Blessing

Blessing

If you're at all familiar with the Bible

you know it's filled with promises wonderful.

Promises that come true in your life and mine

as the Bible applies to all at all times.

You've noticed that blessings are given

freely to one's and others' children.

Many blessings were presented at the temple

by God's designated dedicated people.

Zechariah was a priest, upright in God's sight,

who obeyed God's commandments, always doing right.

Zechariah blessed his son John (the Baptist)

with God's words of wisdom.

Luke records that Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit.

How, like Moses, Zachariah’s face must have been lit!

John was to prepare the way for Jesus' coming

as a prophet preaching about forgiveness from sins.

This blessing or benediction was ordained by God

even before John the Baptist was born, we're told.

What an amazing blessing

to the world was coming.

When Jesus was a baby, He was consecrated to the Lord,

in accordance with what is written in the Law of the Lord.

Consecrated or dedicated to the Lord.

Because of Christmas, we know this birth would change the world.

Simeon, righteous and devout, blessed Jesus in the temple.

A blessing that extends even today to all peoples.

This eternal blessing is found in believing

the One who came so our sins would be forgiven.

Anna, a prophetess,

also blessed Jesus,

stating He would redeem Jerusalem.

Anna's words were filled with God's wisdom.

Blessings.

Earth changing.

Bringing about a change for the good.

Christmas, Jesus' birth, changed the world - it would.

* * * * *

Are your spoken words blessings

or do they come out as cursing?

If your words are full of doubt,

than a cursing has been let out.

Unfortunately we tend to talk more about what's wrong

than we do about our many blessings, which is wrong.

Words have power. What we say affects us emotionally,

we often find, as well as physically and spiritually.

Our words have power to tear down or to enrich,

not only ourselves, but others within our reach.

Our words make a lasting imprint on others.

May our words always bless one another.

God has spoken blessings over you too.

In His faithfulness He cares for you.

May you realize God's love for you.

Here's a blessing from God's Word to you:

The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

This is the blessing Zechariah spoke regarding his son, John:

"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

to give his people the knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God,

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

to shine on those living in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the path of peace."

Luke 1:76-79

When the time of their purification

according to the Law of Moses had been completed,

Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord

(as it is written in the Law of the Lord,

"Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord").

Luke 2:22-23

This is the blessing Simeon spoke regarding Jesus:

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon,

who was righteous and devout.

He was waiting for the consolation of Israel,

and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die

before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.

When the parents brought in the child Jesus

to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel."

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

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel,

and to be a sign that will be spoken against,

so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.

And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

Luke 2:29-35

Anna also blessed Jesus:

There was also a prophetess, Anna,

the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

She was very old;

she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,

and then was a widow until she was 84.

She never left the temple but worshiped night and day,

fasting and praying.

Coming up to them at that very moment,

she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child

to all who were looking forward

to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:36-38

(Jesus) took the children in his arms,

put his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:16

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms

with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Ephesians 1:3

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.

My brethren, these things out not so to be.

James 3:10 (KJV)

As surely as I live, declares the Lord,

I will do to you the very things I heard you say.

Numbers 14:28

Pinecone and milkweed angel.

Blog will be updated everyday with Christmas stories this week before Christmas.

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Provision

Provision

Caesar Augustus did proclaim one day

that a census should be taken right way.

Everyone was to return

to the town where they had been born.

So Joseph and his expectant wife

traveled by donkey for days and nights

from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea

traveling through the mountains of Samaria.

The town of Bethlehem was filled with travelers -

crowded and noisy with boisterous revelers.

There were many reunions with loved ones.

Bethlehem was filled with gaiety and fun.

When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem

was there no one at all there to welcome them?

They soon learned there were no more rooms in the inns.

Did these two feel alone and unwelcome?

Did they wonder how God would provide?

Would God provide a place to reside?

Neither did they have a midwife.

Did they start their life with strife?

Seemingly alone as no one welcomed them

despite the large gathering in Bethlehem.

Did no one at all pay attention

to Mary's delicate condition?

Did the long journey start the contractions?

Did Mary know that night there would be action?

Did Joseph worry that they would spend the night outside?

Did Mary tell Joseph, “Just wait and see, God will provide”?

And God did provide

just as Mary confides

for shelter was suggested

though not usually subjected.

For there was an innkeeper

who was kind enough to offer

them shelter in his stable

where he kept his animals.

Did the innkeeper realize Mary was expecting?

Or was it payment for a night's lodging he was expecting?

Did the expectant parents think, "no thank you,"

or were they too weary and tired to argue?

Was Mary in pain

and did the added strain

of no place to stay

on their hearts lay?

There would be no one to attend

when the baby decided to come

though it was the traditional custom

for female relatives to attend.

Was Mary's travail easy?

How did Joseph keep busy?

Would God somehow in time provide?

Did Mary in Joseph confide?

Did they pray and ask God for help

when there wasn't any to help?

Were they left alone to fend for themselves in the world

though assured they would nurture the Savior of the world?

Were they alone or did God provide

after they prayed and in God did confide?

Wasn't there anyone to encourage them

there in the little town of Bethlehem?

But wait – encouragers arrived

when some strangers hurried

to Mary and Joseph's side

when the shepherds did abide.

Have you ever thought that perhaps God provided

encouragers when He sent the shepherds

to the stable that night?

Were they a welcome sight?

The shepherds saw this newborn named Christ the Lord, Jesus

the promised Messiah – Immanuel, God with us,

who encourages every man in every nation

down though the ages through hundred of generations.

* * * * *

Today God still provides encouragers among us -

friends, who are often ministering angels among us.

God does provide every need along the way.

Often when we take the time to pray.

What has God provided for you today?

Was it something for which you have prayed?

Maybe it was a friend who saw a need

and provided encouragement in deed.

Yes, God will provide

when we confide.

Often with a surprise

so open your heart wide.

And wait to see how God abundantly provides.

Be sure to celebrate the real Christmas this yuletide!

The birth of the Savior, Jesus, who once came to earth

so that we would believe and receive eternal birth.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree

that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

(This was the first census that took place

while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth

in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David,

because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary,

who was pledged to be married to him

and was expecting a child.

While they were there,

the time came for the baby to be born,

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7

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Manger

Manger

Have you ever considered the manger?

Some crudely cut wood pieced together

used as a feed box for barnyard animals

was nothing extraordinary after all.

A lowly, humble, crude trough

made out of wood cut rough

to serve a purpose -

to hold hay was its use.

Nothing fancy about it, probably quite plain.

Perhaps not even chiseled with a plane.

Nothing that would garner attention -

except when dinner time came.

But maybe there was something quite remarkable.

One, it was accessible; and two, available.

It made a convenient bassinet or crib

for it would cradle a baby, it did.

The manger, a word heard once a year

when reading the first Christmas story dear.

Though humble, this lowly manger,

would cradle the promised Savior.

It's purpose glorified that night

brought the shepherds delight

for just as the angel said

it was the Savior's bed.

In fact, “the King's bed,”

it could be said.

God had a plan to turn what was humble, yet available,

into something extraordinarily wonderful!

* * * * *

Have you ever thought

you could never do that?

Is it because you feel insecure or inferior?

Perhaps lowly like the humble manger.

Do your anxieties hold you back?

Maybe it's confidence you lack?

Perhaps not speak in front of a crowd

because your knees would be knocking too loud.

Do you know God uses what's available

and He will give you grace that enables.

Do you suppose God could use someone like you

if you had the courage to ask him to?

The Bible shows us God doesn't look at the outward stuff,

so if you think you're not thin enough or educated enough,

be aware God is more concerned about the attitude of your heart

then He is about status that you think might set someone apart.

Ask God to give you a testimony bold

and He will refine you as the choicest gold.

Notice God didn't chose the most gifted speakers

for God's Word records tongue-tied orators/preachers.

Moses and Jeremiah tried to bow out

when God surprisingly chose them to shout out

His message to His people,

their excuses being feeble.

God has a wonderful plan and purpose just for you.

All you need is to see yourself through God's loving view.

Like the manger, God has something wonderful waiting for you.

Ask God for His holy boldness then go out and share the Good News.

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

Moses said to the Lord,

“O Lord, I have never been eloquent,

neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant.

I am slow of speech and tongue.”

The Lord said to him,

“Who gave man his mouth?

Who makes him deaf or mute?

Who gives him sight or makes him blind?

Is it not I, the Lord? Now go;

I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Exodus 4:10-12

The word of the Lord came to me, saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart;

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

“Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said,

“I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, 'I am only a child'.

You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you."

Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me,

“Now, I have put my words in your mouth.”

Jeremiah 1:4-9

Man looks at the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart.

I Samuel 16:7

Enable your servants to speak your word

with great boldness.

Acts 4:29

I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

As for you, the anointing your received from him remains in you,

and you do not need anyone to teach you.

But as this anointing teaches you about all things

and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit -

just as it has taught you, remain in him.

I John 2:27

 

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Abiding

Abiding

Shepherds abiding

at night residing

on the hill

where moonlight spills

when suddenly the night sky

is filled with angels who fly.

That dark sky was lit, we are told,

with the glory of the Lord.

The shepherds were afraid,

in fact terrified,

but the angel said, “do not fear”

and spoke these words loud and clear:

“I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

After hearing these words

these surprised and stunned shepherds,

filled with awesome wonder,

hurried to find the manger.

We read they did not tarry.

In fact, they quickly hurried.

They wanted to know if what the angel said was true,

for it seemed to them to be too good to be true.

It was just as the Lord’s glorious heavenly messenger said

as they did find the newborn baby in a manger bed.

Because it was true they told everyone what they had seen and heard

before they returned to the distant hillside to tend to their herds.

Were these abiding shepherds insistent

when they affirmed this awesome event?

Is it because of their persistence the Christmas story is everlasting?

These abiding shepherds had a part in history that remains enduring

for today the Lord Jesus Christ’s, the Savior’s, birth

is celebrated throughout the whole universe.

The shepherds returned to their abiding

filled with much glorifying and praising

for all the things they had seen and heard

which was just as they had been told.

I'm sure they were never again the same

for after seeing the Christ they were changed.

These abiding shepherds saw and believed

and wanted everyone else to believe.

As they continued to abide in the fields

I imagine they also remained filled

with all that Jesus Christ represents -

their Savior, the first Christmas present.

* * * * *

Though the story is old

its truth is never old.

The truth is still the same today

as it was those many yesterdays.

The Savior has come.

Is he welcomed?

Jesus Christ can abide in your heart

if you ask Him to come in, just start

by praying “Dear Heavenly Father,

I realize I was born a sinner

but by your grace my sins can be washed away

so I ask your forgiveness right now, today.

I believe you died on the cross

to take my punishment. It cost

me nothing for you paid everything

so all my wrong doings to you I bring.

From now on for you I want to live.

My life, as it is, to you I give."

Such a simple prayer

the Lord will hear

and then abide in you

and help you each day anew

as you abide in Him.

He's waiting to come in.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

See that what you have heard from the beginning

remains (abides) in you.

If it does, you also will remain (abide)

in the Son and in the Father.

And this is what he promised us – even eternal life.

I John 2:24-25

 

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Stable

Stable

Sawn from rough-hewn wood

to house cattle it would

one starry night host a guest

that the world could never guess.

Did the innkeeper realize

or was he in for a surprise?

This stable in which donkeys and cows

daily sought shelter and bedded down

was loaned to God one wondrous night

to Joseph and Mary, his wife.

Did the cattle realize

or were they in for a surprise?

This lowly stable though crudely made

is where the shepherds found Jesus laid

in a manger box -

the cattle's feeding trough.

Did the manger realize

or was it in for a surprise?

You see, the world expected a King

born in pomp and circumstance to bring

salvation to the world,

not Jesus Christ the Lord

born in a humble stable

shared with barnyard animals.

His birth, quite remarkable,

with wonder filled that stable,

was rejected by the curious

and even made others furious.

So many curious never realized

and would be in for a bigger surprise.

Messiah was born that night

in a stable filled with delight

for when the shepherds entered in

that stable there by the inn

they found their Savior

who would bring favor.

They were in for a surprise

and that wonder and surprise

became their bold testimony

still today making history

as they went and told

so the whole world would know.

* * * * *

That little unpretentious stable by the inn

housed the One who provides stability within.

Good news! With God in you

your life is stable too

for God will remain steadfast

despite whatever comes to pass.

God can use the mundane

to bring praise to His name.

Never think God can't use you

for your life has worth and value.

God has for you a unique plan and purpose

and He's preparing you for the Master's use.

Sometimes God uses the pain of humbling

to prepare you for good that's someday coming.

Learn to ask "what is God teaching me."

Seeking God will provide stability.

It takes faith to realize.

You'll be in for a surprise!

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

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No Room

No Room

Two little significant words: “no room.”

The inn had no available rooms.

Because of the new census being taken,

Bethlehem was overflowing with citizens.

