Son of God

This week is the Son of God Series beginning January 12th.  This page will link all of the posts together instead of posts coming up daily:

Adam, son of God

"... Adam, the son of God."
God has two sons and one daughter that are unique among humanity. He has a son and a daughter that were not born, they were created by God Himself! (See Genesis 1 and 2). We are all sons of Adam and daughters of Eve, as the children in the Chronicles of Narnia were referred to; because we all descend from them. We have an inheritance of being made in God's image, after His likeness, with incredible potential and opportunity. Yet, all of this was marred with sin.  Read More

 
Jesus, Son of the Most High
"You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name of Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High."
God's only begotten Son, Jesus was not created, He has always been with God, even before creation, as we can see in John 1: 1 & 2. He humbled Himself to leave the realm of glory with the Father to become human. He was begotten by the Holy Spirit in Mary, a human being. He lived a perfect sinless life, and died a terrible death to once and for all pay for the penalty of man's sin; so humanity could once again be reconciled to God. Lets read Romans 5:12-21 to see the contrast of the two son's of God. Read More

 
Jesus, Son of Abraham

"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ,
the Son of David, the Son of Abraham."
Abraham is the father of righteousness through faith. Even though, he was 100 years old and Sarah was 90, he believed God could keep His promise. For nothing is impossible with God. What is the significance of Jesus being the Son of Abraham? Read More

Jesus, Son of David
"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham."

In Luke 1:31-33, Gabriel told Mary,
"... you will conceive... and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus. 

He will be... called Son of the Most High; 

and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His Father David...

and of His Kingdom there will be no end."

This fulfills a promise made to King David in 2Samuel 7:11-14. David was dwelling in his beautiful house of cedar and decided to build a house for the Arc of God. He told this to Nathan the prophet who then said to do all that was in his heart for the Lord. But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan saying,  Read More

Jesus, Son of God

"... who was, who is and who is to come, the Almighty."
With this Son of God series we looked at Jesus as the Son of the Promise. God made promises to His people of one to come as a deliverer and a Savior. These promises were made through the ages spanning from Adam and Eve, to Abraham and to King David of the coming of Christ. Where is Jesus now? What is yet to come? Read More

Sunday, January 18th we will begin in Matthew 3 with the ministry of John the Baptist, followed by the early ministry of Jesus and move into the beatitudes. 

Searching for the King

Reading:  Matthew 2:1-11 NLT & NKJ

Here we are, the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Epiphany... the revelation and worship of the King of all kings. 

Searching for the King- Michael Dudash... see below to order prints

"Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 'Where is the newborn King of the Jew's? We saw His star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him... Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared... the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. They entered the house, saw the child with His mother Mary and they bowed down and worshiped Him (for whom a star was born). NLT And when they had opened their treasures, they presented to Him: gold, frankincense and myrrh."NKJ 
Matthew 2:1-11 NLT & NKJ    

The gold was fit for a king, the KING of all kings who have ever lived! He is the KING for whom the star was born. They presented Him with frankincense for a priest, Jesus our Savior, is the Priest of all Priests; the great High Priest, who is now seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. (Hebrews 8:1) The myrrh, which was used for burials was perhaps offered for the sacrifice. Then God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod and they left another way to return to their own country. 

Do you ever wonder who these wise men were? They were the astronomers of their day and were sensitive to the Spirit of God. I wonder if we will get to meet them, and learn more about these kings, these mysterious Magi, the wise men from the east.
.

Oh let us seek Him and worship Him in joyous adoration!

Order prints of Searching for the King

This year I will put up weekly posts instead of daily, linking daily readings from previous posts:
This week is the son of God series beginning January 12th:

Adam, son of God

Jesus, Son of God

Jesus, Son of Abraham

Jesus, Son of David

Jesus, Son of God

Then on Sunday, January 18th we will transition from daily readings to twice weekly.
We will begin in Matthew 3 with the ministry of John the Baptist, 
then the early ministry of Jesus and move into the beatitudes. 

We hold this Treasure

Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7, 

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, 

that the excellence of the power 
may be of God and not of us." 

"We now have this light shining in our hearts, 

but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars 

containing this great treasure. 

This makes it clear that our great power 
is from God, not from ourselves." 

2 Corinthians 4:7 NKJ & NLT

What treasure is this talking about? 

"For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' 

has made this light shine in our hearts 

so we could know the glory of God 

that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ." 

4:6 NLT

This great treasure is the light that God put in our hearts allowing us "see" the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We are like fragile clay jars that contain great treasure and great power from God! Wow amazing. Now I will tell you the Great Mystery of the ages that is found in Colossians:

"Christ in you, the hope of glory." 

