What do I want for Christmas today?
When it is possible, I want to be more compassionate to people no matter what their life’s plight, no matter their economic level, health, race, or religion; I want to be compassionate to all people; I want to be compassionate enough to share the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ with them.
Remembering Jonah.
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to know what it is like to not want anything, and be satisfied with all that I have and always thankful for it.
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want any pride or arrogance in me to yield allegiance, faith and life to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and that I might never forget that the Almighty GOD is the One who holds my life’s breath in His hand.
“…But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified…” Daniel 5:22-23 (NKJV)
“When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.” Ezekiel 33:18-20 (KJV)
What do I want for Christmas Today?
I want to live, walk, and stand in the righteousness that is found only through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and to live in His power, glory, and strength; and I want you to join with me; because the righteousness of mankind is as “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6), and will keep us from GOD.
“Then He said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke Me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. Therefore will I also deal in fury: Mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in Mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.” Ezekiel 8:17-18 (KJV)
The anger of God concerning the sins of humanity is not a popular topic. We are more aspiring toward the “Love of God”. The love of God is awesome; however, without the anger and wrath of God toward sin His love would be a moot issue.
Ezekiel the prophet of the above verses had been taken, by vision, to Jerusalem to witness the atrocities of the temple previously to their captivity. They were atrocious sins against God and the temple. Now, though I do believe the prophet already had some understanding of their captivity, Ezekiel had a fuller understanding. The priests and the prophets and the people had “Thumbed their nose” at God, His Word, and the prophets who spoke God’s truths.
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to never have contempt in my heart, mind or being for God, His Word, His preachers who declare the Word of the LORD, or His people; I want to always declare the truth of God’s Word even when it is not popular to do so; I want to preach and teach the Word of God so that God is glorified, and the cross of Jesus – His death, burial and resurrection is declared, and people know the price God has paid to redeem fallen humans from our sins.
“Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying, ‘Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land. And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire.'” Jeremiah 37:6-8 (KJV)
There is a lot of talk about speaking “Positively”, and I like to be positive about things. The above verses do not sound very positive. Do they? If God is about to carry out His word of judgment on His people of Judah is that positive? My thought is – Yes it is.
If God’s word of judgment is fulfilled just as He says; then His words of promise, hope, life, and eternity will also be fulfilled.
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to see the best in every situation, knowing that God is at work in me, all Christians, and the rest of the world; carrying out His will and purposes and letting the whole world know that He is the LORD.
“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you, then how will you do in the swelling of Jordan? For even your brethren, and the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you; yea, they have called a multitude after you: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto you.” Jeremiah 12:5-6 (KJV)
The prophet had asked God some questions; and God answered.
What do I want for Christmas today?
No matter what may come into my life today whether with men, trials, life situations I want to be able to contend with it all through the power of the cross, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; I want to always take it to heart and mind that I cannot stand for Him alone.
“For My name’s sake I will defer My anger, and for My praise I will restrain it from you, so that I do not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; for how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another.” Isaiah 48:9-11 (NKJV)
What do I want for Christmas?
Knowing from Scriptures that GOD is a loving, gracious, yet holy, righteous, and unchanging God; I want to always trust that He has me in His hands, protecting, caring, correcting, disciplining, and guiding me in His ways; and not for my sake, but solely for His name’s sake.
“In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.” Isaiah 19:24-25 (NKJV)
These verses, are a yet to be fulfilled prophecy of the prophet Isaiah.
What do I want for Christmas?
Since the nations mentioned (Egypt and Assyria along with Israel) I want for the people of these nations to come to know the GOD of Israel, and to see the work and power of Christ Jesus on the cross to redeem all who will believe on Him; and I want you to understand and know the One who has purchased the redemption of all who will call on His name (Romans 10:13).
Jesus Christ the Son of God, God the Son is the only way of peace in the Middle East and the world.
“A serpent may bite when it is not charmed;
The babbler is no different.
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious,
But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;
The words of his mouth begin with foolishness,
And the end of his talk is raving madness.
A fool also multiplies words.
No man knows what is to be;
Who can tell him what will be after him?
The labor of fools wearies them,
For they do not even know how to go to the city!” Ecclesiastes 10:11-15 (NKJV)
Seeing how one’s speech reflects the heart (Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:45) of that person…
What do I want for Christmas?
I want the words of wisdom from God to proceed from my lips and my mouth; and to use words for the honor and glory of God my Savior.
Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name, and in Thy name have cast out devils, and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)
Please note that these are the words of Jesus. Those who do the will of His Father are those who will enter the kingdom of heaven.
What do I want for Christmas?
I want you to do the will of God in Christ Jesus, and that is to believe on Him whom the Father has sent.
“Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” John 6:28-29
Being Dependent
Ezra 8:21 – 23
I. THE PEOPLE HAD COMMITTED THEMSELVES.
II. THEY WOULD NOT ASK HELP OR PROTECTION FROM MAN OR GOVERNMENT.
III. GOD GRANTS THEIR PETITIONS.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)
…And read Matthew 6:5-13 as well.
Praying people will be forgiving people. Praying with pretense, or for show, shows nothing, but hypocrisy.
What do I want for Christmas?
When I pray I want to be heard by God, not men; I want my prayers to always be offered to God with a heart that knows it has been forgiven by God, and in knowing that in my heart, soul and mind I will always forgive those who have offended me.
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.” