The Shepherds Told What They Had Seen

Luke 2:8-17 KJV; The Shepherds Told What They Had Heard And Seen. Jesus, the child born in Bethlehem is our Savior and Lord.

As Family Gather Together Often!

Matthew 12:48-50; Hebrews 10:24-25; Whether birth families or families of God it is needful to gather together often.

Praise The Lord; Psalm 146

Psalm 146; Praise Him for all that He has done for us.

Was David Without Sin?

Psalm 131:1-3 KJV Do we lift up the ancients as perfect examples to follow? Was David, Noah, Job actually without sin? 

Bringing Gifts

They followed the star

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. 

                                                                                  (Matt 3:9-11 KJV)

Reminiscent of the journey of the three wise men who followed the star bearing gifts for the baby Jesus people around the world give gifts to the children during the Christmas season. 

Annually, U.S. Marines around the world, have toy fund-raisers so that they can give gifts to children. Santa Claus normally delivers them for the Marines. When we lived in Rota, Spain these gifts were given on Epiphany which is also known as Three Kings Day after the three wise men. Three of the Marines would dress up as the wise men and deliver the gifts to  the children at the local orphanage.

The wise men followed the star to bring gifts to the baby Jesus to worship and honor him. They blessed this child with lavish gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. May God help us to honor and bless every child born as they did our Savior not just one a year but every day as Jesus himself is the gift that keeps on giving.  Thanks be to God for Jesus the King above all kings.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Merry Christmas

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.                                                                       (John 1:1-4 KJV)

In the beginning was the Word who is Jesus the Christ. What a wonder! The Word became flesh, born to us as a sweet baby child some 2000 years ago. His human life came to an end when he died on the cross for us. Yet, he lives! Jesus the Christ is eternal. He was in the beginning; is now; and will live eternally. 

Today we remember and celebrate his birth. We do this in many ways. Most people will put up an evergreen tree as a symbol of the eternal life of Jesus and of all who believe in him.

I have stuffed my turkey, baked the pies, and in a few minutes will be preparing to leave to worship, giving thanks to God for the Word who is also the life and the light of men; who is Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Merry Christmas

Pr. J.

God's Grace Brings Salvation

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 

                                                                        (Titus 2:11-14 KJV)

The good news from the Paul's epistle to his fellow servant Titus is that our Savior Jesus Christ died for the salvation of all people.  The good news as we celebrate the Christmas holy days and everyday is that by the grace of God through Jesus we have been redeemed from all iniquity.

It does not matter who you are or what you may or may not have done by the grace of God, through faith in the life giving sacrifice of this child born in Bethlehem, you are forgiven your sins! 

Thanks be to God for the hope of the world who is Jesus the Christ! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

My Soul Magnifies The Lord: Advent 4 2021

Decided to do a video blog this morning rather than write one. I do this now and then but it takes a bit of time so I often choose the written.

The Unborn Recognized The Unborn

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. 

                                                                 (Luke 1:39-45 KJV)

How old do you have to be before you know Jesus?  Do you have to have a certain amount of knowledge taught to you by humankind before you can know him? 

St. John the Baptist, the one who later introduced Jesus to the world,  recognized Jesus and leaped for joy while still in his mother's womb! John had not seen Jesus but he felt his presence. He knew Jesus even before he was born. 

It is not by any knowledge that the world gives us that Jesus comes into our lives.  It is by faith alone which is purely a gift from God. 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God..." (Eph 2:8)

May God open our ears, eyes, minds, and hearts so that we might know the abiding presence of Jesus the Christ, for he is with us always. Help us dear Lord to live life more fully in his presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

His Beloved

"The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." 

                                                                                            (Zeph 3:17 KJV)

He has saved us. With the life of His only begotten Son, Jesus, we have been spared. 

No matter what is going on in our lives here on earth we can know that He is with us and loves us. He loves us more than is possible for any human being to love. Rejoice in Him as He rejoices in you. 

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." 

                                                                                         (1 John 3:1-2)

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!  You are His beloved child!

God's Peace - Pr. J.  

You Are Wonderfully Made

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." (Psalm 139:14 KJV)

God does not create garbage. We are not garbage. We do; however, tend to create garbage ourselves. Many even attempt to make garbage out of themselves. This cannot; this should never happen. God did not create you that way. You do not have to live that way. Always remember that you are a marvelous creation of God and so are all of the people around you. You are a child of God; created in His image. (John 1:12; Genesis 1:27)

Remember that and know that God created you for a good purpose. He also gives you the gifts to fulfill that purpose. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer 29:11)  Hear the word of the Lord and do not let anyone convince you otherwise!  

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Eph 1:10)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Witness Of Peter

 

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost."

                                                                       (Acts 10:34-45 KJV)

Here we have the witness of Peter to the Gentiles of Jesus had done for them. While hearing this witness the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word; both Jesus and Gentiles alike. The Spirit of God did not discern a difference among the people; but, touched the lives of everyone who heard.

The Jews were indeed God's children; but now because of Christ, to be a member of the family of God was open to all who heard the word and believed. Peter wrote in his first letter to the exiles of the dispersion (that is to the people living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia):

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

                                                                                  (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Thanks be to God for we who were not His people are now His people and not just His people; but, His children and heirs because He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light through the gift of His Son Jesus the Christ. Thanks be to God for his mercy and grace. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

You Are A Child Of God

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 

                                                                                   (1 John 3:1-2 KJV)

How great is that! We are called the children of God. Those who do not believe in Jesus have a real tough time figuring out who we are and what we are about. They do not understand us because they just can't understand that great love God has toward all of his creation. 

No matter what we have done in our pasts, God still loves us and desires that we trust in the gift of salvation and life in His presence through Jesus Christ our Savior and our Lord. 

No matter what you have done; what sins you might wish you had not committed; Jesus died to take away those sins from your rap sheet. You, a child of God, are forgiven! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Glory Of God - Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:7-19 KJV

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

+++

May this day as you celebrate the birth of our Saviour be truly blessed.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Adorn Yourself With A Gentle Spirit

 Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:2-4 NRSV

Although, it keeps commerce going, I have never quite understood why someone would need to have so many piercings or wear so much make-up that it distracts from the person that they are within. I am not saying that I think women shouldn't wear any make-up. But, I would think that the purpose for make-up would be to enhance one's features and not an attempt to mask who you are. 

God has made everyone and every one is precious in God's sight. Let the world see the person God created you to be. It does not matter what you look like on the outside. Appearances can be very deceiving. There is nothing more beautiful than a child of God who exudes the loving and gentle spirit that comes from knowing that they are a child of God. 

May God help each of us to cherish the lasting beauty of the gentle and quiet spirit of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Reaping What We Sow

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Gal 6:7 KJV)

Yesterday, I wrote about enduring persecutions. As I thought about it throughout the day, I considered that there are many who may feel like they are being persecuted when in reality they are really suffering the consequences of their own poor choices. Often these poor choices or sins involved persecuting others in the first place.

If we break a law, we are not being persecuted if we end up ticketed or arrested. We are suffering the consequences that come with breaking the law. If we end up in divorce court facing huge child support payments because of such things as abuse or infidelity it is because of our own sinful behavior. 

When we suffer because of our own poor choices we don't get to claim victimhood. In many cases we need to recognize that our choices actually harmed others whether it was directly or indirectly. We need to recognize our sin and our need to repent. We need to change our ways and live lives that don't persecute others. 

If we choose to do what is not right and teach others to do the same we need to accept that we shall reap what we have sown.

However, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

May God grant us new and clean hearts that we might live in peace in His loving presence. Amen

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Servant Shall Be First

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. (Mark 9:35 KJV) 

If the first are going to end up last then why try so hard to put yourself above and before everyone else? So much of the word of God is contrary to how humans think. It all seems a bit backwards and upside down. And, it is! The thoughts and ways of humankind are not naturally the thoughts and ways of God. 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isa 55:8)

After all; who would consider sacrificing their child so that others might live? But, God did. He first and only begotten Son humbled himself and became a servant to all. He put himself last so that we might live.

Those who lord it over others will in the end find themselves to be last and those who are willing to put the needs of others over their own desires will be first.

May God grant that we should all have heart like that of our servant and King, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Taxes

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (Luke 2:1, 4-5 KJV)

Thanks be to God that we don't have to travel far distances to be taxed! Taxes are an inevitable part of life. There are property taxes, sales taxes, income taxes and all sorts of other sundry taxes. They cause can stress and worry for  people.

Income tax season is fast approaching. Along with the season comes the concern whether you are going to have enough money to be able to pay the income tax on April 15th when the income taxes come due. Then, there is always the question as to whether they were done accurately and if you might end up talking to the tax collectors. 

Taxes are as inevitable as life and death to this world. However, thanks be to God for all who believe death has no power of us. In Christ Jesus we have eternal life. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Fear Not For God Has A Plan

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matt 1:20-21 KJV)

Joseph hears that his fiancee' is pregnant and not by him! Yet, the angel tells him not to be afraid to take Mary for his wife. God has a plan. It is a good plan.

Today, many men will marry a woman who is pregnant for another's child. They are not afraid to raise the child as their own. But, it was not so in the days of Joseph and Mary. Mary could have been stoned for carrying the child. Joseph did the right thing. He listened to the angel of the Lord and took Mary to be his wife and Jesus to be his son.

The faithful need not worry when things get rough. We do not have to be afraid. I know. It is natural to worry when things go awry. But, we don't have to. No matter what happens we can trust that God has a plan; a good plan for all who love him. (Rom 8:28)

May God bless you with the knowledge of His great love for you evidenced by the life and death of our Savior Jesus the Christ. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Highly Favored

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women."     Luke 1:26-28 KJV

During the Advent season our thoughts turn to the upcoming celebration of Christ's birth. There is wonder in the fact that God chose a young virgin to give birth to His only begotten Son. Mary was truly highly favored. But, let us not forget that we are all favored as well. For this child of God grew to be a man who would give his life so that we, who are sinners, might receive forgiveness of sins and be reconciled to God now and forever. Because of this we are so favored that all who would believe in him have received eternal life.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8

How favored is that!

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:8-10

God's Peace - Pr. J