Advent Alphabet - "Z" - "Zenith"

“Because He stooped so low, God has exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee must bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11) When I was little we would come home from school and lie in front of our Zenith console radio to listen to some exciting shows – “Superman,” “Tom Mix,” “I Love a Mystery,” “Stella Dallas,” etc. At that time I didn’t know the meaning of the word or its implications, but I just thought “Zenith” was the name of our radio. The Zenith company knew what the word meant and by using that name was inferring that their product was the top of the line. Since that time long ago the Zenith name and product have become archaic, and also since that time I have learned its meaning, and although I never use the word, except today when I needed a word beginning with “Z” to end my Twenty Six Days of Advent. As I thought about the word “Zenith” I began to see it is very appropriate to apply to Jesus and Who He is. Zenith means all that Jesus is – every superlative applies. Even before He came to earth He was already the El Elyon, “the God most high” - “the King of kings, the strongest Strong One, the Maker of heaven and earth.” He was (and is) El Shaddai, “the Almighty all sufficient God.” He was Adonai – “Lord, Master, Sovereign.” He already was El Roi –“the God Who sees.” He was Elohim – “the faithful, covenant keeping God,” He will never fail! When Jesus came to earth, He came as Jehovah – “our Savior” Who is “the self-existent One Who reveals Himself.” Jesus came with all the redemptive names of Jehovah (which means Savior). Even His name is above all names, it is the Zenith of names (Phil.2:9-11). At this blessed day, let’s meditate on this Name of names. This precious baby had within His DNA all these attributes, because He was Jehovah God! Jesus is Jehovah-Rohi – “our Shepherd, Who is our guide, provider, friend, protector, and deliverer” (Psalm 23). Jesus is Jehovah-Shalom – “our Peace, the Prince of Peace” (Isa.9:6), this peace the world did not give and it cannot take away – Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus. Jesus is Jehovah-Tsidkenu – “Our Righteousness” (Jer.33:16). We become righteous by no other name. Jesus is Jehovah-M’Kaddish – “The Lord Who sanctifies you” (Lev.20:7-8). He is the only One Who can wash us from our sins and set us apart for only His service. Jesus is Jehovah-Jireh – “Our Provider” – He provides our needs, spirit, soul, and body (Genesis 22:14). Jesus is Jehovah-Ropha – “My Healer” – (Exodus 15:26 & Isaiah 53:5). Jesus is Jehovah-Nissi – “My Banner of victory” – (Exodus 17:15). He causes us to triumph in all things in Christ Jesus (II Corinthians 2:14). Jesus is Jehovah-Shammah – “God is there” (Jeremiah 42:11). He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus is Jehovah-Sabaoth – “The Lord of Hosts” (Isaiah 1:24). He is the One Who will the lead the armies of the Lord against our enemy, Satan, and all his powers of darkness. When Jesus came to earth as a baby, He began His climb to the zenith of His purpose for coming – the Cross and the salvation it brought to mankind. Wouldn’t you agree that Jesus is the Zenith, the top of the line, the apex of any human who ever lived, or any god who was ever worshipped? He deserves all of our devotion and worship!! “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – there’s just something about that name. Master, Sovereign, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – let all heaven proclaim. Kings and kingdoms will all pass away, But there’s something about that name.” (Bill and Gloria Gaither) Because of Him, the Zenith of all that exists, we can have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Blog Address: https://lightfrommywindow.blogspot.com

Advent Alphabet - "Y" - "Yesterday"

“Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is always the same, yesterday, today, yes and forever.” (Hebrew 13:8) We are getting ready to “ring in the New Year.” 2015 will soon be gone. Although we might like to, we can’t live it over. There are probably some mistakes we made, some words we said, some hurts we inflicted, and some things we should have done that we didn’t. All these things we have regrets over. We have had a lot of good things we are glad to look back on – the fun things with family and friends; the accomplishments we have achieved, with God’s help; the time and effort we have sacrificed to help others; and things we can feel good about, with no regrets. All these things, good or bad, we should give thanks for (Eph.3:20; I Thess.5:18). Hopefully we have learned from the bad and have had our reward of joy for the good. We have one chance at this life, yesterday is gone and we have only today and tomorrow to look forward to. “Yesterday” is a song the Beatles made popular several years ago, some of its words are appropriate for this writing, but they never have any hope for today or tomorrow. Because our only hope is in Jesus to forgive the wrongs of yesterday, and through His help, make today and all our tomorrows fit into His plan. Romans 8:28 says, “We know that God being a partner in our labor all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His design and purpose.” Yesterday (by The Beatles) Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away, Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday. Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be, there's a shadow hanging over me. Oh, yesterday came suddenly, why she had to go I don't know, she wouldn't say. I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday. Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play, now I need a place to hide away Oh, I believe in yesterday. The Beatles might have believed in yesterday, but we that are “walking with God” can believe in today, tomorrow and forever, because Jesus is the same as He was yesterday, He will be today and tomorrow. Yesterday He was faithful and true, all knowing, all loving, all powerful, all just, ever present, and whatever we needed – The Great I Am! And today and all our tomorrows He will be the same as He was yesterday! Thomas O. Chisholm said it this way in the lyrics to this song: Great Is Your Faithfulness Great is your faithfulness, O God my Father! There is no shadow of turning with You. You Change not – Your compassions, they fail not. As You have been You forever will be.” Blog Address: http://lightfrommywindow.blogspot.com

Advent Alphabet - "W" - "Wonderful Worship"

Then Jesus said to him, “Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve. (Matthew 4:10) The collage picture is beautiful of Gabriel, the angel, telling Mary she was to carry and deliver the Messiah of the world. Then, Mary praised and worshiped the Lord! Next the picture shows the angel telling Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife because that the One Who was conceived in her was of the Holy Spirit, and he should call His name, Jesus (Savior), for He will save His people from their sin. Joseph worshipped through obedience. Then this beautiful picture includes the angels singing, praising and worshipping God, and announcing to the shepherds that Jesus Christ the Savior of the world was born not far away in a stable. When the shepherds saw for themselves the Christ Child in a cattle stable, in a feeding trough (manger). Then they returned worshipping, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard. The next scene of this beautiful collage was of an act of worship by Mary and Joseph by taking the baby Jesus to the temple for dedication to God, which was the custom, “As it is written in the Law of the Lord, Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be set apart and dedicated and called holy to the Lord” (Luke 2:23). While at the temple, Simeon, a man who had been promised by the Lord that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). When he saw the Lord Jesus, he took Him up in his arms and worshipped by praising and thanking God, and prophesying over Jesus (Luke 2:28-32). Also in the temple there was a prophetess, Anna, who was very old, and a widow, who came up at the same hour worshiping and giving thanks, and talked of Jesus to all who were looking for the deliverance of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38). And when Mary and Joseph had done everything according to the Law of the Lord, they went back into Galilee to their own town, Nazareth. After about two years there were wise men (astrologers) from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east at its rising and have come to worship Him.” (Luke 2:1-2). When Herod the king heard this, he was disturbed, and the whole of Jerusalem with him. So he called together all the chief priests and learned men of the people and anxiously asked them where the Christ was to be born. They replied to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are not in any way least or insignificant among the chief cities of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler Who will govern and shepherd my people Israel’ (Mic.5:2). Then Herod muddied this beautiful picture by sending for the wise men secretly, and ascertained from them how long the star had made itself visible since its rising in the east. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search for the Child carefully and diligently, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him” (Luke 2:3-8). Actually, Herod was being deceitful and did not want to worship the Christ Child as Messiah, but he wanted to kill him – this deceit he falsely called worship. In our day we still have a lot of false worship. When the wise men had listened to the king, they went their way, and behold, the star which had been seen in the east in its rising went before them until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy, and on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshipped Him. They opened their treasure bags, they presented to him gifts – gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Every day we should worship Him for the wonder of his birth; how He came as God incarnate in lowly circumstances, announced by angels, blessed by shepherds and wise men, and kept by God until He would make everything beautiful by giving us salvation full and free!

Advent Alphabet - "V" - "Victory"

“Thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph as trophies of Christ’s victory, and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere.” (II Corinthians 2:14) The overwhelming greatness of God’s plan of salvation began at the birth of Jesus, the most significant child ever to be born in the history of the world. This plan would be finished at His death on the cross. This plan was victorious despite all the attempts by Satan to thwart them. Through Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection He brought victory over sin, death and the grave. And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up and utterly vanquished forever in victory. (I Cor. 15:54) “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? (I Cor.15:55; Hos.13:14) Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power upon the soul through the abuse of the Law. But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory (making us conquerors) through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be immovable, always being superior in the work of the Lord, being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not ever wasted or to no purpose. (I Corinthians 15:56-58) Jesus is ”Truth” (Jn.14:6). If you know the Truth, the Truth will set you free (Jn 14:6). And he who the Son sets free is free indeed (Jn.8:36). When we are in Christ we are free from sin and its slavery (Rom.6:18). We are assured that whoever is born of God is victorious over the world; and our faith is the victory that conquers the world (I John 5:4). Because Jesus was victorious over death, and we are in Him, we also are victorious over death; therefore we do not have to fear death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Psalm 18:29 assures us that because we share in Christ’s victory we have the strength to “run through a troop and jump over a wall.” And Philippians 4:13 also assures us the “we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us.” Remember, “If God be for us who can be against us?” (Romans 8:28-31). There is always Victory in Jesus! Victory In Jesus Eugene M. Bartlett O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever! He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.

