Month: December 2019

“… this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,” Phil 3:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬
As we close out another year, we need to realize, that we can’t undo or redo the past. There are past failures, mistakes, and disappointments we need to move on from. But by God’s grace we can press forward to those better things that God has in store for us.

“…He saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.”                Mark‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭KJV          This man’s healing came through 2 means. The power of Jesus and the man’s willingness to do what Jesus told him. He didn’t simply believe, but also obeyed. He trusted and then put forth personal effort. We must realize, there is God’s part, which we can’t do. And there is our part, which He will not do.

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬
These words offer great comfort to God’s people, especially as we grow older. Even though our body can’t do what it used to, yet we have this assurance, that our inward man can be renewed and grow stronger each day. Knowing this, we faint not. We keep pressing towards the mark.

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:” 2 Cor 4:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬
Does our life reveal Jesus Christ? Does the power of His gospel shine through us? Do we truly desire for Christ to be seen in us? When our relationship with Christ is real, it will be true of our life as it was with the life of Jesus, “He could not be hid”. May God help us to live so that we reveal Him.

“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.” Heb‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬
Do we see Jesus? Do we see Him crowned as our King? Do we see Him worthy of all honor and glory? Do we see Him tasting death so that we might live? May our prayer be: “Lord open my eyes so I can see Jesus”

“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭146:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬
Everyone desires happiness. But the truly happy soul is the one described here. He knows that all of his hope is in God, and because of that God is his ever present help! Let’s place all of our hope in Him and discover His unfailing and unceasing help.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬
All of human history hinges on this birth. And for each of us, our eternal destiny hinges on His coming into our hearts and lives. May we rejoice and be glad, the Saviour has come! Merry Christmas

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke‬ ‭2:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬
No room for Jesus. Over 2000 years later, even as we celebrate His birth, that is still the condition of most people. They make no room in their life, no time in their plans for Jesus. Let us in these days, and everyday, make room for the Saviour. Let us give Him first place in our hearts and lives.

“…and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.”
‭‭Matt‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬
In order for God’s complete purpose for man to be fulfilled, sin had to be dealt with. Jesus came to save us FROM sin, to deliver us FROM it’s guilt, FROM it’s punishment and FROM it’s power. Nothing less would provide what we needed. Thank God He did all that we need.

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word..”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:38‬ ‭KJV‬‬
This was Mary’s humble response when God’s Word came to her about her role in Jesus’ birth. But what is our response today? When God’s Word comes to us, are we willing to say
“Lord, be it unto me according to Your Word”?