Colossians 1:27 NKJ

This Great Mystery of the ages is Christ in you, the hope of glory. If Christ lives in us, it is like a guarantee that we will share in His glory some day. That's me and you, all who have Christ in their heart, we will share in His glory. The indwelling Christ is the greatest treasure in the entire Universe and to think that through His grace, we can have the privilege of Him dwelling in us, these little jars of clay, full of cracks and flaws. Even the great treasures of the world, the treasure of the Magi; can not compare to Immanuel, God with us, God within us! So much wealth has been given to us, how could we ever repay? The gift of the Magi, as impressive as it was, was just a token compared to the greatest gift ever given... God Himself as the sacrifice, to redeem and buy us back from the power of the evil one and to dwell, not in the Holy of Holies of a sacred temple, but in the hearts of those chosen by Him!

The Greatest treasure is You, Lord Jesus, 
dwelling IN me, a fragile clay jar!

Thank You, Lord

Who Purchased the Treasure?

Reading: Matt. 13:44, Acts 20:28, John 3:16, John 15:13,

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field.
In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned
to get enough money to buy the field".
Matthew 13:44 NLT

The treasure of the Kingdom is so amazing, that if we could just somehow comprehend the breadth of the wealth of the Kingdom; that we would sell every thing we have to possess the Kingdom. But there is another way to look at this. Consider that Jesus was the purchaser who gave His all to secure the Kingdom for us and to reconcile us to God. The book of Acts says  

"Feed and shepherd God's flock-His own church,  

purchased with His own blood." 

Acts 20:28 NLT  

In His own words:  

"For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son,
so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."
" There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."
John 3:16, 15:13 NLT

Not only is the Kingdom worth all we have or could give; 

but Jesus gave His all to share the Kingdom with us. 

Thank You, Lord.

The Treasure is the Kingdom of Heaven

Sermon on the Mount = Carl Bloch

Reading: Matt. 13:44, Matt 6:19-34,
In the last post we looked at the treasure as the word of God and His treasure for us being that sense we have of "fearing" Him, being in awe of Him. As both David and Solomon said "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom". It really is the fear of the Lord where we start in the beatitudes. In light of the glory of God, Who am I? This is what it means to be poor in spirit. It is when we consider the abundant riches of God that we recognize our own poverty and need for Him. Later in Matthew, Jesus told the following parable:

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field,
which a man found and hid;
and for the joy over it
he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
Matt. 13:44 NKJ

When we put this parable on treasure with the treasure verses in the Sermon on the Mount, I believe we see what Jesus was pointing to:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth... (which is not lasting), 

but lay up treasure in heaven... (eternal treasure) 

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be...
no one can serve two masters... 

you can not serve both God and money. 

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life... 

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously,
and He will give you everything you need."
Matt. 6:19-34 NKJ and NLT

Jesus' teachings are so simple in the truth they speak of and so far reaching into our lives as we seek to live them. In our American culture steeped in the material realm, it is difficult to navigate as a Christian with a love for God and a desire to live for Him. What does that mean for my life? My lifestyle? Where is my treasure? Is it centered in the eternal Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom of light or in the kingdom of this age, the kingdom of darkness? Ouch! The way we live our lives and our lifestyle seems so "normal". Where is my hearts desire? Is it centered directly into the Kingdom? Or is it something really good, but not best. As Olswald Chambers says in "My Utmost for His Highest" May 25:

"As soon as you begin to live the life of faith in God, fascinating and physically gratifying possibilities will open up before you. These things are yours by right, but if you are living the life of faith you will exercise your right to waive your rights, and let God make your choice for you. God sometimes allows you to get into a place of testing where your own welfare would be the appropriate thing to consider, if you were not living the life of faith. But if you are, you will joyfully waive your right and allow God to make your choice for you. This is the discipline God uses to transform the natural into the spiritual through obedience to His voice.

When ever our right becomes the guiding factor of our lives, it dulls our spiritual insight. The greatest enemy of the life of faith in God is not sin, but good choices that are not quite good enough. The good is always the enemy of the best." UT 5/25

I don't know how this plays out in your life. But I know that periodically we need to come before Him to see if we are really seeking His Kingdom first and truly living a life of faith before Him. This is such a time for me.

I hope this blesses you today. There is more treasure coming. I am in awe of the kindness of God toward us.

Searching for Treasure

Reading: Matt. 2:1-12, 6:19-24, Col. 3:1-16

As we celebrate Epiphany, let's look at the story of the Magi as they brought treasure to the baby Jesus. Here are some verses to set the stage:

Searching for the King- Michael Dudash  Click image on side bar to order

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem...wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him.'... And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2: 1-12 NKJ

These men brought rare, costly treasure to honor this King of the Jews that they worshiped. While this earth has beautiful, rare treasures; is there treasure that can not be seen in this realm and belongs to the Kingdom of God? When the Christ child grew up, here is what He said:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth... but... treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." Matt. 6:21 NKJ

"Wherever your treasure is there the desires of your heart will also be." NLT

The words of Jesus are amazing, the simplest sentence can keep us intrigued for a lifetime as we grow in understanding of Him. What is this treasure in heaven that He speaks of? The Apostle Paul said to the church in Colossae:

"Since... you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."  Col 3:1-4 NIV

Our focus, the desires of our heart are to be on interests of heaven. Where else can we find reference to heavenly treasure? David writes in Psalms:

"My heart stands in awe of Your word. 