Advent Alphabet - "U" _ "Un..."

“To Him be the glory to Who is able to do super abundantly above all we could dare ask or think, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreamed of!” (Ephesians 3:20) The prefix “un” in the English language means: “not.” Jesus is the most unique person ever to be born, or will ever be born, therefore there are a lot of “un” words associated with Him. Jesus was unthinkable! His birth, life, death and ascension are all “unthinkable.” No imaginative mind could ever think up the incomprehensible plan the Father had for our salvation. His words spoken to the blind and they could see; to the deaf and they could hear; to the crippled and they could walk; to the demon possessed and they were made free; and to the dead and they were raised. Jesus is unthinkable! Jesus was unpredicted. The Jews had predicted a coming Savior for many years, but when He came in the form of a baby from a lowly, unknown family, the majority couldn’t accept Him, and the majority still does not accept Him as their predicted King and Savior. Jesus did not fit into their time table or social status. He surprised the world with His coming – He was unpredicted. Jesus was also unpredictable. Who would have predicted this unknown man could have stilled the winds and waves on a stormy sea? Who would have predicted he could do the miraculous by opening blind eyes; by causing the crippled to walk, by setting free those who were bound by demon spirits, by healing the ear which had been cut off by Peter, by forgiving the Jewish leaders and the Roman soldiers who crucified Him. Who would have predicted He would save the thief on the cross by Him and promise Him a place in heaven? Jesus was unpredictable. Jesus was unexplainable. Mary couldn’t explain why she had been chosen to give birth to the Son of God, and all that came about after His birth, but she wondered. The shepherds couldn’t explain why the angels announced Christ’s birth to them first, and were able to see the Baby Jesus lying in a manger, as the angels had told them. These events were all unexplainable to those who were participants in this most wonderful event. But Jesus is unexplainable! Jesus was unstoppable! Jesus had a mission that neither angel nor devils could force an alternative or divergence in His steadfast journey to the cross. He was unstoppable! Jesus is unspeakable! The world could not hold the books about the ways Jesus was unspeakable. The songwriter says “He was joy unspeakable and full of glory, and the half has never yet been told.” His entire existence was and is unspeakable. Jesus is unspeakable! Jesus is unblamable! He came into the world pure and holy. His entire life was lived without sin. When seeking to lay blame on Him, the Jews and even Pilot could find none. He died without reviling those who crucified Him. He died the pure Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. He lived an unblamable life. He couldn’t have been our Savior if He was tarnished in any way. Jesus was unblamable! The Love Of God (by – Fredrick Lehman) The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell; It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest hell; The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled, and pardoned from his sin. When hoary time shall pass away, and earthly thrones and kingdoms fall, When men who here refuse to pray, on rocks and hills and mountains call, God’s love so sure, shall still endure, all measureless and strong; Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—The saints’ and angels’ song. Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky. Refrain: Oh, love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure— The saints’ and angels’ song.

Advent Alphabet - "S" - "Savior"

“And the Child grew and became strong (empowered) in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the favor and spiritual blessing of God was upon Him.” (Luke 2:40) After Mary and Joseph had taken baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to be dedicated they returned back to Nazareth, their own town. Our text verse said that as a human He grew strong in three ways: 1) He grew strong in spirit (the Greek here word for spirit is “pneuma,” which means, “breath.”) He grew strong in every way as humans grow, spirit, soul and body). 2) He grew strong in wisdom (“worldly and spiritual”). He learned to be wise in the ways of the world, and to function in the wisdom of the Lord, and to know the difference. 3) And He grew strong in the Father’s favor and spiritual blessing, because He walked continually in obedience to the Father, and filled with the Holy Spirit. He was a Strong Sinless Savior. We should make this our aim to be like Jesus in the power of his might to live filled with the Spirit. It is not by our power or our might that we accomplish or overcome anything, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit in whom we are trusting (Zechariah 4:6). As I have watched the Presidential Candidates’ news, there has been one candidate that has stood out as being strong in spirit, wisdom, and God’s favor has certainly been upon Him. He campaigns with such a humble and meek persona, which has been his way of living and dealing with people since he was a young man and became a Christian. Many political pundits (supposedly), and most of the media have down-played, and some even have defamed him for being quiet spoken, calm and unattacking. They say to be strong you have to be loud and confrontational to win, and most of the constituents agree. They do not understand there is a quiet strength in meekness. This is the kind of strength that is needed for the Presidency. This candidate quietly lets the Lord correct his accusers and bring down the proud, (and in His time He will (Eccl.3:11). And in the meantime, and long before this campaign, this candidate went, and continues to go about “doing good” (John 10:32), just like Jesus. His life’s work was to “heal” those with traumatic brain injuries, or disease. He relied on God for His wisdom to perform these miraculous surgeries. And now, just like Jesus, in I Peter 2:23, “When He was reviled and insulted, He did not revile or offer insult in return; when He was abused and suffered, He made no threats of vengeance; but He trusted himself and everything to Him Who judges fairly.” Like Jesus, he has chosen to serve rather than be served (Luke 22:27). Jesus came to earth not as a king, but as a servant – to minister to the needy. This candidate has spent his life serving the hurting and needy. His desire for the Presidency is not for prestige (he has plenty of that already) nor for power, but to be able to further serve his country with his knowledge, wisdom and strength, and thereby serve his God. Like Paul this powerful man knew what it was to be abased and live in humble circumstances, and he knew also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance, He learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. He had strength for all things in Christ Who empowered him. He was ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infused inner strength into him; he was self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency” (Philippians 4:12-13). We too are weak people, but we have a Strong Savior!

Advent Alphabet - "R" - "Redeemer"

“Their redeemer is strong: the Lord of hosts is His name. He will surely and thoroughly plead their case and defend their cause.” (Jeremiah 50:34) When I was a child and until about 40 years ago we collected “green stamps” when we bought anything from a cooperating store. After we filled our “green stamp” book/s we could take them to a “redemption” center where we could exchange our stamp books for a desired item on the shelf or in the catalog. This analogy gives a “down to earth” (although not complete) picture of how we have been redeemed by the blood that He gave - that redemption plan started with that baby in a manger. Because we were “slaves” to sin and could not free ourselves, a ransom had to be paid for our freedom. The will and plan of the Father was to have a perfect, sinless sacrifice to pay for our ransom; and Jesus being willing to pay the ransom price, which was His blood on the cross; the plan was “finished.” All who will accept that ransom price of Jesus’ blood, then you will be free from the bondage of sin. “So if the Son liberates you and makes you free, then you are really free” (John 8:36). You are free from the bondage of “having” to sin (you can’t help yourself), and free from the fearful things to come for all who have not been redeemed. So live as free people, without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but live at all times as servants of God (I Peter 2:16). A famous American scientist once said, “If you want to send an idea, wrap it up on a person.” This is exactly what God did at Bethlehem. He sent unto our lost world the saving truth of His grace, wrapped up in a virgin-born baby…a baby who, in manhood said, “I AM the TRUTH.” An anonymous author, in commenting on this One baby has written, “Longfellow could take a worthless sheet of paper, write a poem on it and make it worth $6,000.00…that is genius! Rockefeller can sign his name to a piece of paper and make it worth millions…that is capital! A mechanic can take a piece of metal worth $5.00 and make an article worth $20.00…that is skill! An artist can take a cheap piece of canvas, paint a picture on it and make it worth $l,000,000.00…that is art! The Lord Jesus Christ can take a worthless life, put His Spirit into it and make it both a blessing to humanity and fit for citizenship in Heaven…that is redemption! The apostle Paul, realizing the truth of this, was inspired to write in II Corinthians 5:17, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things pass away; behold, all things become new.” And this is what redemption is all about! (Anonymous) Blog address: http://lightfrommywindow.blogspot.com

Advent Alphabet - "Q" - "Quiet"

“Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10) In this world of busyness, struggle, sorrow, conflict and worry, what a wonderful word “quiet” is to perfectly describe the spirit and birth of Jesus. There may have been cattle about the stable lowing, as cattle do. And then the troops of heaven came praising God. It turned out to not be a very quiet night! But it was all joyful sounds. But the baby Jesus had a very quiet spirit. Throughout His life He maintained that quietness that only comes from trust in God Who He knew to be present and in control to fulfill His plan for Him. Even at the cross He was quiet when He faced His accusers (Matthew 26:63). We too can have that quietness of spirit, because wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is quietness of spirit, whether there are storms or turmoil going on about us, if we trust the God Who has a plan for us to keep us. We don’t have to be anxious about anything. Anxiety is an antonym for quiet. I Peter 3:3-4 tells the women of the worth of a gentle and quiet spirit, “Let not yours be the merely external adorning with elaborate hair styles, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes; but let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is not anxious or wrought up, but is very precious in the sight of God.” We are to pray for peace. We are admonished that all petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men, that we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life, one in all godliness (I Timothy 2:2). Away in a Manger (by John Thomas McFarland) Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the Little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky, and stay by my cradle ‘til morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus! I ask Thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with Thee there. May this blessed Christmas season be passed for you in quietness and peace!

