countless millions of examples of Jews and Muslims alike who were visited by Christians and led to Christ. There are also thousands of recent examples, especially among Muslims, of Jesus personally visiting them and inviting them to believe in and follow Him. These visits are more commonly in countries where witnessing for Christ carries a death sentence.
I believe Jews and Muslims who seek God with a sincere desire to know Him will discover Jesus. I also believe if Christians who know His gospel message put themselves at risk of being deceived if they study other faiths without being armed with the foundation and balance and wisdom our Bible provides.
Jesus is either a liar or He is God. When He says He is the only way, seeking another is folly. Studying to understand other faiths and accepting common ground in order to discover and understand why others believe as they do empower us to love and share Christ’s good news in a less confronting and more loving manner.
I also believe false teaching is deceptive and a force you and I are not strong enough to resist without God’s Word so we dare not expose ourselves without being armed effectively with it or without the Holy Spirit to guide us. AMEN?

12/9/18 Shepherd and the Good Shepherd 9

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

Recommended Reading Ezekiel 34:11-16 “¹¹For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

¹²As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

¹³And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

¹⁴I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

¹⁵I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God.

¹⁶I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

COMMENTS: Yesterday I spoke of a class I am taking and used Jeremiah 29:13 to support the belief that those who come from a pagan or false religion seeking God will find Him, they will find Jesus because He not only wants them to find Him, but He is already working to that end while seeking them.

Today’s scripture from Ezekiel confirms God is seeking us like a shepherd seeking his lost sheep. That is why it is important when Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd. He is seeking us already so when we seek Him, we will discover He is not far away.

The more familiar is Psalm 23. As our class comes to a conclusion and I finish the assigned textbook, I look forward to seeing where class concludes and how other students resolve differences. I’ll share then.

12/10/18 Frankincense, a Gift Fit for a King 10

And the Lord said to Moses: “Take sweet spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, and pure frankincense with these sweet spices; there shall be equal amounts of each. You shall make of these an incense.” Exodus 30:34-35

Recommended Reading: Philippians 4:18-19 “⁸¹⁸But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

¹⁹But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

COMMENTS: We live in a society with an insatiable appetite for stuff. Every Wal-Mart stores is nearly full of cars in USA during daylight hours and often at night. The larger or “Super” Wal-Marts have grocery stores inside so buying food items is understandable but clothes and things. Then in summer garage and yard sales abound with each full of cloths and toys and shoes and gadgets of all kinds. The Wal-Mart stores still continue to be full and the next summer yards sales abound again. Then there is Christmas that has become so commercialized with focus on buying gifts. What are we to do? What does God want us to do? One suggestion is to gift different gifts this year. Make a donation to a church or ministry in name of person gifting is a good option and encourages them to also think about and gift to others in need. There are even options of donating money to buy goats or milk cows or chickens or even manual sewing machines in 3^rd world countries so impoverished families can support themselves. Organizations like “Samaritan’s Purse”, which I highly respect offer opportunities to buy “chicks” for example that poor families then raise and develop into a sustainable source of income and food.

The Wise men came from Persia following a star bearing gifts for a king. Knowledge of that coming king came from prophecies God gave to prophets many hundreds of years before. The influence of faithful Jews like Daniel impacted Babylon and Medo-Persia empires including both their kings and citizens. These wise men came with gifts that would become critical in supporting and providing for needs of Jesus and his earthly parents while in exile from Herod. These wise men believed and followed God’s lead. It amazes me how God used faithful servants like Daniel to positively impact nations and people hundreds of years later and even impact Jesus’ earthly family in such a way. Beauty is also, since Daniel’s story is recorded in scripture, his influence is still a powerful positive influence today and will continue to be until Christ returns and sets up His Kingdom on earth and finally passes judgment on satan and his followers. Giving gifts of eternal value are gifts given to be shared or used as God desires and directs. By Daniel’s willingness to share His faith and gifts with his captors, God opened doors of blessing to Daniel and gave him a platform to provide a life giving option and purpose instead of a dead end their religion and purpose offered. Same was true of Joseph and Esther and a good number of others recorded in our Old Testament. I’m positive each generation has a multitude of equally amazing other examples. I’m certain such examples are living today. God want s you and I to be included among them. How wonderful is that? We don’t do good works to earn our salvation. We accept salvation as a free gift from Christ to enjoy eternal life and God’s blessing and then give and do good works and return love and praise and worship back to Him out of gratitude and a response of love for Him and for others. Such a motivation energizes us to do more and do it with greater joy than just a sense of obligation or duty could even generate.

The wise men fell down and worshipped the baby Jesus when they saw Him. Mary pondered the wonder of hearing what the shepherds witnessed and later what these wise men saw and believed. As time went on, she pondered the personality and character and wisdom and love Jesus clearly showed as He grew and developed until He began His ministry. So much to see and marvel at. So much we still can marvel and mediate on if we only stop and take time to notice and enjoy too.

Paul refers to the life of the Christian as a living sacrifice, a reasonable service of worship (Romans 12:1). That service becomes a wonderful aroma—the incense of worshipful service—in our life (Philippians 4:18).

What gift of frankincense can we give to Christ this Christmas? The highest quality incense of service to Him and to others—the aroma of Christ in us. AMEN? AMEN!

12/11/18 Flock Faith 11

Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. Luke 2:15

RECOMMENDED READING: Luke 2:15-18“¹⁵So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds”

COMMENTS: We live in a broken world. Broken due to satan’s influence and wicked work and corruption. We can only imagine what Eden was like before satan and sin entered the world. Eden had to be removed and Adam and Eve had to be removed from it since sinless perfection and sin are not compatible. He wonder what heaven is like and what this world will be like when Christ returns and extracts satan and his followers and removes death and all the corruption causes by sin and transforms us into what He had intended before the fall. Well, it will be wonderful because of what we will be (and not be) and who we will be with mostly. We will no longer be affected by age and sickness and fatigue. We will no longer encounter the weeds of life and endure evil of ourselves and others. We will enjoy the company of those long gone, talking to and learning from and just enjoying their company. But most of all Christ’s company and companionship unrestrained will be what that will be the most wonderful to experience and enjoy. I can’t imagine not falling to my face in praise and worship of Him and then raising my hands in worship and awe of Him. Then having His loving arms pick me up and embrace me. What a day that will be. AMEN? AMEN!

Jesus used sheep to illustrate us and then revealed Himself as the Good Shepherd provided for and protecting and guiding us, His flock. Sheep will blindly run away from danger or anything that frightens them. They will run off a cliff together, not realizing the danger they were running to was far worse than the danger they were running from. They are also running from the protection of their shepherd. SO DO WE!

No wonder God chose to reveal the Christ child first to a group of poor unimposing shepherds attending their flock outside Bethlehem. The wise men may have noticed the star then and been preparing to go see the child too, but the shepherd were closer to Him because they were already doing the good work of tending the flock. They didn’t have a clue the significance of what had just happened but the Angels showed them. When they saw Christ, they worshipped and praised God and shared all that happened to them. What did Mary and Joseph think? We are only told ‘Mary pondered what they said in her heart”. She too would worship and praise the child she had just born, but God still had word k for her to do as Christ’s earthly mother and much she still had to show Him. So do we, but pondering miracles and evidence of God’s presence in nature and in all His creation including the lives and deeds of others all are worthy pausing now and again but regularly to “ponder them in our heart” too. Advent is a wonderful time to pause the business of the season to do so too. Will we run with the flock over a cliff or run to the Good Shepherd who provide for and protects and loves us, to Jesus?

12/12/18 ANOTHER GIFT 12

Being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. Matthew 2:12

Recommended Reading: Ezra 7:6-28 “⁶This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him.

⁷And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.

⁸And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.

⁹For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.

¹⁰For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

¹¹Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of his statutes to Israel.

¹²Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.

¹³I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.

¹⁴Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;

¹⁵And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,

¹⁶And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:

¹⁷That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.

¹⁸And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.

¹⁹The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.

²⁰And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure house.

²¹And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,

²²Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.

²³Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

²⁴Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

²⁵And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.

²⁶And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

²⁷Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem:

²⁸And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.”

