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

07 Wednesday Dec 2022

Posted by Blanche 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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1 Corinthians 2:1-2, From the manger To the Cross, Galatians 2:20, Have you gone to the cross, Have you welcomed the Babe into your life?, Hebrews 4:15-16, I am crucified with Christ, Jesus Died For YOU, Jesus is our hope and joy, John 19:25-30, Luke 2:11-16, Luke 2:25-35, The baby born to die for you and me, The baby didn't stay in the manger, The manger leads to the cross

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!!!

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Incomprehensible Love??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 11

15 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God of all comfort!, Grief, Incomprehensible LOVE, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves, Jesus' Sacrifice

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Acts 2:22-24, Creator and Redeemer of all, Grief, Grief and Sorrow, Hebrews 2:9-18, Jesus Died For YOU, Jesus Died That We Could Live, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Grief, John 15:11-13, Luke 6:35-36, Matthew 5:44-45, Philippians 2:5-13, Sorrow, The sorrow of Jesus

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 11   Incomprehensible Love???

I want to share more of my personal observations than usual, which I just feel led to do today, as I had some amazing thoughts about my Jesus this week, and I’d like to share them with you.

“These things have I spoken unto you,

that my joy might remain in you,

and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment,

That ye love one another,

as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life

for his friends.”  John 15:11-13

God cares for the “world”, and while His love is unconditional, his forgiveness is based on a personal acceptance of Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice in repentance and faith!  God cares for mankind, so much so that HE “gave his only begotten son” to die that we might have eternal life!  And when we come to Jesus, we are called to emulate HIS loving, sacrificial heart!

“But love ye your enemies,

and do good,

and lend,

hoping for nothing again;

and your reward shall be great,

and ye shall be the children of the Highest:

for he is kind unto the unthankful

and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful,

as your Father also is merciful.”  Luke 6:35-36

We are called to a ‘higher’ calling than the world demands, for as Jesus said again in Matthew’s Gospel:

“But I say unto you,

Love your enemies,

bless them that curse you,

do good to them

that hate you,

and pray for them

which despitefully use you,

and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children

of your Father which is in heaven:

for he maketh his sun

to rise on the evil

and on the good,

and sendeth rain

on the just

and on the unjust.”  Matthew 5:44-45

As we consider all these thoughts from God’s Word, I want to share some insights that I had this week.  As I was thinking about what Jesus did for me and you, I was influenced by my own grief, and the grief of close friends who have dealt with great loss in recent days.  Most of us have dealt with more grief in the last two-plus years with Covid than we could have imagined; and as I have been face-to-face with the emotions of grief myself, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus.  Jesus went to Calvary for you and me, and I want us to consider what HE felt as He walked up that hill—not just what He went through in the physical abuse that He suffered at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders, or the Roman guards, or even the soldiers at the cross as He was crucified for your sin and mine—but the thoughts that must have filled His heart and mind as He was driven up that hill to Calvary.

You and I have all experienced sorrow and grief, and we all have family, friends, and loved ones who have left this world and left a hole in our heart; but think a minute with me, if you would, Jesus not only had friends and family whom He loved, but HE created the world—including you and me!!!  Jesus didn’t just have a few folks on HIS heart and mind as HE walked up that hill, He had you and me on His heart and mind, even “before the foundation of the world” (See Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:20)!  I can’t imagine the grief and sorrow that HE must have felt over the loss that sin brought into HIS world!  The enemy who deceived Adam and Eve, has continued to work his deceit in God’s world to this day!  BUT, praise God his end is in sight, and our Lord will return to claim HIS own; but until then, we need to consider the grief that our Savior endured not only for us, but for all!  I can’t help but think of the sadness that Jesus must have felt for the creation that HE loves—for the “the just and on the unjust”! He was going to die even for those who would reject HIM!  Oh, the love—the love that God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—has for us!  I can’t even comprehend the grief and sorrow that HIS Spirit bore that day!

We grieve over the loss of maybe a hundred loved-ones and acquaintances, yet Jesus was creator of every human on earth!  HE loves them enough to have come to this earth, took on flesh and blood, lived a sinless life, and was headed to Calvary to ‘buy back’ the creation who had sold themselves into bondage to sin, for it would take HIS life to redeem our souls—ON PURPOSE!

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

I’d simply like to close with two passages, one from the author of Hebrews to help us understand God’s work in sending Jesus to be the payment for our sin, and our deliverer!  All because HE loves us—and all who will come to HIM will find eternal life, and peace, hope and joy!  The other look, at the ultimate passage on thinking as Jesus thought (one of my all-time favorite passages in all of scripture!); I hope they will both be a blessing to you!

“But we see Jesus,

who was made a little lower than the angels

for the suffering of death,

crowned with glory and honour;

that he by the grace of God

should taste death for every man.

10 For it became him,

for whom

are all things,

and by whom

are all things,

in bringing many sons unto glory,

to make the captain of their salvation

perfect through sufferings.

11 For both he that sanctifieth

and they who are sanctified

are all of one:

for which cause

he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12 Saying,

I will declare thy name

unto my brethren,

in the midst of the church

will I sing praise unto thee.