Advent Alphabet - "P" - "Precious"

The Lord God says, “Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone of sure foundation; he who believes, trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone will not be ashamed or give way to sudden panic.” (Isaiah 28:16) What is most precious to you? Many would say their savings account; or their fine jewelry; or their house; or their health; or many would say their family. Those are all good things if they were going to live forever and those things were going to be forever. But, all those things are very temporary and transient. Even as precious as our family is to us, the only way they will remain forever with us is if they are believers and trusting in the only One Who can give them hope of eternity in heaven with us and the other believers. Until we can say that knowing Jesus as our Savior is the most precious thing to us, we will be devastated in the end when everything else is gone, including the hope of heaven. Jesus has many names, some we have already looked at in this series of Advent messages, but another name is “Precious Cornerstone,” in Isaiah 28:16, which is our text scripture for today. A cornerstone is the most vital stone in any wall that is being built. The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be the one on which all other of the stones will be laid. This is the one that plays the key role in giving the building its symmetry and is more important, valuable, and thus more precious than any of the other stones. Ephesians 2:20 says, “You are built upon the foundation…with Jesus as the chief Cornerstone.” “Come to Him then, that Living Stone which men tried and threw away, but which is chosen and precious in God’s sight. Come and like living stones, be yourselves built into a spiritual house” (I Peter 2:4-5). One of the most beautiful names for Jesus is the “Pearl of Great Price” (Matthew 13:45-46). This is taken from Jesus' teachings on the kingdom of heaven. “A dealer in search of fine and precious pearls, who, on finding a single pearl of great price, went and sold all he had and bought it.” This parable is analogous to our “finding” Jesus Christ as the most precious of all other things we consider precious and valuable. Just “knowing” Him and being in His presence is a sweet and precious time! And having His peace “that passes understanding” in our hearts is also so very precious! All babies are precious, but Jesus was the most precious because His coming to earth bankrupt heaven of the Father’s Son, Jesus. His life and death were most costly, which made them precious. We should never stop giving Him praise for His Precious Name, Jesus, and His precious gift of salvation to the world! Precious Name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven! (Lydia Baxter)

Advent Alphabet - "O" - "Obedience"

“For just as by one man’s disobedience the many were constituted sinners, so by one Man’s obedience the many will be constituted righteous and made acceptable to God and brought into right standing with Him.” (Romans 5:19) “For the true love of God is this: that we do His commands. And these orders of his are not irksome, burdensome, oppressive, or grievous.” (I John 5:3) The Christmas story started with the Son in heaven willingly obeying the plan the Father had made for Jesus – starting with the manger to the cross, from the cross to the grave, and from the grave back to heaven. While growing up here on earth, “although He was a Son, Jesus learned active and special obedience through what He suffered” (Heb.5:8). Jesus put aside His “rights” so as to assume the guise of a servant in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after he had appeared in human form, He humbled Himself still further and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:7-8)! His obedience proved His love for the Father. Obedience from the heart proves our love (I. Jn. 5:3). Obeying out of fear of discipline is not done in “true love.” Obedience involves submission, commitment, and trust in the One you are obeying. Our learning discipleship has been called, “a long obedience in the same direction.” Do you remember the little story of the mother who was disciplining the little boy and had told him to sit in a certain chair until he would obey. The little boy continued to get up only to be set down again by his mother. Finally with threats of harsher discipline, the little boy sat down but said to his mother, “I may be sitting down on the outside, but I am standing up on the inside.” This is not true obedience. His love for having his own way was greater than willing to obey out of love and respect for his mother. This is not how Jesus obeyed – He obeyed from His heart, and it was not “irksome, burdensome, oppressive or grievous.” He knew the Father knew what was best so He willingly obeyed because He loved the Father and His instructions. Mary likewise obeyed willingly. Luke 1:26-38 tells the story of Mary’s complete obedience. The angel, Gabriel, appeared to her, telling her she would become pregnant by the Holy Ghost and give birth to a Son and call His name Jesus, and He would be great and would be called the Son of the Most High. Then Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said.” Matthew 1:18-25 tells how Joseph was told by an angel to not be afraid to take Mary as his wife because that which is conceived in her is from out of the Holy Ghost, and she would bear a Son and you shall call His name, Jesus. This was all a fulfillment of prophecy (Isa.7:14). Then when Joseph roused from his sleep, he obeyed just as the angel had commanded him: he took Mary to his side as his wife, but had no union with her as her husband until she had borne her firstborn Son; and he called His name Jesus. Trust and Obey (by J. H. Sammis) When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay. For the favor He shows, and the joy He bestows, are for those who will trust and obey. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, or we’ll walk by His side in the way. What He says we will do, where He sends we will go - never fear, only trust and obey. Blog Address: http://lightfrommywindow.blogspot.com

Advent Alphabet - "N" - "Name"

“She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus (Savior), for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) Names have always been a part of the “person” of the peoples of the earth, both civilized and uncivilized. It was certainly so in the days when Jesus was born. When Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, was contemplating what should be done about the difficult situation of being engaged to be married to Mary who was with child, and not knowing this Child was from the Holy Spirit, “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus (which means Savior), for He will save His people from their sins.” It was about 740 B.C. when Isaiah gave a prophecy to the house of David, which specifically gives Jesus a different name in chapter 7 and verse14, “Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel – which means, God with us.” Also, Jesus Christ, the “anointed One,” was used as a glorifying epithet name (Matt.1:16-18). All His names pointed to the “real Jesus.” Throughout the scriptures many names were given to Him to show that He was mankind’s “all in all.” I will mention a few below. 1) Word of God – John 1:1; 2) Word of Truth – James 1:18; 3) The Rock – I Cor.10:4; 4) Fountain of Living Water – John 4:14; 5) Sun of righteousness – Isaiah 49:9; 6) Law Giver – Ex.20:1; 7) Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – Isa.9:6; 8) Deliverer – Rom.11:26 9) Our Strong Tower – Prov.18:10 10) Morning Star – II Peter 1:19 11) The God of all Comfort – II Cor.1:3-5 12) Refuge – Duet. 33:27 13) Advocate – John 14:l6 13) Spirit of Truth – John 14:17 14) The Unchangeable God – James 1:17 There are many, many more names given Jesus. Read and find them for yourself. Believe and meditate on their meaning. It will strengthen your faith. Take the Name of Jesus with You Lydia Baxter Take the name of Jesus with you, Child of sorrow and of woe. It will joy and comfort give you. Take it, then, wherever you go. Take the name of Jesus ever, as a shield from every snare. If temptations round you gather, breathe that holy name in prayer. At the name of Jesus bowing, falling prostrate at His feet. King of kings in heaven we’ll crown Him when our journey is complete. Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven. Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

Advent Alphabet - "M" - "Meek"

“Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble, lowly in heart, and you will find rest, refreshment, and blessed quietness for your souls.” We do not use the word meek anymore because it has taken on the opposite meaning from the true meaning. Some who do not understand the meaning of being “meek” thinks it means to be “spineless,” weak, Mr. Milk-Toast, or being a coward. Actually, the true meaning is very different. Webster’s first definition of meekness is: “Enduring injury with patience and without resentment.” The Hebrew and Greek meanings are about the same: “Mild, gentle, and lowly (in spirit)” I heard one definition, which I like is, “meekness is power under control.” The illustration of this definition that was given with this definition was, “a bridled horse.” The horse has great power of itself, but when bridled its power comes under control of the handler. It no longer acts and does as it wishes, but must come and go and perform just as the one controlling the bridle directs. The horse and bridle picture is not completely, nor perfectly analogous of the relationship of the Father and Son picture. The horse has no choice but to obey the directives of the bridle or be in great pain and even injury, but Jesus had chosen to do the Father’s will and even said, “I have come to do the will of my Father” (Jn.6:38). Jesus came into this world under control of the Father, both as a baby and as an adult man, who chose to obey the directives of Father. He knew the Father’s will before coming to earth, and He chose to do His will – this is meekness! In heaven Jesus was the omnipotent God, but when He came to earth He chose to “bring His power under the control” of His will as a man. He lived in a spirit of gentleness – this is meekness. “When He was insulted, He did not offer insult in return. He was abused and suffered, he made no threat of vengeance; but He trusted Himself and everything to Him Who judges fairly (I Peter 2:21). We too must choose to bring the power we have of free will and choice under the control of the Holy Spirit Who wants to control our lives, so we must seek and bow to His will in all things - He gives us many promises when we do. We must not be like the lady in Zephaniah 2:3 who was the epitome of the opposite of meekness. “She did not listen to and heed the voice of God; she accepted no correction or instruction; she did not trust in the Lord or was not confident in Him, but was confident in her own wealth; she did not draw near to God, but to the god of Baal or Molech.” The Lord gives us some promises to those who are meek: 1) He will lead the meek in what is right, and teaches them His way (Ps.25:9). 2) In the end the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace (Ps.37:11). 3) He lifts up the meek and downtrodden; He casts the wicked to the ground (Ps.147:6). 4) The Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the meek with salvation and victory (Ps.149:4). 5) The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord (Isaiah 29:10). 6) Blessed (joyous) are the meek (the patient and long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth (Mt.5:5). So if you are a believer, who is trusting in the Lord, and walking in the Holy Spirit, you will have the power to be meek (Gal.5:23). Just as the Holy Spirit lived in, and controlled Jesus, and was meek, you can be meek. Do you want to be like Jesus? O To Be Like Thee! (Thomas O. Chisholm) O to be like You! Full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender and kind, helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinner to find. O to be like You! O to be like You, blessed Redeemer, pure as You are! Come in Your sweetness, come in Your fullness. Stamp Your own image deep on my heart.

