Category Archives: God’s Presence Not Presents

Where Are You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #479

04 Friday Sep 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, All things that pertain to life and godliness, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Apart from ME you can do nothing, Fickle or Faithful, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, God's Call, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Presence Not Presents, God's Righteousness Not mine, Godliness will be opposed, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!

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Where Are You???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #479

“Wherefore the Lord said,

Forasmuch as this people draw near me

with their mouth,

and with their lips

do honour me,

but have removed their heart

far from me,

and their fear toward me

is taught by the precept of men:”  Isaiah 29:13

I pray that we will consider where we are in relation to God; it’s not where you are, but if you are where God is.  But by the same token –God is where you are even when you don’t want Him to be.  It’s your choice, but as I often say, choose wisely, there is a test.  We see above that God speaks truth always for HE is truth. What are you doing with God?  Are you like one of those above, talk the talk, and appear to do the ”right things” to please God, but as God says above, are you one who has “removed their heart far from me”?  Are you listening to the ideas of men or are you steeped in God’s Word for your foundation and your walk? It makes a difference.

“Now the Lord is that Spirit:

and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is liberty.

18 But we all,

with open face

beholding as in a glass

the glory of the Lord,

are changed into the same image

from glory to glory,

even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”  2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Paul has a lot to say about the indwelling Holy Spirit and I’d like to share some passages from the book of Romans; I pray that they will help each of us assess our lives and make sure that we, first of all, are born again and know Jesus personally, and that we understand that when we are born again, The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us and give us aid, guidance and directions.

“There is therefore now no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus

hath made me free

from the law of sin and death.”   Romans 8:1-2

 

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:8-9

Whose are you?  Do you belong to Jesus?  Are you blood bought, redeemed and saved by faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin?  I pray you are; and if you’re not, you can be!  Today!

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,

they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit

of bondage again to fear;

but ye have received the Spirit

of adoption,

whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness

with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:

17 And if children,

then heirs;

heirs of God,

and joint-heirs with Christ;

if so be that we suffer with him,

that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings

of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory

which shall be revealed in us.”  Romans 8:14-18

And two of my favorite passages from Romans chapter 8; I pray that these words from The Word will encourage your heart to seek The Lord’s face, knowing that He is supplying our every need, and if we will but heed His Word, He will guide our every step!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things…

…. 13 I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me…

… 19 But my God shall supply

all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father

be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”   Portions of Philippians 4:6-20

So let’s pull this all together with more from Romans chapter 8 and a word from Jesus himself.

“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

And some words of great import from Paul!

“Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not

what we should pray for as we ought:

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession

for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.”  Romans 8:26-29

And in closing some of the greatest words of encouragement from our brother Paul.  Remember that when we belong to Jesus, we are called to Him, saved by His blood, and kept by His eternal power.  We can ever be near to our God, no matter the times, the trials or our circumstances.  Take heart my friends, We Win!!!

“As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay,

in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:36-39

We can be inseparable from God, when we are “in Jesus”!  How glorious to know that we can be where God is, and that God is always where we are, for if we are born again, He is dwelling in us!!! It’s your choice my friend, but choose wisely, there is a test.

Amen and Amen!!!

…But…God??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #402

02 Sunday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, but He's still there., By Him We Live, By His Grace, Glory of God, Glory To God, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's Ability for our Inability!, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Presence Not Presents, God's provision, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's Time, God's ways are not our ways

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…But…God???           A Word from THE WORD!!! #402

One of my favorite phrases in all of scripture is this small two words, “but God”!  Oh praise God for that intervention!  How often I have praised God for it, how about you?  One of my dearest ones comes in the New Testament book of Philippians, which doesn’t use the exact words “but God” yet it is a reference to Jesus—God in the flesh.

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

 and took upon him

the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:5-8

I’m so glad that Jesus was willing to “but God” (God The Son) took on flesh to die for you and me; and we are called to “Let this mind be in you”—the mind of humility!  How opposite to the culture we live in!  A culture which calls us to focus on self, sustenance of self, and acquisition of gain for self, and applause for self!  When we come to Jesus, we are be focused on our Lord not self!  Paul says it better than I can.

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Paul also calls us to understand this in his message to the Roman believers (another one of my favorites also.)

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good, and

acceptable, and

perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself

more highly than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God

hath dealt to every man

the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3

The Psalms are replete with passages that remind us of the “but God” instances in God’s work in drawing us to Himself, let’s consider some today. 

“But God will redeem my soul

from the power of the grave:

for he shall receive me. Selah.”  Psalm 49:15

“If I regard iniquity in my heart,

the Lord will not hear me:

19 But verily God hath heard me;

he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

20 Blessed be God,

which hath not turned away my prayer,

nor his mercy from me.”  Psalm 66:18-20

“He that is our God is the God of salvation;

and unto GOD the Lord

belong the issues from death.

21 But God

shall wound the head of his enemies,

and the hairy scalp of such an one

as goeth on still in his trespasses.”  Psalm 68:20-21

“Whom have I in heaven but thee?

and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth:

but God is the strength of my heart,

and my portion for ever.”  Psalm 73:25-26

“The grass withereth,

the flower fadeth:

but the word of our God

shall stand for ever.”  Isaiah 40:8

And changing gears a bit, there is a “but God” that we often don’t want to hear; those things that God has done and said that we don’t see, or understand it, or we have a hard time accepting and incorporating them into our lives; for we don’t always want to change!  Really?

“For ye see your calling, brethren,

how that not many wise men after the flesh,

not many mighty,

not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen

the foolish things of the world

to confound the wise;

and God hath chosen

the weak things of the world

to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world,

and things which are despised,

hath God chosen,

yea, and things which are not,

to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

“But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared

for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:

for the Spirit searcheth all things,

yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man,

save the spirit of man which is in him?

even so the things of God knoweth no man,

but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received,

not the spirit of the world,

but the spirit which is of God;

that we might know the things

that are freely given to us of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-12

And one thing that I think we need reminding of in this day and time; a reminder that it is “of God” not of man!

“Who then is Paul,

and who is Apollos,

but ministers by whom ye believed,

even as the Lord gave to every man?

6 I have planted,

Apollos watered;

but God gave the increase.

7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing,

neither he that watereth;

but God that giveth the increase.

8 Now he that planteth

and he that watereth

are one:

and every man shall receive his own reward

according to his own labour.

9 For we are labourers together with God:

ye are God’s husbandry,

ye are God’s building.”  1 Corinthians 3:5-9

May we stand fast in this evil day and humble ourselves before our God…because our God is able; “but God” gives the increase not man!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

 7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.”  1 Peter 5:6-7

Amen and Amen!!!

That Attitude Of Gratitude??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #150

02 Thursday Nov 2023

Posted by in A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Attitude of Gratitude, Glory To God, God's Presence Not Presents, Good Neighbor, Good News, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity

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That Attitude Of Gratitude???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #150

November has arrived—the month of cool temperatures (although we ended October here in Oklahoma with a week-long time of night freezes, not just frosts as we usually do, but freezes and seasonably early cool days), colorful leaves, pumpkins, hayrides, and bonfires!  I do love November, not only for the fall colors and temperatures but also for the season of gratitude.  We enjoy the 4th Thursday in November as ‘Thanksgiving Day’ here in the US, but gratitude is an attitude that we all need to cultivate every day, especially those who believe in and follow Jesus.  So rather than the popular “Thanksgiving Train”, or “Days of Thanks”, I simply want us to share a focus on gratitude for most of this month, for it seems to me that we now live in a culture of ‘entitlements’ with no idea of gratitude. Let’s be the change!

The Psalmist has a lot to say about an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ so let’s take a look at Psalm 100 and ask God to mold our hearts into hearts of extreme gratitude—thankful to our God, The Creator of all things; and that we ask HIM to create in us a grateful heart that will spill over on all around us.

“1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD,

all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD

with gladness:

 come before his presence

 with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD

he is God:

it is he that hath made us,

and not we ourselves;

we are his people,

and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates

with thanksgiving,

and into his courts

with praise:

be thankful unto him,

and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good;

his mercy is everlasting;

and his truth endureth

to all generations.”  Psalm 100:1-5

Oh to be the people of gratitude that will put a smile on the face of our Lord Jesus, Father God, and The Holy Spirit; that we can spread the smile of gratitude here on earth, for we will be shouting it in heaven.  Let’s practice our ‘attitude of gratitude’ today—and then again tomorrow!  Then repeat!!!

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude,

which no man could number,

of all nations, and kindreds,

 and people, and tongues,

stood before the throne,

and before the Lamb,

clothed with white robes,

and palms in their hands;

10 And cried with a loud voice, saying,

Salvation to our God

which sitteth upon the throne,

and unto the Lamb.

11 And all the angels stood round about the throne,

and about the elders

and the four beasts,

and fell before the throne on their faces,

and worshipped God,

12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom,

and thanksgiving, and honour, and power,

and might,

be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”  Revelation 7:9-12

Amen and Amen!!!

If God Were Watching??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #123

18 Friday Aug 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Cross, Crucified With Christ, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Judgment, God's love, God's measure isn't ours, God's Presence Not Presents, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Wisdom, Holey, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living in Christ, Living In My Season, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Take Up YOUR Cross, Teach The Children, Testing and Trials?

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If God Were Watching??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #123

OH! Wait! HE is!  How easy it is to forget that our amazing Lord and King is watching this world as it spins on the axis that HE set in place.  Jesus, The Son of God, Father God Almighty, and the precious Holy Spirit that has been given to those who come to Jesus in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for MY sin and YOURS!  Yet, even when we come to Jesus for salvation, forgiveness, and the new birth (yes, being born again by the blood of The Lamb who “taketh away the sin of the world” See John 1:29), we still have to walk around in this body of flesh, and it doesn’t usually want to cooperate!!

So, what are we doing with, in and for not only “this” body that God has given us, but the entire body of Christ–the church?  The church was established by Jesus, and we are called to join together with other believers of like faith and practice to spread the Gospel and The Kingdom of God–even when it’s difficult! And it is often difficult and trying for those who are committed to seeing God’s will accomplished, for there is a price to pay!

“Yea, and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.”  2 Timothy 3:12

Are we living up to the call of Jesus upon our life as HIS sheep; or have we yielded to the compromise of the world’s cry that we must appeal to the ‘entertainment need’ of the lost?  I’d simply like to share a few scriptures to encourage us to press on in truth and godliness.  You choose what/whom you will listen to and serve?

“And if it seem evil unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:15

Paul made his declaration as clear as Joshua’s!  Are you ashamed to live for Jesus?  You know–and God does too, no matter what others think they see!  Let’s truly pursue Jesus and HIS way!

“So, as much as in me is,

I am ready to preach the gospel

 to you that are at Rome also.

16 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;”                 Romans 1:15-18

And I stand with Paul in his declaration that the Gospel of JESUS is our call, not making it an ‘easy-believism’ that deceives people and gives them a false sense of security.  Again, God is watching!

“For I determined not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2

I pray that we will see that Jesus’ call upon the lives of HIS own is real and we must take heed to it if we want to make a difference in the lives of people who are watching our lives–not just what we say, or where we go to church (if and when we go), they are watching our lives–in the good times, and especially in the bad/hard times!  If Jesus isn’t real every day–then HE’s not real at all.  We are called to reflect God’s character in new-birth, regenerated lives that shine the holiness of Jesus to a world lost and dying in the dark right now.

“As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy; for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 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:” 1 Peter 1:14-19

While this is a lengthy passage, I encourage you to read the entire chapter–in fact–the entire book would be a great investment of your time.  And in closing the words of Jesus which describe a different picture than many preach today of just say a prayer, join a church, use Jesus’ name as a magic talisman to get your way!  Jesus paints a different way!  Have you been to the cross?  The cross is an instrument of death–death to self, and alive IN JESUS!! If you have, are you taking up “your cross” and walking with Jesus every step of the way?  May it ever be so for each of us–it ain’t easy–but by HIS grace, power, love and being “strong in the Lord and the power of HIS might” …we can “do all things through Christ who strengthens me”!