COMMENTS: Matthew 2 gives us the story of the Wise Men’s journey to and visit with the infant Jesus and his parents. We are not told how many wise men came. Since they brought 3 gifts, we assume there were 3 men, but there could have been many more, especially if servants came with them. Likewise, we presume they arrived in Bethlehem the same night Jesus was born but likely was a few months later when Jesus and his family were staying in a house instead of in the stable where Jesus was born. It is noteworthy to discover the influence Jews had on the Babylon and Persian culture. When Babylon conquered Israel. Faithful Jews, especially Daniel and his 3 friends, who remained faithful to God in their conduct and in worship, taught the Babylonians and then the Meds-Persians who conquered the Babylonians about the One True God and about the prophecies of Messiah. The wise-men were Persian nobility so had access to that history and Jewish influence and apparently believed the prophecies of the Messiah and embraced Israel’s Messiah as their own too.

When Ezra and his people returned to Israel and were freed from captivity in Babylon, they were given gifts to fund their journey, to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, and provide sacrifices during worship in that temple. Ezra took 4 months to make that journey (Ezra 7:9)

The wise-men came with gifts of gold-frankincense-myrrh. Gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, and myrrh for the sacrifice. They chose those gifts because they knew and understood the Messiah’s mission at least that much. By coming personally and not just sending these gifts, they also gave their time but also received His time.

King Herod was not alerted of the Messiah’s birth until the wise-men unwittingly went to King Herod first seeking the Messiah. But the angel warned them not to report back to Herod and return home another way. Then the angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt. God’s timing was perfect. That timing provided sufficient time for these men to visit the Messiah. No wonder Mary pondered these events in her heart.

The Christmas stories are recorded because Mary told them. By the time the Gospels were written, all those who witnessed that first Christmas and the events leading up to and following Christ’s birth were all gone except for Mary. Mary was present for all those events and present to share those events and so much more to the Gospel writers. The writers did not come into the story until Christ called them to be His disciples at the beginning of Christ’s ministry.

For Mary to witness the Messiah’s birth, the angelic visits, His growth and maturing and ministry, but then His suffering and death and then His resurrection and ascension, gives her a vital place in writing New Testament scripture as well as be in it.

Mary was the only one who witnessed Jesus’ mission and life from conception to ascension and so many unwritten details in between. Consider what it will be like to sit at her feet and listen to all those stories some day. All those events and experiences that Simeon said (Luke 2:34-35) would pierce her heart, as they did during His suffering and death. All those things that also enabled her to live t he next 15 years to share “the rest of the story” after Jesus’ resurrection and growth of the early church and writing of the scriptures. Consider how those stories also impacted Paul as he wrote all the letters that also became part of our New Testament.

God’s wonderful plan was not only fulfilled through His Son but also through so many others including Mary.

Think about all these simply poor modest normal common people who God chose to do His extraordinary Will. Chose because of their simple faith and extraordinary willingness to listen and obey.

What extraordinary ways does God want to use us? Ways we likely will think ordinary at the time but later discover extraordinary ways God will use them. What things will us one day “ponder in our hearts” as we discover God’s wonderful plan being fulfilled in the lives of others and in our lives. Stop and reflect and discover ways already being revealed to us. Ways already ready for us to “ponder in our hearts”.

12/13/18 Early Traditions 13 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt. Matthew 2:14

Recommended Reading: John 3:10-17 “¹⁰Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? ¹¹Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.¹²If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? ¹³No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.¹⁴And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

COMMENTS: Traditions can be very good practices, reinforcing good habits and practices that otherwise would weaken and fade and be lost and forgotten. Some traditions are founded in error or falsehood and should be forgotten but those founded in truth are those that need preserved and reinforced along with the truth they convey. Some of those Christiana traditions are Christmas trees (dating from time of Martin Luther) and Greeting cards (dated from Victorian England) and Nativity scenes. Christmas carols were started by Angels the first Christmas outside Bethlehem in a shepherd’s field. Giving gifts was started by the Wise Men. Gold pointed to Christ as our King. Frankincense pointed to Christ as our High Priest. Myrrh pointed to Christ as our Sacrifice and Savior.

These gifts were also practical to Joseph and Mary for them providing financial value and resource to fund their journey to Egypt fleeing King Herod’s murderous pursuit of King Jesus. When we give gifts that are both meaningful and practical, we convey the purpose and meaning of the first gifts given.

Well, giving gifts at Christmas even predated the Wise Men’s gifts. God the Father gave the first Gift to you and me. He gave His Son that first Christmas day. He gave Him to you and me and to everyone in every generation and in every nation. That gift is still being offered to any and all and enjoyed by anyone willing to accept His Gift and use it. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…. John 3:16-17

12/14/18 Joy to the World 14 “Then He The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. Psalm 98:2

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: PSALM 98 “ Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!For He has done marvelous things;His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.²The Lord has made known His salvation;His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.³He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel;All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.⁴Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth;Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.⁵Sing to the Lord with the harp,With the harp and the sound of a psalm,⁶With trumpets and the sound of a horn;Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.⁷Let the sea roar, and all its fullness,The world and those who dwell in it;⁸Let the rivers clap their hands;Let the hills be joyful together before the Lord,”

COMMENTS: Have you ever noticed how much better a work day goes when you are happy and have a positive attitude towards your work and co-workers? Have you also noticed this is also true when have something you are looking forward to. The years pass so quickly and difficult work projects or problems seemed overwhelming especially when any relief seemed so far in the future. But as those projects were closing and especially when retirement was within sight, challenges seemed less threatening and solutions more achievable. Well some of that is due to knowing better days were not only coming but at the door. But also, as I grew in wisdom and in relationships with others, soliciting help and partnerships in solving work problems came more easily and effectively. Trust and cooperation became more common and typical so work actually more commonly became more normal and typical. Such a shame it took so many years to build such relationships and so few years to enjoy those relationships.

Well, we are working the few brief years on earth for what God purposes more than just producing products or services for profit and for family provision. His purposes are permanent and eternal. His purposes are to build eternal relationships with each other and with Him. Relationships built together working are intended to last beyond death and heaven. Living and sharing our faith in Christ opens doors for those relationships and eternal significance.

This morning I am reflecting on many of those relationships and friendships, many who are on my Facebook friend list and email distribution list who receive my daily blog or monthly devotional journals. But God continues to open doors to new relationships and opportunities for outreach and ministry and fellowship also with eternal promise and permanence too.

We are quickly approaching Christmas Day with soon to reach the beginning of a new year (2019). Time is passing oh so quickly and I am beginning to realize instead of seeing retirement in the approaching years, it is now heaven, not with fear or regrets but with excitement and anticipation. I heard it said old age knows more people dead than alive. I prefer it being knowing more people in heaven than on earth. But truth is, God wants us to know a lot of people already in heaven when we enter heaven, but He also wants a lot of people still on earth to know us and continue to be impacted by our example and witness as we approach heaven’s gate too.

Christmas is a wonderful time for such opportunity. Christmas Cards, phone calls and visits, presents and family and church family meals, acts of charity and kindness, Christmas Caroling with family and groups to shut-ins and elderly and even randomly in community are a few ways this season encourages us to be involved in. Such acts of kindness and generosity are more readily accepted and impactful during Advent and help prepare all for challenges of a coming new year.

We don’t know how soon our own death or His return will be. 2019 may be the year of His return or the year we face eternity. 2019 will be the year when about 2% of the world’s people will face eternity. As we grow older, odds are we will be of greater risk of being among them. Being prepared and being faithful until that time is our calling and obligation but also our privilege as an act and work of love and devotion and worship to Christ who gave and sacrificed so much for us and continues to do so.

AMEN? AMEN!

12/15/18 The Gift of Song 15

Serve [worship] the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.
Psalm 100:2
RECOMMENDED READING: LUKE 2:13-14 “¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!””