Advent Alphabet - "L" - "Light"

“In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men” (John 1:4-5). Many years ago in 1880, Helen Keller was born, blind, deaf, and a mute. She never saw the light of day, but when just a young girl Anne Sullivan became not only her teacher and friend, but she became her “light.” By teaching Helen how to touch/read lips, and to read Braille, opened up a whole new world to Helen which she had never seen nor heard, but which brought light and knowledge to her mind. Helen became an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deaf/blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. How thankful and grateful she was to Anne Sullivan for shining this light into her life. One of her quotes says, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” This is what Jesus did to this dark world – He brought glorious light into this world, to us who were in the darkness and blinded in our sins. God brought light into the world from the beginning when He created the heavens and the earth and all that are in them. God is Light. Jesus came as “Light of the world.” In Him is no darkness at all. Even at His birth there appeared to the shepherds, first one angel, then an army of angels appeared in a great light that flashed and shone all about them announcing the birth of the Savior and praising God (Luke 2:9-14). Wherever Jesus was, there was light, either physical or spiritual or both. Matthew 4:16 says it well, “The people who dwelt enveloped in spiritual darkness have seen a great Light (illumination of mind and heart), and for those who sat in the land and shadow of spiritual death, Light (Truth of His good news) has dawned.” The next lighting was told about in Matthew 2:1-12, where the wise men (astrologers) from the east came in search of the “King of the Jews” to worship Him. They had seen His star in the east and followed its light to where it stood over the place where the Christ Child was and fell down and worshiped Him. David proclaimed in Psalm 27:1, that “The Lord is my light (luminary – bright & clear) and my salvation.” >“God’s Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Ps.119:105). Daniel 2:22 says that, “He reveals the deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him!” He is the eternal Light! Even in heaven Jesus is the Light, “And there shall be no more night; they have no need for lamplight or sunlight, for the Lord God will illuminate them and be their light. (Rev.22:5) He is still the LIGHT of this world! Is He your Light? The Light of the World Is Jesus Philip P. Bliss The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin – The Light of the world is Jesus. Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in – The Light of the world is Jesus. No darkness have we who in Jesus abide – The Light of the world is Jesus. We walk in the Light when we follow our Guide – The Light of the world is Jesus. No need of the sunlight in heaven, we’re told – The Light of the world is Jesus. The Lamb is the Light in the City of Gold – The Light of the world is Jesus. Come to the Light, ‘tis shining for thee! Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me. Once I was blind, but now I can see – The Light of the world is Jesus.

Advent Alphabet - "K" - "Keep/Kept"

“All who heard it were astounded and marveled at what the shepherds told them. But Mary was keeping within her herself all these things weighing and pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:18-19). There are precious and dear things we all have kept in our hearts. They are things we want to remember. They bring pleasure and joy to our hearts. Those memorable things are sometimes things we write in a diary, or keep in a picture album, but some things are just indelible on our hearts – they are precious and dear, and we never want to lose them. Spiritual Truths are dear to me and I keep them close in my heart – they bring me comfort, joy and peace. When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple for Mary’s purification and Jesus’ dedication, to present Him to the Lord. There was an old man, Simeon, who was righteous and devout, and never left the temple enclosure. He was looking for the Consolation of Israel (the Messiah). When Simeon saw the parents with Jesus, he took Him up in his arms and prophesied over Him. And Mary and Joseph marveled at what had been said about Jesus. When Jesus was 12 years old the parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. When the feast was over the parents started home with the crowd not knowing Jesus had stayed behind. After a day’s journey they discovered He was not with the group, so returned to Jerusalem where, after three days they found Him in the courtyard sitting among the teachers listening and asking questions. When questioned about why He had stayed behind He replied, “How is it that you had to look for me? Did you not know that it is necessary for Me to be in My Father’s house and occupied about My Father’s business? But they did not comprehend what He was saying to them. He went back to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them; and His mother kept (Gr. guarded, thoroughly watched) all these things in her heart. Also, when Jesus, with Peter, James and John were coming down the mountain from the transfiguration, and He was talking to them about rising from the dead, they faithfully kept (retained) the incredulous things they had seen and heard to themselves (Mark 9:9-10). Paul said in II Timothy 4:7, when writing to Timothy that he “had fought the good fight, finished the race and kept (watched over & guarded & firmly held the faith).” Can we say the same? Are we fighting the good fight; and persevering to finish this race we are in; and are we keeping the faith? As Mary kept those precious things about Jesus in her heart, we too should keep those precious things we know about Jesus in our hearts - His Word (Ps.119:69); His way (Ps.37:34). You will (guard) him and keep Him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is kept on You, because he commits himself to you, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. (Isaiah 26:3). Blog Address: http://lightfrommywindow.blogspot.com

Advent Alphabet - "J" - "Joy"

Advent Alphabet – “J” – “Joy” And behold, the star which had been seen in the east in its rising went before them until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy. (Matthew 2:9b-10) Joy was the entire ambiance and the pervading atmosphere of this Birthday! Joy should be one of the outstanding characteristics of a Christian, because it is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Eph.5:22). There was much rejoicing and exceedingly great joy over the birth of this Christ Child: 1)John the Baptist (in his mother’s womb) who was the son of Zachariah, an elderly Jewish priest, and his older wife, Elizabeth, who was a relative of Mary the mother of Jesus, both walked blamelessly before the Lord in great anticipation of the Messiah. Both played into the joy and exultation of Jesus’ birth (read Luke 1:5- 41, 42-45). 2) Mary’s Magnificat, “a joyous song or hymn of praise” (Luke 1:46-55). 3) Zachariah prophesied a joyous prophecy of Jesus, the Messiah (Luke 1:67-75). 4) Shepherds rejoiced (Luke 2:8-20). 5) Angels sang and rejoiced (Luke 2:9-14). 6) Simeon, a righteous and devout man rejoiced and prophesied (Luke 2:25-35). 7) Anna, a very old widow, a prophetess thanked God (Luke 2:36-38). 8) Wise men (astrologers) from the East were thrilled with ecstatic joy and worshiped (Matt.2:1-10-12). What would your response be at hearing and/or seeing an angel; or at seeing a phenomenal star; or seeing in person the Christ Child - the Savior of the world? I believe it would so dramatically change our lives that we would never be the same again. We would put away any worry or fears we might have. We would leave behind old hurts, grudges and unforgiveness. We would choose to focus on and worship Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem, the Hope of the hopeless, and the Savior of the world! Coming into a personal relationship with Jesus by trusting Him as our Savior of our sins ”is seeing” Him, and coming to know Him! And Oh, the joy of seeing and knowing Jesus! Just experiencing the goodness of God should bring us great joy! JOY TO THE WORLD Isaac Watts Joy to the world! The Lord is come, let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing! Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ. While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy! No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground. He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love!

Advent Alphabet - "G" - "Greatest Gift - Grace"

Grace, (God’s unmerited favor) was given to each of us individually, not indiscriminately, but in different ways in proportion to the measure of Christ’s rich and bounteous gift. (Eph.4:7) “For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through your faith. And this salvation is not of your own doing, it came not through your own striving, but it is the gift of God. It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself. (Eph.2:8-9 Amp.) Have you ever known anyone who didn’t enjoy getting a gift? From young to old a personal gift speaks of love, caring, and sometimes even sacrifice. This time of year my time is filled with obtaining gifts for all our family, and even friends. I try to get just what I think each will enjoy. It brings me much joy to watch their joy in receiving anything. Sometimes it is not what they needed, or had thought about, but just the fact that they were remembered brings much joy (at least it does to me). The Father gave us the Greatest Gift, Jesus, not just for the joy He would receive by giving His Son, but for the joy He would see in us when we received this most wonderful Gift. Oh, what love, caring, and what a great sacrifice He made by giving His gift. Then what joy unspeakable and full of glory we have by receiving His gift, Jesus! The scriptures tell us in Ecclesiastes 5:19, that, “Every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, and the power to enjoy them and to accept his appointed lot and to rejoice in his toil – this is the gift of God to him.” As Paul demonstrated in Acts 1:11, we as believers can share some spiritual gift with other believers, which will strengthen and establish them, so they may be mutually strengthened, encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith. Some of believer’s gifts are spoken of in Romans 12 and I Corinthians 14. These gifts have been given by the Holy Spirit when He came to live within us. They are given to each to employ it for one another as good stewards of the gifts granted to Christians by His grace (unmerited favor). Every good and perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of light (James 1:17). All the above are wonderful gifts, whether given by others or by God, but the “Greatest Gift” is His Grace Gift to us of His Son, Jesus Christ, Who came in the form of a baby so long ago. None of us merited this favor, but The Father graced us with this superlative, magnanimous, wondrous, and indescribable gift to all who would believe and accept His free gift. We don’t have to work for it or try to be good enough to deserve it. We just repent (change our views and purpose to accept the will of God in our inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Just open our hearts to Jesus and receive The Greatest Gift - Grace.

