Psalm 135 ~ Bless the Lord

Psalm 135

 ~ New American Standard Bible

1 Praise the LORD!

Praise the name of the LORD;

Praise Him, O servants of the LORD,

2 You who stand in the house of the LORD,

In the courts of the house of our God!

3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;

Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely.

4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself,

Israel for His own possession.

5 For I know that the LORD is great

And that our Lord is above all gods.

6 Whatever the LORD pleases, He does,

In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.

7 He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth;

Who makes lightnings for the rain,

Who brings forth the wind from His treasuries.

8 He smote the firstborn of Egypt,

Both of man and beast.

9 He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt,

Upon Pharaoh and all his servants.

10 He smote many nations

And slew mighty kings,

11 Sihon, king of the Amorites,

And Og, king of Bashan,

And all the kingdoms of Canaan;

12 And He gave their land as a heritage,

A heritage to Israel His people.

13 Your name, O LORD, is everlasting,

Your remembrance, O LORD, throughout all generations.

14 For the LORD will judge His people

And will have compassion on His servants.

15 The idols of the nations are but silver and gold,

The work of man’s hands.

16 They have mouths, but they do not speak;

They have eyes, but they do not see;

17 They have ears, but they do not hear,

Nor is there any breath at all in their mouths.

18 Those who make them will be like them,

Yes, everyone who trusts in them.

19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD;

O house of Aaron, bless the LORD;

20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD;

You who revere the LORD, bless the LORD.

21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion,

Who dwells in Jerusalem.

Praise the LORD!

~ For I know that the LORD is great

And that our Lord is above all gods.

The Menorah were not table top decorations. These were "The Street Lamps". The Temple of God in Jerusalem, where Jesus was dedicated as Holy as all Jewish male babies were - was never dark.

Zechariah had been in the Temple more than most. Serving as a Priest. As Zechariah began to speak because he was again on the Path of God the Father, he acknowledged what the Temple was going to see during the dedication of Jesus.

Luke 1

before the Lord 
to prepare the way for him,
77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.

Abba, our Abba,

Ancient of Days. God and Father. Father of His Only Son Jesus Christ.

Prepare in us daily a place that You are pleased to Dwell.

Keep us in Your Mercy and on Your Will and Path for our lives.

Bless those we Love.

Comfort, Guide and Strengthen us.

Thank You, You draw us to You as Your Beloved.

In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †
 

John 14:1 ~ Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God

John 14:1

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God

Christmas week. The baby Jesus is born. New motherhood and fatherhood. The responsibility God has given them, to their continued astonishment, of Jesus is here. This week is working to believe the unbelievable is true.

Meals to be gathered. Nourishment for this new family. Water is gathered.

Food for breakfast is gathered. A baby is to be fed. The Gospel of Luke tells us the Shepherds are telling people what they have seen this Good News. According to Isaiah - these are the ground roots of the true economy of Judah, minus the great influx of Roman wealth. God has placed them in a barn and the witnesses are the Shepherds.

No coincidence - God has sent His Son first to the Children of Israel. The Shepherds probably want and they tell the story told again and again.

Abba Father,

Live in our hearts each day. Lead us along the Path, the Way Jesus has for us. Guide us, protect us, keep us in Your Wisdom and Love. Give us, again, Your Mercy and Strength to do Your Good Will for our Hope and Future. In Your willingness, let our talents be Light and Salt. Appreciating Your Love and Goodness asking for Your favor for those we Love, for the People You have Given us. We thank You for Your Blessings. And ask for more of Your Blessings. Let us take today and make the most of what You have provided - pleasing You. And sleep sweetly, renewed in Your favor.

Bless You Father for the miracles of this year and of our yesterdays. The miracles of today. And Your delight to Provide for us Tomorrow. This evening, I will rest in sleep, and smile, knowing as I try to please You, Abba. You are pleased. God of Love. Rejoice a Royal Son, a Royal Priest is born with Joy for us. Let us desire His Royal Priesthood and know His Joy in His Creation. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

We lift up the prayers of the saints and our Nation. The New Year for Your Beloved. The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength in Jesus Christ. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †
 

Luke 2:29-33, 14 ~ You have prepared

Luke 2:29-33, 14

29  “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30  For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32  a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”


33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.




And what would Father God say about this?


“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Father God,

You are our God. When we try to Please You, You are Pleased. You are God over all things. Father of Jesus and, in faith, our Father. Blessed be Jesus, because You Love. Alleluia. Merry Christmas. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †
 

John 1 ~ The Light Shines!

A country Church Christmas

The Church of the Nativity celebrates Christmas Day in Bethlehem - Link

John 1:1-14,17,29-35 ~ (Today's New International Version)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."

32 Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One."

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"


This is is my favorite chapter of the Bible, John 1. The gospels written by Mark and John are sometimes compared without kindness, at Christmas, to the narrative of Jesus Christ's birth written beautifully in Luke and Matthew. But actually Mark speaks of a wilderness wanting to be tamed and John speaks of light coming out of darkness. Isn't this the deepest desire for Jesus Christ?