I rejoice at Your word, as one who finds great treasure." 

Psalm 119:147,161 & 2, NKJ

Isaiah says:

"The fear of the Lord is His treasure."
Isa. 33:6 NKJ

Ah, here is the beginning of the treasure hunt. The search begins with fear of the Lord, awe of who He is. If we have this view of God it is treasure to behold... behold Him. We can "see" His handiwork in the created world and be amazed by Him. It is in the word of God that we find the greatest treasure of who He is and His grand design for us.

Be Blessed today and we will dig up more in the days to follow.

Beginning's

Today's Reading: John 1:1-5, Genesis 1,

Happy New Year!!! It is so nice to have a time of reflection over our life for the past year and then look forward to a brand new year... like a new journal, with blank pages just waiting to be written on. It is a time to start fresh, to consider what can be different, what can change, new hopes and new dreams. It is a time of new beginnings and I thought it fitting to just put up verses from the word of God about beginnings. Enjoy His glorious creation and our beginnings.

"In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things were made through Him,
and without Him nothing was made that was made.
In Him was life and the life was the light of men.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not comprehend it."
John 1:1,2




"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
The earth was without form, and void;
and darkness was on the face of deep.
And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Then God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good;
and God divided the light from the darkness...
Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image,
according to Our likeness;
let them have dominion... over all the earth...
So God created man in His own image;
in the image of God He created them."
Genesis 1:1-28

Jesus, the Word was in the beginning with God. Glory to the Majestic Creator of the Heavens and the Earth!

Earth is unique among planets in it's position with in the solar system and even the galaxy. It is the only planet known that can sustain life. It is as though God created an entire universe to place us, the humans He created after His own likeness.

So great is His love for us!

A Time of Renewal

Welcome as we begin a whole new year! 

This time of year is wonderful because it is a time of renewal... a time to set aside the mistakes of the past and look ahead to a fresh start. It is the dawn of a whole new year. Renewal is the very essence of the gospel of Christ. What Paul said to the Corinthians ine 5:17 is especially fitting:

"... if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." KJV

The New Living Translation says it this way:

"...anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. 

The old life is gone; a new life has begun."

At the start of the new year, many people make a resolution to read their Bibles. Some commit to read the entire Bible in a year, an excellent, but very ambitious undertaking. I have found a The One Year Bible, which has the entire New Living Translation arranged in 365 Daily Readings. What is great about this is it's flexibility! Every day you read from the Old Testament, from the New, Psalms and Proverbs. You can commit to read it all or a portion, say OT one year and NT the next, etc. Plus you can break it up through out the day, depending on your schedule... say Psalms first thing in the morning, then OT or NT at Breakfast, Lunch, or evening and Proverbs for family dinner time discussion. I am hoping to get an audio Bible to listen to portions of the plan as I do my tasks through out the day.

For the Journey with Jesus blog, we will pick up where we left off with the Christmas story and begin with the ministry of John the Baptist and then the new ministry of Jesus found in chapters 3 and 4 of both Matthew and Luke. Following that we will look at the Beatitudes as a preparation for Passion Week. Blessings ~ Sheri

I am with You Always

Today's Reading: Matthew 28:10, 16-20

"Do not be afraid... 

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and in earth. 

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them 

in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;

and lo,  

I am with you always,

even to the end of the age."

I thank God, that even in times of turmoil, we need not fear because
ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH
HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE RISEN LORD!
HALLELUJAH!

No matter what happens, He is with us always, 

even to the very end of the age!!!

Jesus is Coming

Today's Reading: Revelation 22

"And he showed me a pure river of water of life,  clear as crystal,
proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 
In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, 
was the tree of life,... 
yielding fruit every month. 
The leaves were for the healing of the nations... 
These words are faithful and true.
 
The Lord God... sent His angel to show...what must shortly take place.
'Behold, I am coming quickly!
Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book... 
I am the Alpha and Omega, 
the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last...
I am the Root and the Offspring of David, 
the Bright and Morning Star...
Surely, I am coming quickly.' Amen.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come!... 
And let him who thirsts come. 
Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."
Excerpts from Revelation 22.

 Hallelujah! Come Lord Jesus come! 

We wait as a bride waits for her groom, with great joy and anticipation. 

COME JESUS COME!

The New Heaven and New Earth

Todays Reading: 2 Peter 3:10, 13, Revelation 21

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night,
in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise,
and the elements will melt with fervent heat;
both the earth and the works that are in it
will be burned up...