COMMENTS: Hymns of praise fill our church hymnal. At the bottom of each identifies the writer of the lyrics as well as the writer of the music and commonly they are different people. Often hymns of praise started as poems without music. The Psalms are primarily lyrics but many or most had music set to them in Old Testament times. Music lifts our hearts and even helps us remember the words or lyrics. Scripture tells us “God inhabits the praise of His people” (Psalm 22:3). That should not surprise us because He even tells us His Word, our Bible, is a Living Word. 34 verses refer to God’s Word as being living:

2 Timothy 3:26 “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness:

Hebrews 4:22 “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

It is hard for us to comprehend God’s Word being living or for God to inhabit His Word, but then again God’s imprint is in all He does and says. If God can do anything, be anywhere, be in every and all times, and all at the same time, reside in and out of time, is boundless and limitless in all ways. If God has all these attributes and an infinite amount more, than we need not doubt He can and does reside in His Word as well as reveal Himself to us as The Father, The Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Just because we can’t understand that doesn’t mean it can’t be true. Truth is likely that those who think they understand God likely have error in that understanding because God is infinitely above and greater than our understanding.

So all we should do is take His Word as true and accept what it says as true and question those who teach anything that conflicts with His Word.

Well, then praise in worship brings His Spirit as well. When the multitude of angels appeared to the shepherds praising God, God’s presence also filled the shepherds as evident to Mary and Joseph when they told them what happened. Mary and Joseph experienced God’s presence in hearing.

We too receive and give God’s presence – His Holy Spirit – when we praise Him and when new study His Word and share His Word. We dilute and are at risk of disappointing Him when we try to explain or change what God is saying in His Word. Many have tried and started cults and false religions that have done great damage causing many to stray from His truth and Words of Life. So tragic when His Words bring Life Eternal. But satan doesn’t want those Words to give us life. His goal and intent is to destroy us and defeat God. God give us free will to choose. Choose wisely or foolishly. Choosing Life or death even though death may appear as life because satan is good at packaging death in a package that looks like life.

So go to the source of life. Let’s go to the source where God inhabits. Let’s praise and worship Him. Let’s dive deep into His Word. It is there we will find and fellowship with God. It is there we will find and gain eternal life. AMEN? AMEN!

12/16/18 Fit for a King! Myrrh 16 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. John 19:39

Recommended Reading: Romans 6:1-10 “ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? ²Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? ³Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? ⁴Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.⁵For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, ⁶knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. ⁷For he who has died has been freed from sin. ⁸Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, ⁹knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. ¹⁰For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God..”

COMMENTS: Myrrh, during ancient times, was a very valuable commodity. It, like frankincense, is extracted for a variety of thorny trees located in the Middle East. The resin extracted was used to make perfumes, medicines, and also in an embalming to preserve bodies before burial. Genesis 37:25 and Exodus 30:24-25 also tells us myrrh was used to made spices and even anointing oil.

The Magi provided gifts worthy of a King – gifts with significance in use and also gifts valuable to sell for money to purchase for and meet other needs. Significance of giving Myrrh to an infant was to identify the purpose of His birth and life and ultimate sacrifice.

We don’t know to what extent the Magi understood the Old Testament prophecies but they apparently understood them better than any rabbi or priest in Israel because of the gifts they brought and the star they followed for many months. A considerable investment to make only based on 500-700 year old prophecies. But their faith and commitment was rewarded and God honored and continues to honor their obedience by having their journey and visit preserved in scripture. Mary would have been the only person still living at the time of the writing of the Gospels who witnessed their visit and also the visit of the shepherds. Mary is the only person to have witnessed Christ’s journey from conception to resurrection and assention and to Pentecost. Can you imagine what it will be like to listen to Mary sharing all her experiences one day in heaven? There are many I’m looking forward to listening to and talking to. She is one at the top of my list. How about yours?

12/17/18 Immanuel – With You Today 17

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

RECOMMENDED READING: Isaiah 7:5-14 “⁵Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, saying,⁶Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal:⁷Thus saith the Lord God, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.⁸For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.⁹And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.¹⁰Moreover the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying,¹¹Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.¹²But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.¹³And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?¹⁴Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

COMMENTS: Today David Jeremiah shared a life experience of a Missionary named Frank Lauach. Frank was a missionary initially in the Philippines in Muslim communities but expanded to the work of teaching people to read and write personally and later through his writings. His work touched 103 countries in 313 languages and included 56 books he authored. His principle was “Each One Teach One” with the technique of associating pictures with words.

Frank, in 1930, began a life-long quest or experiment to practice and discover if practicing the presence of God can be achieved 24x7x365 consistently without stop or breaks. Is it possible to be in contact with God and in fellowship with Him all the time? To be in His presence every waking hour and fall asleep in His Arms? To be awakened in His Presence and do His Will without fail all day long and every day? Can we think His thoughts all the time and be in obedience of His Will all the time? He made it a quest and experiment to attempt to do just that. One March 23, 1930 he wrote “I choose to make the rest of my life an experiment to answering this question.” As time went on he wrote “Things which I did with a strain before, I now do easily and with no effort whatsoever. I worry about nothing and lose no sleep… Even the mirror reveals a new light in my eyes.”

Christ was the only One who ever inhabited human flesh to perfectly achieve that goal, but Frank Lauach achieved much success and progress to that goal with noted benefits. God honored his quest and both helped and guided him towards that goal. Frank continued to become more Christ-like each day and sustain deeper and more consistent fellowship with Him as He grew in years and aged in body. He discovered that by turning away from temptation and towards Christ, that doing God’s Will got easier and more natural and temptations were less appealing. But appealing and powerful they still were and God’s presence was still at times difficult to sustain.

God promised a wonderful end of life’s journey if we are and remain faithful to Him. He promises to walk that journey with us and never leave or forsake us. Our job is to put and keep our eyes and attention on Him and our hand in His. When we get distracted by temptations and yield to those temptations, we lose track and forget that God is there to help. By taking our eyes off Him and our hand out of His, we quickly forget He is there to help and fail to take advantage of His available help. We quickly get into trouble and fall into sin. Satan is quick to pull us into his web of deception and misery and death when that happens. Free will continues to be an opportunity God gives us to wisely choose Him or foolishly choose sin.

But God has always made obedience and fellowship with Him a choice we make or refuse while always offering it to His people in every generation including ours and including you and me.

We too can choose, like Frank Lauach to make continual fellowship with Christ our goal and focus on accomplishing that goal. God’s Holy Spirit is in and with us 24x7x365 to aid and strengthen and guide us in that quest. The mystery of Christ and the Father abiding in us when we invite the Holy Spirit in and with us is the mystery of His Trinity. Not understanding that doesn’t prevent us from enjoying that mystery nor taking advantage of His abiding presence. Will you join me this Advent and New Year making Frank Lauach’s experiment and goal a personal goal too? I realize just how lofty and formidable a goal it is. Even more formidable than losing weight or exercising, which have been failed resolutions from past years for me and you. But then again, we need not attempt to keep this one alone and God does want us to succeed in this goal.

I think we will need to paste reminders on our bathroom mirror and refrigerator and on our computer screen and a multitude of other places we go during our work day. The wonderful news is failure need not be permanent and God is an expert on forgiveness and do-overs. Progress implies the need for and acceptance of forgiveness and do-overs. Christ was born and lived and died and rose again to buy each and every do-over and instance of forgiveness to each of us. So let’s not waste that precious gift He sacrificed so much to provide to each of us. AMEN? AMEN!

We can enjoy God’s continual presence because the name Immanuel means “God with us.” His prophetically-given name indicates the pouring out of God’s personal presence, like a waterfall, descending from highest heaven to lowest earth, giving us access to the flood of His nearness.

Live consciously in His presence today! Think of Him. Listen to Him. Talk to Him. Remind yourself of His closeness. The One called Immanuel said, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).

So why would we want to follow Frank’s quest personally? What would be the benefits? Here are just a few to consider:

We will be better prepared for heaven
We will avoid more of the consequences of sin including regrets and do-overs and restitution while enjoying more of the blessings and benefits of following God’s direction.
Full focused attention on being a blessing to others. This brings closers friendships, a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment and accomplishment at end of each day.
More efficient use of resources – money, time, energy (physical and emotional), resulting in more resources to do more good because of less wasted energy on sinful – evil – destructive choices.
A deeper and more meaningful and more joyful relationship with God – a deeper love for and understanding of Him and with other followers.
Greater available resources from other believers due to deeper and closer relationships with them and better established and used (stronger) working skills with them (from more frequent cooperative partnerships with them in past.
More go to sources for help in times of need.
Less frequent times of loneliness and desperation and hopelessness and fear.
Greater – more developed skills in seeking from and giving help to others.
A GREATER AND BROADER POSITIVE ETERNAL IMPACT ON OTHERS FOR CHRIST !

