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Category Archives: A Father’s Love

Church Wanted: Conclusion??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No. 01

23 Monday Jan 2023

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Church:Dead Or Alive?, JESUS, Jesus is our peace, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, The Crucified Life

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1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Are you being the Church?, Church Wanted, Ephesians 2:1-6, Ephesians 4:11-16, Jeremiah 20:9, Jesus died for HIS own, John 14:6, John 1:10-13, John 1:29, John 3:3-7, John 4:10-26, Luke 13:3-5, Revelation 3:20, ROMANS 12:18, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, The Bride of Christ, The church

Church Wanted: Conclusion??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No.01

As we have looked at issues relating to the condition of the Church–The Bride of Jesus Christ–I would like us to examine the church from a different perspective.  We so often get caught up in the building or the denomination, or the doctrinal differences, and while buildings are nice, they are not the church.  While denominations come from differences of beliefs and understandings of scripture, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, for what we believe is important, but what we have often forgotten is that the church isn’t any of these things–the church is an organism, the living, breathing, bride of Jesus Christ, not just an organization.

Organism: a form of life composed of mutually interdependent parts that maintain various vital processes…

Organization: something that is organized; the state or manner of being organized…

This organism is alive by the power, grace, and redemption of The Lord Jesus Christ.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Paul makes it clear that we have life from, in, with, and through Jesus Christ, The Lamb of God, by whose blood we are made alive (quickened means to be made alive).

“And you

hath he quickened,

who were dead

in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also

we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling

the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature

the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us

together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up

together,

and made us sit

together in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:1-6

Let’s walk through this together, Jesus makes it clear that HE IS “life”; Paul goes on to paint a picture of this “life”.  He says that we are “dead in sins”, “children of wrath”, and “children of disobedience” without Jesus!  Not a pleasant picture, but a true one!  Yet verse 4 is one of my favorite phrases in all of scripture, “BUT GOD”! But God made a way for us to become HIS children, by the blood of The Lamb of God, Jesus, who came to save us by taking care of our sin problem–he gave HIS life to pay our sin debt at Calvary!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

Even as John the Baptizer proclaimed:

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.”  John 1:29

Even as Jesus told Nicodemus, on the night he came seeking answers.  And HE is still answering questions today–yours and mine–for HE is the answer to our every need! (I encourage you to read all of John chapter 3 today–it is so amazing!)

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

Even as Jesus shared with the Samaritan woman at the well:

“10 Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee,

Give me to drink;

thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee

living water…

….14 But whosoever drinketh

of the water that I shall give him

shall never thirst;

but the water that I shall give him

shall be in him a well of water

springing up

into everlasting life.

15 The woman saith unto him,

Sir, give me this water,

that I thirst not,

neither come hither to draw…

….23 But the hour cometh, and now is,

when the true worshippers

shall worship the Father

in spirit

and in truth:

for the Father seeketh such

to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit:

and they that worship him

must worship him

in spirit and in truth.

25 The woman saith unto him,

I know that Messias cometh,

which is called Christ:

when he is come,

he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her,

I that speak unto thee

am he.”  Portions of John 4:10-26

Not only did Jesus reveal Himself to a Samaritan, but a Samaritan ‘woman’!  Something unheard of in that day and time, but Jesus wants us to know that He came for all who would repent, receive, and believe in this same revelation that HE made to this woman, who received the message that HE IS the Messiah for all, and then spread it abroad!

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.

4 Or those eighteen,

upon whom the tower in Siloam fell,

and slew them,

think ye that they were sinners

above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3-5

Salvation is available to all who will come to Jesus in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice which HE made at Calvary!  Friends, all who will receive HIM and be born again ARE the church!  A part of the “body of Christ”(the church in its entirety), yet we are also to be a part of a local body of believers for sustenance, spiritual growth, fellowship, service, and ministry both individually and corporately, as needs warrant, and as our gifts supply.  WE ARE THE BODY–and while I won’t take time to cover all that Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12-14, I do want to call us to take heed to the things that Paul wrote about “the body” –here’s Blanche’s paraphrase: our parts don’t walk around independently–I can’t imagine a funnier and scary sight–but that is how many churches function today!  But God calls us to pursue HIM, not self, and when we do, unity can and should prevail, for our gifts are given by God, and God holds us accountable to use them according to HIS WORD with selfless love of God and others–both the saved and the lost.

“And he gave some,

apostles;

and some, prophets;

and some, evangelists;

and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints,

for the work of the ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure

of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth

be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait

to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted

by that which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase of the body

unto the edifying of itself in love.”  Ephesians 4:11-16

And Paul’s message to the Corinthian believers was a call to serve in humility and recognition that our gifts are given by God–not by the will of man for self-exaltation.  And I believe when you are gifted by God, and submit to His will for your life, HE will direct your ways to fulfill your calling and edify others.  Even as Jeremiah said of his calling, and I know that many share his declaration of the burning of God in our heart!

“Then I said,

I will not make mention of him,

nor speak any more in his name.

But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire

shut up in my bones,

and I was weary with forbearing,

and I could not stay.” Jeremiah 20:9’

“Now there are diversities of gifts,

but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations,

but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations,

but it is the same God

which worketh all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit

is given to every man

to profit withal.”  1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Peter gives a most concise summary of how we are to use our giftings–for God, as good stewards of God’s provision, and to GOD’s glory not our own!

“As every man hath received the gift,

even so minister the same

one to another,

as good stewards

of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak,

let him speak as the oracles of God;

if any man minister,

let him do it as of the ability

which God giveth:

that God in all things

may be glorified through Jesus Christ,

to whom be praise

and dominion

for ever and ever.

Amen.”  1 Peter 4:10-11

So, my questions about the church are for you and me: “Am I being “the church” to God’s glory?”  “Have I been born again, and received a gifting that I am not using for God’s glory?”  “Is my life outside of the corporate church building a shining light for Jesus, or a shame to HIS name?”  “Am I yielded to God’s work in me, or going my own way; then showing up on Sunday for HIS blessings on my disobedience and sin?”  Please know that I am not throwing rocks, just asking us to consider if we are part of the problem or part of the solution!  May we love, care and yield ourselves to our King–caring and praying, not gossiping!

Many years ago, God gave me a way to stop being a conduit for “gossip” presented in the form of a “prayer request”; when someone called or asked me about something in this vein, I started stopping them before they began to “share” something that “I needed to know”, I would ask simply and kindly, “Are YOU a part of the problem?” (and the answer was almost always, NO!). “Are YOU part of the solution?” (and the answer was always, NO!). So I would tell them, ‘then you don’t need to be repeating this to me or anyone else’!  At first when I would do this, I’d get the stammers and stutters of “but…but…but” to which I would reiterate, I don’t need to hear it if you’re not a part of the problem or the solution–just pray to God who knows “who is who” and “what is what”!  Let’s walk in unity, love, and as one of my favorite reminders says:

“If it be possible,

as much as lieth in you,

live peaceably

with all men.”  Romans 12:18

Please know that I’m praying for each of us who belong to Jesus to seek HIS face, and walk accordingly, that the church can once again BE the church, and “withstand in the evil day”!

And my friend, if you don’t know Jesus, you can come to HIM today!

“For all have sinned,

and come short

of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Church let’s BE the church–today…and today…and today! Until our Lord calls us to Himself or will “Revive US Again”! Even so Lord Jesus!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

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What “Form” Of Godliness??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #62

18 Wednesday Jan 2023

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abiding In The Vine, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Following Jesus, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Which form?

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2 Timothy 3:1-5, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding In The Vine, Choosing to follow Jesus, Jesus IS the way, Jesus Saves!, John 1:10-13, John 3:3-7, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, What form do you possess?

What “Form” Of Godliness???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #62

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Paul was instructing this young pastor in many things, including verse 2:15 where he instructed him to “study to shew yourself approved UNTO GOD” (emphasis mine), and then as he continues in chapter 3, he reminds him of the veracity (look it up!) of scripture, and its power to establish our way.  So what is this “form of godliness”?  I think it is the very thing that Jesus talks about in Matthew chapter 7, those who want to impress, succeed, progress, profit, or fit in–regardless of their reasons– those who want to do it their way, but claim to be working “for God” but “denying the power thereof”!  Those who aren’t willing to come to God and let Him work in or through them, for they are too busy doing it ”my way”!  Just as it was then, it is still the same today.  Let’s see what Jesus said about it.

“Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:4-5

I believe that “form of godliness” is the work we do “without” Jesus!  You can talk the talk, and even pretend to walk the walk, but without really knowing and possessing Jesus, and being HIS child, you/I can do little of real value, and virtually of no value to the kingdom of God.  In fact Jesus told Nicodemus something very similar to this– he was a high-placed religious leader– which reminds us that we can have men’s credentials without having Jesus!

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

The Apostle John also wrote about this in chapter 1.

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

Remember the “power” that was denied in 2 Timothy 3 is the power that saves; and just as John says above it’s not by blood (birth, relationships), not by flesh (working it up), nor the will of man (passed on by any other person)!  As the old proverb says, “every pot must sit on its own bottom”!  What are you counting on?  Let’s see what Jesus says.

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he

that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many

wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:21-23

Earlier in this chapter Jesus makes another profound assessment of life choices, which is still true today!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

So, my question for us all is, “Do you/I only have a “form of godliness”?” Or have you been “born again” by the blood of the Lamb which cleanses us from all sin, for Jesus is THE ONLY WAY!

“For all have sinned,

 and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Amen and Amen!!!

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Is This The Way??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #60

11 Wednesday Jan 2023

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God's provision, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Hearing God, This IS The Day, walk ye in it

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God will direct our steps, Hebrews 12:1-2, Isaiah 30:21, Proverbs 3:5-7, Psalm 46:10-11, This is the Way, Trust in the Lord, Tune in to Jesus, Walk in God's way

Is This The Way???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #60

I have a brief word to share with you this morning, and I hope it will speak to you as it speaks so often to me!  God has a way, and HE will reveal that way to us as we seek HIS face, even as we learned as children, “STOP…LOOK…and LISTEN”!  Such a simple thing, yet so hard to put into practice, to remember, yet God reminds us and is ever at work to direct our steps, hear it?

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct

thy paths.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.”  Proverbs 3:5-7

Simple yet so profound–even as God is our strength from day to day, He will direct our steps just as well–we just have to continually readjust our focus!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

Are we “looking unto Jesus…”?  Are our lives so busy that we don’t realize that we are being distracted from our “prime directive”, from our Lord who is ever willing to “direct thy paths”?  Oh, we have such a loving and gracious Lord who is ever at our side if we will but “wait on upon the Lord” and tune our hearts to be ever listening for HIS whisper.

“Be still, and know that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”  Psalm 46:10-11

We must keep our hearts tuned to God’s voice continually, even as the old hymn by Albert E. Brumley said, “Turn Your Radio ON”!  It takes diligence to see God in the small things as well as the giant ones!  We had an incident happen to us yesterday, and as we got in the car, we were both struck by the clear message that God seemed to be speaking to us in regard to an issue that we had been struggling with; how often we miss God in the things that don’t seem to matter–and yet they may matter greatly!  Isaiah said it better than I can.

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn to the right hand,

and when ye turn to the left.”  Isaiah 30:21

“Hear ye the word of the Lord…”.  Amen and Amen!!!

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Rehearsal Is A Good Thing??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #58

04 Wednesday Jan 2023

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Lord, The Little Things., The LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT Reigneth!, The Lord Is My Shepherd, The Love of God, The Only Way

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Following God's Way, Following Jesus, Following Jesus not man, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Job 13:15, John 10:27, John 14:6, Micah 6:7-8, Psalm 23:1-6, Rehearsing the Truth, The Lord Is My Shepherd

Rehearsal Is A Good Thing???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #58

As we begin a new year, I thought it prudent to rehearse some of the things we need to remember about our God as we press on in this year of 2023.  I pray that our walk will be closer, our trust will be more complete, and our growth an honor to our Lord, and a blessing to the world and those around us!  I hope these reminders will be an encouragement to each of us today and each day through the coming year!

“Will the LORD be pleased

with thousands of rams,

or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?

shall I give my firstborn

for my transgression,

the fruit of my body

for the sin of my soul?

8 He hath shewed thee,

O man,

what is good;

and what doth the LORD require of thee,

but to do justly,

and to love mercy,

and to walk humbly

with thy God?”  Micah 6:7-8

Simply put, “to walk humbly with thy God”, is to continually remember, walk and act like I know that there is only ONE GOD, and I’m not HIM!  That I know that just like Jesus made it clear, there is only One Way, and JESUS is HIS name:

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Job made a bold statement of faith which brings me great comfort and assurance, and I pray that it will minister to you today (and note ‘maintain mine own ways’ is not an indication of going our own way, but walking in HIS ways, no matter the circumstances–or what others may think!!)!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.”  Job 13:15

This reminds me of the old hymn, “Trust and Obey” (written by John Sammis), while it’s such a simple statement, it is a challenging life to walk consistently!  So how do we do it?  By following the shepherd!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:” John 10:27

Are you following Jesus or stealing the lead?  It’s a question that we each must face daily, and I’m so glad that the Psalmist David left us one of the greatest passages to remind us not only how to follow, but why!  Because “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD”!  Is HE yours!

“The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down

in green pastures:

he leadeth me

beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth

my soul:

he leadeth me

in the paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table

before me

in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest

my head with oil;

my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

for ever.” Psalm 23:1-6

May we commit to walking near to our shepherd each day in this new year.  He has promised to “never leave thee nor forsake thee” (See Hebrews 13:5-6)…but like the old joke about the married couple riding in the car, the wife asks, “Why don’t you sit close to me anymore?” and the husband driving down the road replies, “I haven’t moved!”!  How’s your ‘closeness to God’ quotient?  Have you moved?  God hasn’t!  Let’s determine to abide with “The Great Shepherd”, and follow HIS lead no matter the cost, joining with Job in knowing that HE is trustworthy!  Completely!!  Always!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

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Who’s In Your Manger??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #54

14 Wednesday Dec 2022

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, Baby in the manger, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, JESUS, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, The greatest gift!!!, Who's in your manger?

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1 Corinthians 15:1-5, Acts 2:36, Behold I stand at the door and knock., Behold the Lamb of God, Jesus--babe in the manger, Jesus--born to die for you and me., John 21:29-31, Matthew 1:21-23, Revelation 3:20, Who's in your manger?

Who’s In Your Manger??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #54

I love Nativity sets, I have them all around my house all year round.  People often ask, “Why do you have nativity sets out when it’s not Christmas?”  I always answer the same way, “I love Jesus all year long!”, and it makes me smile to remember the gift that God gave to all who would receive it.  It also causes people to ask “why”, and I have an opportunity to share about how much I love Jesus!  My question for us today is, “Who” is in your manger?

As you decorate (or even if you don’t choose to celebrate the season) what or who is the focus of your celebration, your life?  Is it the baby born that we could be saved from our sin?

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken

of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”  Matthew 1:21-23

Why two names?  I believe Matthew was helping us to see that Jesus would save us from our sins, because HE was/is/shall ever be the “only begotten Son of God”, who is the only one who could save us from our sins!  And after all, sin IS the issue and only Jesus could be the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN! So, friends, I love the reminder that my nativity sets bring to my heart, soul, and mind! That’s just me!  But who is in your manger?  Just a little image of a baby in a set of figures, or a toy that comes out at this time of year?  Or do you know Jesus, the King of Kings?  Is Jesus the One that your heart rejoices in, or just the presents, tinsel, and parties?  John says it better than I could, as he states clearly the reason for his gospel account.

“Jesus saith unto him,

Thomas, because thou hast seen me,

thou hast believed:

blessed are they that have not seen,

and yet have believed.

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus

in the presence of his disciples,

which are not written in this book:

31 But these are written,

that ye might believe

that Jesus is the Christ,

the Son of God;

and that believing

ye might have life

through his name.”  John 21:29-31

The birth of Jesus, His life, ministry, miracles weren’t a show to impress man, but they were part of the real reason for His coming; He came to die for you and me–for all who will believe and come to Jesus to have their sins forgiven and to receive eternal life. To know that He was raised from the dead for you and me, for all who will believe this truth!

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly,

that God hath made that same Jesus,

whom ye have crucified,

both Lord and Christ.”  Acts 2:36

Paul makes the simplest declaration of this gospel truth, and may we examine our hearts today, to know WHO is in ‘my manger’?

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory what I preached

unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

If you don’t know Jesus today, won’t you invite Him in today.  He truly is the Risen Lord, and HE is coming again– soon, I believe!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in

to him,

and will sup

with him,

and he

 with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Blessings on your day my friends, and may you know the peace, joy, and love that Jesus gives today.  He is the greatest gift ever given.  Don’t miss the real “baby” in the manger!

Amen and Amen!!!

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