Nevertheless we, according to His promise,
look for new heavens and a new earth
in which righteousness dwells."
2 Peter 3:10,13

"Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth,
for the first heaven and the first earth
had passed away...
Then I, John, saw the holy city,
New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
'Behold, the dwelling of God is with men
and He will live with them and be their God.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death, or mourning,
or crying or pain for the former things have passed away."
Rev 21:1-4

As we approach the end this year, we are confident a new year will begin. So too as we near the end of the age; know that a new age is coming... a new heaven and a new earth... dwelling with God! Let us affirm our hope of what will surely come to pass. Be encouraged and blessed.

"Behold I make all things new."
Rev 21:5

The Throne in Heaven

Today's Reading: Revelation 4 & amplified;5 Ephesians 1:9,10, Col 1:19,20

In John's vision of the Risen Lord, Jesus tells him to write letters to the 7 churches in Asia. After that John looked "and behold, a door standing open in heaven." A voice called to him saying "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this. Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold a throne in heaven,..."

Read chapter four, only 11 verses to catch a glimpse of the glory of God, heaven and the worship of God.Then in chapter five,(14 verses), we see a scroll in the right hand of God and a strong angel proclaimed in a loud voice

"Who is worthy to open the scroll and loose it's seals?"
"I,(John) wept much,
because no one was found worthy
to open and read the scroll or look at it.
But one of the elders said to me 'Do not weep.
Behold the Lion of the Tribe of Judah,
the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll...
And I looked, and behold in the midst...
stood a lamb as though it had been slain...
He came and took the scroll out of the hand
of Him who sat on the throne.
Now when He had taken the scroll,
the four living creatures and
the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb...
and... sang a new song,
'You are worthy to take the scroll
and open its seals; For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood..."
Revelation 5:2-9

The Story of the entire Bible from Genesis through Revelation, the greatest story ever told in all of Creation, is God's love, mercy and redemption of fallen man. Written on this scroll is the the end of all the ages with everything brought to completion; where Christ gathers everything together in heaven and earth into one and reconciles them to God.
"... in the dispensation of the fullness of the times
He might gather together in one all things in Christ,
both which are in heaven and 

which are on earthin Him."
Ephesians 1:10

"... and by Him to reconcile all things on earth
or things in heaven, having made peace
through the blood of His cross.
And you, who once were alienated...
He has now reconciled
in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy, and blameless,
and above reproach in His sight."
Colossians 1:20-22

"Behold! The Lamb of God,
who takes away the sins of the world!"
John 1:29

"Worthy is the Lamb... to receive power and riches
and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!
Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!"
Revelation 5:11,13

Hallelujah!

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Reading: Revelation 1

Yesterday we looked at the Wise Men coming to Jerusalem and asking "Where is He who is born King of the Jews?" We saw the prophecy of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and then with in the week, He was crucified; and did not reign over a Kingdom on this earth. What happened to the Great King prophesied through out the Old Testament? He was resurrected and taken up into heaven. Where is He now?

The book of the Revelation is the Revelation of the resurrected Christ! It is written by the Apostle John who had a vision of the risen Lord. John was close to Jesus during His life on this earth. He was one of His three closest friends and traveled everywhere with Him. As a young man he saw Jesus with his own eyes, heard His actual voice speak and touched Him with his own hands (I John 1). He wrote the gospel story of what he experienced with Jesus so that we might believe in Him and have life in His Name. (John 20:31)

Now he is an old man imprisoned on an Island and all of the other disciples that were with Jesus have died, most were martyred for their faith. He was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day and received a Revelation of the Risen Lord. In verses 9-20 he "sees" the Eternal Christ. Even though he was so familiar with Jesus when He walked on earth with John, he was awestruck and

"fell at His feet as though dead!"

In our comfort as the children of God, seeing Him as our Father, perhaps we forget the awe and reverence we should feel for the living God and risen Christ. The eternal realm, though all around us is veiled, so we can not see into it. But on rare occasions, an eternal being opens the curtain and a mere human gazes into the glory the Kingdom Realm. We read this in the visions Zacharias, Mary and the shepherds had. The first response was fear. Yet each time, they were told "Do not be afraid". I love the way the Risen Lord "laid His right hand on" John and said to him "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last".

At this point in my walk of faith, I am trying to understand the place of the fear of God in the life of His people and in my own life. This journey in reading the Nativity this month has kept me in awe of His tender mercy and amazing plan for us. As Mary said in her Song in Luke "His mercy is on those who fear Him." It is my hope you will be in awe of the Nativity Story and in the coming days ahead.

 

"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, 

and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near...
Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come...
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first born from the dead,
and the ruler over the kings of the earth. 

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins with His own blood, 

and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, 

to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" 

vs 1:3-6

Jesus the Word of God

Todays Reading: Mainly John 1:14-18, choose one or more of the following as time allows: 2Peter 1:16-19, Matt. 17:1-7, Col. 2:9,10, Eph3:19-21, 2Peter 1:3,4 or just read these excerpts below:

Look... behold who He is, what He is like and what we have in Him.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we beheld His glory, the glory
as of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth."
John 1:14

"... we... were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
For He received from God the Father honor and glory
when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory:
'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased..."
2Peter 1:16-19, Matt. 17:1-7

"And of His fullness we have all received,
and grace for grace."
John 1:16

"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
and you are complete in Him,
who is the head of all principality and power."
Col. 2:9,10

"... to know the love, of Christ which passes knowledge;
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Eph. 3:19-21

Fullness: full measure, copiousness, plenitude, fullness and completion.

"His divine power has given us everything we need
for life and godliness, through our knowledge of Him...
He has given us very great and precious promises,
so that through them
you may participate in the divine nature,
and escape corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
2Peter 1:3,4

Lord, I am amazed by You and what You have provided for us. Deepen our understanding of these great truths that we may comprehend in the depth of our hearts the reality of these great words. Strengthen our faith to believe that we may be filled with all the fullness of You and be complete in You.

Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars

Today's Reading: Luke 2:41-52

"... all who heard Him were astonished 

at His understanding and answers." 

vs 47

The young Jesus had a bright mind and inquiring heart, listening and asking questions. He understood what they said and literally put two and two together in understanding and all who heard Him were astonished with His answers. After three days of worrying, His parents found Him in the temple and said to Him, "Son, why have you done this to us?" Jesus thought they understood Him better and would know He'd be in the temple. So He asked:

"'Why did you seek Me? 

Did you not know that I must be about My Fathers business?' 

But they did not understand." vs 49

At a young age Jesus recognized His life was consecrated, set apart for the Father's purpose. We too are set apart for God's will and purpose, our Father's business.

"His mother kept all these things in her heart." vs 51

Mary was thoughtful and pondered the amazing things about her unique Son. I wonder how much she understood about Him, and if many things had to unfold to for her to fully understand.

"Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." vs 52

Someday in The Kingdom of Heaven I look forward to seeing Jesus face to face. And I almost wonder if we will somehow get to see scenes of Him on earth, like old home movies. If so, I will love that... to see the miracle of His birth, see Him as a baby, a young child, a teen, a young man wise beyond His years, to see Him move among the people, compassionately loving them and healing them, to hear Him speak and hear Him pray to the Father. I don't know if I could bear seeing Him tortured and on the cross, though it was His great victory over death. Oh and to see Him resurrected and moving among the people.

This the last of the Advent readings in Matthew and Luke, though we will revisit Luke 2:1-20 on Christmas Eve. But don't go away, there are amazing glimpses of the glory of Christ coming in the next few days and Christmas through New Years. In January we will look at His Names from the Christmas Story and move into the ministries of John and Jesus.

Home in Nazareth

Today's Reading: Matthew 2:19-23, Luke 2:39, 40

Again we see the faithfulness of Joseph to follow God's leading for his family. Each of the places he goes fulfills OT prophecies. Initially, he went to Bethlehem for the census and Jesus was born there just as prophesied by Micah. Then being warned in a dream, he takes them to Egypt until Herod dies. As they leave Egypt to return to Israel another prophecy was fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called My Son". As they returned to Israel Joseph, after hearing that Herod's son was ruling, he took Mary and Jesus to Nazareth fulfilling,

"He shall be called a Nazarene." 

In Nazareth, Jesus grew up. Luke says:

"And the child grew and became strong in spirit, 
filled with wisdom; 

and the grace of God was upon Him."
Luke 2:40

What must God's Son have been like? I picture a bright joyful child, curious and eager to learn. As He grew I imagine Him as a caring young man, lively and strong, perhaps playing games with the children and carrying them on His shoulders. He was likely an encouragement to those who were struggling, some one who gave a wise and apt reply to a concern. People were probably drawn to the favor of God that easily rested upon Him.

Fleeing to Egypt

Readings: Matthew 2:13-18

When the Wise Men left, and angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him to get up and take the young child and His mother to Egypt. He was instructed to stay there until he received a further word from God,; because Herod wanted to find the child and destroy Him. They stayed in Egypt until Herold died; fulfilling yet another scripture  

"Out of Egypt I have called My Son."  

Matt. 2:15, Hosea 11:1

Joseph seems somewhat overlooked in comparison to Mary, but his faithful sensitivity and obedience to God's leading kept his family safe. Imagine the weight of responsibility he held to keep the savior of all humanity, the Son of God in infant form, safe from hostile leaders. God chose him to do this and he faithfully answered God's call in his life. He has chosen each of us, for some wonderful purpose... to carry the "Light of the World" into dark places, into a hostile world. Where is He leading each of us? Do we have eyes to see and ears to hear His call?

When the Wise Men did not return to Herod to tell him where the child was, He was extremely angry; and called for the death of all the male children in Bethlehem who were under the age of two.

Even this heartless act fulfilled another scripture:

"A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
refusing to be comforted, because they were no more."
Matt. 2:18, Jeremiah 31:15

Doesn't your heart go out to these women... and to women in war zones who lose their children to violence?

