Sunday

Christmas Day Seventy and One

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What do I want for Christmas today?

To be the man of prayer that I ought to be; praying in the will of God, for His glory, power and praise; to pray continually, earnestly, diligently that His purposes may be accomplished in my life and the lives of others.

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” Colossians 4:2-4 (NKJV)

Christmas Day Seventy and Eight

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Blessed Lord’s Day.

What do I want for Christmas today?

I want my heart, soul, mind and body to be prepared to enter the presence of God with the Church in  worshiping our Lord God, and Savior Jesus Christ; and I want the Church to have their like being joining with me in worshiping Him.

He is coming again.  Are you prepared to meet God?

“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:37-39 (KJV)

Christmas Day Eighty and Five

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What do I want for Christmas today?

Since it is the LORD’S Day I want to go to worship the LORD God, through the death, burial and resurrection of the Son of God Jesus Christ; with the saints of God in our house of worship; and by His grace, help and strength I will not forsake the assembling of myself with others, as is the manner of some, but will exhort, and be exhorted by others; especially as I see the day of our Lord’s coming drawing near.

See Hebrews 10:25.

Christmas Day One Hundred Six

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What do I want for Christmas today?

It is the Lord’s Day once again, so I want to go to worship our God and Savior Jesus Christ with brothers and sisters in Christ, and glorify His name together, then go into the community, and the world, equipped, and ready to live in a way that shows Him to the world; and do that seven days a week.

Christmas Day One Hundred Ten and Three

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What do I want for Christmas today?

I want this Lord’s Day to be one where the Lord Jesus Christ is lifted up in my heart, mind, and spirit, and in the Spirit of the Lord; that He might be glorified in me forever.

Christmas Day 120

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119 more “Christmas Day” posts.  Are you glad.

What do I want for Christmas today?

I want to have a clear heart, mind, and a clean heart and mind for living the life that will honor and glorify my God and Savior Jesus Christ; today especially since this is the Lord’s Day.

 

Prophets Speak – Christmas Day One Hundred Twenty and Seven

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“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” Ezekiel 18:30-32 (KJV)

What do I want for Christmas today?

I want to be a pleasure to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit of God; and when the body that I am living in dies I want God to be pleasured by it; so I want my life and my death to glorify Him, and I know, I trust, and I believe that God sent His only begotten Son, and that whosoever believes in Him (and that “whosoever” is you and me) shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

Also see Psalm 116:15.

Prophets Speak – Christmas Day One Hundred Thirty and Four

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“And I will set My throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes,’ saith the LORD. ‘But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam,’ saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 49:38-39 (KJV)

Elam, Moab, and Ammon are nations promised to return from captivity.  Some, along with Egypt are promised to share in the same blessings as Israel.  These have been God’s pronouncements against the nations which tormented and persecuted Israel – God’s mission people from their calling.

What do I want for Christmas today?

I want to have the mind of Missions, in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with every lost soul God brings into my life and path; if not by word; by the life that I live, and the joy and praise to God from my heart, tongue and mouth.

Prophets Speak – Christmas Day One Hundred Forty and One

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“Am I a God at hand,’ says the LORD, ‘and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him?’ says the LORD. ‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ says the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:23-24 (KJV)

How far away is GOD?  Is He near?  Is He far away?  There is only one answer to those questions. YES!  You cannot hide from GOD.  He is All-Present.

What do I want for Christmas today?

I want to live the day fully realizing and knowing that God is here with me, and that He is with you too; and in knowing that to better know His Word, and His Son Jesus through His Word and His Spirit who lives in me because of the cross of Jesus, and He lives in all who come to the cross, believing in His death, burial and bodily resurrection.

You cannot get away from Him.  Even though you may say, “I do not believe in God”.   Yes!  He is near, and He is far away.

Prophets Speak – Christmas Day One Hundred Forty and Eight

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“And judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth fails; and he that departs from evil makes himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no judgment.” Isaiah 59:14-15 (KJV)

The above verses are a part of Isaiah’s prayer confessing the sins of God’s people, and they had forsaken truth; which the prophet was confessing as their sin as well.

What do I want for Christmas today?

For courage in the midst of evil and wickedness; to stand faithful to God and His Word no matter what the wicked ones may do; even if it means my life; to always remember that God’s Word is the truth, even when others forsake it, trample it under feet,  deny it, or twist it; God’s Word is sure; and every word of it will be fulfilled just as He has spoken it.

Prophets Speak – Christmas Day One Hundred Fifty and Five

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“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for My mouth it hath commanded, and His Spirit it hath gathered them. And He hath cast the lot for them, and His hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.” Isaiah 34:16-17 (KJV)

There are many who say they want to hear God speak.  There is only one sure way to hear God speak.  He has given us His written Word, and sent us His Son who is the Living Word.  If you will hear His written Word – the Bible – you will hear His Living Word – Jesus.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want to always hear the “Book of the LORD”, to know His truth, and to read, and to do them with all my heart, soul, mind and strength; and that my walk with God would be a light to all who see Him in me.

Prophets Speak – Christmas Day One Hundred Sixty and Two

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“For Jerusalem stumbled,
And Judah is fallen,
Because their tongue and their doings
Are against the LORD,
To provoke the eyes of His glory.
The look on their countenance witnesses against them,
And they declare their sin as Sodom;
They do not hide it.
Woe to their soul!
For they have brought evil upon themselves.” Isaiah 3:8-9 (NKJV)

This prophecy is a message directed to the city of Jerusalem in the prophets day, and the people of Judah.  We can, however, see that the message would fit with the Christianity as well in the Twenty First century.