Advent Alphabet - "F" - "Faithful"

Advent Alphabet – “F” – “Faithful” December 5, 2015 “Know and understand that the Lord your God, he is God, the faithful God, Who keeps covenant and steadfast love and mercy with those who love him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations” (Duet.7:9). “To this end was I born, and for this cause I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth hears and listens to my voice.” (John 18:37) In yesterday’s meditation we saw that one of the attributes of God is that He is forever faithful. When God’s first creation, Adam, “fell” because of his disobedience (Genesis 3), the plan of redemption was already in the heart of God. As a faithful Son and because of His love for His creation (mankind), He saw His role as Redeemer was to begin in a stable, with a poor couple, and a very young mother delivering her baby, who was the faithful One Who came to “save His people from their sins.” Therefore, He must come to earth for people to see Him experience life as a human and remain faithful to His character. His entire life was for the purpose to bear witness to the Truth, and He was a faithful witness. “So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess, for He Who promised is reliable and faithful to His word” (Heb.10:23). When going through testing times, there is a wonderful promise to believers, which is in II Thess.3:3 which says, “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil one.” God is faithful because that is part of His “divine DNA.” He is faithful because He is faithful. In whatever circumstance believers may find themselves, God will be faithful to work on our behalf. That is why He was born, “to bear witness to the Truth” (John 18:37). “If we are faithless, He remains faithful to His Word and His righteous character, for he cannot deny Himself” (II Timothy 2:13). He promises that “If we freely admit we have sinned and confess our sins, he is faithful and true to His nature to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action)” (I John 1:9). Throughout God’s Word, He showed Himself to be a faithful witness to the Truth of the gospel. Even in the last book of the Bible, John’s Revelation, when time was no more, he saw the One Who was riding a white horse. He was called, “Faithful and True, and He wages war in righteousness” (Rev.19:11). (Italics from Amplified Bible)

Advent Alphabet - "D" - "Dreams"

December 3, 2015 But as Joseph was thinking this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God) (Matt.1:20,21 Amp). People in the Old and New Testament times who dreamed dreams from God were considered a legitimate way of foretelling good or bad happenings in the future. I will site a few, but read the whole context of the scripture sited below, and you will be convinced that when God speaks through dreams, whether directly, or through angels or men, the things spoken in the dream will come about. Warning - Satan also gives fearful dreams, sometimes with false directions or false prophecy (which does not come true). But the dreams God gives comes with peace. The accounts in Matthew of God speaking to Joseph in dreams (see below), always came true and was with the assurance it was from God. God did not come to Mary in a dream but by the angel, Gabriel (Luke 1:26-38). Mary was assured that all the angel said was true, “Let it be done to me according to what you have said.” If God has given you a “dream,” work toward its fulfillment, wait and hope. “In His time He will make all things beautiful (including your dream). He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds, a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy, yet men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end!” (Eccl.3:11 Amp.) (Jer.29:11)!! Just as God gave dreams to Joseph regarding Jesus (and they all came true), if He has given you a dream, in its time it will come true. Scriptural References of Dreams Genesis 20:1-6 – God warned King Abemelech that Sarah was married. Genesis 31:10-13 – Jacob leaves Laban with Leah & Rachel. Genesis 37:5-11 – Joseph’s dreams of brothers and father. Genesis 41:11-57 – Baker, butler and Pharoah – Joseph interprets. (Joseph was “The Great Dreamer & Interpreter.” Joel 2:28 & Acts 2:17 – prophecy of “old men dreaming dreams, and young men seeing visions. Jude 8 - Dreams not from God Matthew 1:20 – Joseph’s reassurance from God to take Mary as his wife. Matthew 2:7-12 – God warned the wise men. Matthew 2:13-15 – God warned Joseph. Matthew 2:16-21 – Directions to Joseph to save the Child’s life. Matthew 2:22-23 – Directions to Joseph to go to the region of Galilee to the town of Nazareth. Matthew 27:19-25 – Pilate’s wife warned not to have anything to do with Jesus’ crucifixion. Blog Address: https://lightfrommywindow.blogspot.com

Advent Alphabet - "C" - "Called"

December 2, 2015 “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) “For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11; Micah 5:2) One of the joys of having a child of your own is to name it. A lot of people use family names; some use famous people’s names; and some use special friend’s names, etc. Some names are taken from “name books. But God gave the names that Jesus was called to the prophets of old to record for all generations to know and trust in. There are many books listing all the hundreds of names attributed to Jesus. Except for “Jesus” all of them are descriptive names characterizing the personhood of Jesus. “Jesus” was a common name in that day which meant, “the Christ.” which was the Greek name for “Messiah.” The name “Jesus” was from the Hebrew name “Jehovah-saved.” The meaning of Jehovah is, “the self-Existent or eternal.” Jesus was called “Jesus Christ” because He came to save His people from their sins (Matt.1:21). The baby called Jesus came from heaven to be to all who would call on Him: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. I wish I had time and space to elaborate on each of these beautiful names, but they all were embodied in that one baby of Nazareth whom they called Jesus. If you haven’t, won’t you trust Him as your Wonderful Counselor, your Mighty God, your Everlasting Father, your Prince of Peace, your Messiah, your Savior and your Lord?

Advent Alphabet - "B" - "But"

December 1, 2015 But God proves His own love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “But” is a strange word to use for Advent. But if it weren’t for the intervention of God into this world to provide a way of healing and salvation in the hearts of men and women, we would all be lost and doomed for a life of meaninglessness and even misery here on this earth and an eternity in torment without Him. So, I am forever thankful that but for God’s intervention into our lives on a dark night over two thousand years ago, all by means of a small baby in Bethlehem, Jesus, we would still be people without hope. Webster’s definition of but is, “except that.” Jesus is the “exception” in our lives that but for the fact that if Jesus had not left the glories of heaven and come as a baby, and for love for us He lived and died; except for that fact we would be lost eternally. “But God shows and clearly proves His own love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ, the Messiah, died for us” (Romans 5:8). By our rebellion and life style we earn all that sin pays – “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”(Romans 6:23). This gift is available just for believing and asking. But God – so rich is He in his mercy! Because of His great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, even when we were dead by our own shortcomings, He made us alive together in union with Christ and gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same life with which He made Christ alive, for it is by God’s unmerited favor, which we did not deserve, that we are saved and made partakers of Christ’s salvation. And He gave us joint seating with Him in the heavenly sphere (by virtue of us being in Christ Jesus). He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable riches of His free grace in his kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus. For it is by His unmerited favor that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through your faith. And this salvation is not of yourselves of your own doing, it came not through your own striving, but it is the gift of God; not because of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:4-9). I am sooooo glad for the “but God(s)” in His Word. I am glad for God’s plan which was to intervene in our “lostness” with a small baby in a manger so long ago! (Scripture texts are from the Amplified Bible).

Advent Alphabet - "E" - "Everlasting"

Before the mountains were brought forth or ever You had formed and given birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting You are God (Ps.90:2 Amp.). Everlasting is a long time!! We cannot imagine that there is not ever an end to something, but God is unfathomably everlasting! It is even part of His name – “Everlasting Father.” (Isaiah 9:6). Webster defines this attribute simply as, “lasting forever.” When Jesus came to earth and took on the guise of a human baby who was finite, but His Spirit remained everlasting. If we trust him as Savior He has promised us this same everlasting life, because His Everlasting Spirit lives within us. All of Jesus’ attributes are everlasting, He cannot change (Mal.3:6). As He was, so He is, and so He will be forever! He has everlasting arms (Duet.33:27). His loving kindness, mercy, faithfulness and truth are everlasting (Ps.100:5). His righteousness (rightness) is an everlasting righteousness (Ps.119:142). He is forever almighty and all sufficient (Gen.28:3). He is forever just (Isa.45:21; Acts 3:14). He is forever the God of forgiveness (Ps.99:8; 86:5). He is forever our shepherd, guide, provider, protector, friend, deliverer (Ps.23); and He is forever the God who is there (Jer.42:11). His covenants and promises are everlasting: The rainbow (Gen.9:8-17); Abraham & descendants, (Gen.16:7-8); His Word, the Truth, and testimonies are everlasting (Ps.100:5;119:144); His kingdom is everlasting (Daniel 7:27); His strength is everlasting (Isaiah 26:4); He has promised everlasting life to all who believe and trust in Him (John.3:16); everlasting consolation (II Thess.2:16); and His gospel is everlasting (Rev.14:6). Jesus came over two thousand years ago to give us everlasting life. So who wouldn’t want that?