Lord, fill us with your Spirit and lead us in fulfilling our purpose in this time.

Epiphany

What is Epiphany? Epiphany is a Christian holiday that celebrates the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. It is celebrated on January 6th, which is "also the 12th day of Christmas, as popularized by the song. In essence, Christmas does not end for many Christians until Christ is revealed" and is honored as King of kings, with the gifts of Kings.

Many of you who read this blog may have celebrated Epiphany all your life. Yet there are many Christians, in fact most that I know; that don't even have a clue of what it is. Here are a few definitions of the word that I found on line:  

"Epiphany is when the wise men arrived at Bethlehem to bring gifts to the baby Jesus. It also refers to times when a person suddenly realizes or understands something. They had an epiphany."

"An epiphany  is the sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something"...like when someone has "found the last piece of the puzzle and now sees the whole picture, or has new information or experience... that illuminates a deeper foundational frame of reference". 


When is Epiphany celebrated? January 6th, when the Wise Men arrived to bring gifts to the baby Jesus. 

Have you ever wondered what the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" all about and when those 12 days occur? Is there any significance to the coming of Christ? The twelve days of Christmas are the 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany, starting with December 26th, which is today! Today is the first day of Christmas and of the 12 day count down to Epiphany. 

"Epiphany is a Christian holiday that is commonly associated with the visit of the Three Kings to baby Christ. It is also the 12th day of Christmas, as popularized by the song. In essence, Christmas does not end for many Christians until Christ is revealed. In some Christian denominations Epiphany does not end until Lent begins." Read More


Bless you on this first day of Christmas... just when you thought Christmas was over. To glory and meditate on God coming down and dwelling with us will never be over and is worthy of our hearts to ponder. :)

Born King of the Jews

James Tissot Brooklyn Museum

Today's Readings: Matthew 2:1, 2, Zechariah 9:9, Matt 21:1-11, and more

In Matthew 2:1, 2, the Wise Men from the East came into Jerusalem to ask: "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" This was troubling to Herod and his power structure in Jerusalem. What was to become of this baby born King of the Jews? The prophet Zechariah of old speaks of the Coming of Israel's King:

James Tissot Brooklyn Museum

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey."
Zech 9:9

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy the day He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey; which is the symbol of humility and is completely unlike the impressive power of a horse. Jesus was lowly, "a humility that is considerate, gentle, mild, meek. The Zealots were looking for a warlike Messiah who would use force. Jesus showed greater power than armed might, the power of humble wisdom and penetrating love. Meekness is not weakness, but power under perfect control". (From word wealth in the New Spirit Filled Bible)

Oh, the humble wisdom of Jesus! How may we be more like Him? Praise God that through the Holy Spirit, as we behold Jesus, He transforms us glory by glory into His image.

Toward the end of Jesus' humble life on this earth He did approached Jerusalem on a donkey and fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy. As he descended the Mount of Olives, the crowds who were hopeful of political salvation from Roman oppression cried out saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Matt. 21:9

During this joyous celebration, Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him in the coming week and what would happen to Jerusalem in the coming years.

In Luke 19 it says:

"He saw the city and wept over it, saying, 

If you had known, even you, especially in this your day,the things that make for your peace! 

But now they are hidden from your eyes... because you did not know the times of your visitation." Luke 19:42,44

Jesus knew the people would miss their Messiah. He knew the Jews would miss the coming of their King. During the course of the week, Jesus ended up on the following Friday in Pilate's Court. Pilate asked Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Pilate soon after condemned Jesus to execution on the cross. He ordered that a sign should be put on the cross that read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" John 18:33, 19:19 This most likely was not Pilate's recognition of Jesus as king so much as to irritate the Jewish leaders, since Nazareth was looked down upon as an insignificant little village. The thought was, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Certainly not the grand Messiah they had imagined!

Jesus did not become a King in His earthly life. Were the Wise Men wrong about this baby being a great King? Perhaps what Jesus said in reply to Pilate gives us a clue. "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36 This king was not to come into an earthly kingdom in His first coming to earth, His first Advent. Perhaps they somehow knew as one of the Magi's gifts was Myrrh, a spice used in burial. Did they offer it to him to honor His sacrifice? This week we will look at Jesus in His Kingdom right now and we'll look at prophecy foretelling His Second Coming, His Second Advent.

How can this bring us comfort today in our time? We must keep our eyes on Jesus, especially during the concerns of the big political changes happening in our world today. We do not want to miss what He is doing in His Kingdom, His visitation as He moves among us, while being distracted by the kingdoms of men. The verse at the very center of the Bible is timely for us today.

"It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes."
Psalm 118:8

Praise God our King is coming again!!! This time He will come on a white horse in great power and authority with the armies of heaven on white horses! And He will establish His Kingdom!

"On His Robe and on His thigh a name is written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS".
Rev.19:16

He will be the most excellent KING of all kings to ever rule the earth in all of time. And He will be LORD, supreme in authority over every king.

