Category Archives: Christmas IS?

Wonderful Counselor??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #304

18 Wednesday Dec 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Christ IS Alive!, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Christmas Ponderings, Cleansed from all sin, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus--our all in all, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor, Joy Is Contagious!, Judgment Is Coming, Just Jesus!, Justified by Jesus, Wonderful Counselor!, Worship Him!, You can't get yesterday back!

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Wonderful Counselor???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #304

 

Well, it’s nice to have my typing finger back on duty (well at least better duty—I can type a bit better with it!!), so we’ll continue our look at Isaiah 9:6-7.

“For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given:

and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David,

and upon his kingdom,

to order it,

and to establish it

with judgment

and with justice

from henceforth even for ever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts

will perform this.”  Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah declared that the “son is given”, and we know that Jesus is that son; the one who came through the “zeal of the LORD of hosts”, and Jesus cleansed the temple the first time in this very zeal.

“And said unto them that sold doves,

Take these things hence;

make not my Father’s house

an house of merchandise.

17 And his disciples remembered that it was written,

The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him,

What sign shewest thou unto us,

seeing that thou doest these things?

19 Jesus answered and said unto them,

Destroy this temple,

and in three days

I will raise it up.”  John 2:16-19

Note that Jesus acts not only in the “zeal of the LORD” (See Psalm 69:99) as He cleanses the temple of the sellers and merchandisers, He also made reference to His resurrection, as He declared His ability to raise up the temple in three days, if they destroyed it; but the obtuse leaders thought this a most ridiculous claim, not understanding that He meant His body that would be offered as the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”!   Even as the angel told Joseph, “He shall save His people from their sin…” in Matthew 1:21.  This Jesus, laid in a manger at His birth, would lay down His life to be nailed to a cross to pay for the sin of the world.  This one whom Isaiah told us would be the “Wonderful Counselor”!  And oh, what a counselor He is!

Jesus was, is and ever shall be our wonderful counselor, for He is God; not only God, but God who laid down His life for my sin and yours!  And while He counseled the disciples and followers in all God’s ways and the fact that He was and is the fulfillment of the promises of God, including Isaiah 9:6.  Not only that but He gave us a gift that would meet our needs as His children when He left and ascended to heaven until His return; He gave us His own Holy Spirit.  And don’t miss what Jesus called him as he prepared His disciples for His death, resurrection and His departure to heaven till His return.

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

Don’t let the “money changers” around us cause you distress, the Wonderful Counselor has given us of Himself by giving His Holy Spirit to walk with us, with all who come to Him in repentance and faith/trust/belief in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—my sin and yours!  It’s why He came!  It’s why He can counsel us, all mankind, who will come to Him, not just at Christmas time but any day!  Every day He is calling men, women, boys and girls to come to Himself, the Wonderful Counselor for salvation, eternal life, abundant life.  Won’t you consider Jesus during these days of celebrating His birth?  If you don’t know Him, you can call upon Him today!  If you do know Him, you can draw closer to Him today!  I’ll simply close with His invitation to you!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

 is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

 that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:16-19

The Wonderful Counselor will never steer you wrong, I’ve walked with Him for nigh unto 50 years, and He’s never failed me; even when I fail Him miserably, He is ever near to counsel me back into the right way!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  Life or condemnation—it is your choice!!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Fortnight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #300

14 Saturday Dec 2024

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A Christmas Fortnight???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #300

Continuing the reposts for Christmas due to my injured finger.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #121 A Christmas Fortnight-Cardinals and Christmas Cactus?

I love the wonderful creation of God: the trees, grass, clouds and the sunshine, the rain and snow– all wonders of God’s amazing creation.  And two of my favorite things sing the joy of Christmas to my heart: a joy of the Father’s handiwork in this awesome world — “cardinals” and “Christmas Cactus”.  They just sing “Glory to God” to my heart.  I love watching the cardinals at my feeders, and at the window where I watch them, the lovely cactus blooming–which God made so lovely– to bring joy to our hearts.  That it puts out it’s lovely pink flowers at this wondrous time of year—in winter—is a reminder that even death brings life!!!  The deadness of winter and the deadness of “sin” can receive new life.

Jesus came that we might have life.  Do you see it?  Paul reminds us of the reality in Romans 1:16-20,

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed

from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness

of men,

who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him

from the creation of the world

are clearly seen,

being understood by the things that are made,

even his eternal power and Godhead;

so that they are without excuse:”

The ‘just shall live by faith’!!!  Faith in the great corner stone—Jesus!!  We don’t believe because we are “JUST”, but we are made just because we have believed in what Jesus came to do:  to be born of a virgin, to live a sinless life in a sinful world with a body of flesh, to die for sins he didn’t commit, to be buried and to rise again, so that we would know that it is Jesus, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” (Col. 1:14)

This is why I celebrate HIS coming to earth as a baby boy.  Not just the story but also the person of Jesus Christ–who came for me, and for YOU.  He who was, is and ever will be the only way—He said so Himself in response to Thomas’ question in John 14:5-6:

“Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  One way—Only One Way!!!

