Christmas Story 1942

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Christmas Story 1942

The following story is one of the fine examples of giving for what the Christmas Spirit is about. As we are entering into the Christmas season, there seems to be a lot of posts regarding the true meaning of Christmas. Giving comes from what God gave us. It is the greatest gift ever given. There are over 50 names for that Gift such as Savior, Redeemer, Lord, Creator, Wonderful, Counsellor, and King of Kings.

This story brings a tear or two because I can relate somewhat to parts of the story. This may be why I am posting it.

I am so thankful that I come to know and receive Jesus Christs’ invitation to accept Him as my Savior and Lord. I now have the assurance of entering His Kingdom as a born-again believer as stated in John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” and John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit.

My prayer is that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior according to what the Bible states. Jesus loves you and so do I.

As Paul Harvey would say, “Now for the rest of the story.”.

It was Christmas Eve 1942. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn’t been enough money to buy me the rifle that I’d wanted for Christmas.

We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Daddy wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Daddy to get down the old Bible.

I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn’t in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Daddy didn’t get the Bible instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn’t figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn’t worry about it long though I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.

Soon he came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. “Come on, Matt,” he said. “Bundle up good, it’s cold out tonight.” I was really upset then. Not only wasn’t I getting the rifle for Christmas, now he was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We’d already done all the chores, and I couldn’t think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew he was not very patient at one dragging one’s feet when he’d told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my coat. Mommy gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn’t know what..

We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, “Who is it?” “Lucas Miles, Ma’am, and my son, Matt, could we come in for a bit?”

Mrs.Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Mrs.Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.

“We brought you a few things, Ma’am,” Daddy said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then he handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children – sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at my Daddy like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn’t come out.

“We brought a load of wood too, Ma’am,” he said. Then turned to me and said, “Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let’s get that fire up to size and heat this place up.” I wasn’t the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn’t speak.

My heart swelled within me and a joy that I’d never known before filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.

I soon had the fire blazing and everyone’s spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Daddy handed them each a piece of candy and Mrs.Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn’t crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. “God bless you,” she said. “I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us.”

In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I’d never thought of my Daddy in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Daddy had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Mommy and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.

Daddy insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.

Tears were running down Widow Jensen’s face again when we stood up to leave. My Daddy took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn’t want us to go. I could see that they missed their Daddy and I was glad that I still had mine

At the door he turned to Widow Jensen and said, “The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We’ll be by to get you about eleven. It’ll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn’t been little for quite a spell.” I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away.

Mrs.Jensen nodded and said, “Thank you, Brother Miles. I don’t have to say, May the Lord bless you, I know for certain that He will.”

Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn’t even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Daddy turned to me and said, “Matt, I want you to know something. Your Mother and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn’t have quite enough.

Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your Mom and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand.”

I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Daddy had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. He had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Mrs. Jensen’s face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, Whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside of my Daddy that night. He had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life..

Just maybe we can become someone’s lighthouse in their storm this Christmas Season!!!

WHOM TO GIVE THANKS

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This is a little reminder to whom we should give thanks for all we have. Everything belongs to God for He created everything including your life and all that you possess. It will all come to an understanding sometime in your future if it hasn’t already. May you have a great Thanksgiving Day and enjoy the day with loved ones for life is brief and there is no encore and give thanks where thanks is due. Jesus loves you and so do I.

A Thanksgiving Poem

Thank God for everything!

Help spread thanks to others.

A time of thanks and a time for family and friends.

Never forgot what the Lord has provided unto us.

Knowing we are blessed by our Heavenly Father.

Serve each other with thanksgiving.

Give to one another.

I thank you God for all that you hath done for me.

Visit others and share a time of being thankful.

In everything we do God the thanks.

Now is the time to thank God, do it everyday for all things.

