Matthew 2 ~ rejoiced exceedingly with great joy

God is Still Working.

Isaiah has been studied to understand what God has Planned. And God has put His Plan in motion to His purpose and we will discover this as God unfolds His Plan.

Matthew 2

The Visit of the Wise Men
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

The Flight to Egypt
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Herod Kills the Children
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

The Return to Nazareth
19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

The Christmas Story of the Birth of Jesus Christ certainly has its apparent bumps in the road. Mary sang about God's Justice. She then left in great haste to be apart from her family and then sent on the road great with child. Jesus born in a Stable. The noble Joseph politely considers divorce. The Wise Men understand Jesus is born and knock on the door of Herod.

The Wise Men understand Jesus is born and knock on the door of Herod.

The Christmas Story, if it was God there Stage Managing - would we see God cringe a lot? Would God say, "Oh NO Joseph!" Or "Don't sing about Fame Now Mary!!!" What would God say to Mary's parents to put her on the road to Bethlehem?

Instead we find God says He gives Generously without finding fault and will Give.

God of Love John explains.

What Happened to following Isaiah for the Magi?

John had an excellent explanation.

1 John 4

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

God Is Love
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.


Abba,

Help us to be blessed each day as your Mercies Renew, we hold on to these mercies. Building our soul into living stones to help each other forward in Your Good Purpose and Love. Bless us to increasingly live in Peace, Joy and Love.

To realize Your Son's Birth has seeming stops, starts and failures. We can be strengthened every day realizing You are working in all seasons and circumstances. Every day, every day, every day Your Mercies Renew.

When You pray with us, we will all go far and finish in Your Strength.

You have given a new heart, and a new spirit You put within us. Remove the heart of stone far from us all, we ask in Jesus.

Keep our heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of Life. We ask Abundant Life for Your Purpose.

Bless us to keep pure Hearts, we want to see You daily.

Keep us in Your Word. For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

James was told by His Brother Jesus we should ask for wisdom and discernment.

Let our ways acknowledge You, and You Will make straight our paths.
Let our paths bless and encourage those we Love to live Your Path.

Bless this Nation trusting in You with Your Willing Blessings. Bless those we Love to know You and Your Comfort. We give You this day and will see You give us this Day. Thank You for the Day You have given.

Direct us on Your path. Encourage us to stay in You. Guide and Lead us in Your ways. Let us love earnestly and lean upon You and be Strengthened in You. To rise up on Wings of Eagles.

We Thank You for Wayne's healing. Thank You. He did not have bleeding and is home again. We thank You for how much You have healed in Elliott and pray all healing for him and Harby and their family. We ask You to go far and finish well.

In Jesus Christ, Our hearts will be firm trusting in You. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Scripture for Today Web Results  

Scripture for Today Blogspot 

Psalm 113 ~ He raises

Cross at Ground Zero. Will return the World Trade Center Museum.

Psalm 113



1 Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD!

2 Blessed be the name of the LORD
from this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the LORD is to be praised!

4 The LORD is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens!
5 Who is like the LORD our God,
who is seated on high,
6 who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
9 He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the LORD!

Job 33:26Then man prays to God, and he accepts him; he sees his face with a shout of joy, and he restores to man his righteousness

Thousands of years ago Job wondered why suffering existed. And learned to trust God to bring forth His plan, His healing. As Job trusted, he healed.

God raises us. He lifts us. He gives.



Psalm 126

 English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
² Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
³ The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.

⁴ Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negeb!
⁵ Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
⁶ He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.

Restoration. Not just thrown out and replaced. To be made new with effort and valued. Something of beauty. What the Lord has in store for those who love Him.

You see things; and you say "Why?" But I dream things that never were; and I say "Why not?"
~ George Bernard Shaw

Psalm 33:18
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love

Psalm 39:7
And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you

Matthew 12:21
and in his name the Gentiles will hope





Abba,

Never let us sink into despair believing You have left.

Let us hold on to Your Mercies renew daily. And Build with Living Stones. What You See in us. What we will be. What we pray for. Our Prayer You gave, more Heaven upon earth and Your Good Will.

Surround us and uplift us in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Giving thanks to be in Highland Park and Dallas today. To see Epiphany of the Magi arrive

for Jesus. So many Christmas Lights still to see. The Joy of Beauty. The Joy of Epiphany.

The Joy of Jesus Christ. His Good, Good Creation. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Scripture for Today Web Results  

Scripture for Today Blogspot 

Isaiah 52:6 ~ my people shall know my name Jesus

Ricky Gervais' Monologue - 2020 Golden Globes

National Sensation, Talent, Critics, Criticism and Sparkling Wit. Entertainment History - A Dash of Nationally Televised Event in one of the 3 Television Channels of the 1950s.