Peter reiterated this in response to those questioning the miracle of the lame man in Acts 4.

Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”

No other way but Jesus.  The Lord who created my lovely cardinals, who makes the lovely cactus bloom in winter—that Lord and creator came as a baby to die on a cross for YOU!!!  Won’t you take heart from the beauty and look to the wonderful creator who came to give you real LIFE?  I pray that you’ll find Him in Christmas!!!  I also pray that those of us, who already know Him personally, will take joy and pleasure in Him and all of His beauty in creation.  Today and every day—He reminds us of His power and love!

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Fortnight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #298

12 Thursday Dec 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Father's Love, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Christ IN YOU, Christ IS Alive!, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Christmas Ponderings, He IS Alive!, Jesus is able, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth

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A Christmas Fortnight???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #298                                 Continuing the reposts for Christmas due to my injured finger.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #119 A Christmas Fortnight-When???

As we celebrate the incarnation of the Messiah Jesus Christ, I’d like to remind each of us that Jesus didn’t begin in Mary’s womb.  He has always been, still is and always will be.  As Hebrews 13:8 says,

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”

Our Lord Jesus — always God!!!  When?

Gen 1:1,  “In the beginning

God created the heaven and the earth.”                                                   Father, Son and Holy Ghost/Spirit.

John 1:1-4,

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him;

and without him was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.”

 Jesus is creator God.  Why?  He declared it Himself!

John 10:30, “I and my Father are one.”

Jesus is one with the Father!!!

He claimed to be God—HE is!!!

Mark 1:1,

“And there came a voice from heaven, saying,

Thou art my beloved Son,

in whom I am well pleased.”

God the Father declared it so!!!

Colossians 1:14-17,

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones, or dominions,

or principalities, or powers:

all things were created by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.”

He created all things and holds them together.  How? Let’s see what Hebrews 1:1-3 has to say,

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners

spake in time past unto the fathers

by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,

whom he hath appointed heir of all things,

by whom also he made the worlds;  

3 Who being the brightness of his glory,

and the express image of his person,

and upholding all things by the word of his power,

when he had by himself purged our sins,

sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:”

He upholds “all things” by HIS power–Jesus is creator with His Father and the Holy Spirit.  HE purged sin– for all who will come to him in repentance and faith.It’s why He came.  Born to die for YOU and ME!

When?  Before the foundation of the world, God set Jesus Christ to be our redeemer.

1 Peter 1:18-21,

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

20 Who verily was

foreordained before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope might be in God.”

Jesus did it all so we could have life!

So, as you celebrate during this season, and every day—remember who it is that gave HIS life for you and me!!!  God took on flesh—came as a babe—

that HE might redeem us  

back from the penalty of sin

at Calvary,

and give us eternal life—

 Christ Jesus. 

Do you know HIM personally?  If not, He’s waiting for you.

Revelation 3:20,

“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.”

Jesus wants fellowship with you—He died for the privilege.

How can you come?  Come believing in the “gospel”, which is:

1 Corinthians 15:1-5,

“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:” 

Accept His death, burial and resurrection for your sin.  He came for YOU and me!!!  Won’t you seek Him while He may be found?  Is He knocking at your heart’s door?  Simply open the door to HIM!

Amen and Amen!!!

Below is the QR code to purchase my new book, The Fern In The Urinal.

A Christmas Fortnight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #297

11 Wednesday Dec 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, Amazing Grace, Angelic visitations!, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Good News, Gospel, Grace, JESUS, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!

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A Christmas Fortnight???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #297

Continuing the reposts for Christmas due to my injured finger.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #118 A Christmas Fortnight-More Angelic Messengers!!!

We looked earlier at the angelic birth announcements preceding the birth of John and Jesus.  God made these prophecy-fulfilling declarations through angelic messengers.  We ought to appreciate the wondrous revelations without letting our focus be wrongly aligned on God’s servants rather than God Himself.  Scripture clearly tells us the role of angels.

Hebrews 1:13-14,

“But to which of the angels said he at any time,

Sit on my right hand,

until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits,

sent forth to minister for them

who shall be heirs of salvation?”

Ministering spirits—for God, to us.  Not to be worshipped.