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

 or what shall a man give in exchange

for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come

in the glory of his Father with his angels;

and then he shall reward every man

according to his works.”  Matthew 16:24-27

May we ever bear the cross with gratitude and devotion, following our King where ever HE may lead and direct our steps.  Blessings on you and yours.  Our soon coming King DOES see me/you today!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Amen and Amen!!!

The Manger Leads To The Cross! A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

07 Wednesday Dec 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Death, Father's Way!, GET READY, Glory To God, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God of all comfort!, God Still Reigns, God's love, God's Presence Not Presents, God's ways are not our ways, Power of The Cross, The manger leads to the cross

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The Manger Leads To The Cross! A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

“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 And it came to pass,

as the angels were gone away from them

into heaven,

the shepherds said one to another,

Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,

and see this thing which is come to pass,

which the Lord hath made known

unto us.

16 And they came with haste,

and found Mary,

and Joseph,

and the babe

lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:11-16

Just as this amazing news of The Messiah was told to shepherds, they went to see this child and found him “lying in a manger” because “there was no room for them in the inn”; amazed, like the shepherds, we come to the manger during this wonderful season of celebrating Jesus our King!  Yet we must not be distracted from the truth that Jesus didn’t stay in that manger.  He grew to be the man who was nailed to a cruel Roman cross for my sin and yours!  That is why HE came!  This precious baby endured the trials of all flesh without sin, HE was/is the perfect “lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”!  He came to be born that He could be the perfect sacrifice for sin–He was Born to Die–for our sin, to be raised from the dead, and ascend back to heaven where HE ever intercedes for His own!

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16

Yet, there’s more–more that points us to the pain of the cross, so let’s go back to Luke’s account, and while this is a bit lengthy, I think it worth our time and effort!

“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem,

whose name was Simeon;

and the same man was just and devout,

waiting for the consolation of Israel:

and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him

by the Holy Ghost,

that he should not see death,

before he had seen

the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit

 into the temple:

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus,

to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms,

and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant

depart in peace,

according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared

before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles,

and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled

at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them,

and said unto Mary his mother,

Behold, this child is set

for the fall and rising again

of many in Israel;

and for a sign

which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through

thy own soul also,)

that the thoughts of many hearts

may be revealed.”  Luke 2:25-35

Then we see this prophecy played out at the foot of the cross!

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus

his mother,

and his mother’s sister,

Mary the wife of Cleophas,

and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother,

and the disciple standing by, whom he loved,

he saith unto his mother,

Woman, behold thy son!

27 Then saith he to the disciple,

Behold thy mother!

And from that hour that disciple

took her unto his own home.

28 After this, Jesus knowing

that all things were now accomplished,

that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith,

I thirst.

29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar:

and they filled a spunge with vinegar,

and put it upon hyssop,

and put it to his mouth.

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar,

he said,

It is finished:

and he bowed his head,

and gave up the ghost.”  John 19:25-30

Like some of you, I have experienced the death of a child, and it is like a sword piercing your heart, leaving a hole that seems to always be there–even when the immediate pain subsides, the hole in your heart is ever-present with you!  I can’t imagine the pain that Mary felt, knowing that this was God’s plan for her own salvation; the wonder and questions that flooded her soul, are the same questions that often come to our hearts!  BUT GOD!  God was working His perfect plan for the redemption of mankind, for all who would repent of their sin and trust in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus offered at Calvary.  It’s all about the cross, so don’t linger at the manger and miss the cross, but trust to the sacrifice that this baby came to BE!  And as Paul so clearly reminds us, and which I try to convey in all I write and teach:

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2

And Paul’s words ever resound in my heart as my hope, my goal, and my encouragement! May it ever spark us on to greater hope and victories as we walk in the power of the precious Holy Spirit whom Jesus imparts to each of His own!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

May you draw near to the cross, remembering the greatest gift of all, Who was laid in that manger in Bethlehem; enjoy your celebrations but don’t forget the price that baby came to pay for you and me!

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Amen and Amen!!!