13 And again,

 I will put my trust in him.

And again,

Behold I and the children

which God hath given me.

14 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.”  Hebrews 2:9-18

 Paul’s great passage on the “mind of Christ”!

“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.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

 and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

12 Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:5-13

So, my friends, wherever you may be, whatever sorrow or grief you may be living with—take heart!  Jesus knows your pain and sorrow, the burden you bear!  Won’t you come and rest in HIS ‘Incomprehensible LOVE’ that is there for you today!  Don’t miss that unseen hand of mercy, grace, love and strength that is outstretched to you today!

Amen and Amen!!!

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An Enduring Faithful GOD!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #746

29 Thursday Jul 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, God's Faithfulness

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2 Timothy 2:19, Abudant Life or Imitation?, Faithful God, Faithful Redeemer, Jesus Died For YOU, Psalm 119:133, Psalm 119:89-96, Romans 8:28-29

Bible Ballistics: BBs #746  An Enduring Faithful GOD!!!

I would simply like to share a word of encouragement from God’s Word this morning.  While life gets hectic, and we often fret and worry, our GOD is ever the same and HIS faithfulness endures and continues forever!  HIS Word never fails and HE is the same yesterday, today and forever!

“For ever, O LORD,

thy word is settled in heaven.

90 Thy faithfulness

is unto all generations:

thou hast established the earth,

and it abideth.

91 They continue this day

according to thine ordinances:

for all are thy servants.

92 Unless thy law had been my delights,

I should then have perished

in mine affliction.

93 I will never forget thy precepts:

for with them thou hast quickened me.

94 I am thine,

save me;

for I have sought thy precepts.

95 The wicked have waited for me

to destroy me:

but I will consider

thy testimonies.

96 I have seen an end

of all perfection:

but thy commandment

is exceeding broad.”   Psalm 119:89-96

Paul gives us a great insight into the surety of God and those who are His own.  I pray that you know Jesus and if not that you will come to HIM in repentance and faith.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one

that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”   2 Timothy 2:19

Are you HIS?  If so, have you departed “from iniquity” or can the world find no reflection of The Lord Jesus in you?  May we seek God’s face through HIS Word and prayer, and yield to HIS work in us; for HE is ever at work to conform us into the “image of his Son”!  Jesus died that we might have “life”, abundant “life”!  Are you living abundantly or settling for the world’s imitation that will never produce peace!

“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 8:28-29

I pray that God will speak to our hearts and that we will hear and heed HIS voice!

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

Amen!

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One Way-One Price-JESUS!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #718

02 Friday Apr 2021

Posted by Blanche in All About Jesus!, Beauty For Ashes, Believe IN Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Cross, Eyes that SEE HIM, God's love, He Died That We Could Live, He IS Alive!, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, JESUS, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!

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1 Peter 2:20-25, He's Alive, Jesus Died For YOU, Jesus paid our sin debt, Jesus' Sacrifice, John 3:16-18

Bible Ballistics: BBs #718  One Way-One Price- JESUS!!!

 

He was placed in a tomb—but my friends, HE, Jesus, didn’t stay there.  HE arose triumphant over sin, death and hell!  And HE did it all for YOU and me!  I pray that you will seek Jesus today!

“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.”  John 3:16-18

Condemned or Redeemed?  The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test.  And Peter gives us a most beautiful picture of the price that our Lord paid, and how we who are HIS should approach the world!

“For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if,

when ye do well, and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him

that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we, being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd and Bishop

of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:20-25

May you see Jesus in this special time, and when you do, may the world see Jesus IN you/me!

Jesus’ love and willingness to die for you and me says it all—

What will YOU do with HIS sacrifice?

Amen and Amen!

 

 

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An Amazing Prayer??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #592

02 Wednesday Oct 2019

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Jesus, Jesus Saves!, Joy, Resting Or Wrestling?, Sanctuary

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Colossians 1:9-14, I'm Praying, Jesus Died For YOU, Jesus Loves YOU, Matthew 11:28-30, Prayer For YOU!, Praying, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Revelation 3:20

Bible Ballistics: BBs #592  An Amazing Prayer???

 

I would simply like to share one of Paul’s prayers with you all today; a prayer that I pray often for myself, for my family, for my friends, for the lost, and like Paul, for those I’ve only met by mail, blog or email!  May it touch and encourage your heart, and I pray that you will ponder on its message.  And just to set it in context Paul has just acknowledged that he had heard of the Colossians’ faithful love for Jesus—that’s the ‘cause’!

“For this cause we also,

since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

 and increasing

in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”  Colossians 1:9-14

And a few comments from me, if you would, I pray that you have found this “redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” which Jesus has provided for all who will repent (change direction) and believe/trust in Him; and if you have, that you will truly grow in grace and truth as you seek His face continually.  That you also will learn to trust Him more and more as you are being: “filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding”!

And if you don’t know Him yet, that you will trust Him today, for He truly loves YOU!  He died for YOU!  He is calling YOU today!

“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

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest

unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-30

Amen and Amen!!!

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