Christmas can bring forth all of our deepest longings. Matthew begins with an engagement, the most important choice in life. Luke begins with a barren priest. God addresses all of these concerns by reaching out to hear, to heal, to love and to care. For all of our seasons in life, God is part of them. Just as God watched, with love, each day of Jesus' life on earth, the Light continues to shine for us.

The Peace of God always be with you. Amen, Thank You Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †
 

Mark 5:35-43 ~ Arise

Angel Appears To The Shepherds, painted by Walter Rane

Mark 5:35-43

22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying,

“My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”

24 And he went with him.

35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.

39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.”

40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.

41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”

42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

How is this a Christmas Story? This is a story of Fathers.

How is Jesus truly the Son of God? Jesus is created in Genesis 1 - Light of Light. True God of True God. Proverbs tells us Jesus was with His Father Laughing in Delight during Creation. So close this Father and Son - They are One Being.

An Angel is generally - a Fearsome Thing. Their first comment is "Fear"; "Fear Not!" No other words are put forth first and said very succinctly. Jairus is so afraid - he throws himself at the feet of Jesus. Not a common occurrence. 

This is a plea a father is not going to refuse. Father to Father. God knows what it is to loose a Son to live on earth. To loose a Son to die. And Jesus is going to make sure - this child lives. This is Christmas. Emmanuel - God with Us. Jesus has said days may come, where the people would long for Jesus to live.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.

The Gospels are Christmas. God with Us. What a warm and good place.  Be pleased with what God brings us Today.



Our Abba, Abba, Abba,

To all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become Children of God.

Christmas is Celebration of each day - God with us. For in Christ Jesus, we are all sons of God, through faith.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Oh, the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

You are God's people; you have received mercy. You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

And in that Love, we lift those we Love. In expectation. We lift the people God has given us. And we delight to seek and work and live and abide and move in His Will. His is the Glory, the Goodness, The Power, The Love, The Mercy, The Kingdom of God. Alpha and Omega. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. Amen Jesus and Christmas - God with Us. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Luke 2:21-38 ~ for my eyes have seen your salvation

Luke 2:21-38

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
31that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32a 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 Christmas Jesus was born is absolutely inspiring with the help of the Heavenly Hosts of the Lord God Almighty. And then the details and nuts and bolts were carried out for the next 30 years by the people doing the work of believing God.

More comfortable by far - would have been to skip 'the ceremony'. This Jewish community does not have social media - but they are fully accounted for - by their lineage and father, by their tribe, by their town. We see Mary's cousin-in-law comes from 70 miles away for Zechariah to take his turn in line as priest to have duties within the Temple itself.

You betcha - Mary is known as Mary, daughter of Heli, Line of David, Nazareth. And Joseph is known as Line of David, through the Davidic line of Kings, Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the 'betrothed' of Mary. The Temple is going to remember Zechariah and the baby John the Baptist.

Shepherds have said:

Luke 2
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.


This action of Joseph and Mary in the Temple is obedience to the Lord God. Surely they had hesitation. And delight. And with the obedience to do all that the Lord God has commanded.

Deuteronomy 5

31 But you, stand here by me, and I will tell you the whole commandment and the statutes and the rules that you shall teach them, that they may do them in the land that I am giving them to possess.’ 32 You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 33 You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.


Wise advice, in the midst of uncertainty, ask the Lord God to be a refuge and Believe Him.

And in trusting God they would be strong enough to weather the shepherds eagerness to tell and the time frame of Jesus' birth to the Temple Presentation - this was going to be observed. Mary had just given birth after riding a Donkey 80 miles and 8 days later she is now 6 more miles down the road into the Huge Temple with an infant.


What was the reward?

Luke 2

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about Jesus.


What they would have missed - if they had only been concerned with safety. The rewards are memories not just for their lifetime - but the Gospels we find God's Word lives richly around us still for us to live, love and learn.

Mary and Joseph are trusting God. Doing the work God has called mankind. To believe Him.  John 6: 29.  To not just be the blessed eyes to see God's Salvation. What Joy they must feel to hold the Light of God. Jesus is comfort as King of Kings. God allowing Himself to be so tiny, to be cared for by His Beloved.  Strength.

Our Abba,

This Your creation of Jesus' birth, in this Christmas, is an example of being obedient to God.

You have told us about Love - if we love You, Father God, we will keep Your Commandments.

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?"

Jesus has said this about calling on the Name of the Lord God Almighty. "“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

Repeating what the Prophet Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice?"

Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

James 2:24
You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

John 14:21
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will beloved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.

We Celebrate, Rejoice, Draw Strength, Have Joy, Delight and Love for Jesus!!! Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

“For God, our Father, has so loved the world, Abba gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Jesus should not perish but have eternal life!"

We bless You Father, for Jesus. For our loved ones. The people you give us. Prosper, bless, delight, strengthen, embolden, complete, lead, guide, forgive, cherish and help us each day to Please You for the Love You have given us. Let us bless the Lord God. Thanks Be To God for Jesus Christ Our Savior. Amen. Alleluia.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †