Malachi 3 ~ They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts

Photo by Jannelle Loewen, Fireworks Oaks Park

Malachi 3

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.^{[and they will belong to the Lord in bringing their offers of righteousness]} 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.


6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ 8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer^{[Probably a name for some crop-destroying pest]} for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.

13 “Your words have been hard against me, says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ 14 You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? 15 And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’”


16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. 17 “They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. 18 Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.


Behold, to be a land of delight, to be called blessed by the Lord of Hosts, to what shall we aspire?

We rely upon the Lord's gracious favor. His willingness to be forgiveness. His Steadfast Love and Mercy. As we stand on New Year's Eve, we willingly ask for the windows of heaven to open and pour down a blessing until there is no more need.

What kind of offering shall we give HIM? May the words of my lips and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing and acceptable to You, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.


Luke 18:13
The tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

2 Kings 22:19
Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, that they would become accursed and laid waste, and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, 
I have heard you, declares the LORD.

1 Peter 3:4
Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.


How shall we approach the LORD. Isaiah wondered.

Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."


Micah 6:7-8
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

1 Corinthians 7:35
I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

Hebrews 10:23-25
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Acts 16:1-40
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily ...

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

“They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him."


May Father God turn HIS face to us with compassion this last day of 2015. And we rejoice knowing Father God hears and answers. Always we say, Thank You, Father God. Amen in Jesus Christ.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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2 Samuel 23:13-17 ~ O Lord, that I should do this

Bethlehem in 1638 A.D.

Bethlehem today

Bethlehem in 1868

This is Bethlehem showing Bethlehem has not changed. To David - this looks like home.

2 Samuel 23:13-17

13 And three of the thirty chief men went down and came about harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, when a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem.

15 And David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” 16 Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the Lord 17 and said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.



Oh there is no place like home for the Holidays!
Except when you are King David and home is a war zone.

The Cave of Adullam is where Psalm 142 was written and David started out with 200 men after Saul decided to kill him.

Harvest is the time for Shavuot and this is not a Festival when the Philistines are gathering to mutter and say rude things with instruments of war and death.

The first time I read this I was in High School and I thought, "This is so John Wayne and, wow, David is rude."

Instead we see how intrinsically kind David is to want to protect all his people all the time. How off David was to Uriah the Hittite.


This unusual story is one of Christmas. Jesus willing to do the hardships in life with Joy. Dealing with all sorts of people and all sorts of motivations, and finding the path that Father God would say, "Yes, John the Disciple found the path pleasing to God."

David is fully aware who is being the Disciple of John - staying to the last minute, and
who needs to stay. The discernment of the wise.


Father God, the beauty of Disciple John is how marvelous to be John to Jesus.
How marvelous to be Silvanus, Timothy and Luke to Paul. What a blessing to be Mark and Luke to Peter. Help us to be wise in what we do and request of the People You give us. Help us to be the Path You want for us. We ask Your blessings upon this day and eternity - which is today. Your protection, Your daily help.

Thank You Father God, Your mercies renew each day.

Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 ~ Live

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, 
to establish and exhort you in your faith,
that no one be moved by these afflictions. 

For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

11 Now may our God and Father himself,
and our Lord Jesus, 
direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all,  as we do for you,so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

James, the Brother of Jesus. The man who ate dinner with Jesus. Bothered Jesus sibling style. Goaded Jesus in life recorded in His Word. Lived to Love Jesus. James said this Word of God - We ask Father God to give wisdom. The result is - He will.

We want to say to Jesus when we arrived at our Heavenly Home ~ "I stood for Your Great Love, Jesus."

Our standard is Jesus.
He is the one to look for. 
Would Jesus do this?
This is the frame of all reference.

And Easy to Remember.   

1 .Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Our standard agrees with God's Word. God's Word stands very firm. God does not need our belief for God to be God.

2. We want to be in daily relationship with God and read His Word. Expecting His Word to make a difference in your heart. Spiritual roots. Prayer. Small group Bible Study recorded in Book of Acts - encouragement.

3. Open mind to God and His Will. Not our established pride. 

Believing God would want to have a good plan for you. We ask God to be Open to Him. Give HIM time each day to let His truth soak in us and have truth established in our soul. More than emotion. To be like Jesus moving to Capernaum to be near the faithful.

3. Speak the Truth. God's way says follow Him.

4. Doing God's Will. He gets you out of trouble. He puts you on your path of His.

5. Do what is just and right in integrity. We put forth God's way and let Him decide the fate of the seed. God is sovereign.

6. This would please Jesus as His Child. Jesus called us His Beloved. When we trust God, His plan for for us is good.

7. Bring thoughts to Jesus. Pray constantly to be centered in Jesus, to please Jesus and in firm expectation that He is going to help.

8. Bitter, hurt, grudge envy and selfish ambition is not from God; creating a cold heart. Let it go. Avoid what isn't good for you. Like bad TV or fuzzy noise. Peace, loving, considerate, impartial and sincerity is from Jesus.

9. Record the truth. Write this down. Not to be choked out by the concerns, glories and riches of life. Be still to know God.

10. Trust God when we don't understand.

Father God, we just ask would this please God. 

Asking Your blessings. Your forgiveness. Grace to others. God guide our nation, state, city. Our Church leaders. Our family. Our friends and loved ones. Help us best do Your will for our day and lives. Your mercies renew and repeat. Help our open minds see You at work, Father God.

Let us let go of distractions and trust in You, Father God.

Open our eyes each day to see Your blessings and remember the blessings. Let us live each day saying Give us this day. Knowing as we rest this evening - we did please You. In Jesus let Your Will be done. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Luke 2 ~ heart

Luke 2

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.


8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.


22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30
for my eyes have seen your salvation
31
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
The Return to Nazareth

39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Christmas left and gone and why?

Christmas lingering and why?

Christmas Joy and Joy to come?

Still Christmas for Mary, Still Christmas for us!

It is my wish Christmas finds you with a smile on your face of work accomplished.


Joy found.



Mary... how did she feel about this time? This is the reality of Real Scripture.
Well, let's see. She was not at home for 3 months of her pregnancy. Joseph was not even spoken of. Her father is known in history only to the Sadducean Council Talmud reports and only by name and lineage and Luke 3. And that one was recorded by her side of the family.

Scant welcomed in their hometown. And the inn was too crowded so a barn was the only welcoming place. Did that go quietly? Hardly. A quiet little town with people coming in from the fields and light every where.

Home to Nazareth? Noooo. Another a walk or cart ride and this time sore with a baby. Mary is having a good and bothersome after Christmas.


Where is her joy? Jesus.

Because.

Mary was walking the walk. And telling the truth.  

Dr Kurt Kirkpatrick Ob-gyn says God has written our lives in our DNA - the pages of His Worthy Book of Life. Truth is a good objective and this is an honest Christmas story. Not dwelling on the difficulties and moaning and whining and creating Scrooge, but a very honest account that marketing surely would have dressed up with a lot more smiling.

Still time to adjust to the sweep of the huge forces life has for us.
Still time to judge the current God has for us sweeping us along in the same direction.

Time for gratitude.
Time for re-plan.
Time to learn.
Time to appreciate and have peace.
What is the message of God's plan in your life?
God has some unusual things to say.

He says Love Him first. Sometimes He says you must put GOD ahead of your family
Joseph did this to his good fortune.


If we spend all our time coddling our family - when push comes to shove - we can loose vital framework of God's Law - where most of God's blessing is centered.

We can loose God's goodness to just smile when we need to really pull for God's message to be understood.

Finding our balance in life - we can love the Law of God so much that our Justice has No Mercy and the TRUE FLAVOR OF GOD ALMIGHTY SHEPHERD OF OUR SOULS - has HIS Great Love - lost.

The challenge of riding this life raft called life in the white waters or the eddies, we have to find Scripture that is telling us - quickly address the Sunday School Lesson as needed and true and comfort. Or quickly love yourself - God does love you just as He created you, named you, planned to have you in His Book of Life.

Sometimes in white water it's to hard to find what he correct verse is. Then in those Times - Jesus will pray for you. The Comforter will groan with you. Our Father in Jesus.

We were blessed to have a lovely Christmas this year. No one was contagious. Everyone was employed (Father God, we lift up the economy of Houston to You and solutions You know already). All were happy and the weather was grand and the family was joyous.  This was a Good Christmas to be blessed with.

Now if you are in the re-planning phase of next Christmas, let me confess to you, I threw my gifts in pretty dollar store sacks and put trim on them to add beauty, but this I'd say I must discipline myself next year to plan even to wrap gifts before I do the decorations I like to do so much.

I am sometimes told by people how awful their Christmas was. I know Christmas can be a challenge the Scriptures tell us about. Difficulties begging for a solution are financial, relationship, self-doubt, and health. When we have times where are character is being challenged and formed, these are not the best of times - however in faith, we can Know God will hear us. They can turn the worst of times, back into the faith best of times.

