BLESSINGS

 

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 everyone 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 dedicated faithful 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 witness 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 Mary visited Elizabeth in Judea (once Israel),

after Mary’s visitation from the angel Gabriel,

she blessed Mary with these words, “Blessed is she who has believed

that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

Similar to the promise Gabriel spoke to Mary

when he told her of Elizabeth’s pregnancy:

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

A promise we should recall when times are hard.

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

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

Dedicated, or consecrated, to the Lord.

Because of Christmas, we know His 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 received our lifelong.

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

(This is the blessing Elizabeth spoke over Mary:)

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb,

and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

In a loud voice she exclaimed:

“Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the child you will bear!

But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord

should come to me

As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears,

the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

Blessed is she who has believed

what what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

Luke 1:39-45

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 2:25-35

(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

In the Old Testament, Abraham blessed each of his 12 sons.

Who can you bless today? Blessing someone is not soon forgotten.

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

 Recollections from my childhood:

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Gingerbread cookies and bread baking,

venison soup in a big pot stirring.

Mom's busy in the kitchen.

Later these goodies we'd be sharing.

Everyone piles into the car

to deliver Christmas cheer – not far,

to those who lived alone.

People now long gone.

A quart jar of soup, a loaf of bread,

a plate of cookies – someone it fed.

But there was a bigger gift -

for someone's spirits would lift.

To have company unexpectedly

for those alone was somewhat heavenly.

There was a twinkle in their eye.

They were sad to say goodbye.

...Still makes a memory sweet.

Christmas memories can't be beat.

Dad quoted "T'was the Night Before Christmas."

He also said "Bah, Humbug," I must confess.

Two stories that must have had meaning

from childhood days each year gleaning.

Dad usually was up all night plowing snow

for on Christmas Day people had places to go.

No moss grew under his feet -

nor snow, nor ice, nor sleet.

Not one to be materialistic,

but one to share wherever he saw fit.

Making memories for others

for it never seemed to be a bother.

Sharing was Dad's year-round motto.

Sometimes it was a sack of potatoes.

Perhaps Christmas comes everyday

if one takes time to share today.

...Still makes a memory sweet.

Christmas memories can't be beat.

* * * * *

I pray your childhood memories are sweet,

not just with holiday food prepared to eat,

but with joyous celebrations

filled with heartfelt adoration.

The Old Testament records many feasts and festivals, with gladness,

the Israelites celebrated to commemorate God’s goodness.

May our Christmas celebrations

be a time of adoration -

to remember the first Christmas,

not the one celebrating St. Nicholas,

but the one honoring Jesus – the reason

for this joyous Christmas season.

Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13

Do good, be rich in good deeds,

be generous and willing to share.

I Timothy 6:18

Do not forget to do good and to share with others,

for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:16

Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me.

Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread...

Celebrate the Feast of Harvest...

Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering...

Exodus 23:14-16

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

PROPHESY

 

PROPHESY

God shared with the prophets of old

the greatest story ever told

now recorded within the pages of scripture.

It's the most wonderful news ever captured.

When humanity was at its worst

God promised to lift the curse

due to willfulness

and waywardness.

God reassured them with a plan,

a baby would be born to a virgin.

This plan promised forgiveness and eternal salvation.

Never before offered in the history of civilization.

Years and years passed before this promise was realized.

This promise still holds true today for us to recognize.

The promise of a savior who would save us from our sins.

The promise of forgiveness and a new way of life begin.

Compare the scriptures below from the new and old testaments

which verify the promise of God's gift to us, a covenant.

As we've learned, the shepherds became the first eye witnesses

as they verified the promise made when they saw baby Jesus.

God's Son, Jesus came to earth, born as a baby,

which we celebrate each December yearly.

A holy day now known the world around as Christmas,

remembering God's gift to us - who is Jesus.

* * * * *

Christmas is much more than decorations with merriment

when celebrating with family and friends met.

The true meaning of Christmas isn't about receiving presents.

The true meaning is found in seeking and finding Christ's presence.

God's presence is as close as a prayer away

when you simply confess in your heart and pray

through receiving God's gift of salvation

which is forgiveness of sins or pardon.

God with us, Immanuel, will abide in your heart

as He promised and He'll never, never depart.

Right now, today, receive His gift of salvation. It's free. No pretense.

It's the best present you'll ever receive, assurance of God's presence.

New Testament

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel - which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:22-23

Old Testament

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

New Testament

"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied,

"for this is what the prophet has written:

'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Matthew 2:5-6

Old Testament

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

though you are small among the clans of Judah,

out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Micah 5:2

He will stand and shepherd his flock

in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they will live securely,

for then his greatness

will reach to the ends of the earth.

And he will be their peace.

Micah 5:4-5

New Testament

She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

You will be with child

and give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus.

Luke 1:31

He was named Jesus,

the name the angel had given him

before he had been conceived.

Luke 2:21

Old Testament

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

New Testament

Does not the Scripture say

that the Christ will come from David's family

and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?

John 7:42

Today in the town of David a Savior

has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

IMMANUEL

 

IMMANUEL

Composed 12/4/11

In the Old Testament God showed himself to his people,

sometimes in a cloud, sometimes through visitations from angels.

When the Israelites wandered 40 years in the wilderness

God presided over them, leading, guiding through every test.

But the sinful nature causes one to rebel

and ignoring God's directives causes trouble.

History is shown to repeat this cause and effect

of either praying for help - or of willful neglect.

So God's blessed people chose to follow their own, selfish will

only to be led on a continual spiral downhill.

Will humanity ever learn

that God is waiting for their return?

Later a promise was made to Isaiah, fortunately,

for it seemed like there was no hope for humanity.

This promise was the coming of Immanuel

though hundreds of years before His coming would befall.

Years pass. Humanity basically ignores God. The New Testament begins

with a reminder of this promise from Isaiah 7:14 again.

An angel told Joseph in a dream that Mary would have a son.

He should be named Immanuel. God's solution for the world had come!

Today we commemorate this first Christmas

with celebrations and decorations in mass

often forgetting the reason

we celebrate this season.

We forget that God's solution

to the world's many problems

came that night as "God with us" or Immanuel

when Jesus comes into our heart to dwell.

"God with us" replaces the restlessness,

the searching to fill the emptiness,

to fill the void, to make us complete.

“God with us” is what our soul seeks.

* * * * *

December – a month of fa, la, la, la, la.

Of festive gatherings of those near and far.

With twinkling lights and decorated trees.

Of gifts that delight you and me.

Then suddenly Christmas is over

without a thought of whatever

is the reason

for the season.

Matthew records why Jesus came.

The reason is found in His names.

Jesus means the Lord saves.

Christmas Day that way was paved.

As promised long ago,

the name Immanuel

means God with us

when we simply trust.

His name Messiah means The Christ,

the Anointed One, despite the price

that would be paid on Calvary's tree

where Jesus died for you and me.

Died to save us from our sins

when we believe in Him.

So that's what Christmas is all about -

when the birth of Jesus came about.

God's Christmas gift to us

is His beloved Son Jesus.

This year when Christmas is over and done

can you say you made room for God's Son?

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud

to guide them on their way

and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light.

Exodus 13:21

The Lord will go before you,

the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

Isaiah 52:12

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel – which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:22-23

For God so loved the world

that he gave his only begotten Son

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 (KJV)

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

NAMES

 

NAMES

Take time to read the story of Jesus' birth

which you'll find in Matthew and in Luke.

Take note of the names used to describe

this one of whom was prophesied.

You'll find God's one and only beloved Son has many names.

The New Testament tells us that the holy child will be named:

"Jesus" or the Lord saves

and "Immanuel" meaning God with us.

The angel referred to Him as "the Son of the Most High"

when Mary was told she was the one chosen from on high.

The angel also called Him the "Son of God"

when Mary learned of her destiny from God.

The angel told the shepherds He would be known as "Savior"

as He was sent to earth as our needed deliverer.

The wise men called Him

the "king of the Jews" when they sought Him.

The title of "Christ" or the Anointed One

was another name for His earthly mission.

The name "Christ the Lord" gives Him reign

over the universe supreme.

Isaiah, in the Old Testament, speaks of this child-to-come by other names.

Contemplate the awesome characteristics of God's Son as described in these names.

In part, these names demonstrate that God is approachable, sustainable, available, peaceable,

and the ups and downs of everyday life attest that He is undeniably able.

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

As "Wonderful Counselor," God is approachable,

assuring us that our concerns are manageable.

As "Mighty God" He will sustain us

no matter what may come to pass.

Our "Everlasting Father" is always available

as through prayer He is accessible and attainable.

The "Prince of Peace" tells us He is peaceable

as recorded over and again in the Bible.

* * * * *

Whatever you call this King

He will be your everything

when to Him you continually bring

in daily heart-felt prayer offering

your big and little concerns, un-confessed sins,

your gratitude and attitude within.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about...

Matthew 1:18

She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

The virgin will be with child

and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel -

which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:23

"Where is the one who has been born

king of the Jews?"

Matthew 2:2

You will be with child and give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus.

He will be great and will be called

The Son of the Most High.

Luke 1:31-32a

So the holy one to be born

will be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:35

Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

There are many more names attributed to God's Son.

Sometime take time to make an ABC... list. It'll be fun!

A = Almighty, B = Bread of Life, C = Comforter

D = Deliverer, E = Eternal, F = Friend, and more...

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

*

JESUS

THE LORD SAVES

OR

MESSIAH

THE ANOINTED ONE

OR

IMMANUEL

**GOD WITH US**

AND

THE KING OF THE JEWS

AS

****CHRIST THE LORD****

OUR

RULER/SHEPHERD

SAVIOR/SALVATION

LIGHT FOR REVELATION

**GLORY TO YOUR PEOPLE ISRAEL**

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

MIGHTY GOD

PRINCE OF PEACE

* * * * * EVERLASTING FATHER * * * * *

|||

Merry CHRISTmas!

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 accepting?

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,

though it was the traditional custom,

for female relatives to attend

when the baby decided to come.

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 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 arrived.

Have you ever thought that perhaps God provided

encouragers when He sent the shepherds

to the stable that night?

Surely 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.

Then 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

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

INTRODUCTION to God's Gift to Us - Christmas

 

What an orchestration of events -

which fulfilled a promise,

which changed world history,

which guarantees God with us,

which promises everlasting life when we believe,

which affects our life today and for future generations:

prophesy

angels

engaged couple

census

innkeeper

stable

shepherds

sheep

heavenly hosts

good tidings

great joy

manger

baby

wonderment

testimonials

political leaders

bright star

wise men

camels

gifts

blessings

promise fulfilled

and so much more...

Each story/poem can be read as a stand-alone story, with supporting scriptures.