Prophecy 19: Isaiah 6:9-10

Daily Thoughts – December 23^rd   

Prophecy 19: Acts 1:11

"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." - Acts 1:11
Acts 1:11 and cross references

It shall come to pass that in the city of David, she will bring forth a son and call him Immanuel, meaning God is with us. Read the scripture Isaiah 7:1-15 to your children on Christmas morning followed up by the traditional reading of

Luke 2:1-7. In this way, you are sure to continue the teaching from generation to generation of the foretelling of the Messiah and His birth.

You have been exposed to nearly 20 prophecies about the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. I have shared with you Isaiah 9:6 which discusses the Immaculate Conception and birth, of which we celebrate on the 25th. Now I want to share with you a messianic prophecy regarding His second coming. I do this so that you are aware and busy preparing for this day.

All throughout the Old and New Testaments prophets have foretold of the second coming of the Messiah to redeem and then judge the world. Regarding the first coming of the Messiah, there was a matter of several hundred years between their prophecies and His birth. I have shown you how even after hundreds of years the Israelites and Jewish leadership did not recognize Him when He was born. I am concerned that over the last 2000 or so years we have forgotten who it is we are looking for.

To avoid this disconnect the second time, it is crucial that you continue to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ. The stronger you become in your faith and understanding of His grace, the more familiar and prepared you will be upon His return. The knowledge you have gained over the last 4 weeks is a solid foundation to emphasize that Christ alone is the long-awaited Messiah. With the acceptance of this fact, we must then prepare for the next prophecies that remain unanswered and ensure we are ready when they too are fulfilled.

A very Blessed and Merry Christmas to all of you. May you find the peace of the Savior as Mary, Joseph, and the Shepherds on that cold night in Bethlehem. The night the angels cried and sang Halleluiah to the King.

- Rich

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Is God Still With You?

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” -John 1:14

Three days have passed since Christmas morning. I’m sure that sometime during the last 5 or 6 days you have read through or heard the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem as captured so beautifully in Luke 2. As the time passes and we become more engaged in our day to day life again, the stresses begin to accumulate, the worries start up again and for some the message of Christmas begins to blur again for another 11 months. We need to make a stand against the temptation to slide back into our pre-Christmas routine. As foretold in Isaiah 7:14 “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.” Things are not the same.

His life was foretold by over 20 different people as far as 800 years before His birth. Everything from who His parents would be, where He would be born, what His life would stand for, His persecution, His death and His resurrection. Most historical figures and leaders lived a great life and then their story was captured and documented for the interest of educating the minds of the future. But He was not like other historical figures. Unlike any other person in the history of the world, Jesus Christ, was biography was written before He ever breathed His first breath.

God was with Adam in the Garden, with Moses on Mount Sinai and David in his battles. He was with many other individuals throughout the scriptures. He carried these hero’s and saints through their struggles, trials, hardships and their weakness’. God not only gave them insight through His authority and power on earth, He gave them the wisdom and confidence to know that He was always there for them, no matter what. Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac because he knew God would provide a lamb. David battled Goliath because he knew God would overcome. Job gave up everything he had and relied solely on God’s love and promise as disease and experiences near death came upon him. These are just a few examples of what happens when God is with someone.

Jesus means Immanuel, God With Us. This single statement was prophesied by Isaiah, and restated by the angel to Joseph in a dream. When God was with the saints of old, we saw how He protected, nurtured and cared for them. Through the birth of Jesus Christ, that exact power and blessing is available to all of us. He came to us because He knew we could not come to Him in our fleshy, sinful state. God’s desire is for us to be with Him for eternity, so He took it upon Himself to come to us, and walk side by side with us through this life to allow that reunion one day. He will carry us when we are weak, provide knowledge and insight into righteousness, convict us when we fall and set us back on a path of purpose for His kingdom. God is with us – that means you, me and everyone since Christ’ birth. It is upon us to seek His guidance and love. Some believe that this promise was only for those who walked with Jesus for those 33 years. This could not be farther from the truth. He promised us a comforter, counselor and teacher in the Holy Spirit to be with us always, until the day of His return. His death was not the end, but rather the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise. Immanuel, God is with us, lives on through His resurrection and continues to provide strength, love, security, comfort, help and wisdom if we only reach to Him.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
You came to us through a child, born in the humblest of settings to fulfill a promise for all of mankind. You promised to walk with us, guide us and be our strength, if we would only turn to trust You. We come before You Lord, seeking Your will in our lives, Your wisdom and Your love. Just as You carried the saints of old through their struggles and temptations, guide our steps in a path of righteousness as well. Help us to recognize Your control and will in our life. In Your name we pray - Amen



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Do We Need Christmas?

 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”  – John 11:25-26

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in April 15, 1865 by John Wilkes Booth in a tragic manner that would forever be memorialized in the hearts of Americans.  Considered to be one of America’s greatest Presidents, he did considerable things to get this country through the Civil War, and reunite the country afterwards.  His Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves across the Confederate states and eventually across the entire United States of America.  Upon his death, there were definite dividing lines between those who defended his works and those who opposed it.  His grave was the site of no less than 5 examinations over the course of twenty five years following his death.  Each in an attempt to prove that he was indeed dead and that his body had not been “taken up” as had been the rumors of the day.  It was in September 1901 that his body was exhumed for the last time and sure enough, he was still there as was witnessed by 23 individuals at the sight on that day.

Jesus Christ was born to break the bondage and slavery of all mankind, from the evil and unrighteousness of Satan in the world.  In contrast to Mr. Lincoln though, three days after His death and burial, Jesus Christ was not in the grave.  This was witnessed by no less than 6, but likely many more on that glorious resurrection morning.  The two guards, Mary and the other Mary, Peter and John are captured in scripture as witnessing the empty tomb with the stone rolled away.  Even more wonderful though is the large number of witnesses to Jesus Christ walking amongst the people and talking with them after his death and resurrection.

Jesus Christ was born for the resurrection.  He claimed so Himself numerous times throughout the New Testament.  He was born that man no more shall die, not referring to a physical death, but a spiritual & eternal death.  God is perfect, and demands perfection to enter into His kingdom of heaven.  You and I are incapable, despite our best efforts of achieving the perfection that is required to meet God’s standards.  The gates of Hell are wide and inviting to all of mankind as the easy path through life.  Sin is tempting and impossible to avoid in our human state, but Jesus Christ because of His divine soul and incarnate birth was capable of resisting Satan right through the point of death on the cross.  His death and three days in the depths of the earth seemed an apparent victory for Satan.  It was on that third day though, through His resurrection that Jesus Christ broke the chains of slavery for all time and provided a perfect sacrifice for all of mankind’s sin and allow us to enter into God’s perfect heaven through His sinless perfect life. 

He lived 33 years of sinless perfection in God’s eyes.  He resisted the temptations of this life, the trials and pitfalls that face all of us.  He overcame pride, envy and jealousy through humility and a servant’s heart.  He loved unconditionally, and opened the door of heaven to all mankind, not just a chosen few.  If His resurrection is false, then all of Christianity is false as well.  The foundation of Jesus Christ birth, death and purpose on this earth was for the resurrection to take place and create the path of salvation for us to be redeemed back into the grace of our Father in heaven.  There is no other way for you nor I to cleanse our sinful life enough to enter into God’s eternity.  Good works will not cleanse your soul, prayer will not cleanse your soul and money certainly cannot cleanse your soul.  Belief in the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, alone will wash away the sins of this life and allow you and me to stand before the Lord perfect.  We need Christmas, because we needed a Savior and a path of salvation to draw us back into the arms of God the Father.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
Your Son Jesus Christ came into this world for the purpose of providing a path of salvation.  Your Word tells us that through His death and resurrection You have opened the door to heaven for those of us that believe on Him.  Forgive me for my sinful flesh and my worldly desires.  Wash my heart and mind anew as we continue to celebrate Your Son’s birth.  Help me to rekindle my spirit with Your word and Your promise of eternity with You.  Strengthen me this day to walk in Your grace and share Your light with all that I meet.  In Your name we pray - Amen

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The Christmas Blues

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.””  – Matthew 2:13

Well, it has come and gone.  All of those weeks preparing for Christmas, and it seems to be gone in a flash.  The excitement of family joining together, the presents under the tree, the Christmas carols, the shopping, the Christmas dinner all have become a part of our memories now.  Was it everything you expected it to be?  All of that excitement reached a crescendo and now life begins to resort back to normalcy once again.  Perhaps the family has left to return home, the tree is now at the curb-side and there is that dreaded feeling of emptiness as you evaluate what has transpired.  Did you get everything you wanted?  Did the reunion with family members and friends meet your expectations or leave you wanting more?

The post-Christmas blues meet many of us head on after the build up to an emotional high on Christmas morning.  We all have expectations going into Christmas.  Following that wonderful event we are then left to compare the reality with our expectations, and many times if falls short.  The joy, laughter and happiness that fill your heart leading up to Christmas may seem distant now.  I propose that it is simply because you are focusing on the event and not the act of Christmas.  You see the gifts, the fellowship, the reunions and the parties are nothing more than an event celebrating the act of His birth.  Many have argued that his birth did not even happen in December, and I’m okay with that.  You see, it’s not about the exact day He was born, it’s about celebrating His birth, which leads us to celebrating His life, His death and His resurrection.

We know that Mary & Joseph went through a period of Christmas Blues so to speak.  After the birth of Jesus you would expect that they would have time to just rest in peace and raise God’s Son.  A chance to celebrate His birth and God’s choice to bring Him to the world as a part of their family.  Mary had spent 9 months preparing for the event of Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem.  At some point in the Savior’s first year an angel appears to Joseph, once again, and tells him to take the child to Egypt.  Without hesitation, Joseph packs up his family and goes.  When God speaks to you and tells you to move, you move.  God was in ultimate control of every part of the Christmas event, and didn’t stop once the baby was born.  It wasn’t as if God brought Christ into the world and then told Mary & Joseph, “Alright, now it’s up to you.  Good luck.”  No.  He was involved every step of the way.

Just like in your life, and mine, God didn’t bring you to a point of salvation and then walk away.  At your baptism He didn’t wash you clean and then say, “Okay, now stay that way.  My work is done.”  God never promised you and I an easy path in life, as a matter of fact He promised just the opposite in John 16:33, “in the world you will have trouble.”   The key is to continue relying on God to see you through and around these troubles.  The Lord is still in control, even when you feel lost, empty and alone.  It is more important to listen to His word and be in accord with His direction on your life when you have reached the summit and are on the way down the other side.  The Christmas Blues can bring along with it serious depression for those left wanting more, and feeling lost in a world of materialism, self-centeredness and jealous envy of others.  What is important is to look upward and focus your attention on the One for which Christmas is all about.  Throughout the year we can celebrate the Messiah in our lives, through our actions and in our quiet times.  Draw near to Him each day and re-discover the wonder of Christmas over and over.

 

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the wonder of Your Son’s birth.  Thank You for helping us through this stress-filled, exciting time of Christmas, while keeping our eyes focused on You and not on ourselves.  Help us to let go of the emptiness that can ensue following this blessed event, and draw closer to You.  As You demonstrated through Joseph’s dreams You are in control at all times.  You alone can lead us through this depression and back into our Savior’s arms.  Guide us Lord to daily walk with You and never feel alone in this world. In Your name we pray - Amen


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What Will You Give Him

Click Here: Read Luke 21

“He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.  “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.  All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.””  – Luke 21:2-4

 

When I was a boy, my favorite Christmas cartoon was The Little Drummer Boy.  I can’t tell you why, but for some reason I connected more with this story than any of the other Christmas favorites – Rudolph, Frosty, Here Comes Santa Claus or Charlie Brown’s Christmas (although this was  a close second).  Each year as time would draw close to Christmas, TV Guide would publish the schedule of Christmas shows and I would seek out this cartoon before the others.  There is something about a story that exemplifies the act of giving rather than receiving that spoke to my heart.

In Acts 20:35 Paul reminds us of what the Lord said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  For the most part I believe Christians grasp this concept, but have difficulty putting it into practice.  Especially in today’s economic climate where it is so unnerving to look outside of our own four walls at the poverty and brokenness in the world when we are struggling with the credit collectors ourselves.  So often when we think of giving, our mind immediately shifts to focus on the financial side of the equation.  This is natural, but limited in scope.

The Lord has given you talents and gifts that He has not given to everyone.  It is what makes you unique in character, persona and wisdom.  These gifts are not for your benefit but for His and were intended to be used to glorify His Kingdom here on earth.  Some of you have the gift of counseling, some of music, some of writing and some of cooking; as examples.  As we near Christmas, how can you use your gifts to help others and in turn bring glory to God in the process.   If you’re good at wrapping presents, consider setting up a gift wrapping table at the local mall and wrap presents for free.  If you love to bake, then use that talent to make Christmas cookies for your local firemen or police officers and take a plate into them with a letter of thanks.  If you love to sing or play the guitar, consider setting up a chair in the shopping area of your town and serenade those passing by with Christmas carols and bring a little cheer to their day.  Carry extra blankets in your car, so when you see a homeless person, you can give them some comfort this Christmas.