"No rooms" may have been passed along the street.

"No rooms" greeted many who stood on tired feet.

Amidst the excitement of seeing family and friends,

there was no rooms for these travel-worn citizens.

The streets were crowded with visitors.

The inns were full with weary travelers.

The innkeepers had no more available rooms

though one innkeeper offered shelter, none too soon.

Did this innkeeper realize he was part of God's plan?

Had he prayed, "O Lord, may my life bless other humans?"

Or was he in it just for a profit?

Surely he knew the stable wasn't fit.

Did the innkeeper take pity on their plight?

Did other travelers sleep under the stars that night?

Was Bethlehem's weather forecast chilly or mild?

Did he know Mary was expecting her first child?

Mary and Joseph were offered a roof over their head.

A humble, crude protection without even a bed.

Not the delivery room one would expect

though this baby's birth was foretold by prophets.

There were no rooms, but God provided in the 11^th hour.

Yes, even these parents had to wait on God to reveal his power.

Not in the way one would expect to be sent

but in a way only God would invent.

* * * * *

No room history writes.

No rooms available that night.

No rooms anywhere.

No rooms to share.

Rejected even before He was born.

Later He would be beaten and scorned.

Promised as the Savior of the world

yet born in a humble cattle fold.

The question of the hour is: do you have room in your heart?

Have you rejected God and His Word or have you given God your heart?

Have you said to God there's "no room" for you?

Or have you found His promises to be true?

Though you may have rejected Him

God will never reject you. Amen!

Today, ask God to come in.

You'll be blessed again and again.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree

that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

(This was the first census that took place

while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea,

to Bethlehem the town of David,

because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary,

who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7

He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

Isaiah 53:3

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Destiny

Destiny

Within each one of us is a God-given destiny.

In Luke 1 Mary is about to find out her destiny.

Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph,

was visited by an angel on earth.

It's true. That's how it really was.

The angel acknowledged Mary as:

“You who are highly favored.” (Luke 1:28)

That's how God see us – favored.

Loved, chosen, fortunate -

as in His favorite.

Yes, even before you were born,

God had your destiny formed.

The angel knew Mary was greatly troubled

and immediately consoled her with these words:

“Do not be afraid.

You have found favor with God”. (Luke 1:30)

You know, God knows, too, when we are worried

as scripture reminds us often with these words:

Do not be afraid.

Do not be terrified.

Do not be troubled.

Do not be discouraged.

Do not be fainthearted with sorrow.

Do not worry about tomorrow.

Because God knows the fear in our hearts

His Word will strengthen us when we start

a daily routine of reading it

with just what is needed to lift our spirit.

The angel told Mary she would give birth to a son

whose name would be Jesus who would rule an endless kingdom.

This baby would be the Son of the Most High,

He would be great and would reign by and by. (Luke 1:31-33)

When Mary questioned

the angel answered,

“nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

Yes, with God there is nothing too hard.

What was Mary's statement?

“I am the Lord's servant.” (Luke 1:38)

She willingly carried out her destiny,

one that affects everyone's eternity.

Mary, chosen to be

mother to this baby

that would change the destiny of the world

with this greatest story ever told.

* * * * *

You, too, have a chosen destiny within you

for God has chosen you for something special, it's true.

Perhaps you have the gift of giving

to someone in the need of receiving.

You've learned that the more you give

the more blessings God in turn gives

so that you can bless others more

from God's wonderfully, abundant store.

Maybe your gift is encouragement

for everyone needs encouragement.

If you find your world is a bit more cheerful,

perhaps your encouragement made it so.

And you'll find cheerfulness

is quite contagious

as others will offer needed encouragement

often in the form of a hug or a note sent.

Whatever your personal spiritual gift is,

it is your destiny to bring it to pass.

Your destiny will affect generations after you.

Perhaps like Mary, living out the gospel message true.

Will you be like Mary and say,

“I am the Lord's servant” everyday.

This is your destiny

for all eternity.

I am the Lord's servant.

Luke 1:38

I tell you, do not worry about your life...

Matthew 6:25

Do not be anxious about anything...

Philippians 4:6

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

If a man's gift is prophesying,

let him use it in proportion to his faith.

If it is serving, let him serve;

if it is teaching, let him teach;

if it is encouraging, let him encourage;

if it is contributing to the needs of others,

let him give generously;

if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;

if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8

 

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