What do I want for Christmas?

Seeing that many sins, shame, and condemnation is within the lives of many who call themselves “Christian” and there is no remorse, no repentance; I want the power of the Spirit of God to come over  every Christian, including myself, to make us aware of our guilt, our sins, unto repentance, and to embolden us to stand for Christ Jesus, His cross, His burial, His resurrection; and His second coming, and to tell others of His power, glory, and His glorious salvation through faith in Christ.

 

Wisdom Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Sixty and Nine

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“These things also belong to the wise:
It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”
Him the people will curse;
Nations will abhor him.
But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
And a good blessing will come upon them.” Proverbs 24:23-25 (NKJV)

What do I want for Christmas?

I want to be among those who are wise in the word, and the counsel of the word of the LORD; to never show partiality in judgment; to never call the wicked “Righteous”; and to be a blessing to all who know me, the one’s I have yet to meet, and even to those who might be an enemy; that all I know would come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Seventy and Six

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Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:1-2ff

It is amazing to me how there are some people who cry out, “Do not judge”, yet out of their statement they are judging the one to whom, or of whom they are speaking.

What do I want for Christmas?

Since there must be judgments made, I want to make clear judgments of  people, and the content of their character, situations, and never judge by conditions of poverty (or bankruptcy), riches, health, or sickness; I want the color of a persons skin to never enter into the judgments that I make; I want to make righteous judgments; I want to first judge myself.

Lord, help me to never condemn anyone, even when they hurt or offend me.

Some Sermon Thoughts on Ezra 8:21-23

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Being Dependent

Ezra 8:21 – 23

I.  THE PEOPLE HAD COMMITTED THEMSELVES.

  1.  They had boasted of God’s Providence and power.
  2.  They had sought His way in going through the lands of trouble – evil, bandits, and murderers.

II.  THEY WOULD NOT ASK HELP OR PROTECTION FROM MAN OR GOVERNMENT.

  1.  Due to their boasting in God.
  2.  The hand of God is on those who depend on Him.

III.  GOD GRANTS THEIR PETITIONS.

  1.  He provided their material needs.
  2.  He provided their protection.
  3.  He still does, for all those who will trust in Him.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Three

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Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: nor by the earth; for it is His footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Matthew 5:33-37 (KJV)

What do I want for Christmas?

I want to live by the words Jesus has spoken above; that His name might be honored and glorified; so others might more desire to know the One who died, was buried and rose again; to know my Redeemer; I want my “Yes!” to be Yes, and my “No!” to be No without making a vow, or taking an oath.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day 190

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Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12 (KJV)

This is a continuation from yesterday’s post…

What do I want for Christmas?

Persecution – Christian persecution is not something believers go looking for; but when it comes I want to be able to stand in faith no matter what the enemy of God may hurl at me; and I want all my brothers and sisters in Christ to be faithful to Jesus as well; and let it begin by being faithful to the Lord in the “Little thing” – reading God’s Word, prayer, witness, fruit bearing.

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Ninety and Seven

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Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (KJV)

In recent days in the community in which I live two life long residents have passed away, and their families are mourning their losses.  The first was discovered by a neighbor  in his home; the other died in a tragic tractor and haybaler accident on a hillside.  The people in Jenkins and Barry County are strong and resilient people, and were strong at the funerals.

A friend of mine, and fellow School Bus driver passed away on Thursday after suffering a very short bout with what had been diagnosed as bone cancer in the beginning, then I do not know, after they changed that diagnosis. His funeral is tomorrow [June 13].

There is much mourning in our world over the deaths of family members and friends.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want those families to be comforted, encouraged, and blessed; and if those family members and friends do not know the Lord; I want you to know that Jesus loves you so much that He died for you.

I want us to mourn for our sins; to be grieved when we have offended God in our iniquities, and transgressions; and to seek His forgiveness.

 

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day Two Hundred and Four

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I have started reading the words of Jesus; you know the ones in red; and my wants for Christmas are going to be based on these.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want righteousness to be fulfilled in me, and in all who name the name of Jesus Christ.

But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.” Matthew 3:15

Christmas Day Two Hundred and Eleven

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What do I want for Christmas?

This is the weekend for remembering.  It is Memorial Day weekend, remembering the ones who died in service to our Nation defending, and fighting for our freedom.

I want  us to remember most of all today that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried, and rose again giving all who will call on Him, freedom from sin, bondage and death.

And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:17-20 (KJV)

Christmas Day Two Hundred and Eighteen

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My wife and I went to spend some time with our son in Arkansas, and to celebrate the fifth birthday of their youngest daughter.  I had intended to do some post automatically, but I went off and forgot; so that is why there has been no Christmas countdown on Friday May 20, or Saturday May 21.  Back to the countdown.

What do I want for Christmas?

This is another LORD’S Day; so I want Jesus to always be my treasure, and for nothing to come between my love for Him.

There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20 (KJV)

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Jesus] Matthew 6:21

Christmas Day Two Hundred Twenty and Five

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What do I want for Christmas?

I want to walk with God, so that others may see His Son Jesus Christ living in me.

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3 (KJV)

“This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:9 (NKJV)

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8 (KJV)

Also see Genesis 5:22-24;

Christmas Day Two Hundred Thirty and One

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What do I want for Christmas?

I want everyone to realize the importance of their mother; and husbands/fathers their wives who are the mothers of their children, and to help make this a good day for her, and her family; and to attend worship services with her today.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)

In the realm of “Christianity” we are all soldiers of Christ (maybe especially so that Christian mother), and the LORD delights in us, and guides our path.

MOTHERS – Happy Mother’s Day