The list could easily go on all day without scratching the surface. I’m sure by reading this list that you have already thought of a few more. But you get the idea and are realizing with me that such a quest would be well worth the effort and should be something we all start focusing on in 2019, right?

So why does spending more time with Christ seem so foreign to us? Why does such an endeavor tempt us to resist? Could it be the carnal nature that still remains in us and the temptor still exercising influence in our mind and soul are still dominant in our lives and still a powerful influence on our daily choices and thoughts and attitudes? Is pride selfishness still a dominant part of our motivation and reason to the choices we make. Are acts of kindness only considered when we think personal benefit is result instead of solely being motivated by bringing blessing to others and honor to our Savior?

Well, truth is that we all still fall short of having pure and good motives for choices we make. We haven’t achieved Frank’s goal or even gone as far as he did while living because we haven’t tried to and haven’t asked God’s help either. The obvious question is “Does Christ want us to strive toward Frank’s goal of spending more time with Him?” The answer is not only “Of Course” but He is passionate about wanting to spend more time with each one of us.

Let’s face it, when we get to heaven we will definitely want to spend more time with Him and will not be bothered or dissuaded by satan’s tricks and deceptions. Some would say why not enjoy sin while we can in meantime? The answer is why not enjoying more of heaven now instead. If we are looking forward more to sin than in pleasing Him, then we still have far too much carnality and sin in our lives. So what do I really want? What do you really want? Do we truly want to please and live for Christ or do we want to follow the path to judgment and hell satan would lead us? There is no middle ground or other path or choice. It is 100% one way or 100% the other . But not choosing God’s way, we automatically choose the other. Scripture is clear on that. That is why Christ paid such a high price, so we could choose His way. The alternative is too terrible for us to imagine and for Him to accept. But accept He must if we still choose not to accept His Way, the Way of the Cross, the Way of Redemption. So, let start walking down Frank’s path in 2019 and include Christ and His Holy Spirit in everything we do, in every conversation we have, in every work project and meeting we do and participate in, in every decision and choice we make, in every relationship we develop and have, …. AMEN? AMEN!

Live consciously in His presence today! Think of Him. Listen to Him. Talk to Him. Remind yourself of His closeness. The One called Immanuel said, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).

12/18/18 God Is With Us 18

Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak the word, but it will not stand, for God is with us. Isaiah 8:10

RECOMMENDED READING: Isaiah 46:3-13^“³Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:⁴And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.⁵To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?⁶They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.⁷They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.⁸Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.⁹Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,¹⁰Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:¹¹Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.¹²Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:¹³I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.”

COMMENTS: It is not uncommon for families to have a “life motto” or for individuals to have a “life motto” or “life verse”. Our family has carried over the understood and practice motto not so much spoken but practiced by our parents and grandparents. That life motto and life verse is Joshua 24:15 “…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. When Arlene and I were first married, 40 years ago, the pastor and close friend who sang at our wedding, gave us a card with a verse that impacted me greatly and have held close since: Jeremiah 33:3 “Call upon Me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Christ has certainly done that and so much more for me personally and the family He has gifted to Arlene and I over the years. His faithfulness has been continuous without fail as has His abiding presence and sustaining council and help.

God with us defines Immanuel, one of the many names given to Christ, our Messiah. God is “Three in One” so the abiding presence of His Holy Spirit also includes the abiding presence of The Father and of The Son Jesus Christ. One is not a substitute or fill-in for the other like a baby-sitter or a substitute teacher. Rather, the Holy Spirit not only satisfies God’s Name of Immanuel but provides the entire nature and presence and focus of God in and to us.

Below is a list of 50 names or Titles for Jesus from scripture I decided to include below:

Almighty One – “…who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Rev. 1:8
Alpha and Omega– “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Rev. 22:13
Advocate– “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1
Author and Perfecter of Our Faith – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:2
Authority–“Jesus said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matt. 28:18
Bread of Life–“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35
Beloved Son of God– “And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matt. 3:17
Bridegroom–“And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matt. 9:15
Chief Cornerstone–“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.” Ps. 118:22
Deliverer – “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thess.1:10
Faithful and True– “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” Rev.19:11
Good Shepherd –“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
Great High Priest– “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” Heb. 4:14
Head of the Church– “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” Eph. 1:22
Holy Servant – “…and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30
I Am– “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58
Immanuel–“…She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” Is. 7:14
Indescribable Gift– “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15
Judge– “…he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.” Acts 10:42
King of Kings– “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” Rev. 17:14
Lamb of God– “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
Light of the World– “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Lion of the Tribe of Judah– “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Rev. 5:5
Lord of All– “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 2:9-11
Mediator – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 2:5
Messiah – “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).” John 1:41
Mighty One –“Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” Is. 60:16
One Who Sets Free– “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
Our Hope–“…Christ Jesus our hope.” 1 Tim. 1:1
Peace– “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” Eph. 2:14
Prophet – “And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Mark 6:4
Redeemer– “And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” Job 19:25
Risen Lord – “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:3-4
Rock– “For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” 1 Cor. 10:4
Sacrifice for Our Sins –“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10
Savior – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
Son of Man–“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
Son of the Most High– “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.” Luke 1:32
Supreme Creator Over All – “By Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.…” 1 Cor. 1:16-17
Resurrection and the Life–“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25
The Door– “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9
The Way–“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
The Word–“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
True Vine– “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1
Truth–“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Victorious One– “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Rev. 3:21
– 50.Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace– “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Is. 9:6

We can endure difficulties in life because God is with us. Immanuel!

12/19/18 Jesus is Salvation 19

And [Mary] will bring forth a Son, and you [Joseph] shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Recommended Reading: ACTS 12 “ Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.²And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.³And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)⁴And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.⁵Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.⁶And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.⁷And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.⁸And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.⁹And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.¹⁰When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.¹¹And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.¹²And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.¹³And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.¹⁴And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.¹⁵And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.¹⁶But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.¹⁷But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.¹⁸Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.¹⁹And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.²⁰And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.²¹And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.²²And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.²³And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.²⁴But the word of God grew and multiplied.²⁵And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.”

COMMENTS: In today’s culture baby names are chosen mostly due to continue name and memory of past or older family or because sound of that name is attractive to mother or father of that baby. But names do also carry a meaning that often is reflected on personality or life path that baby will follow during his or her life. I encourage you to research your name and names of other family and friends to discover how often this is true.

Names had significance in biblical times and in the lives of those recorded in scripture. Joshua’s original name was Hoshea, which means “salvation” (Numbers 13:8). Moses renamed him “Joshua” which means “Jehovah is salvation” (Numbers 13:16).

Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua and means “saving His people from their sins”. There was significance for the Angel to inform Mary and Joseph to name their son “Jesus”. Jesus was far more than a great prophet or teacher. He was even more than the promised Messiah and King. He was and is God who became fully human to show us God, to show us how to live as He intended, to accept our guilt and punishment for sin, and also to conquer sin and death and satan himself.

Satan was and still is determined to stop Christ’s mission. Herod tried and failed. Satan tried and failed in every generation and still is trying and failing. Satan only wins at deceiving each one that decided and chooses to believe his lies and walk the dead end path to death and judgment. Those who will share satan’s judgment will be those who chose to, who chose to refuse Christ’s free gift of salvation. Obedience requires surrender. Through surrender, we win. We win eternal life. We win an eternal home and family with our Creator and Lord. We win fellowship with those and with the One who loves us. When we refuse to surrender, we give all that and more up in order to keep our own selfish wills but we gain judgment and misery. We gain fellowship for eternity with those who hate us and hate God. Satan believes it is better to rule in Hell than to serve in Heaven. Well, if we follow satan, we will be serving him in torment forever . IF we follow Christ , we will rule with Him forever. You and I don’t know what that will mean or entail, but we do know it will be wonderful because HE is wonderful. AMEN? AMEN!