God be given the glory forever and ever. – Amen

Evangelist Jeffrey Battles, Impactnationsglobal.com

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It is with great pleasure to add Evangelist Jeffrey Battles and his organization Impactnationsglobal.com, to my web site. Check my side bar. I pray that everyone that checks out his crusade will pray for souls to receive Jesus as their Savior. As with any Christian organization they can use financial assistance. I thank you and remember Jesus loves you and so do I.

FREE GIFT HAPPY EASTER

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A FREE GIFT                 HAPPY EASTER

Most people like to receive a gift, especially a gift that is free. What is surprising is the gift that God offers is rejected by many. What is more surprising is God’s gift results with many benefits.

Since creation, God has given man a free will. They have the freedom to choose their destiny. Now, suppose I offer you $100.00 because I love you. I tell you it is free, no strings attached. You must make a choice, either accept it or decline to take it. If you accept it, there are many benefits that you can enjoy with that gift.

Again, many believe that to accept God’s gift, it will result in giving up self-pleasures that the world (the devil) offers. I can hear some of you say,” God’s gift is not free.” I beg to differ with anyone who makes that statement. The Bible reference to the gift of God is His Divine Love. Love is the Essence of God. You can receive it from Him if you desire.

With God’s Love comes many benefits called blessings. Have you ever considered what your life would be like if God removed His Love from you? Some examples that the Bible point out is the description of Hell. You can look it up in the following references.  It’ll be beyond anything humanly imaginable! The Bible describes it as, weeping (Matt 8:12), wailing (Matt 13:42), gnashing of teeth (Matt 13:50), darkness (Matt 25:30), flames (Luke 16:24), burning (Isa 33:14), torments (Luke 16:23 everlasting punishment! There are more.

God’s Love is shown in many ways. In all cases, you cannot buy, work for, or obtain it in any way. God’s Love is free by His Grace. God’s Love is free but it came with a cost. The horrible example is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Romans executed criminals on the cross. It is said to be one of the most horrible ways to die. The prelude to Jesus’ death on the cross was the beating He took before. He was beaten almost beyond recognition. He was so weak; He could not carry His cross. Why? Because of God’s Love for every person. ROMANS 5:8 8 But God has made clear his love to us, in that, when we were still sinners, Christ gave his life for us.

What many people think of love is a form of selfishness and not pure love. There are several forms of love. Some examples are as follows:

  • Philia — Affectionate Love. Philia is love without romantic attraction and occurs between friends or family members. …
  • Pragma — Enduring Love. …
  • Storge — Familiar Love. …
  • Eros — Romantic Love. …
  • Ludus — Playful Love. …
  • Mania — Obsessive Love. …
  • Philautia — Self Love. …
  • Agape — Selfless Love.

Agape love gives without waiting for the other person to love first. Agape love comes from God. It is a blessing to those who are born again (1 John 4:7).  For you to love your neighbor (a commandment) it must come from God as agape love does not come naturally.

The love that comes from God is Agape love. It is a selfless love. He proved that by sending Jesus to be a sacrifice for our sins and redeem us. ROMANS 5:8 GWN 8 Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God’s love for us. You need to believe that God loves you. He does because you are valuable and precious and He wants the best for you. After all, He created you and wants you to be a member of His eternal family.

Do you know that love gives? Without giving there is no proof of love. Love always gives, but it does not always give what is requested. Love always gives something.

In the King James Version of the Bible, love is mentioned 310 times

Another free gift of God is His Grace. Again, you cannot earn it, buy it or do anything to obtain it. God’s Grace comes from His essence of His being. God’s grace is gracious, slow to anger, a steadfast love, and His faithfulness. His grace is a favor or gift given to you to bring happiness to your life.

For by Grace, you have been saved through Faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

The Bible tells us that when God gave us Jesus Christ, God gave us everything Jesus has. Romans 8:32.  

So, we need to understand that all things that Jesus has, we have inherited, if you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord. With Jesus, He freely gave us all things. We are joint-heirs, Galatians 4:7 and Romans 8:17.

Now, if you are a born-again believer, which is a spiritual rebirth, you are intitled to the following blessings: healing, prosperity, peace, joy, and all the blessings God has to offer. They are all free. You need to exercise faith to receive. Faith is the key to open what God has to offer.

I know that there are some and even Christians that will argue that salvation is not free. I do not want to cover that type of argument in this post. As of now I am only going to say that someday I pray that you come to understand what the Bible says.

There is one interpreter that reveals the truth as God wants and that is the Holy Spirit.

Since God gave you a free will, you can choose to go your own way and believe your own thing. If you go through life on your own doing the best you can, how is it working out?

You have control of something so precious and more important than anything you can have and that is your life. If things are not working out, have not worked out for you, maybe you should accept the love of Jesus.

Jesus Christ has a perfect track record and knows more about you than you know about yourself. Your eternal future is in His hands. It all depends on where you have put Him in your life.

Doctrine can separate us; the love of Jesus can bring us together.

In this life we will never agree on everything. Unity will only come through one source and that is through Jesus Christ.

This Friday through Sunday the Christian community looks upon what is considered the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His death, burial, and resurrection.

God loves you and so do I.    

GOD’S SALVATION

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GOD’S SALVATION?

Before I begin, I want to say that this article is not an attack against any denomination, religion, or anyone. The information is from the Holy Bible. If you have a problem with any portion, I suggest that you take it up with the “Author, God the Holy Spirit.” Most of my references are taken from the King James Version.

To find out the truth we need to go to the Bible and study it for ourselves. Perfect teaching comes from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit only comes into your life when you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Then your spirit comes into one with the Holy Spirit and you are “born again” spiritually. You become a new person. You can only learn from the Holy Spirit if you yield to His feeding of your spirit.

The definition of Christian Salvation is the saving deliverance or redemption from human beings’ sin and its consequences. Sin is an immoral act considered to be a transgression of God’s divine law The consequences are separation from God and eternal death. Sin was brought about by the original sin of Adam and Eve by the disobeying God in the Garden of Eden which brought the fall of man. It is referred to as the “hereditary sin.”               

According to The Book of Romans, we are all sinners. ROMANS 3:23 KJV “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” This includes every human being, past, present, and future.

I know that there are going to be some that do not believe in God or Jesus, and last, “the Holy Spirit.” That is the God given right for anyone to believe what they want. God has given each person the right to choose their destination. If I am wrong in my belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I will lose nothing at the end of my life. If a person is wrong on not believing, they will lose eternal life with the love of God and His Son and be separated from God for eternity. There is no possibility of return.

Their destination is a place called Hell. Is Hell real? According to the Holy Bible, it exists. Look at what Matthew 13: 49-50 KJV says; 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Mark 9:43-44 KJV 43 And if thy hand offends thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

There are other references. The doctrine of Hell has the full support of the Scriptures. We must realize that Jesus had a lot to say about the subject. My goal is not to focus on the dismal end, but to give reference to a new life in the love of God’s Salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.

Now, I want to focus on how to experience the Salvation God has to offer to each person. John 3:16 KJV is one of the most popular verses in the Bible regarding Salvation: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Believing in Him is referring to Jesus Christ.

The Scriptures says that to obtain God’s Salvation, you must be “born again” according to John 3:5-7 KJV  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

To help understand the phrase “born again” you need to know that when God created humans, He created them in three parts: body, soul, and spirit. Born again is referring to a spiritual birth. This is where God the Holy Spirit comes into a union with man’s spirit. When this takes place, the Holy Spirit will take over the transformation of the person through His revelation of God’s teachings of the Holy Bible.

 A ‘born again” person will go through a process of surrendering their desires and give themselves over to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. A surrendered person will need to choose to give up the fight between their selfish sinful desires and the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

We need to understand that there is a process that must take place like with a farmer. When the farmer needs to plant crops, he must prepare the soil, plant the seeds, nurture the seeds, harvest, and then enjoy the fruit of his harvest. It is the same with the “born again” process. A person must put effort into the process.

There is no riding the fence with God. There are specific warnings about sin and entering halfway with God. Look at the following verses and then decide if life is a game. God, Himself says He is a jealous God.

 Revelation 3:16 KJV So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Romans 12:2 KJV I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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 perfect, will of God.

Luke 9:23 KJV And He Said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

1 John 4:15 KJV Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

There are many more verses that relate to what God wants from His “born again” people. God created us to know Him, glorify Him, and enjoy Him.

If you put anything before God, you create an idol. An idol is anything that is more important to you than God. It can be something that absorbs your heart more than God. It can be a priority in your life. Love of someone or something can replace the love you should give to God.

Anything or anyone cannot give you eternal life except Jesus Christ, the Son of God who died, was buried, and rose again from the dead and now sits at the right of God waiting to return to claim His bride, those who believe in Him, and have faith that Jesus is their Savior. This is the “Gospel.”

I leave you with one final thought. Jesus gave us a commandment in Matthew 22:37,38; 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.

Do you have that precious gift of God? Eternal life in the love of God. When that trumpet sounds or life ends there is not a second chance. You will have made your choice where you will spend eternity.

Jesus is waiting for you. Jesus loves you and so do I.

BY WHAT NAME DO YOU KNOW JESUS?

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BY WHAT NAME DO YOU KNOW JESUS?

I understand that Jesus is known by 200 names according to the Bible. The following list consist of around 100 names.

I pray that this list helps you understand who Jesus is and what He can be to you. It will all depend on the relationship you have with Him.

He gave His all for you and every human being on earth. The Bible says He is preparing a place for us that have received Him through the Spiritual rebirth.

God loves you and so do I.

The more we study this list, the more we will understand who Jesus really is. How can we help but love Him?

All Scriptures are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ADAM: (1 Corinthians 15:45) And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

ADVOCATE: (1 John 2:1) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

ALMIGHTY: (Revelation 1:8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

ALPHA AND OMEGA: (Revelation 1:8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

AMEN: (Revelation 3:14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

APOSTLE OF OUR PROFESSION: (Hebrews 3:1) Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

ARM OF THE LORD: (Isaiah 51:9) Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?

AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH: (Hebrews 12:2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION: (Hebrews 5:9) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

BEGINNING OF CREATION OF GOD: (Revelation 3:14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

BELOVED SON: (Matthew 12:18) Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.

BLESSED AND ONLY POTENTATE: (1 Timothy 6:15) Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

BRANCH: (Isaiah 4:2) In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

BREAD OF LIFE: (John 6:32) Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

CAPTAIN OF SALVATION: (Hebrews 2:10) 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.

CHIEF SHEPHERD: (1 Peter 5:4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

CHRIST OF GOD: (Luke 9:20) He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL: (Luke 2:25) 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.

CORNERSTONE: (Psalm 118:22) The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

COUNSELLOR: (Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

CREATOR: (John 1:3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

DAYSPRING: (Luke 1:78) Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

DELIVERER: (Romans 11:26) And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

DESIRE OF THE NATIONS: (Haggai 2:7) And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

DOOR: (John 10:7) Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

ELECT OF GOD: (Isaiah 42:1) Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

EVERLASTING FATHER: (Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

FAITHFUL WITNESS: (Revelation 1:5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

FIRST AND LAST: (Revelation 1:17) And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

FIRST BEGOTTEN: (Revelation 1:5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

FORERUNNER: (Hebrews 6:20) Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

GLORY OF THE LORD: (Isaiah 40:5) And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

GOD: (Isaiah 40:3) The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

GOD BLESSED: (Romans 9:5) Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

GOOD SHEPHERD: (John 10:11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

GOVERNOR: (Matthew 2:6) And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

GREAT HIGH PRIEST: (Hebrews 4:14) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

HEAD OF THE CHURCH: (Ephesians 1:22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

HEIR OF ALL THINGS: (Hebrews 1:2) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

HOLY CHILD: (Acts 4:27) For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

HOLY ONE: (Acts 3:14) But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

HOLY ONE OF GOD: (Mark 1:24) Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL: (Isaiah 41:14) Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

HORN OF SALVATION: (Luke 1:69) And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

I AM: (John 8:58) Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

IMAGE OF GOD: (2 Corinthians 4:4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

IMMANUEL: (Isaiah 7:14) Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

JEHOVAH: (Isaiah 26:4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

JESUS: (Matthew 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

JESUS OF NAZARETH: (Matthew 21:11) And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

JUDGE OF ISRAEL: (Micah 5:1) Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

THE JUST ONE: (Acts 7:52) Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

KING: (Zechariah 9:9) Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

KING OF THE AGES: (1 Timothy 1:17) Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

KING OF THE JEWS: (Matthew 2:2) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

KING OF KINGS: (1 Timothy 6:15) Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

KING OF SAINTS: (Revelation 15:3) And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

LAWGIVER: (Isaiah 33:22) For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.

LAMB: (Revelation 13:8) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

LAMB OF GOD: (John 1:29) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

LEADER AND COMMANDER: (Isaiah 55:4) Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

THE LIFE: (John 14:6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

LIGHT OF THE WORLD: (John 8:12) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH: (Revelation 5:5) And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

LORD OF ALL: (Acts 10:36) The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

LORD OF GLORY: (1 Corinthians 2:8) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

LORD OF LORDS: (1 Timothy 6:15) Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

LORD OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS: (Jeremiah 23:6) In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

MAN OF SORROWS: (Isaiah 53:3) He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

MEDIATOR: (1 Timothy 2:5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT: (Malachi 3:1) Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

MESSIAH: (Daniel 9:25) Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

MIGHTY GOD: (Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

MIGHTY ONE: (Isaiah 60:16) Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

MORNING STAR: (Revelation 22:16) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

NAZARENE: (Matthew 2:23) And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

ONLY BEGOTTEN SON: (John 1:18) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

OUR PASSOVER: (1 Corinthians 5:7) Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

PRINCE OF LIFE: (Acts 3:15) And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

PRINCE OF KINGS: (Revelation 1:5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

PRINCE OF PEACE: (Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

PROPHET: (Luke 24:19) And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

REDEEMER: (Job 19:25) For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

RESURRECTION AND LIFE: (John 11:25) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

ROCK: (1 Corinthians 10:4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

ROOT OF DAVID: (Revelation 22:16) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

ROSE OF SHARON: (Song of Songs 2:1) I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

SAVIOR: (Luke 2:11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

SEED OF WOMAN: (Genesis 3:15) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

SHEPHERD AND BISHOP OF SOULS: (1 Peter 2:25) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

SHILOH: (Genesis 49:10) The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

SON OF THE BLESSED: (Mark 14:61) But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

SON OF DAVID: (Matthew 1:1) The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

SON OF GOD: (Matthew 2:15) And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

SON OF THE HIGHEST: (Luke 1:32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: (Malachi 4:2) But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

TRUE LIGHT: (John 1:9) That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

TRUE VINE: (John 15:1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

TRUTH: (John 1:14) And the Word was made 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.

WITNESS: (Isaiah 55:4) Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

WORD: (John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

WORD OF GOD: (Revelation 19:13) And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?

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WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? 

Back in December Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus. We call it Christmas.  According to most theologians Jesus was born in Bethlehem somewhere between 6-4 BC to the virgin Mary. The exact date is unknown and the Bible Gospels does not mention when He was born except that it was during the time of Herod the King.

There is truly little evidence of the childhood or early life of Jesus mentioned in the Bible. There is the story of Jesus being separated from His parents when He was about 12 years old and they found Him in the temple sitting among the teachers. As a young adult Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and went on to become teacher, preacher, and healer. Jesus’ earthly father was a carpenter and the Bible states that Jesus also was a carpenter.

The Gospel of John supports that the ministry of Jesus was about 3 years. At the end of this time, we now come to the death of Jesus. This occurred around 30AD in Jerusalem, Israel. Christians call this time Easter.