Be the hands and feet of our Savior to the world by giving back this Christmas.  You and I both know that the joy inside is generally overwhelming when you see the true appreciation of someone when you take the time to give to them.  The expression of love from the heart cannot be matched by any monetary or material gift.  Like the little drummer boy, you may not have the financial means to give a present, but you have everything you need to give someone love this Christmas.  You just need to take the initiative to do something about it

 

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Will there Be Peace on Earth?

Click Here: Read Luke 12

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”  – Luke 12:51

It was a crisp night in the small town of Bethlehem.  The stars in the sky were brilliant and the moon lit up the desert hills.  In the distance you could hear the bleating of sheep, the noise of the crowds in the city center, fire crackling here and there as stander-bys warmed their hands.  When the young couple enter into the city, tired from a long journey of nearly 100 miles on foot.  Several days if not a week or more, by donkey, over the hills, mountain passes and desert terrain. 

In that day, the people of Judah were expecting a Saviour, a King to rule for them against the tyranny of the Roman Empire.  What they weren’t expecting was a baby, born in the humble setting of an animal stable.  Lying among the hay, troughs and obvious animals in that stable; Mary gave birth to the King of the Jews, the Messiah, and our Saviour.  It was anything but peaceful on that first Christmas Eve.  The city was abuzz, the crowds had amassed, and the Romans were taking a census.  Thieves ran to and fro through the night.  Marketers sold their goods to the passersby for exorbitant fees, ladies sold themselves for the company of another.  God, stepped into the world amidst the chaos of the world, and set out on a path of redemption that would take 32 years (or so) to complete.

Did Jesus come into this world to bring peace?  No, not at all.  He came into this world to bring justice, to bring salvation, to bring a hope of redemption for the evil that lives in this world.  He came to separate the chaff from the grain on the threshing floor (Matt 3:12) of man’s heart, and burn the chaff in an unquenchable fire.  The division Christ speaks of is between the righteous and the unrighteous, between the good and the evil. 

I hear from the world today, if God, then why….. (fill in the blank).  Why death, why suffering, why poverished, why sick, why fired, why rape, why evil, why floods, why earthquakes, and so on.  It’s as if they believe because God is love, then God wouldn’t allow these things.  What they fail to recall is that mankind is inherently evil, and only through God can they become good.  Man must choose right or wrong in every situation.  We make decisions, or others make decisions that influence us, which instinctively lead to an outcome.  God is Love.  Could He, as the single omnipotent, sovereign authority wave His hand and make it all go away?  Yes.  Then why doesn’t He? 

His timetable is infinite and His existence is eternal.  Romans 8:28 tells us: He works all things to His good.  We may not and often times do not understand the how or what, but with faith in His eternal plan, we can know that this is true.  I don’t know why some things happen, but I do know that God wants our love and worship; and this is evidenced by His action in sending Jesus Christ as a single means of redemption.  We are given every opportunity to accept Him and turn from evil, and by doing so, find an eternal peace.  So, no, there will never be Peace on Earth.

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Woe to You, Hypocrite

Click Here: Read Luke 11

“But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” – Luke 11:42

How big is your world?  Your sphere of influence?  There are over 7 billion people in the world, gearing up to celebrate Christmas this month.  How many of them do you know?  How many Christmas cards will you send?  Do you realize that over 2/3^rds of the world celebrate Christmas as nothing more than a day to exchange gifts with those you love.  No Messiah, no Christ child, no Nativity, no salvation, no wise men, shepherds, inn keepers or angels.  It’s just another Tuesday that they don’t have to go to work.  Our world is much, much bigger than your circle of connections.

Based on your microscopic perspective of what’s really going on in this world, do you really think you know what’s going on?  Who are your sources for information?  CNN, MSNBC, FoxNews, HBO, Yahoo, Google, Huffington Post, Instagram, Facebook, Tweets and neighborhood gossip?  Come on.  Do you really think that you are getting the real story about the world through these biased, agenda driven sources?  You see what you want to see, you hear what you want to hear and you turn off the news that doesn’t align with your perspective in life.  If we take off the blinders and really see what’s going on in this world, would we change our actions?  We are driven by the instantaneous data we receive from the worldly sources we have chosen to listen too.  Consider the motive behind their decision to share that information with you and others.