"A" - "Amnesty "

Our entire nation is aware of the illegal-alien travesty. There are many varying opinions causing many questions, and some think they have the perfect answer – amnesty. These illegal aliens have broken the law and deserve punishment (whatever the law decides is right and fair). The word amnesty means, “pardon.” Should these criminals be pardoned? When Jesus came into the world it was as a tiny innocent baby. His purpose in coming to earth was to ultimately “pardon” all who would come believing and trusting in His shed blood, which He would gladly give – “whosoever will” (John 3:16). This act of unfathomable love was a free gift to humanity, no strings attached, simply by receiving it. Not having to work to be good enough; not having to keep score of all the good works we might do; but simply to just receive this so great pardon – for which it has already been paid. Amnesty is a wonderful word to that one who is destined to die without a pardon. Could Jesus as this tiny baby could have known His destiny as “The Savior of the world?” Could He have known that He was “the gift” of amnesty to all mankind (if only they would believe)? I am sure in that baby’s mind was only the need for food from His mother, clothing and shelter, which His earthy father provided, a crude stable with a manger, which probably still had straw in it where the cattle had been eating. Without hesitation this Mighty God chose to come from the grandeur of heaven to enter into a defenseless baby to give Himself as an “Amnesty gift.” He saw that we were rebellious sinners that needed the pardon that only He could give. When we accept this gracious gift we become children of God and bona fide citizens of heaven. We can go boldly right to the throne of God presenting our petitions for pardon, guidance, protection or any need we may have, all because we have accepted this amnesty so freely offered, and Jesus Christ Himself will be our Advocate to plead for our pardon. Thank You, Jesus, for coming to offer us “AMNESTY,” and we can be genuine citizens eternally, because we have been born-again into the family of God!

Old Truths From An Old Sage

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. (Hebrews 10:36) No matter how old we are or how long we have been in “the race,” we are still in the race until we take our last breath, rejoicing on the way and being thankful for every bump, hole and brier that would slow us down and trip us. But, remember, that only as we keep our eyes on Jesus, Who is the “author and finisher” of our faith, can we stay on course and steadfastly run focused on Jesus (Who is the prize, the One toward Whom we are running and reaching out to lay hold). He is the “wind beneath our wings.” He is our Reason for existing, our Reason for running this race. The longer we know Him, the sweeter He grows! If we don’t have this love for Jesus; this longing to become more like Him; this desire to reach out to lay hold on Him, the One Who laid hold of us, and laid up for us this eternal life for which we were summoned, for which we confessed the good confession of faith (I Timothy 6:12), we have slowed our pace and turned from the race to other things. If education, job, career, relationships, or anything other than Jesus that is in first place, that is an idolatrous god. We must choose to endure. Endurance is stamina. It’s the ability and determination to keep going the distance. David Jeremiah says, “Christianity isn’t a spectator faith. It’s a marathon on the straight and narrow road, through ups and downs, over hills and valleys, until we reach Home.” Therefore….since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1) If our longings are to be like the world around us, however “cool,” or immoral, or “hip,” we have deserted our “first love,” Jesus (read Rev.2:2-5). We are to “be in the world but not of the world.” We are to dedicate all our member and faculties as a living sacrifice (devoted & consecrated) to God, which is pleasing to Him. We are not to be conformed (from outside in) to this world (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs), but be transformed (from inside out) and changed by the entire renewing of our mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that we may prove for ourselves what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2 Amp.). If we want to get back “on track, we must ask ourselves some hard questions: (1) Does the way I dress glorify Jesus? Is it modest, or does it look like the way the “world” dresses – like a “street walker?” Would you be pleased to go out with a young man/woman who dresses like you do? (2) Do the places I go please Jesus? Would we be pleased to ask Him to go with us? Do the people and the atmosphere at this place draw us closer in your devotion to God? I John 2:15 tells us to “not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.” (3) Are we daily submitting our bodies to God (Romans 12:1), & our mind, will and emotions – our all. This means do we go where He wants us to go; do we say what He wants us to say; do we do those things He wants us to do, when He wants us to do them, and how He wants them done. (4) Are we daily inviting the Holy Spirit to cleanse us from all sin, and fill us with Himself (Eph.5:1). His Holy Spirit can empower us to live above the world. Run the straight race through God’s good grace, Lift up your eyes and seek His face. Life with its ways before us lies, Christ is the path, and Christ the prize. (John S. B. Monsell)

Waiting On The Lord - The Reactive Factor

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. They shall rise up on wings as eagles. (Isaiah 40:31) In chemistry class when you take one chemical and add a reactive chemical you get a compound that usually has a very strong reaction, sometimes an explosive reaction. The new mixture can perform in ways that just one chemical alone could never perform. The same principle used in this analogy can be used, and is certainly true spiritually. In the Isaiah 40:31 scripture the “reactive” element is “waiting on the Lord.” I don’t know anyone who likes to wait, whether it is in a grocery line, in a doctor’s office or to get tickets for a bus or train. Waiting is the antithesis for instant gratification of anything. We live in an instant society. Waiting should lend credence to gaining patience and many desirable Christian character qualities spoken of in II Peter, 1:5-8, begin with “waiting on the Lord.” Waiting is the “reactive” element to faith. Waiting causes our faith to grow, as we exercise it in our “waiting.” Waiting causes our faith to grow, as we exercise it in our “waiting.” We come to see and know Who our God is and how He blesses our faith. God possesses great patience. As our knowledge of Him grows we develop patience, and then as our patience develops we develop godliness, and become more like Him Who has all patience. One reason the Lord has great patience toward His children is because He knows we have a fallen nature. We are led to repent when we experience the Father’s patience toward us. He gives us ample time to repent. He wants to help us when we go wrong, and He takes great pleasure in watching us do what is right. As we become more like the Father we develop brotherly kindness and love. God is love, and we as His children grow into being like Him as we wait on Him in love and obedience. The Hebrew word for “wait” in Isaiah 40:31 is “qavah,” which means “to bind together by twisting; to expect; to look patiently.” In the context of this verse (vs.28-30), it is lauding the power, understanding and watchfulness of our everlasting God over our lives. He gives abundant power and strength to the faint and the weak. Even the young shall stumble and fall exhausted but….. the Amplified Bible reads, “But those who wait for the Lord (who expect, look for, and hope in Him) shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up (close to God) as eagles mount up to the sun; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” As I have meditated on the part of the definition of “wait,” which is “to bind together by twisting,” I see a rope maker who has a thin, weak strand of grass or hemp, but also a large, strong strand which he carefully twists the two together, and by incorporating the weak with the strong he creates one super-strong rope which is able to perform the unthinkable if it were just the weak strand by itself. I see this is analogous with the spiritual life of faith. As weak and frail Christians who can do nothing by ourselves, but when we submit our will to the creator God, and we look patiently, and wait expectantly on Him (His will and His way), He will twist our weak spirit together with His all-powerful Spirit, and then we are able to soar and do incomprehensibly above all we could even imagine. We can run and not be weary, and walk and not faint; and mount up above our circumstances, where we can see the way that the Father would have us go, and the strength in which to go – all because we waited on Him. As I wait on Him I must recognize and acknowledge that the One Who twisted my weak strand into His almighty strand is the One Who is the “wisdom” in my successful plans. He is the “love” in my relationships. He is the “perfect” in my choices. He is the “wind” beneath my wings. He is the “spark” that keeps me going. He is the “fuel” that energizes and propels me to win. He is the “Water of Life” to my dehydrated spirit. He is my ALL IN ALL and “I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me” (Phil.4:13) They that “wait” on the Lord become the head and not the tail; they are above and not beneath; and they can run through a troop and jump over a wall (Duet.28:13; II Samuel 22:30)!! How’s that for a “reactive” combination – twisting my nothingness with His everything = EVERLASTING WEIGHT OF GLORY (II Cor.4:17)!

Prayer Is The Door To Everything

“Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy for our failures and find grace to help in good time for every need, the appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it.” (Hebrews 4:16 Amp.) A door is a most interesting invention. It is a swinging or sliding means of access, through a barrier (a wall, a fence, etc.), and can be closed or opened to obtain access to all that is on the other side. It is not only an access to all that is on the other side of the wall, but it a means of security. A door that is locked or barricaded cannot be opened without a key, or removal of the barricade. Prayer is the door to everything! To enter that door we must have the key and/or remove the barricade. The key is having a forgiven and cleansed heart (I Jn.1:9; Prov.15:29; Ps.66:18). The barricade may be doubt that God will hear us, that He can answer or that He cares. I assure you that if our hearts are pure before Him and desire His will, He will hear us. He does care more than we can imagine. And “He certainly is able to carry out His purpose and do super-abundantly , far above all that we dare ask or think (infinitely above our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams” (Eph.3:20 Amp.). Another barricade may be asking selfishly, wanting our own will. His will is perfect and always wants the best, and knows what is best. So, when we come to Him in prayer we must remove the barrier of self-will and yield our will to His will, knowing it will be the best for us. If we do all the above that Door to Everything good (the door to God’s heart) will open to us, we can run through and right into His arms of love! It helps me to know that when I come to the Heavenly Father in prayer that He invites me (us) to come “boldly to His throne of grace (unmerited favor) (Heb.4:16),” for help of any kind. God sees us as His little children and He wants us to come confidently to Him, and crawl up onto His lap, as a little child would his earthly father, and let Him wrap His arms of love around us as we pour out our confessions (I Jn.1:9), our praise & thanksgiving (Ps.100), our heartaches (I Peter 5:7), and our problems and questions (Prov.3:5-6). Then let Him just hold us as He comforts us with His Word. He will forgive all our sins and failures, answer our questions, and direct us in the way we should go – all through prayer and believing His Word (promises). What a mighty, magnanimous God and Father we serve – and He loves us with an everlasting love!