He will be KING of the entire Universe!

"Hosanna in the highest!"

All the while I was typing the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS the Hallelujah Chorus was shouting praise to God in my mind. Be Blessed by His amazing word today!

God Becomes One of Us

Matthew 1:23, Luke 2:11

A star shines bright

Mary and Joseph alone in a stable
Her baby to be born that night
Her cry goes out into the darkness
She cries out in pain

Angels in awe watch silently over

Await the moment 

 God, would become flesh

He who breathed the atmosphere into being

Would now draw His first breath

A baby's cry goes out across the earth

He has felt our pain

He shares our plight

God became one of us

Emmanuel, that night

There were no beautiful caroles or bells ringing
Just cattle lowing and sheep bleeting
In the stillness they rejoiced
Their savior had been born
To them that night

Sheri Dinardi
copyright 12-22-2013

The Prince of Peace is Born

Today's Reading: Luke 2:11, Isaiah 9:6,7

"For there is born to you this day...
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the Highest
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men."
Luke 2:11

 "For unto us a child is born, 
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be 
upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, 
Counselor, Mighty God, 
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and 
peace there will be no end.
Upon the throne of David and 
over His kingdom, to order it 
and establish it 
with judgment and justice.
From that time forward, even forever."
Isaiah 9:6,7

In this world for the last 2,000 years since the coming of the Prince of Peace; there has been times of peace and times of war and strife. Right now in 2020, there is no peace on earth, especially in America right now. The division is the strongest I have ever seen it. So when I look at the verse above: "Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men." I think, how can this be? Christ, the Prince of Peace has come. Why is there so much strife in our country and our world? An old familiar Christmas carol keeps coming to mind. Here is one of the many poignant verses:

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

 

This is the theme for this week. The Prince of Peace is Born. How does this apply in the day and age we live in? Stay tuned and more will come.

Wise Men From the East

Sunday's Reading: Matthew 2:1-12, Micah 5:2

A Father's Heritage to Share by CM Dudash

Images of beautifully dressed Wise men on camels laden with treasure seem to leap off the pages as we read this story to our children. Reading to our children and leading them into a life of faith in Christ is the most valuable gift we can give to them, extending into eternity. This story is not only for Children's books and plays. Beyond the Christmas Cards, there is an amazing adult drama that unfolds. 

Searching for the King by CM Dudash

First, God carefully orchestrated each of the people involved in the coming of His Son... the angelic visitations to Zacharias, Mary and Joseph. Consider that even Caesar decreed the census at the exact time that Jesus would be born. In so doing he brought Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was there that Jesus, the King and son of David was born in Bethlehem, the city of David, exactly as prophesied through the prophet Micah. God also orchestrated the angelic vision to the shepherds and the star that appeared in the heavens, signaling to the wise men far off of the birth of a king. There is a rhythm of simultaneous events taking place in each life and culminating with the witness of the birth of Immanuel, God with us.
 
God moved in the lives of humble seekers of Him to bring this about. In today's reading we meet the not so humble ones. After centuries of prophecies of a coming Messiah, news of a new king being born is TROUBLING to Herod and all of Jerusalem. God's greatest gift to mankind is a perceived threat to their power structure. Herod inquired of the chief priests and scribes as to where the Christ was to be born. They knew exactly where because of the prophecy that He would be born in Bethlehem. Yet, when all the signs the Jews sought were fulfilled, they missed their Messiah, God's gift to them, because they were more invested in this life on earth, than God's eternal Kingdom. An important insight for us in a culture of self, acquisition and status.
 
The Wise Men left and followed the star till it came and stood over where the young child was. They came into the house, saw the child with His mother Mary and fell down and worshiped Him for whom a star was born. When they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold for the KING OF KINGS, frankincense for the Priest of Priests and myrrh for the sacrifice. Then God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod and they left another way
.

Oh let us seek Him and worship Him in joyous adoration!

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The Brightness of His Glory

Today's Reading: Luke 2:30-32, Hebrews 1:1-3, 2Cor. 4:6,7, 3:18

The last couple of days we have been looking at Simeon blessing the baby Jesus with these words:

"... my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples,

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel."
Luke 2:30-32

Yesterday we saw the words Jesus spoke as a man, and what the Apostle John said about Him. Today we will see Jesus as light and glory in His resurrected state. These verses tell us who He really is and how He brings revelation and transformation in our own hearts. Enjoy His amazing word.