12/20/18 A Proactive Pardon 20

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

RECOMMENDED READING ACTS 13:38-39“ ³⁸Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; ³⁹and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.”

COMMENTS: Presidential power to pardon a convicted or even an accused felon was given by Article II, Section 2, of the US Constitution. Such power is exercised at the pleasure solely by the residing President. Ramifications and consequences as well as benefits are weighed and implemented by him. He should solicit wise council and research background and facts before coming to a decision because he does not possess sufficient information alone because he is human with human limits and abilities.

Christ possesses the power to pardon because He was solely qualified to be the substitute to receive the required punishment for sin. And He did just that once for all in all times and all places. No one else could or would. He knew what He was doing and knew the cost and knew the benefits. He knew our sins but also knew our destination if He didn’t pay that cost. So He came, He lived, He loved, and He willingly died and accepted our guilt and punishment even though He remained sinless. Christmas reminds us He came and lived a full life as a human with all the human limits and dependencies. As a newborn, He depended on His parents for food and shelter and complete care. He enjoyed their love and instruction and leadership. As He grew in years and body, His relationship with His earthly parents changed but their bond and love grown and matured too. Mary is the only person who lived to see Christ’s human beginning to His ascension and the explosive growth of the early Church. Imagine the stories she can share and insights she can give. For us to share the impact her faithfulness had on generations since then and still does. We, like she, have no idea the wonders God plans for our lives if we only stay in fellowship with Him and follow His lead. God specializes in using simple people of common means to do His extraordinary work. He humbles the proud and might and honors the lowly and humble. What a mighty God we serve. What a mighty God who loves and cares for us.

In humanity’s case, we did not have to request a pardon from God for our sins. All we must do is accepting the gift already bought and available. God took it upon Himself to send a Savior to set sin-scarred humanity free from the guilt of sin. Jesus said, “[God] has sent Me to . . . proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18). The Bible is clear that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We know we need a Savior from sin.

Thank God this Christmas that He sent a Savior to pardon and save us from all our sins.

12/21/18 Fear Not! 21

Then the angel said to [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” Luke 2:10

RECOMMENDED READING: PROVERBS 9:6-18 “⁶Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.⁷He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.⁸Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.⁹Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.¹⁰The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.¹¹For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.¹²If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.¹³A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.¹⁴For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,¹⁵To call passengers who go right on their ways:¹⁶Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,¹⁷Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.¹⁸But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.”

COMMENTS: Christmas is a wonderful time with decorations, carols, visiting and giving, days off work, and gifts given and received. Christmas cards remind us of loved ones and friends maybe forgotten most of the year. Parties allow us to have fun with co-workers and others we have a narrow defined relationship with that doesn’t allow much personal conversation.

But Christmas can be a time of dread and grief and sadness for some due to a loss of a loved one or hardship experienced at this time in past. Cost of gifts and parties and meals both in time and money can brings debt that adds to an already heavy burden each New Year.

But that is not what God wants Christmas to be for us. The first Christmas the shepherds didn’t bring gifts except their presence and worship. The wise men gave out of their abundance with their gifts along with their worship and presence too. But both the shepherds and wise men received as much blessing in response as they were able to. Mary and Joseph received as they were willing to absorb, hearing the stories and encounters from their visitors. They may not have known the purpose of the star until the wise men told them. They may not have heard or seen the angels until the shepherds told them. They didn’t know Simeon and Anna would be greeting their new Son with worship and testimony of His mission and significance of seeing Him. They both had been promised and had waiting a very long time to see Him.

Angels told the shepherds not to fear (Luke 2:10), Gabriel told Mary in a visit and Joseph in a dream not to fear ((Luke 1:30), Zacharias and Elizabeth were fearful of dying childless but their fears evaporated with John the Baptist. Christmas is commonly a time of fear but God want to change Christmas to a time of excitement and joy and fellowship. But most of all He wants it to be a time to draw closer to Himself and fellowship one – with – one each of us with Him. He is more than able and willing and desirous to have a focused one – on – one undistracted fellowship with each one of us. Will we commit to focused one – on – one undistracted fellowship with Him? The choice is ours. What are we willing to delay or cancel to give Him that time. After all, we are celebrating His Birthday, not ours. Giving to others in need is how He would have us give gifts to Him. But there is no substitute to spending focused time with Him in prayer and study of His Word and meditating on it. As Mary did, pondering what He has done in our hearts. Christmas observed in this way is a wonderful way of preparing for the coming New Year with all its uncertainty and problems and responsibilities and challenges. Keep in mind He is already there making way for us. All we need to do is follow His guiding hand there. Time we spend with Him will pay dividends greater than investment. AMEN? AMEN!

12/22/18 Humility Worthy of a King 22

And when [the Magi] had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

RECOMMENDED READING: 1 PETER 5:1-11 “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:²Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;³Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.⁴And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.⁵Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.⁶Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:⁷Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.⁸Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:⁹Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.¹⁰But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.¹¹To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

COMMENTS: Humility has many forms and demonstrations, but is best exampled by a heart and attitude of submission to God’s Will and instruction. Christ, even though God, submitted to the Will and instruction of the Father God. Christ took on human form and limits to fully be limited to and vulnerable to the same temptations and sources of guidance and council we are. His council and instruction came from The Father but temptations also came from satan. When Christ assented, He sent the Holy Spirit to fill in the empty hole He left with His disciples and followers. The Holy Spirit has since abided in and provided council, encouragement, strength, and help in many other ways to each believe willing to receive that help. Each willing to humble him/herself and receive that help and follow that instruction over his/her own desires and preferences. A wise king will seek and listen to wise counselors and follow their advice instead of his own preferences and opinions/council. A foolish king seeks out counselors who tell him what he wants to hear in order to give him justification to follow his own advice. Power has a sinister way of deceiving rulers that they are entitled do what they please no matter the cost or consequences. They become deceived into thinking they are also in control of consequences of their actions. BUT THEY ARE NOT! ONLY GOD IS!

Japanese people are among the most polite and humble people in public. They bow and show humility when they greet and converse with others. But such customs in recent years has diminished somewhat mostly due to western culture influences.

But even for Japanese people, humble customs is no substitute for a humble attitude and spirit open to wise council and discerning wise from foolish council.

Well, satan has always been an effective persuader. But his reputation and history shows a different character and purpose than he conveys. In contrast, Christ – His Word – His impact on the lives of His believers and followers always supports and matches what He said and did and continues to say and do. Satan can never nor should never be trusted. Conversely, Christ can and should always be trusted and followed completely. He has proved Himself worthy of our complete trust and allegiance. AMEN? AMEN!

12/23/18 Trusting God with Our Disappointments 23

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 ““Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

COMMENTS: Have you ever been disappointed? Likely often or even daily since people tend to disappoint us often. Have you ever been disappointed with God? Granted He always keeps His promises and provides but often in ways we didn’t expect or even preferred at the time. So yes, God sometimes disappointed us but never permanently. Once we see His promises fully fulfilled and plan completed, marvel and praise and thanksgiving will replace any short term disappointment.

Joseph was disappointed when Mary told him that she was pregnant. Her story of the angelic visit by Gabriel and way her child was conceived and who He would be made her story almost impossible to believe. Joseph knew his fiancée was a good and truthful person. To make up such a story was not like her and there was neither reason for her to make up such a story nor any reason to be unfaithful to him. But how could he believe such a story even from her? He struggled and wanted to believe but how could he? Disappointment filled his soul and he tried to think up a plan to protect Mary from condemnation and judgment from her community and family. He still loved her but saw no honorable way to spare either of them from shame others would put on them. She was now “damaged goods”. BUT JOSEPH’S DISAPPOINTMENT CHANGED WHEN THE ANGEL VISITED HIM IN A DREAM CONFIRMING MARY’S STORY! Mary was not only faithful but highly favored with God and would be the mother of the long awaited Messiah. Joseph would not father a son (at least not yet) but would raise the Messiah with his beloved wife Mary.