What Scripture to encompass this...

Ephesians 3
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven

This understated diatribe recommended itself to include:

Bedraggled Cynicism in mankind, a hope mankind aspires to more, scathing humor without a response to be found, classism, reverse racism, incredible talent, laziness, hypocrisy, honesty and some Millennium Sized, incredibly amazing, people watching.

There was an Incredulity, Frank Amusement and Auspicious Tom Hanks.

There is a Bottom Line: Tom Hank for President 2024.
He won on Jeopardy. Baby.

Whoever ran the Camera for this event - is completely - Brilliant. If there is additional footage of the people watching - The People's Choice Awards want to see the Outtakes for The Golden Globes.

Isaiah 52:6

"Therefore my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak;
here I am.”

It's interesting, there are many new works to discuss at the Golden Globe Awards, the two Christian movies, "Mr. Rogers" and "The Two Popes" - they got plenty of coverage during a Monolog seeking Mercy. Isaiah 52. Priceless.

The First Award for Cartoon Experiences is still Jane Jetson. Who could ever imagine a phone in your hand is a satellite linked personal computer and Netflix? Not HBO and the taming of Game of Thrones for a worldwide audience. "Back to the Future" made the point there was no way Ronald Reagan was going to be President. And who needs a press corp when you have Twitter?

Who could know the NFL would loose patrons? Or the Nightly News?

Jesus would have Spoken a Word and calmed the Storm. Perhaps the better Biblical Hope would be Jesus Speaking Faith to the Centurion's Servant. We know the Centurion's Servant stayed in the Healed Category. We are told we will have trouble in this life.

We all, daily, have "Storms of Light and dark" fighting the Good Fight is actually having the Faith, Hope and Love the darkness has not overcome the "Light." Perhaps for you today, The Good Fight
is to be yourself and, in hope, rise up. Rise up over doubt. Rise up over criticism. Rise up to know Agape - Love is the truth. To fight for the place Agape will dwell.

And really this was what the Diatribe was saying. Be Merciful.

What else was reassuring?

You know what was soothing to me about listening to Ricky Gervais? Of the 7 minutes, I only had to pretend I knew what he was talking about twice. We all have different opinions. And on different days.

During the time of Louis XVI, nothing was funny. The French Revolution was a time where you just didn't make a joke. And you certainly didn't stand up in public and offend any CEO.  Evidently, we are not on the brink of (French) Revolution.

Times change. Timelessly, Jesus said we would always have trouble in this life.

Some days we will win with Prayer and God on our side and the next we wonder if we toil and strive to only weariness.

The struggle is real. When we parent our children and pets and parents - we don't want to find we have pushed them down. Not all situations in life are win - win. See the Book of Acts. Culturally, if they all jumped off a bridge would you let your kids do that?

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Scripture for Today Web Results  

Scripture for Today Blogspot 

Psalm 148 ~ His Majesty is above earth and heaven

Psalm 148

Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;

praise Him in the heights!

2 Praise Him, all His angels;

praise Him, all His hosts!

3 Praise Him, sun and moon,

praise Him, all you shining stars!

4 Praise Him, you highest heavens,

and you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord!

For He commanded and they were created.

6 And He established them forever and ever;

He gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. 

7 Praise the Lord from the earth,

you great sea creatures and all deeps,

8 fire and hail, snow and mist,

    stormy wind fulfilling His word!    

9 Mountains and all hills,

fruit trees and all cedars!

10 Beasts and all livestock,

creeping things and flying birds!

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,

princes and all rulers of the earth!

12 Young men and maidens together,

old men and children!

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,

for His name alone is exalted;

His majesty is above earth and heaven.

14 He has raised up a horn for His people,

praise for all His saints,

for the people of Israel who are near to Him.

Praise the Lord!

There is a majesty of the Scriptures that are far larger than the current time. We find in the Majesty of Scripture we can see Yesterday, encompass today and find tomorrow with Jesus Christ. All of Creation and Nations are enfolded by the Scriptures. The heavens and earth will pass away and God's Word will Stand Forever.

Abba,

Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen as His Heritage! And You will make of the faithful a great nation, and You will bless Your Children and make Your Name great, so we will receive a blessing.

We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Your own possession, that we may proclaim the excellencies of our Father God who called us out of darkness into Your marvelous Light.

You have told us to pray Impudently until the last hour, believing You as Father and friend. Saying," Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession."

We will seek Your Righteousness and ask Your Willing Blessings upon us. Asking Jesus to pray with us to live in Peace, with Joy and Love.