I am so tired of the media, the junk and the elevation of worldly idols.  They want to set your agenda of thought and discussion for the next week.  Gossip on the latest celebrity that has come out of the closet, worrying about ISIS, arguing over Political views, collusion, email scandals or the wall, what the Kardashians are up to, buying the latest diet craze or who got the highest score on Fortnight, Candy Crush, Township or Wordscapes.  There are real problems in the world folks and we waste the majority of our waking hours worrying about what they want us to worry about, rather than what’s really going on. 

When it all comes down to it we are brothers and sisters fighting the same fight.  That fight is to survive one more day and accomplish something with the time we are given.  From the rising of the sun to the midnight hour we are just trying to make this a better place.  I sure hope you’re not waking up each day trying to destroy the world around you and those that live in it.  No, I believe you are like me, and wish to make life a little better each day.  The problem is, we are so focused on making our life a little better with little or no consideration as to making someone else’s life easier. 

While you read this there are 100’s of girls under the age of 12 being raped, sexually abused and sold into the sex trade.  While you read this there are 100’s of babies being aborted because two individuals were irresponsible and let their physical desires get the best of them one night.  While you read this there are 100’s of young boys stealing and/or murdering in inner cities all over the world.  While you read this there are 100’s of single mothers contemplating suicide because they feel all alone after being deserted by a dead beat dad.  While you read this there are 1000’s of young men and women injecting, snorting, inhaling and swallowing some sort of drug that will kill off brain cells and alter their cognitive ability for life, and as of rhis writing, 39 states in the US have legalized it.  While you read this there are 1000’s of college students all over the world being educated that there is no God and that we have all evolved from a primordial soup over billions of years.  While you read this 100’s of Senior Citizens waking in nursing homes to spend another day completely alone in this world.  While you read this there are 100’s of individuals are taking their last breath in hospital beds all over the world, having never heard about Jesus Christ’s love and salvation.

Reality is that there are horrific things going on in this world every minute of every day.  While we go about our normal routine shopping for the latest gadget for our kids, or decorating our home to stand out above all of neighbors; there are millions around the world suffering just to find food and survive.  We don’t hear about that on our televisions, Facebook, Twitter or in the coffee shops because that would be a buzz kill, depressing and most of us truly don’t want to get involved.  We tune it out because it’s depressing, it’s sad, it’s remote to our lives and therefore it’s someone else’s problem.  This is a very self-centered excuse and represents the single biggest problem we have in this world.

God sent His Son to be born, humble, live selfless and to die on a cross for your salvation.  Why? Why does God want to save you?  Is it for you to enjoy your life even more, or for you to help make a difference in others’ lives, so that in turn they may find salvation?  I believe it is the later, yet most of us live as though it is the former.  Many of us believe, “Once I have been saved, I can go back to living my life with the peace of knowing that I am destined for heaven” and we feel very sorry for those who haven’t likewise found salvation, but we leave it to them to figure it out on their own.  The realization that if someone dies, not knowing about Christ’s salvation, that their eternity is in Hell, should cause all of us to act, to do something to help them.  But, often times what I hear is “yea, it’s really sad, but hey it was their choice to make.”  I believe we have a responsibility to those we claim to love, befriend and care for to let them know about God’s love, mercy and grace.  Can we alone solve world hunger, stop prostitution, stop the sex trade, drug trafficking, abuse, murder, theft and so on and so on?  No, not by ourselves.  But, we have the ability to share God’s love with those we know, those we meet and those we have communications with to ensure that through His love and peace this world is made a better place for all.

Christmas should be a time to stop being the hypocrite and begin being the selfless, humble servant minded Christian that you have been called to be.  The decision sits on your shoulders, but I would hate to have Christ point the finger at me and say, “Woe to you Hypocrite….”




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Witnessing a Miracle

Click Here: Read Luke 7

 

“When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”  At that very time, Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.  So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”  – Luke 7:20-22

Everyday activities that are taken for granted or explained away as coincidence or luck are actually miracles given from our heavenly Father. It's amazing to me how many miracles take place every single day. The birth of a new child, sickness' are healed, the lost are saved and the hungry are fed. Bills that couldn't be paid are suddenly somehow manageable. The gas gauge is below empty and there isn't a dollar or coin to be found in the car, yet there is enough gas to get home and back to the gas station the next day. A child slips and falls from the monkey bars landing on his back, yet there are no broken bones or internal damage. Christmas presents are unobtainable because of a lost job and someone leaves a bag of toys and a bicycle on the porch as a secret Santa.

“Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy....”  – Isaiah 35:5-6

In your life think back and ask yourself where has God interjected His miraculous grace? Don't wave the little miracles off nonchalantly, look for them and thank God when they happen.  The preceding verse (Isaiah 35:3-4) describes how God will come with a vengeance and save His people.  The prophecy in Isaiah 35:5-6 foretells that when God comes in the form of the Messiah, He will be bringing miracles along with salvation.  Throughout the New Testament, we find numerous miracles performed by the one, Jesus Christ, in the name of the Father. 

There were certainly those that performed magic in those days as there are today. Some would look upon Jesus as nothing more than a magician until he began restoring life, healing the blind and the deaf, curing leprosy and healing the lame. Also, note that in each situation He gave the glory and honor to the originator of life.  This is one thing that differentiated him from the magicians and wizards of the time.

When John the Baptist was in prison he sent some of his disciples to verify that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. In Luke 7:20-22 we see through Jesus own words to the men asking, that He fulfilled the prophecy from Isaiah 35 – heal the blind, the deaf, the lame and the leper.  This separates Jesus from the magicians of the day to all that heard and witnessed His miracles.

Jesus Christ came to open the eyes of the blind and open the ears of the deaf, such that they might hear His words of salvation and fully experience the glory of the Lord as intended by God's original design. Do not let the views of the world blind your eyes or mute your ears from realizing His miracles in your daily life.

 



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She Said “Yes”

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”  - Genesis 3:15

Take close note of the reference in this prophetic scripture -“…her seed…”.  We all know, or should know based on your age, that conception comes from the seed of the father and the egg of the mother.  This prophecy was directly from the Lord to the serpent in the garden after he had deceived Adam and Eve into sin.  In this case though God references “her seed” which can be connected to Isaiah 7:14 – “Behold, a virgin will conceive….” 

Mary, Did You Know

Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby, you kissed the face of God?

Oh, Mary did you know, ooh

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb

Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the great, I am
 

In Luke’s 1^st chapter, verse 30-31, the angel Gabriel comes to Mary, “So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you shall give Him the name Jesus.”  The child would be conceived without a man, but through the Holy Spirit coming upon Mary.  Therefore the zygote, the embryo, was conceived with perfect, sinless blood.  Unlike every other human up to that point and since (other than Adam and Eve) who are created through the seed of the man (filled with sin through generations from the original sin in the garden). 

Did Mary know everything the angel explained to her?  Who knows, but it is unlikely that she could fully comprehend everything that her son would go through in his life.  From scripture we learn that she knew:
- He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High
- The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David
- He will reign over the house of Jacob forever
- His kingdom will never end!
-  the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God

In the custom of that day she would have relied heavily upon her father as the spiritual leader of their household to understand scriptures.  Many prophecies had foretold of the Messiah, and here the angel Gabriel had told her that she would bear this child, the Messiah, the chosen one of God, Immanuel.  Could she have understood all of the prophecies which spoke of his persecution, tortuous death and resurrection?  Most likely not, but she trusted in God’s plan and humbled herself to be used in His plan, even if that meant being disowned by her family, her betrothed and her community.

In Luke 1:38, “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.”  She knew what the Lord wanted her to know and nothing more.  So when we think about this wonderful, beautiful song, Mary-Did You Know, we have to be honest and say, NO.  There is no way she knew everything that was to come and everything that her son would do for humanity.  But, we are all so blessed that she trusted in the Lord’s omnipotence and plan.

Be Blessed,

Rich

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A Little City on a Hill

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. "  -  Micah 5:2

Twenty one days until Christmas.  So, I’ve decided to take 21 of my favorite Christmas songs and dive deeper into the lyrics.

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
Oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!.

Humble beginnings, servant, peace and modesty describes the child born to Mary and Joseph.  He was born in a stable, be it a stable made of wood or carved from the stone in the countryside, it doesn’t truly matter.  He was born in a lowly place, a small village rather than the posh palace of the King.  Yet, he was born King of the Jews, destined to bring them salvation and redemption.  A light from heaven above and a choir of angels proclaimed his birth and his deity.

He came for us, to cast out our sin, to give us eternal life.  He came to live with us, not just in the human form, but in the form of the Holy Spirit, to dwell in each of us.  He came to teach us, to set an example by his very life.  He came to bring peace to men on earth and the path to eternal righteousness.  He came as Emmanuel and proved his divine power, God with us.