I am telling you the truth,” replied Jesus. “No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. A person is born physically of human parents, but is born spiritually of the Spirit. This is a fundamental theme of the Gospel. Jesus accomplished the Works of the His Father. Let us look at some facts regarding the death of Jesus.

(a)  For this purpose, Jesus came into this world (John 12:27).

(b)  His death was prophesied hundreds of years before in (Isaiah 53:3-8).

(c)  The meaning of His death was a ransom for sin (Matthew 20:28; Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 1:18).

(d)   It was a penalty for sin (Romans 3:24; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).

(e)   Man is the object of God’s wrath because of rebellion and sin, so God took the initiative in satisfying His wrath by sending His Son to Calvary.

(f)   It is a reconciliation between us and God. The enmity has ended (Romans 5:10).

(g)  We are now restored to God (2Corinthians 5:18, 19).

(h)  Jesus died in our place (1Peter 3:18).

(i)    Jesus dealt with the matter of sin completely (Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:12).

(j)    Jesus died on the Cross of Calvary which is described as one of the most excruciating deaths.

After His death He came to be known as Jesus Christ. Christ was not originally a name but a title derived from the Greek word “Christos,” which is translated in Hebrew as “Messiah” meaning “anointed one.” The Bible uses “Christ both ways. The Bible speaks

of Jesus as “the Christ,” meaning “the anointed one,” (Matthew 16:16).

Jesus is regarded by most Christians as the Incarnation of God. Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. He was pre-existent with God the Father. Deity is the only explanation for all that Jesus was and all He did. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made (John 1:2,3; John 17:5; and Colossians 1:17.) Jesus is God. Jesus said in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” The Jews reaction to this statement caused them to try and stone Him.

Another fundamental of Christianity is the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead; (John 20:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:4.) Let us look at some facts regarding the Resurrection.

(a)  The credibility of the Resurrection; Jesus predicted it: (Matthew 13:39-41; Luke 24:1-7.)

(b)  The tomb was empty: (John 20:11-13.)

(c)  Many witnesses saw Jesus alive: the women (Luke 23:55-56); Mary Magdalene (John 20:1, 2, 11-18; Peter and other disciples (John 20:3-9.)

(d)  Jesus is the only Savior. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given whereby we can be saved” (Acts 4:12.)

(e)  Jesus is a complete Savior. He is able to save those that come unto God by Him for He makes intersession for them (Hebrews 7:25.)

(f)   Jesus is a personal Savior. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, thou shalt be saved; (Romans 10:9-10.)

By accepting Jesus as your Savior, you can come before God and be born again. Jesus said in John 3:5-7 you should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again. When we receive Jesus into our lives by faith, He gives us His Spirit and we are born again. Also, Jesus said in John 3:5 that flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit (Holy Spirit) gives birth to your spirit.

When Jesus returns to this earth to gather up His Bride (Born again believers) according to Acts1:11; Hebrews 10:37; John 14:3; Believers in Jesus shall be bodily resurrected to begin a new undying life (1Thessalonians 4:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.)

Can you imagine, if you have received Jesus as Savior and your name is written in the Book of Life since the foundation of the world, you will spend eternity in a place there is no more sorrow, illnesses, or death and your name will never be blotted out (Revelation 3:5.)

Jesus will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords over His new creation (2 Peter 3: 10-13; Revelation 22:3-5.) where you will enjoy the love of God.

The Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

So, I ask you, who do you say Jesus the Christ is? Do you have a personal relationship with Him or is He just another subject in life?

Happy Easter! God loves you and so do I.

KNOWLEDGE

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KNOWLEDGE?

We all have some knowledge. Some of us may have knowledge in many areas and some may have more knowledge and some may have less. Regardless of what knowledge you may have and what area it is in, do you have knowledge in what is most important?

I know that there are going to be some that will disagree with what I am about to say. If that applies to anyone, that is OK. I am not responsible for your decisions in this life, you are.  Before your gift of life, our Creator gave us a Book of Life and instructions on how we should live that life. That book is called the Holy Bible. My purpose is not to convert you to some denomination, but to encourage you to study God’s Word to show thyself approved.