When the shepherds came to see the new born Baby Jesus, they told of the multitude of angels who came proclaiming the birth to them. Later the Magi came bearing gifts and pointed to the great star that guided them and also shouted the Holy Birth. God’s protection came when the Angel warned Joseph to take his family to Egypt for awhile. When Mary pondered all these and many more experiences in her heart, I am certain she also shared them with Joseph and he pondered them with her.

As Jesus grew and evidence of His Character and Personality and Goodness and Wisdom began to blossom, how often did they both “ponder these things in their hearts?” I would say very often. What was it like to raise the Messiah? What was Jesus like growing up and how did others treat Him and how did He respond to them? Aren’t you looking forward to asking Mary and Joseph these and many more questions one day in heaven? You know, we will have opportunity to do so and to visit with countless faithful followers in heaven from Adam to the last follower before His Final Return.

Do you know others will be looking for you to hear your stories too? Those whose lives you have impacted directly and indirectly. You may ask what you’ve done noteworthy? How many saints died without seeing the impact of their work? But God honored their obedience and did greater than they dreamed. Jim Elliot was murdered by the very people he went to share Jesus with. His wife later was able to lead them to Christ and now that tribe is evangelizing surrounding tribes instead of murdering them. To hear Jim and his wife’s and the tribe’s stories will be wonderful too. So don’t think your story is unimportant. God will make it important especially to those you impact. They will be the ones telling your story and Jesus will too. For we all will be part of His Great Story of Redemption. AMEN? AMEN! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”(Proverbs 3:5-6). Choose to trust God with your disappointments this Christmas season.

12/24/18 THE HOPE AND FEARS 24 Grant us that we… might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. Luke 1:74-75

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE LUKE 1:67-80 “⁶⁷And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,⁶⁸Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,⁶⁹And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;⁷⁰As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:⁷¹That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;⁷²To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;⁷³The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,⁷⁴That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,⁷⁵In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.⁷⁶And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;⁷⁷To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,⁷⁸Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,⁷⁹To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.⁸⁰And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel..”

COMMENTS: Phillips Brooks was pastor of the Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia and made a pilgrimage to Bethlehem in 1865, which inspired him to write the familiar Christmas Carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Shortly after returning. He wrote the hymn for the Sunday school children at his church and published this hymn in an informal leaflet in December 1868 but became so popular that it then appeared in “The Sunday School Hymnal” in 1871 and quickly spread to be included in hymnals printed from then on to present. Brooks told about the event in Bethlehem that inspired the hymn. He said that he attended a Christmas Eve service that lasted 10pm – 3am at the traditional site of the Nativity, which is a cave that Constantine determined to be a likely site when he was Emperor of Rome in 326AD, shortly after becoming a Christian. The service and atmosphere of that service inspirited and gave him the image to us to experience too.

Jesus came to give us redemption and freedom from God’s judgment, from slavery to sin and from pain suffered by others that sin imposes. Jesus came to give us new life and choice and freedom we could not earn or acquire ourselves. He came so we could regain the fellowship and relationship that Adam and Eve enjoyed with God before the Fall. Before they sinned and created a wall between God and themselves. A wall they didn’t realize would remain between God and every generation from then on. Until He would tear it down and bid the one who built that wall – satan. Satan didn’t want that relationship with God and didn’t want anyone else to have it either. The old saying “Misery loves Company” began with satan’s rebellion in heaven when God removed him and his angelic followers from heaven. One day He will judge them and all who followed them and rejected Christ – casting them into the Lake of Fire where suffering and regrets will be eternal but where satan will no longer be able to tempt earth’s inhabitants as he can now no longer tempt heaven’s inhabitants. (Revelation 20)

Fear is a terrible motivated, but can make us alert to real dangers and energize us to escape. Satan wants to instill and divert from us a fear of satan to a fear of being with God. Adam and Eve hid from God when they sinned instead of hiding from satan and avoiding him as they should. Paul advised Timothy to flee youthful lusts instead of entertaining them. The closer we get to satan, the weaker we get. The closer we get to God, the stronger we get. Fear of God should motivate awe and respect and worship, not motivate us to run and hide. Fear of satan should motivate us to run to God and away from satan.

Zacharias’ prayer is a powerful testimony of God’s mercies and power. God had answered Zacharias’ prayer in a mighty and miraculous way by giving them a son, who would have the privilege of preparing the way for the Messiah Israel had been waiting for and the world desperately needed and still needs. The Messiah who is far more than a king to defeat their enemies and rule over them. But a king who will one day do just that too. But to defeat not just Rome or the enemy of the time but the enemy of all time, satan the enemy of our souls.

Choosing who our friends and who our enemies are can be difficult, but is vital. So who is your enemy and who is your friend. Who are mine? Who will we believe and who will we refuse? Our choice but remember just because we believe what is told doesn’t make it true. God speaks truth and satan speaks lies. The sooner we believe that and follow the Truth, the better off we will be and so will those we love and care for and those whos lives we impact too.

12/25/18 Born This Happy Morning 25
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3, NIV
RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING HEBREWS 1:1-4 “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, ²has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; ³who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ⁴having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they..”
COMMENTS: Today we honor the birth of the Messiah whom the Jews have been looking for since the time of Babylonian captivity. But the Messiah came in a way and time and way foretold but not expected by the world and by most Jews of that day and even today. The purpose and extent of His Divine Mission is one we cannot fully grasp and understand but one we can accept and enjoy. By accepting and enjoying the Redemption He bought and freely offers to us, we open ourselves to the lifelong discovery of that Mission and it’s revelation to us as His newly adopted children.

Advent and Christmas is a wonderful time of year. People become friendlier and homes and communities and church buildings become more cheerful with decorations and signs proclaiming Christ. His story and sacrifice has been transforming lives for 2000 years and continues to do so every day in every corner of the world. His Gospel Message cannot be stopped or quieted or corrupted. Many have tried and failed. Many have tried to corrupt it by adding their own gospel in order to gain success for themselves. Their efforts deceived and some continue to deceive many, but His pure Gospel always prevails and comes back like the flowers of spring after times of winter. One day He is returning to fulfill His final promises and prophecies by setting up His Rule and binding the Evil One with all his followers.

By following Christ, we are on the winning side no matter how circumstances seem.

But today we take time to honor and worship Jesus. As we open gifts and share a meal with family and friends, let’s also take time to worship Him together and to give Him the gift this Christmas He desires most and will cherish for eternity. That is you and me. It is all who He has created, and even His enemies. After all, we were His enemy too before we repented and accepted His Grace. Then He began calling us “friends”. AMEN? AMEN!

Take time to praise and worship Him today personally and with your family. He will appreciate that time with Him and so will you.

God’s Blessings and Blessed Christmas to you.

12/26/18 Every Moment – Every Day 26

Time is short. 1 Corinthians 7:29

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING EPHESEIANS 5:15-21 “¹⁵See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶redeeming the time, because the days are evil.¹⁷Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹submitting to one another in the fear of God.”

COMMENTS: We all know there are no guarantees of a long life and health. We don’t know what each new day will bring. God doesn’t promise us life but does promise to go through life with us if we put our trust in Him. Today’s devotion by Dr. David Jeremiah shares story of two young bicyclists, from Washington DC, who decided to bicycle around the world and described their adventure as they progress on a blog called “Simply Cycling”. They tragically were killed by ISIS terrorists in Tajikistan during journey at age 29. They wanted to reach their goal while they were young and physically able to accomplish their goal, but they discovered they were also exposing themselves to evil they had not prepared for. They were prepared to journey but were not prepared for evil that lurked along the path.

Psalm 89:47 “Remember how short my time is…” Scripture and countless examples prove to us over and over again how important it is to prepare for eternity. To follow and rely on God first. To seek His council and input and Will. Take some time to reflect on dangers you faced and how God’s protection or warning spared you harm or even death. I can recall numerous times but one that often comes back to me when I take time to do such reflections happened about 35 years ago. Arlene and I decided to take our two young children on a bike ride on a trail in Titusville, Pennsylvania at Drake’s Well. It was a pleasant day and pleasant trail. Arlene and I had bikes and I had a child carrier on back of my bike to carry our son since he was too young to ride a bike. Our daughter rode ahead of me on her bike, which still had training wheels. What we didn’t realize was tall grass was hiding a 75+ ft drop off on the left side of the trail. Our daughter’s left training wheel went into a hole or dip in the pavement and her bike made a sharp 90 degree turn and she went over that cliff with her bike. God’s protection caused her to stop against a tree in her path and hold her until I could dash down and bring her back up that hill.