Be Blessed,

Rich

 

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Get Out of the Way

 

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light”
                                                                                                – Matthew 11:28-30

 

Well here we are again, five weeks before Christmas.   Boy, this year sure has flown by, but then again, maybe it’s just me and the pace at which I am living each day.  It seems as though the days come and go at a much faster pace than when I was a younger man.  Yet, a second is still a second; a minute still a minute and an hour is still an hour.  We are choosing a faster paced life and it makes me ask the question, “Why?  What will it get me in the end? “

There is but one end for each of us.  The path to that destination though should be enjoyed, relished and memorable.  Rushing from here to there seems to be the norm today, because we have let the busyness and pressure of keeping up with others control our lives.  Be it materialism, greed, jealousy, technology or vanity; there certainly seems to be more stress and pressure on everyone I speak with these days.

Can you imagine your life without the luxuries we have become so accustom too?  No cell phone, no internet, no ATM card, no cable TV, no blue ray, and so on and so on.  Take a step back and think about everything you have become dependent upon, just to make it through one day.  I’d ask you to give it up for a day, but I know that’s unreasonable in today’s world.  But, as dependent as we have become on these “things”, compare it with how dependent you are on God’s provision in your life.

If you woke up tomorrow and had to make a choice – all of these things that make our life comfortable or God.  You have to choose, you can’t have both.  Would it be a hard choice, and would you complain about not being able to have both?  Most of us would have a hard time.   What if you your boss said you either give up your faith or you’re fired?  I think we all would say valiantly, I’d let them fire me first, and that’s honorable.  But, what if that job was the only income source for your family of 5 at home, and you were a month behind on bills already? 

The hard reality of it is, we have allowed ourselves to become dependent upon ourselves more so than God Almighty.  Give up your worries, your burdens and your stress.  Allow God to become your main priority, and let Him work through you to accomplish great things.  You see, in taking control of these things yourself, you may actually be getting in the way of something far greater that God has in store for you.  We must all learn to trust that He is our provider and that He will watch over us.  I hope you find comfort in knowing that despite our intent to control this life, He never turns away from you.  He simply asks for your to trust in Him, and let him lead.

Be Blessed,

Rich

 

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Packing Up Christmas

Make 2014 the year for Sharing

“THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.'"  - Mark 1:3

The lights are down, the ornaments are back in the boxes and the tree is no longer filling the living room.  My wife has done an amazing job putting the house back together after putting all the Christmas decorations away.  It depresses me every year when we transition from a neighborhood filled with twinkling lights, manger scenes, inflatables and music synchronized displays back to the same old concrete, trees and grass throughout the subdivision.  We spent a significant amount of time over the Christmas break looking at Christmas lights and displays this year.  There is something magical about the beauty and the festive spirit of decorating at this time of year, but alas the New Year has come and it’s time to move on.

In another 325 days or so we will trek back up into the attic and bring down the green and red boxes, the garland, the tree, the inflatables and the animated deer; and go through it all again.  Often times though, once those boxes and bags are put in the attic, so is the spirit of Christmas.  Without the daily reminder of shimmering lights on the horizon and twinkling in the darkness many of us will fail to acknowledge that the Christ child that we celebrate still lives within us throughout the year.  At Christmas time we have an excuse to go out of our way to discuss Jesus Christ, His birth, His life and resurrection.  As Christians, we are more willing to mention His name and talk about Him, without the fear of being judged or ridiculed by our neighbors, friends and co-workers during this time.  Those who don’t believe, or refuse to accept are more tolerant to the topic for those 30 to 40 days around November and December each year.

So what if we didn’t stop talking about Him, but continued throughout the year?  As the lights come down and the ornaments are boxed away, are you boxing up the King of Kings as well?  Christmas is nothing more than the celebration of His birth.  It’s not even the most significant event of His life, yet we go out of our way every year to decorate, sing, and carry on without fear or abandon.  He was born so that He could demonstrate the love of God the Father to mankind and die for our sins to be reconciled.  By all practical purposes His death and resurrection were the most significant events of His life.  Yes, I realize we celebrate those in April; but I propose we should be more outgoing and demonstrative of His love and purpose throughout the entire year.