2 Peter 2:11,

“Whereas angels,

which are greater in power and might,

bring not railing accusation against them

before the Lord.”

While angels are greater in power and might than we are, they are not presumptuous to accuse, but rather to defer to God.  So, neither should we be presumptuous toward God or these unseen powers.

Jude 1:9,

“Yet Michael the archangel,

when contending with the devil

he disputed about the body of Moses,

durst not bring against him a railing accusation,

but said, The Lord rebuke thee.”

We can learn from Michael, the great archangel—to trust God to rebuke the unseen angelic powers.  We aren’t to presume on God or overstep our authority either before God, the world or those “…… principalities, … powers,                                         … rulers of the darkness of this world, …spiritual wickedness in high places.”  (Eph 6:10b)

Now back to our Christmas Fortnight—God sent angelic messengers to announce not only Jesus’ coming birth, but also the very birth itself; and God chose the lowliest of the low to share this announcement with—to shepherds.  Those often looked down upon by others.  Even in our American history, there has been the stigma of ‘shepherds’ being unwanted in ‘cattle’ country.  Turf wars even came out of this animosity.  Yet GOD chose ‘shepherds’ to be the recipients of HIS GREAT GOOD NEWS.

Luke 2: 8-17,

 “And there were in the same country shepherds

abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 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.

10 And the angel said unto them,

Fear not:

for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day

in the city of David

a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude

of the heavenly host praising God,

and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 …. 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.

16 And they came with haste,

and found Mary, and Joseph,

and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it,

they made known abroad the saying

which was told them concerning this child.”

So how about YOU?  Have you received and believed the “Good News” of the Savior born for you?  The Savior born to DIE for YOU?  Also notice that the shepherds not only heard the message, but they believed it, acted upon it, and received the truth they heard and saw.  But they didn’t stop there!!!  They then spread the word about this ‘child’.  How about us?  Are we spreading the truth—if not let’s get busy?

The news is still GOOD!!!

This child born to die for our sin—still saves, TODAY!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Fortnight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #296

10 Tuesday Dec 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Father's Love, All About Jesus!, Angelic visitations!, Christ IS Alive!, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings, Joseph--see an angel!

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A Christmas Fortnight???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #296

Due to an injury to my finger, I’m not very able to type right now, so I will be sharing a series of Christmas Fortnight articles from the past.  I pray that they will be a blessing to you.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #117  A Christmas Fortnight-Angelic Messengers!!!

The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ was a supernatural event.  God stepped into time and became man.  Why would he do this?  Because HE loved us and as scripture reveals in Hebrews 2:14-18:

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers

of flesh and blood,

he also himself likewise

took part of the same;

that through death he might destroy him ‘

that had the power of death,

that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death

were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels;

but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him

 to be made like unto his brethren,

that he might be a merciful

and faithful high priest

in things pertaining to God,

to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted,

he is able to succour them that are tempted.”

He can comfort YOU!!!

He was born to die: to take on flesh and blood for you and me– to pay the debt of sin that we owe and give us eternal life through the cross.  HE WAS BORN TO DIE FOR ME!!!  And that’s cause to celebrate!  God made all this known to the parties involved through angelic messengers.  This God who hadn’t spoken openly for over 300 years, now stepped into time and humanity and announced this great event through His angelic messengers.  They were sent to three special, chosen, particular people who would play a part in God’s great unveiling.  Just regular, every day, godly servants of the Most High God—chosen to receive messages from God Himself.  Ponder on these things as we celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Luke 1:11-13, “And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord

standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 And when Zacharias saw him,

he was troubled,

and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias:

for thy prayer is heard;

and thy wife Elisabeth

shall bear thee a son,

and thou shalt call his name John.”

A birth announcement to an elderly father-to-be!!!  Amazing!

Luke 1:26-29, “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel

was sent from God unto a city of Galilee,

named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin

espoused to a man whose name was Joseph,

of the house of David;

and the virgin’s name was Mary.

28 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.

29 And when she saw him,

she was troubled at his saying,

and cast in her mind

what manner of salutation this should be.”

A birth announcement to a young virgin girl engaged to be married.

Matthew 1:19-21, “Then Joseph her husband,

being a just man,

and not willing to make her a public example,

was minded to put her away privily.

20 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.

21 And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name Jesus:

for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Confirmation to a righteous and gentle man in the midst of a dilemma, of God’s will for his life, Mary’s life and her child’s.

While we don’t generally see ‘angelic’ messengers, the same God who spoke then, speaks to hearts and lives today.  Whatever HE is speaking to your heart, won’t you listen?

Amen and Amen!!!