Jesus spoke the following as recorded in John 8: 31-32 NKJV; Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

The word knowledge in the Bible denotes an understanding, a recognition, or an acknowledgement. To know something is to perceive it or to be aware of it. Many times in the Scripture, knowledge carries the idea of a deeper appreciation of something. The Bible is is very clear that the knowledge of God is the most valuable knowledge a human being can possess. We must understand that the Bible is very clear that simply being aware of God’s existence is not sufficient. Satan believes and knows that God exist. We must have a knowledge of God that encompasses a deep appreciation for and a personal relationship with Him.

My lesson of knowledge starts with Hosea Chapter 4 with emphases on verse 6; My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me.

Maybe you have forgotten the law of God. I suggest reading the entire chapter. Why, because the lack of knowledge is so dangerous? When you lack knowledge regarding the things of God, you have actively ignored it which is a sin.

Knowledge is a familiarity, awareness, or understanding of someone or something, such as facts (propositional knowledge), skills (procedural knowledge), or objects acquaintance knowledge). … The term “knowledge” can refer to a theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.

Knowledge is the collective information and facts acquired through education or experience. Knowledge is awareness. … If knowledge is power, wisdom is your choice to use or apply that power. Understanding is the ability to understand one’s knowledge and choices.

Wisdom is the quality of having good judgment based on knowledge. It is popularly known as the ability to discern. If knowledge is power, wisdom is your choice to use or apply that power. Understanding is the ability to understand one’s knowledge and choices. It is the realization of your decision.

Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, be fortified by it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it.

Webster’s dictionary defines knowledge as “the fact or condition of being aware of something.” It also defines wisdom as “ability to discern inner qualities and relationships.” In Scripture we are told that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Knowledge is the collective information and facts acquired through education or experience. Knowledge is awareness. … If knowledge is power, wisdom is your choice to use or apply that power. Understanding is the ability to understand one’s knowledge and choices.

As we mature as Christians, we are not to be controlled exclusively by our physical senses. Being controlled by the physical senses is what the Bible refers to as being “carnally minded.”

Are you one that likes to play it safe as many people do? God gives us the ability to make choices. We can walk with Him in His realm today or we can continue as we want. I pray that no one waits until there is no return. God will not force anyone to accept His invitation. 

 2 Corinthians 4:18 NKJV while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

The most important questions we need to ask ourselves, do we have more faith in our own ability or in God’s ability to handle our problems? Do we focus on the problem instead of trusting God for a solution? I can tell you from my own experiences that problems will consume our attention and it will defeat you. 

If the devil can get you to focus on yourself and your problems instead of focusing on Jesus Christ, the devil is involved and controlling your life regardless of how big or little it is. You make the choice. 

1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV: But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. There is no need for anyone ever again to be destroyed for “lack of knowledge.”

Although Jesus came to earth over 2000 years ago, God did not leave us with out a book of instructions, it is called the Holy Bible. It outlines the path of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom to know the truth. Again, it is our choice to read and study this Book or just let be an occasional reading and gathering dust.

A few weeks past we celebrated Christmas where God illustrated His love for us in the fullest degree by sending His Son down to earth. In a few more weeks we will celebrate Easter where Jesus died for our sins, shed His blood to cover our sins on the Cross of Calvary, was buried, and rose from the dead, and now sits at the right of God the Father waiting to return and gather up His Bride and set up His Kingdom. The Book of Knowledge also called the Holy Bible offers us an invitation to come to faith in Jesus Christ and become joint heirs of all that Jesus has.

When you comprehend the knowledge that is in the Holy Bible and gain an understanding, you will have gained wisdom. It is then that you will come to know that God is not the cause of your problems, it is what you have let the devil take control of your life. Then you will understand the love that God has for you by giving His Son as a sacrifice for your sins. God has given you an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a life with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. THE CHOICE IS YOURS. God loves you and so do I.