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and
the exact representation of His being,
sustaining all things by His powerful word.
After he had provided purification for sins
he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."
Hebrews 1:3 NIV

"For God, who said, 

'Let the light shine out of the darkness',
made his light shine in our hearts
to give us the light of the knowledge
of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay
to show that this all surpassing power is from God
and not from us."
2Cor 4:6,7 NIV
 

"But we all, with unveiled face,
beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed into the same image
from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
2Cor. 3:18 NKJ

Stand in the light of His Everlasting Splendor and Behold Him in Glory

To buy a high resolution image of Christ at 33, by Heinrich Hofmann, 
go to Restored Traditions

Light of the World

Today's Reading: Luke 2:30-32, John 1:4-13, 8:12

Simeon said as he blessed baby Jesus:  

"... my eyes have seen Your salvation 

Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, 

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, 

And the glory of Your people Israel."  

Luke 2:30-32

Today we will look at Jesus as a grown man and as the light prophesied by Simeon. The Apostle John says of Jesus:

"In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it... 

That was the true light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, 
and the world did not know Him. 

He came unto His own and His own did not receive Him. 

But as many as received Him, to those He gave the right to become children of God, 

to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor the will of man, but of God." 

John 1:4-13

"I am the light of the world. 

He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,

but have the light of life." 

John 8:12

As Simeon was finishing his blessing of Jesus he said to them, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel...(yes, a sword will pierce through through your own soul, also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." For Mary the cross must have been most painful sword to pierce her heart, but she also saw people reject Him, and His teachings. In the beginning of Jesus' ministry He came to His home town of Nazareth. you can read about his in Luke 4:16-30. Jesus read in the syn agog from the Messianic passage in Isaiah 61 and then said "This scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." After some more dialog, the people were filled with wrath,... thrust Him out of the city and tried to throw Him over the cliff. This was His home town. Mary knew all these people who were so angry with her son. "He came unto His own" and His own home town did not receive Him. Later in His ministry much of the rejection came from the Pharisee's, whose rejection ultimately brought Him to the cross. I think when Simeon said, "that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed"; or brought to light, sheds light on the motive of the rejection. God looks at the heart and Jesus the light of the world, shed light on the hearts of many revealing the evil contained.

Praise God the way was opened for all of humanity to come to the light of the revelation of Jesus Christ. In Him is light and life for all people. As we receive Him we have the right to become the children of God. As we follow Him, we walk on a path of ever increasing light, transformation and glory.  

"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
which shines ever brighter until the full light of day."
Proverbs 4:18 NLT

Stand in the light of His Everlasting Love

Simeon See's God's Salvation

Today's Reading: Luke 2:21-38

Simeon's Moment - Ron DiCiani 

"... my eyes have seen Your salvation

Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples,

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel."

Luke 2:30-32

Enjoy your reading today in this rich passage. I hardly know what to emphasize, there are so many wonderful things here. So I am hoping you will all comment on these verses. I try to keep my commentary short for those in a hurry.

Jesus is presented to the Lord by His parents and both Simeon and Anna, faithful elderly servants of God were led by the Holy Spirit to come into the temple at that moment. Notice Luke mentions the operation of the Holy Spirit three times in the life of Simeon. Praise to God, He has provided the same Holy Spirit to us today, in even greater measure through Christ.

Simeon and Anna had eyes to see the promise of Messiah in that little baby boy and spoke of amazing things to Mary and Joseph. This passage is full of vision! Notice the references to seeing... not see death... my eyes have seen your salvation... and of course light and glory. Jesus often spoke of having eyes to see. The Spirit leads us by giving us pictures in our mind and we follow His vision. Readings for the next two days will direct us to passages declaring Jesus to be light and the brightness of God's glory.

God has prepared salvation for all people, 

revelation for the Gentile and glory for the Jew.

 My heart goes out to Mary as Simeon prophecies directly to her "yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also". She never forgot that and must have wondered how those words would be fulfilled.

Bless each of you today as you look for redemption, 

see God's wonderful Salvation in this tiny child,

His light of revelation and His glory. 

Note: If you would like to purchase a print of Simeon's Moment go to Masterpiece Christian Fine Arts Foundation. All prints are currently 40% off!

Joy to the World

Reading: Luke 2:1-7

"Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive Her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room."

There was no room for them in the Inn. So He, the King of all heaven and earth was born in a stable to simple peasants. Through the ages since His Coming, millions have prepared room for Him in their hearts across the face of the earth.

Joy pierced through the darkness of sin and entered the world as a baby, beginning the gathering of heaven and earth into one and the reconciliation of God and man. Though the Creator came unto His own creation, most did not recognize Him. But that did not keep heaven from rejoicing and those in whom His light has shown from worshiping the infant King.

He is the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords. Even Caesar obeyed Him by ordering a census that all the Roman Empire should be registered. In so doing, it required Joseph, of the lineage of David to return to his ancestral home of Bethlehem, the city of David. It was during this time that Christ was born in Bethlehem, just as foretold by the prophet Micah. He is the King promised to David, one from His own lineage who shall reign over his kingdom forever!

Advent is a time for us to slow down and ponder the fullness of God coming into this world as a baby, an infant King!

Joy to you this Christmas Season, our Lord IS come.
I pray you have opportunity to empty your heart to prepare Him room and receive your great King.