If God is There......(How Big Is Your God?)

If you haven’t discovered it yet, all of life is made up of choices. A lot of things may come into our lives that if we had the choice we would not have chosen to experience them. But, when good or bad things happen we can choose how to accept them. If we remember that all things ultimately come from the hand of God; that He loves us with an everlasting love; that He will cause all things to work out to be good for us who love Him and fit into His purposes (Rom.8:28 & Jer.29:11). So if we know that God is there, we can be thankful for the good and what we think is bad, as it says in II Thess.5:18 and Eph.5:20 – be thankful for and in “all things”. Or we can choose to grumble, feel sorry for ourselves, turn against God, etc. By grumbling we are choosing to be unhappy, resentful and live with a victim mentality. Why should we be unhappy if we know God is there? How big is your god? Is He big enough to keep you in peace when the enemy comes in overwhelming waves of temptations and testings? Are you afraid to die? Or maybe you are afraid to live. Is your god big enough to keep you in life or in death? If you have made Jesus your Savior and your God, and committed your all (yourself, your life, family, friends - everything) to the only One Who can keep you through it all, you don’t have to be afraid. Focus on the One Who loves you and can keep you from falling, and present you blameless to the only God, our Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord (Jude 24-25). Happiness is a choice! Satan starts his deceit in our minds. There is an old saying, “We can’t stop the birds from flying over our heads, but we don’t have to let them build a nest in our hair.” We can choose the things on which we think – “what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and lovable, kind, winsome, gracious, and worthy of praise – fix your minds on these things (Phil.4:8 Amp.). It is Satan who puts the negative, doubtful, fearful and deceitful thoughts in our mind. After all, he is the one who has come to steal from us, kill us, and destroy us (Jn.10:10). As in the garden (Genesis 3) Satan wants us to think negatively about God – “Did God really say, ‘You shall not eat from every tree of the garden?’” Satan cast doubt on God’s veracity, love, integrity, omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence. He wanted to steal any trust Adam and Eve had in God (El Emunah) – “The One Who is faithful and true.” In Genesis four, in verses four and five, Satan lied and called God a liar, “You shall not surely die, for God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity” – (partial truth). There is no “Truth” but the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Partial truth is not truth. Satan is still a murderer and a liar and there is no truth in him, “You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and of all that is false” (Jn.8:44). Refuse to listen to Satan. When he comes to whisper his lies in your ears just speak God’s Word back to him, just as Jesus did in Matthew 4:1-11. So Satan’s modus operandi is to deceive and lie about everything. He destroys our hopes, dreams, trust and faith with his deceit and lies, if we listen to the thoughts he puts in our minds. If we are a child of God we must know that we are in spiritual warfare with our enemy, the devil, who wants to kill us, if not physically, then mentally, by tempting us to think negatively, skeptically and lying thoughts about God, His children and His Word (Gen.3:4-5). God’s Word tells us in II Cor.10:5 to take every thought captive, inasmuch as we refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up again the true knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ.” But if God is there we do not need to vacillate in fighting temptations, but stand for what is right. Remember, “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character.” Sowing is a choice, reaping is the results of what we sow, so be careful what you sow – sow righteous thoughts, acts & words. Know that whatever we sow, God is there, and when we reap what we have sown, God is there also. If we sow righteously God is smiling; but if we sow unrighteous words and deeds God is weeping. The world speaks skeptically about God and His Word. They have been deceived to believe in relativism – (A view that knowledge, truth and morality exists in relation to what culture says source and historical context are, and are not absolutes. Ethical truths depend upon the individuals holding them – all points of truth are equally valid.) Actually there is no other “truth” but the Word of God. No religion, cult or belief system is valid but Christianity, which forever proclaims that only belief and trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is the only way to eternal security with Him. Satan tempts us to believe in subjectivism which is a doctrine that knowledge is merely subjective and there is no external or objective truth, that reality is not a firm absolute but can be altered by consciousness. Individual feeling or apprehension is the ultimate criterion of the good and the right - “If it feels good, do it.” Of course the Word teaches us that God and His Word are absolute. It will not pass away whether you like what it says or not. Your feelings have nothing to do with the validity of God and His Word. Others get deceived into existentialism, which is a philosophy that cannot describe human existence and that stresses the freedoms and responsibilities of individuals to determine their own development through acts of the will. It is the view that humans define their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe. Actually, God created us to love Him, commune with Him, and walk in His will. Another deception of Satan’s is pantheism. This is the deception that believes that everything in the universe is a manifestation of God. A belief that everything and everyone is God and God is everyone and everything. Satan does not want us to worship God, but God wants us to worship Him only – every other worship is idolatry. Then there is rationalism, which is a belief that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotional response. Many believe that God is too good to punish sin, but the truth is God is too good not to punish sin. He is completely holy, righteous, and just. Sin is rebellion against His holiness, righteousness and justice, and is an affront to Who He really is. Because He is absolute in all of His attributes, He must punish any and all that is contrary to His personhood, or He wouldn’t be Jehovah God. There is also another deception of Satan that many have fallen into. It is pragmatism, a philosophy which stresses the truth of the meaning of theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application. It is a philosophical movement that includes those who claim that an ideology or proposition is true if it works satisfactorily, and that unpractical ideas are to be rejected. We try to be practical regarding things in this world, but God is not always practical, but miraculous and supernatural. His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways (Isaiah 55:8). There is a temptation to embrace another belief system which thinks lightly about God, it is re-incarnation. It teaches “the rebirth of a new soul in a new body.” The Bible opposes this teaching. God created us uniquely and once we die it is for eternity to spend with God or with Satan, depending on our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior Who died for our sins and now rules in our lives as Lord (Master, Sovereign). We can believe in our head that Jesus is the Son of God (even the devil believes (Jas.2:10), but we must submit ourselves to Him and trust Him as Lord, and let Him change our lives. Many have a God-view of a mixture of the above, but whatever deceitful thoughts Satan puts in our minds, and temptations to believe in the wrongful teachings or philosophies that are in the world, Jehovah God is still true and He is there among the trash and confusion. He is wooing us and wants to reveal to us the Truth of Who He is, and His love for us. So, if He is there, (and He is) how do we handle the temptations to “believe a lie” about Him? Did you notice that all the above philosophies are all about self – your opinion, your comfort, your existence, your truth, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life? (I Jn.2:16) God’s Truth is all about Him – His love, joy, peace, sovereignty. To be victorious over the deceit and temptations of Satan, the Devil, we must first have faith in Jesus and become a child of God - to be “born again” (I Jn.5:1-5). Read, believe, meditate on and obey His Word. Next, when temptations come we must submit ourselves to God and resist and stand firm against the Devil (Jas.4:6-7). Live filled with God’s Holy Spirit (Eph.3:16-19), and remember I John 4:4, “Greater is He that lives in you than he that is in the world.” Also, it is very important to read, learn and apply the scriptures so when Satan attacks you with various temptations of the mind or body, you can quote the scriptures back to him, like Jesus did in His temptations (Luke 4:4,8,& 12). In verse four Jesus was tempted with His natural appetites (Duet.8:3). In verse eight, He was tempted with idolatry (anything that you love more, fear more, serve more or spend more time with than God) (Duet.6:13; 10:20). In verse twelve Jesus was tempted to prove His divine power – that He was God (Duet 6:16). Jesus knew Who He was and didn’t have to prove it to Himself or anyone. We can be “satisfied” with who we are in Christ – (a child of God). We do not have to prove anything to ourselves or others, just submit ourselves to God and remind Satan when he puts questions in our minds about our salvation, when we first believed and quote the above scriptures to him. Then he must go, but he will later return with new temptations. He is very persistent – remember, once you become a child of God you enter a battlefield fighting against Satan. But remember the Holy spirit within you that is greater than Satan who is in the world; and remember the scripture, it is our only offensive weapon (Eph.6:12:18). Adrian Roger taught that this world is going to pass away, so we are admonished in I Jn.2:15-17 not to love this world which consists of (1) “lust of the flesh” – doing - putting our will above the will of God; (2) “lust of the flesh” - having – greedy longings of the mind; (3) “Pride of life” - being – trusting in self and the things in this world (independence from God). These three things are sin – “the misuse and abuse of something that is good.” Remember, “The world passes away with all of its passions, but those who do God’s will remain forever” (I Jn.2:17). If God is there (and He is), you do not have to fear, or give into any temptation Satan may bring to your mind. Satan uses doubtful thoughts about God and His love and care for us; and he tempts us to doubt God’s keeping power with a spirit of fear (unnatural fearful thoughts) of what might happen (II Tim.1:7). The Spirit of God brings joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Gal.5:22-23). Choose to walk in the Holy Spirit and He will help you overcome the temptations of Satan. The Holy Spirit is our “Comforter” – (Helper, Counselor, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby) (Jn.14:26). Just ask and keep on asking (Luke 11:13). 1. How big is your god? Jehovah God can keep you in peace when you are tempted. If you submit yourself to Him and resist the devil, God will cause Satan to flee from you (James 4:7). If you keep your eyes on Jehovah God He will keep you in perfect peace (Isa.26:3), and when the enemy comes in like a flood (physically, mentally or spiritually) God will give you victory over him (Isa.41:10; 59:19). You must claim God’s promises and make them your own (Ps.27:1; 56:3; Prov.3:5-6; 29:25; Eph.6:12-18). Remember, in the story of David and Goliath David proclaimed, “The battle is the Lord’s” (I Sam.17:45-47). Read the story in II Kings 6, where Elisha and the Israelites were facing insurmountable odds, but Elisha encouraged them with, “Fear not, for those with us are more than those with them.” After Elisha prayed God opened the eyes of his servant to see that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha. Then God miraculously saved them – read it! John E. Brod said it this way, “I shall not fear the battle, if You are by my side, nor wander from the pathway, if You will be my guide.” How big is your god? Is your god big enough to keep you in peace when the enemy (physical or spiritual) comes in like a flood. Like it says in Isaiah 59:19, put your trust in Jehovah Nissi, Who is our Banner of Victory. If God is there who will you choose to love, and serve and who will you resist and turn against – God or Satan? There is no middle ground! How Great Thou Art Stuart K. Hine O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy pow’r thru-out the universe displayed! When thru the woods and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in. That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take a way my sin! When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art! Chorus Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee: How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee: How great Thou art, How great Thou art! (My Blog webpage is: http://lightfrommywindow,blogspot.com)