Let me duck, dodge and cover because this advice sometimes gets the glare of miffed. The truth is we all need a cardboard box easily re-found and Christmas is a gathering of gifts for all loved ones collected all year.  Financially there are too mannnny haaaap haaaappy things to pop up at Christmas to do December shopping.

( TMI I confess to you again, after re-loading the gifts into more sacks after Christmas - I found the niece, nephew and brother in law gift - un-given. Om. However, when I shop with my late shoppers in crowded places - dragged along - I do not see the joy of giving. I see emotional trauma of - "Oh No!"  And some people truly need to be coached on what could be a good gift.  We are discovering real food and not the sugar treats are Great Gifts. Amazon does fruit and nuts that are affordable and easily shipped.)


Avoid the rocky perils

And you will be traveling along singing a song, sailing to the next 364 days

 Side by Side

You won't have to stress Christmas Decorations in October when you are - So Done!

We are going to all experience changes in life. Finding how much God loves you - inspires you to be Thankful.

The Joy is most of life is people - capable of doing their own life. Baptism and belief. Being sealed with the Holy Spirit. They know the solutions Father God has given them. All we have to do is gently put our oar in the water and paddle with the team.

With God in our real balance - Speaking up with joy and gentleness, being in belief all the voices have a purpose in God's eyes. Believing we all need some guidance and direction and mercy with joy.

Alleluia! Unto us a child is born. Christ Jesus the Lord.

Just like Mary. Expecting God. Living near and with God. Things to do. The unknown future to face. Each day doing our best to please Father God - is pleasing Father God.

Thank You Father God for another Christmas to love those around us. To reexamine our lives to Your Plan. To find the Joy and Blessings in each day. We thank You Father God, You will care for those we Love. We give You our closest prayers and know You hear with Mercy. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 10:1-23 ~ Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!

Luke 10:1-23

10 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. 

8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.


13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more bearable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades.

16 “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”


17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 

18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”


21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 



22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!

24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

The Throne of God Almighty, Father God, is red and green. When Jesus remembers this particular day - sending out the 72, He is seeing the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand !

Father God, let us see each day the Joy You bring.
Remembering each day to fill our cup of Gratitude to overflowing. David knew this idea and we will follow this.

Bless the ones we love to have Your Joy, Love and Comfort. Bless the people You have given us. We ask Blessings for our work places, Churches, Cities, States and Nation. For the prayer requests we have been given and carry in our heart. For all people who Love You and You alone know they are written in Your Book of Life.

In Jesus, always, with Joy. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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John 14: 13, 14 ~ The Name of Jesus

Christmas presents us with something we do not often think of.

Matthew 13
"But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17"For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."

For centuries, the people who heard Father God knew of the coming of the Messiah. And we are so fortunate to be the beloved who know this - the name of God's only Son - the Highest Name - is Jesus.

This is the birthday of Jesus the Lord. And we know His Name.


Because of this, we are able to pray with Jesus.


John 14
13"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.


Father God, we thank You for Your name and not only do You hear our prayers, You pray with us and give Your Word in compassion. Thank You for Jesus. Amen

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Luke 2:8-18 ~ Good news of great joy that will be for all the people

Matthew 19: 14 

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

Luke 2:8-18

8
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.
9
The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.
10
The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11
For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.
12
And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."
13
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14
"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
15
When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."
16
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.
17
When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.
18
All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.


Father God, The Glory belongs to You.
and in this, we rely and rejoice. In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

John 8:12 ~ Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Genesis 1:3

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was Light.

John 8:12

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

How long ago did Father God start telling us of His Son, Jesus?

Genesis 49:10
The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,
until tribute comes to him;
and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.


Moses was told about Jesus.
Deuteronomy 18:15
The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—


David and Nathan spoke of Jesus -

2 Samuel 7:12-16
When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.

13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.

16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.

Isaiah certainly knew of Jesus, God's Son.

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].


Matthew walked with Jesus in awe and gave Him a party.

Matthew 1:21
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus [God saves], for he will save his people from their sins.”

We have a response to Jesus the Lord.

Christmas is sometimes down played as being for children.

Matthew 18:5
And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Psalm 78:6
So the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.

Father GOD, Bless us and keep us to prepare a place in us each day for Your Joy.
Open our hearts, let the delight of our thoughts be You
and keep us in Your Grace.

We Thank You, Jesus Always for those we Love, the People You have given and Your Goodness.

Amen and Merry Christmas!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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