I understand we are not all called to be evangelists, preachers and teachers of the Word.  It is not within the comfort level of most Christians to introduce friends, co-workers and neighbors to Jesus Christ or invite them to church on Sunday.  You see, most Christian have an excuse at Christmas to carry the Good News throughout their sphere of influence.  But, once those lights come down, so does their evangelistic spirit.  It is apparent that many are unwilling to share the salvation story beyond their own household and in some instances they won’t even do it there.  Many, if not most, are willing to accept the redemptive grace of the Father for themselves, but are unwilling to help others come to an understanding.  Once the box has been checked on their life, many feel their work is done and leave others to discover this salvation on their own.  They don’t want to offend someone, or bring tension into a friendship.  They have a comprehensive knowledge of the eternal outcome facing loved ones and friends who don’t believe, yet they are unwilling to have a conversation about it. 

We are all called to share the Good News of the Father’s grace, plan of salvation and eternal peace with others.  In Mark 16:15 Jesus tells us directly, “He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” This message was for all believers, not just for the few gathered in that upper room.  That includes you, me and every other individual who has gratefully accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  For to accept Him as your Savior and not be concerned about the salvation of those around you, is an example of prideful arrogance and self-righteousness; not the love and peace that Christ has instilled within you.  Do not allow the spirit of Christmas to fall into the shadows of your attic this year.  Nurture it, grow in your faith and in your confidence to boldly stand before those around you and proclaim that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and will come again to enter us into a day of judgment. 
 

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
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Christmas Blues

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.””  – Matthew 2:13

Well, it has come and gone.  All of those weeks preparing for Christmas, and it seems to be gone in a flash.  The excitement of family joining together, the presents under the tree, the Christmas carols, the shopping, the Christmas dinner all have become a part of our memories now.  Was it everything you expected it to be?  All of that excitement reached a crescendo and now life begins to resort back to normalcy once again.  Perhaps the family has left to return home, the tree is now at the curb-side and there is that dreaded feeling of emptiness as you evaluate what has transpired.  Did you get everything you wanted?  Did the reunion with family members and friends meet your expectations or leave you wanting more?

The post Christmas blues meet many of us head on after the build up to an emotional high on Christmas morning.  We all have expectations going into Christmas.  Following that wonderful event we are then left to compare the reality with our expectations, and many times if falls short.  The joy, laughter and happiness that fill your heart leading up to Christmas may seem distant now.  I propose that it is simply because you are focusing on the event and not the act of Christmas.  You see the gifts, the fellowship, the reunions and the parties are nothing more than an event celebrating the act of His birth.  Many have argued that his birth did not even happen in December, and I’m okay with that.  You see, it’s not about the exact day He was born, it’s about celebrating His birth, which leads us to celebrating His life, His death and His resurrection.

We know that Mary & Joseph went through a period of Christmas Blues so to speak.  After the birth of Jesus you would expect that they would have time to just rest in peace and raise God’s Son.  A chance to celebrate His birth and God’s choice to bring Him to the world as a part of their family.  Mary had spent 9 months preparing for the event of Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem.  At some point in the Savior’s first year an angel appears to Joseph, once again, and tells him to take the child to Egypt.  Without hesitation, Joseph packs up his family and goes.  When God speaks to you and tells you to move, you move.  God was in ultimate control of every part of the Christmas event, and didn’t stop once the baby was born.  It wasn’t as if God brought Christ into the world and then told Mary & Joseph, “Alright, now it’s up to you.  Good luck.”  No.  He was involved every step of the way.

Just like in your life and mine.  God didn’t bring you to a point of salvation and then walk away.  At your baptism He didn’t wash you clean and then say, “Okay, now stay that way.  My work is done.”  God never promised you and I an easy path in life, as a matter of fact He promised just the opposite in John 16:33, “in the world you will have trouble.”   The key is to continue relying on God to see you through and around these troubles.  The Lord is still in control, even when you feel lost, empty and alone.  It is more important to listen to His word and be in accord with His direction on your life when you have reached the summit and are on the way down the other side.  The Christmas Blues can bring along with it serious depression for those left wanting more, and feeling lost in a world of materialism, self centeredness and jealous envy of others.  What is important is to look upward and focus your attention on the One for which Christmas is all about.  Throughout the year we can celebrate the Messiah in our lives, through our actions and in our quiet times.  Draw near to Him each day and re-discover the wonder of Christmas over and over.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the wonder of Your Son’s birth.  Thank You for helping us through this stress-filled, exciting time of Christmas, while keeping our eyes focused on You and not on ourselves.  Help us to let go of the emptiness that can ensue following this blessed event, and draw closer to You.  As You demonstrated through Joseph’s dreams You are in control at all times.  You alone can lead us through this depression and back into our Savior’s arms.  Guide us Lord to daily walk with You and never feel alone in this world. In Your name we pray - Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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