We will cover our cares, those we Love, this Nation and all of Creation - joining with the Faithful all over Your Good Creation believing more Heaven on earth will occur. Believing when we find what we are grateful for, You find pleasure in us, our faith and gratitude.

Being grateful for this Day, and having Your Word speak deeply in our heart and soul.
Blessed are You, Father God, to bring us your Wonderful Love.

Help our souls to be where You would always dwell. You are Love.

Amen in Jesus Christ.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Scripture for Today Web Results  

Scripture for Today Blogspot 

Psalm 40 ~ He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

Psalm 91

14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

I will protect him, because he knows my name.

15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will rescue him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”

This is why Santa does not come to Church. Jesus is Real.

John 14:12-14
12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

Psalm 61:3
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

Proverbs 14:26
Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.

When daylight comes and life resumes - like the Children of Israel, in the Exodus, wonder how they would be continually sustained. The journey is discovering the Lord is not just a physical shield, but a lifter of heads. God is like that. He does not blow His own trumpet. Instead He allows us the joy of discovering the mysteries in life.

The Gospel. The Bible. The Scriptures. Are the Word of God. The unfolding mystery is for us to live in hope, faith and love. His Word is good. His promises are sure. Jesus Christ the LORD saves and redeems us.

The only gift we can return to HIM, not first given to us - is gratitude. With goodness, mercy, the willingness to pray when we have a quiet moment or driving down the road. Because in Him - we live, move and have our being.

Psalm 40

A Psalm of David.

I waited patiently for the Lord;

he inclined to me and heard my cry.

2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,

out of the miry bog,

and set my feet upon a rock,

making my steps secure.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,

a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear,

and put their trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is the man who makes

the Lord his trust,

who does not turn to the proud,

to those who go astray after a lie!

5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God,

your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;

none can compare with you!

I will proclaim and tell of them,

yet they are more than can be told.

6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,

but you have given me an open ear.

Burnt offering and sin offering

you have not required.

7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come;

in the scroll of the book it is written of me:

8 I delight to do your will, O my God;

your law is within my heart.”

9 I have told the glad news of deliverance

in the great congregation;

behold, I have not restrained my lips,

as you know, O Lord.

10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;

I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;

I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness

from the great congregation.

11 As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain

your mercy from me;

your steadfast love and your faithfulness will

ever preserve me!

12 For evils have encompassed me

beyond number;

my iniquities have overtaken me,

and I cannot see;

they are more than the hairs of my head;

my heart fails me.

13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me!

O Lord, make haste to help me!

14 Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether

who seek to snatch away my life;

let those be turned back and brought to dishonor

who delight in my hurt!

15 Let those be appalled because of their shame

who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”

16 But may all who seek you

rejoice and be glad in you;

may those who love your salvation

say continually, “Great is the Lord!”

17 As for me, I am poor and needy,

but the Lord takes thought for me.

You are my help and my deliverer;

do not delay, O my God!

So Christmas winds down, and yet is not finished.

We have not celebrated Matthew 2 and the Magi arrive. Jesus didn't stay in Bethlehem one day. You don't yank a little baby out into the world. This is still Christmas. And this is good news in our hearts.

We are having variations of Christmas. The guests are going home. The family has dusted off their personalities and had scuffles. Some are still meeting to exchange gifts. Christmas is real. Some have Christmas sadness let down. Because really for some people all the Christmas is the Best Season of All. Even my Puppy Poodles want more Christmas and visits and family dogs. More cooking.

We aren't just planning to take down the Christmas tree with the Magi. We are planning the rebirth of Joy. We are deciding what we will do to make Next Christmas Joyful. More Joyful. More calm. More planned. More about Jesus Christ. With Jesus living in us we have the Spirit of God. We plan for tomorrow with Hope and a Future. God is our very backer. God lifts our head every day. His mercy renews last year, and His mercy renews this year and His mercy renews daily. This is Christmas.


We definitely need a Hymn. 2020. Be Thou My Vision. For this New Year!

Abba, Our Wonderful Father,

Be our Vision for this 2020 New Year! To You all desires are known no secrets are hidden. You Love us and know our heart.

Your Steadfast Love renews Daily. Daily we look to You with all our heart.

Fill us with Jesus to live and move and have our being. Teach us to be Your Delight. Run to us as the Prodigal Father was so glad to see us return to You.

Bless, Comfort and Surround those we Love. For the Good of Jesus we see in our lives, spread the Light of Jesus Christ to all of mankind. Let the Children of God Live in Joy and Peace and Love.

Forever in Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Scripture for Today Web Results  

Scripture for Today Blogspot