I have a strong fear of heights but that didn’t kick in until I had rescued her and then struggled to retrieve her bike. The danger was real but God’s helping Hand was greater than the danger even though we were unprepared and unaware for that danger. If we would have known, we would have avoided or taken better precautions for that area of the trail. We did so for then forward and see that area since has been addressed.

That fall our church had a series of revival services and our daughter accepted Christ at the altar even at the tender age of 5. The impact of that experience was an influence but God had been working on her heart even before then and since.

There are some dangers we expose ourselves to foolishly without regard to risks, there are some we are not even aware of enough to try to prepare, there are some we try our hardest to prepare for and still come up short, but there are those we can avoid or overcome by simply putting our hand in His and submit our will to His Will. God helped us that memorable summer day in 1983 and countless days before and since. Such experiences and memorizes builds confidence to trust Him more often and more areas of our lives too.

I invite you to do similar times of reflection to recall and discover how God has and does provide protection and help for you and your family too. Christmas 2018 is now history and so quickly will fade into a distant past. But God’s Grace and abiding presence will not fade into history but will continue without pause or weakness if we only put and keep our trust in Him. Let’s resolve to do just that as we journey into 2019. AMEN? AMEN!! Share His love by sharing of your faith, and show the world that Jesus Christ is real to you, every moment and every day. William J. Reynolds, in the hymn “Share His Love”

12/27/18 Providential Provision 27

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. Genesis 3:15

RECOMMENDED READING: MATTHEW 9:1-8 “And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.²And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.³And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.⁴And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?⁵For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?⁶But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.⁷And he arose, and departed to his house.⁸But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.”

COMMENTS: Consequences of sin are seldom limited to the offender or sinner. Consequences impact those the sinner cares about and loves and influences often. The offender seldom if ever realizes the ripples of harm that go out when he and we sin. Soon discovered is that once sin is committed, consequences are inevitable and cannot be controlled by offender. Only God can limit or forgive both the sin and the consequences. He often does, but more frequently just diminishes the consequences or limits their duration as part of the Grace and Mercy He showers us with. But sometimes consequences remain as a deterrent and wakeup for us to turn from habitual sin and seek His help to do so.

Providence is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as 1. “The foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth.” 2. “God, especially when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.” 3. “A manifestation of divine care or direction.”

So providence includes but is not limited to God managing the earth and everything and everyone on it. He manages and governs while still allowing free will, allowing evil to do it’s malicious mischief, BUT WITHIN RESTRAINT AND LIMITS IMPOSED BY GOD. Those restraints prevent extinction of man and everything on earth. If Satan were allowed to do evil unrestrained, we all would face what Job did and far worse. In fact, Revelation reveals a world in Tribulation because God will remove much of the restraint currently in force for a time. If you think things are bad now, look at torment and misery the earth will experience at this future time. Satan will promise much but only delivery suffering and death. That is all he knows how to do. That is all he wants to do. We need to realize and accept that. He is the opposite of God in every way because he lacks any and all attributes of God. He freely and willingly gave them all up when he left heaven. Did He leave heaven willingly or was he forced out by God. He was forced out. God could no longer tolerate His corruptive presence once the angels had made their choice of who they would follow. But then again, likely Lucifer could no longer stand living there either. He was glad to leave.

Have you ever felt that way? If you can’t do what you want and when you want, you just want to leave and look for opportunity to do so? Many teens experience that at some point during what I call the “dark years” when teens hunger to be free of their parent’s rules and authority and on their own but lack the wisdom and maturity and experienced need to live independently successfully. I didn’t rebel against my parents like that, but had to admit the thought did cross my mind more than once during those years. How about you? If you did rebel, do you regret that choice looking back? Was that a good or foolish choice? Well, who do you think was tempting you to make that choice? You thought it was your idea but was it or was it a temptation coming from another source?

God showed us what is to come. He shows us “HE WILL WIN” and satan will not! Most live as though they can keep one foot in satan’s camp and one in God’s camp. Most don’t embrace satan’s mission and conduct but do embrace more appealing portions and aspects of his mission while trying to hold to the moral code of conduct and behavior God established. But the two are not compatible nor can be. We are required to choose and either embrace one or the other. Refusing to choose is a choice that automatically defaults to choosing the evil path of satan, whether we realize it or not.

“God’s promises are defined, determined, and dynamic. Nothing can separate us from Him or the fulfillment of His promises. God has the power to turn things around in an instant. Every person is either going through a challenge, emerging on the other side of a challenge, or about to embark into a challenge. It’s easy to become discouraged in the daily rise and fall of situations and relationships and to forget we have a solid and secure Anchor and a Hope.” AMEN!!

“We don’t postulate, speculate, or fabricate. We don’t toss and turn in anxiety. We simply know. We know God…we know…His providence, and we can trust His provision.”
Robert J. Morgan

12/28/18 Prophesied Promises 28

There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: LUKE 12:22-34 ²²And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.²³The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.²⁴Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?²⁵And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?²⁶If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?²⁷Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.²⁸If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?²⁹And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.³⁰For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.³¹But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.³²Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.³³Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.³⁴For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

COMMENTS: A popular quoted prayer is “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can’t change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference.” Its author is not found in the bible as some think but was composed by Reinhold Niebuhr, a theologian and philosopher some 70 years ago. Another popular variation is “God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change; the courage to change the one I can; and the wisdom to know it is me.”

But such non-scripture quoted sayings or prayers have an element of truth but also an element of faulty theology. Such is also true of these quotes. So as we quickly approach another new year when we reflect on accomplishments and failures of past year and making resolutions and setting goals for the coming year, we should also seek God’s council and help and wisdom and discernment in order to set wise and God pleasing goals to pursue.

Well, first let’s look at the good and bad of the above prayers. The first composed by Reinhold Niebuhr conveys council to sort out positive changes and choices in our ability to change from those beyond our control. Then to not waste time and resources trying to change things and circumstances beyond us and focus on those we can. An example would be not to try to change the weather but instead to prepare for severe weather with proper shelter and supplies and clothes and heating fuel. Another option would be to travel to a more pleasant climate. But fallacy of this quote is assumption that we know right from wrong and best choices. Truth is we might consistently be able to discern the worst from better choices but we are not able to discern best choice God has in mind. How would God have us prepare for severe weather in order to provide protection for both us and our neighbor? Especially since God not only has our best interest of us and others in mind but is passionate about building more personal and deeper relationships with you and me as well as between us. Our tendency is only to take care of ourselves and not our neighbors.

The second prayer noted indicates we only have the ability to change ourselves but not others. To accept and respect others with all their faults and problems and focus on ourselves and changes we need to make in ourselves.

But today’s scripture (above) reminds us that God cares for us like none other and is passionate about us. He cares for the least of His creation to such detail and so completely that there should be no doubt He cares even more and invests even more time and resource caring for us.

But we should also remember His Ways and Timing is so far better and wise and more permanent than ours. So we need to always seek His Will first before acting on our but also before even considering what we want. By seeking Him first, we do a lot to avoid following a faulty or wrong path or entertaining such a path our desires and reasoning might expose us to.

A few days ago I wrote a devotion featuring Frank Lauach, a missionary during 1930’s who committed to focusing on Christ all his waking hours every day. He wrote the benefits of progress towards that goal made. In his words, “Things which I did with a strain before, I now do easily and with no effort whatsoever. I worry about nothing and lose no sleep… Even the mirror reveals a new light in my eyes.” That devotion is entitled “Immanuel – With You Today”.

You and I are capable of making some pretty good decisions on our own and often are tempted to be critical of those who seem to lack that ability or at least are less skillful than we are. Judging them or trying to “help them make better choices” more often only alienates us from them and cause them to dig in and refuse to change.

Yet, we need to remember our choices are just as foolish from God’s perspective and we’re just as “dug-in” in our mindset to make our own choices, right or wrong, without God’s help or council. If we are frustrated or disappointed with others we care about for not listening to or following our “wise” advice, how much more frustrated and disappointed must God be with us? Yet He continues to patiently wait for us. Yet Frank Lauach discovered, and invites us to discover, the closer we get to Christ and the more time we spend in fellowship with Him, the more like Him we become, the more like Him we start think and be like, and the less like satan we progress as well.

But no matter how many years we live and how successful we are at focusing on Him more of the day, we still are light years away from being Christ-like. That is no reason to give up or to become discouraged. Quite the contrary, result is discovering so much more about God and even greater attributes of Him to seek to acquire that we currently do not know exist.

So, what about 2019? Let’s covenant to seek Christ first and embrace and follow the Holy Spirit’s lead and council and accept His help first and not wait til our choices fail and not wait even til we entertain or consider our desires. Urgency and distractions and forgetfulness will likely cause us to fail early in the year, but let’s find someone we can be accountable to and be motivated to be true to. Let’s also keep a record of successes and failures so this time next year we will be able to see progress and a deeper relationship with Christ than presently evident in our thoughts and in our lives.

Keeping and sharing this journal has helped me greatly by forcing me to keep the discipline, to pursue the relationship with Christ I desperately need, and be accountable to provide His council and insights to me monthly and even daily.

My family are better able to judge how successfully I have progressed at becoming more Christ-like this year but I now am able to see more of Christ and need to continue the pursuit of becoming more like Him. I pray you will likewise join me in this quest and journey of striving to be more Christ-like, and involve Him more in my choices and simply being more involved directly in each and every day. AMEN? AMEN!

“God is the genius behind all we do and do not see. Instead of simply surrendering your purposes and plans to God, you can invite Him into the process of defining them. Pause and hold your own priorities loosely. As you take time to be still and ask God to reveal His wisdom, you may be surprised by His thoughts on your past and His vision for your future.

When we remain connected and in conversation with God, our blind spots and challenges no longer worry or frighten us. Regardless of whether our plans are achieved or side-lined, our focus on Him brings courage. God is steadfast and in control. He sees around every corner and brings gifts and restoration from even the darkest of situations. Nothing is lost or wasted with God, who is our security and eternal home.”

“I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse.”
Philip Yancey

12/29/18 FACING 2019? ONLY GOD KNOWS…HE IS ALREADY THERE 29

I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word. Psalm 119:147

Published by donsdevotions

Don McDaniel - Who am I? Hello everyone and welcome to my devotional journal blog. In order to get acquainted and help you get to know me a bit better before considering following my blog, let me give you some background. I am a 74-year-old male and a retired engineer. I worked for a major supplier of underground mining equipment for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2012. Arlene and I have been happily married since April 1978 and have two grown – married children, one granddaughter and 2 step grandsons. I joined the local United Methodist church at age 12 after accepting Christ as my Savior at age 10 during revival services in that same church in 1961, so I have been a “Born Again” Christian all my teen years and adult life. Christ has helped and guided me all that time. He guided me in choosing my wife and life’s career. My life journey has included regrets and failures, but God has picked me up and protected and spared me from life threatening consequences and dangers more times than I can recall or count. But many I do recall and encourage and motivate me to trust and follow Christ with more passion than ever. Christmas 2011 our daughter gave Arlene and I each a devotional journal. Journals were books with devotion for each day and space to give personal impressions and thoughts related to each devotion. Her desire was to have a lasting legacy she could refer back to and share with her children and grandchildren especially after we are gone. I was touched by that gesture. My parents and Arlene’s were devout Christians, so we would have greatly treasured having that from them, so we felt a sense of urgency to honor her request. I finished my journal first and returned it to our daughter the following Christmas. I’m glad I did it then because Parkinson’s has caused my hand writing to deteriorate since then. The exercise was such a blessing for me. Discipline of keeping journal helped me gain a deeper walk with Christ and greater discipline in honoring my time of prayer and devotion with Him each day. So, I decided to continue the practice but since I could not find a paper journal I liked, I decided to create my own. I had already been receiving electronic devotions by email every day from several sources, my favorite being “Turning Point” from Dr. David Jeremiah. What I decided to do was to include devotional scripture but add my own thoughts and comments only so there would be no issue of copyright infringement. Creating and maintaining journal by computer also addressed my deteriorating handwriting ability. I started an electronic devotion journal January 1, 2013 and have been faithful to that practice every day since. I prayed about method and level of distribution. My initial intent was to only share it with my two children by email, but quickly discovered others in my family, my church, and friends from work (both retired and still working) who knew me and wanted to be included in distribution when they learned what I was doing. I now distribute by email my daily journal at the beginning of each month to over 150 friends and relatives. God has richly blessed and encouraged me. I am concerned with the state of our church and nation, and world for that matter, believing we are living in the end times the prophets of old and Christ have talked about in scripture, so time is short. I desire to be true to my Savior and a witness to help others come to a saving knowledge of Him and equipped to share His Good News too. If my journal can encourage and help others, I believe God wants me to share it. I struggled, for a time at first, because I know many others keep similar journals but only for their own edification and do not want to share them because they are private. However, Christ has stirred my heart to share it as a witness tool. Our son and daughter have a long-time friend who grew up with them who we also befriended nearly 25 years ago. He had a lot of family problems, so would gravitate to our family as a refuge and eventually thought of us as his adopted parents and he as our adopted son. We lost contact with him for some time when he grew up and left home. He traveled around the U.S. and eventually ended up in Ukraine where he resided for next 10 years. He had to return to the US to renew his visa and took opportunity to recommend I begin a blog of my devotions and helped me set it up. He is also an active blogger and has been an email subscriber to my journal for several months, so he has been suggesting I expand my distribution by starting a blog to get broader exposure. After reflection and prayer, I concluded God was in this, so he is helping me set up my blog site. This brief autobiography is my first entry. He returned to Ukraine, then resided there until circumstanced made him decide to move back to US with his young son. This biography was my first post February 29, 2016 . I have published 600 posts from 2016-2023 automatically sent to all my Facebook friends, published on WordPress to be accessible to anyone curious or seeking a deeper walk with God. I decided to take a sebatical to prepare for a new chapter. In 2014 I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease which affects patient ability to walk, drive, do physical work, and eventually talk. By mid 2023 it became evident our home for last 42 years (previously owned by my parents for previous 44 years and by my mother's grandparents for 39 years before that) would eventually not meet my needs so we decided to sell it and move into 1st floor of a duplex we also owned that was the town school from 1855-1913. Likewise, the property was requiring more maintenance that I was no longer able to keep up with. 2023 involved selling our home and moving into apartment next door and then in early 2025 an opportunity to move closer to our daughter and granddaughter in Kentucky which was completed in May 2025. For a number of months I have been seeking direction seeking God's direction and timing to return to blogging as my journey with Parkinson's continues to unfold with God's guiding hand in mine. I hope and pray my devotions will continue to be a blessing for you. God certainly has become closer and more real to me since started this blog in 2016. I have spent time with Him studying scripture and praying and listening and writing this journal. I will continue seeking God’s help and will welcome your input to make this site as meaningful as I can and true to God, who is motivating me to create and maintain it. I will also welcome input in order to make format more meaningful going forward. Don & Arlene McDaniel In His Service, Email: mcdanieldonald769@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Don1951 If you wish, you can access my blog at “https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com“. There you will find 600+ blog posts I have made plus a link to my devotional journal material archives from 2013 to present (https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com/2016/03/02/link-to-dons-devotional-journal-entries-2013/ ) You may also access my Facebook page and request to be my friend and automatically receive my daily journal publications daily. My Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/Dondevotionals/ Many thanks to a pastor and dear brother in Christ in Nepal who set up the above Facebook page to help and encourage and give opportunity for more to explore and use my devotional blog materials. View all posts by donsdevotions

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donsdevotions

Christian Devotional Journal – Ministry Resource Source

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL DECEMBER 2018 – DON MCDANIEL

THE COMING MESSIAH

I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word. Psalm 119:147

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 “ ¹⁶All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Published by donsdevotions

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THE COMING MESSIAH

I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word. Psalm 119:147

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 “ 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

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Published by donsdevotions

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RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 “ ¹⁶All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”