Always Be An Amateur

Despite being an amateur, Bobby Jones dominated the golfing world in the 1920s. There were many who tried to emulate him because they admired him and wanted to be like him. He was once asked when he was going to quit being an amateur and go professional. He answered by explaining that the word, “amateur” comes from the Latin, meaning, “To love.” He played golf because he loved the game, not to make money. What is our motive for serving Christ? It should be because we love Him. If we are a true believer we love Him and want to emulate Him in thought, word and deed. How can we be more like Christ more and more? It would be by loving Him more and more, and we prove our love Him by obeying Him (I Jn.5:2-3). This love is not just emotional, but demonstrative. We prove our love to Him by loving one another just as we love ourselves (Mt. 19:19). Do we feed, clothe and shelter ourselves? To love our “neighbor” as we love ourselves is impossible within ourselves, it must come from God as we choose to love. In Luke 10:25-37, a lawyer asked Jesus what he could do to obtain this “eternal life.” The lawyer even could quote the Old Testament scriptures, but he did not know their “true” meaning, so Jesus gave Him a living example of “loving others as we do ourselves.” This story is about “The Good Samaritan,” and an unidentified man who had been beaten and robbed, and left to die on the road. Read the story about the Samaritan who was the only one who offered help to the dying man. Samaritans were half breeds who were despised by the Jews. The Good Samaritan treated the dying man (possibly his enemy) as he would have wanted others to treat him if he had been the one lying by the road dying. This is a perfect picture of the “Golden Rule,” – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matt.7:12). We can only love like this by first “knowing” Jesus as Savior, then by choosing to “walk” with Him and obeying Him, then we love Him more and more, and His love flows through us to others, even the most unlovable. We may not love their ways, but we can love their eternal souls and don’t want them to be lost in hell eternally, just as we love our eternal souls. This is how we can emulate Jesus – “He loved us while we were still sinners,” and walking far away from Him (Rom.5:8). Jesus doesn’t love our sin and can’t fellowship with us while we choose to continue to sin, but all we have to do is to “confess our sin, and He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). Only by choosing to love Jesus Christ can we choose to love one another. Do we love the murderers, the human traffickers, the child abusers, the Isis, etc.? Of course we do not love their sin, but we must love their eternal souls and pray for them (Mt.5:43). There is something about praying for those who hurt us and others that changes the way we look at them. We do not agree with their actions or want to be with them, but as children of God we must choose to love them as one of God’s creation who has an eternal soul which will live eternally either in heaven, (if they choose Christ), or in hell (if they do not choose Christ). Love is a choice, we choose to accept and love Jesus Christ and then we can choose to love others as ourselves. We should always choose to be “Amateurs” for Jesus!

Thoughts From Your Grandmother

When we talked with you yesterday we were so pleased with the joy we heard in your voice about the possibility of starting your own business. I want you to succeed, but more than anything I want you to be completely committed to God and His plan for you, then He is the One who will cause you to succeed. If this is not of God then no amount of planning, money, or self-assurance thrown into your plan will cause it to succeed. Success comes from reading, meditating and obeying God’s Word (Josh.1:8; Ps.1:1-3.) So pray, pray, pray! Pray at any time and in any place, for everything. Make a special time to quietly get alone with God, preferably early in the day before you start your day, before the family is up and the demands of life begin for that day. Make a habit of getting up before the family (set an alarm clock, if necessary). And during your “quiet time” put on the “whole armor of God (Eph.6:10-18). Remember, Satan is your enemy and he will use any interruption to distract you from seeking God (Jn.10:10). As you start your prayers for the day, First of all praise God for all that He is (naming His attributes) and that He is the same “yesterday, today and forever,” and that He is the same in all of His attributes toward you (if He was faithful yesterday toward others, He will be faithful today toward you). There is something about praising God and renaming His attributes causes your faith to really grow. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart (Ps. 37:4). The word “delight” in this Psalm actually means in the Hebrew, “soft and pliable.” If you are delighting in God you are willing to acquiesce to His will – whatever He sees and knows what is best for you, you want for yourself. (If you want more of God’s attributes and reasons to praise and thank Him go to my Blog Website: http://lightfrommywindow.blogspot.com). Then thank Him for His past workings in your life (the times He had mercy on you when you didn’t deserve it; the times He has answered your prayers; the times He held you in your pain; the times He provided for you in your want; His constant love toward you regardless of your sin and failure, etc.). Knowing that He is the Sovereign God Who is ultimately in control of everything, thank Him in everything, right in the middle of your chaos (I Thess.5:18), and thank Him for everything (Eph.5:20); whatever you may think is good or bad (Isa.55:8-9). Thank Him that He is using your pain to teach you something about Himself, you, others, or how to handle difficult situations. Coming to the Father with a grateful and humble heart will always get His attention. Think how it blesses your heart to have your children come to you with thankfulness for the things you have done and will do for them, and saying “no” to something that would have ultimately harmed you. Next, confess your sins, known and unknown: your sins of the flesh (pride, lust for money and/or prestige, sensual desires, etc.) (I Jn.1:9; Ps.51:17) Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any hidden sins or sins you haven’t acknowledged (Ps.139:23). Be quick to confess your sins, and just as quick to repent of them (turn from them). God is always ready to forgive a heart that is sorry for sin and repentant and desires to not repeat that sin (Ps.51:17). Next, commit to Him your everything: hopes and dreams; time, energy, all that you are and ever hope to be; your loved ones (family and extended family); your friendships; and even your enemies (Ps.37:5). Recognize that this venture must all be of God, nothing of “self” (Zech.4:6). But recognize and acknowledge this all must be initiated and led by the Holy Spirit, and He is the One who will enable you to be successful (Phil.4:13). Remember, without Him you are “O” (nothing), but with Him you are EVERYTHING! Next, come boldly to God with your requests (Heb.4:16; Ps.100). Be specific in your prayer. Ask Him to give you His wisdom in this new venture you are wanting to undertake – (if this is His will, to show you His will in scripture, and the courage to do His will whether yes or no); wisdom to recognize “open and shut doors” and then how to act accordingly. Ask Him for His peace of mind and heart as He leads you step by step. Don’t just ask Him to get in on your plans, but ask Him to definite reveal His will, then whatever His will may be, follow, thanking Him that He knows what is best. Sometimes His “no” answer means that He sees some grave pitfalls in going forward with our desires and He wants to spare us the pain, or He wants us to “wait” for His time (Eccl.11:3). He has something better for us in His time. But if His answer and leading is “yes,” just wait on His step-by-step leadings, committing every step to Him and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (and plans), but in all your ways acknowledge Him (that He is all wise, all loving, and all powerful to cause anything to happen that is in His will), and He will direct your path” (Prov.3:5-6). Read, study, meditate on the Word of God. There is where you will find answers, wisdom and the perfect will of God. Pray the Word back to God, repeating back to Him His promises and answers. The world may pass away but God’s Word endures forever! PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! These are my thoughts for today – maybe more later. I love you and want only the best for you, so I am praying that as you seek the Lord, He will show you His way! Gran Gran P.S. – Seek godly counsel (Prov.20:18; 11:14; Ps.1:1), but above all remember He (Jesus) is the “Wonderful Counselor” (Isa.9:6).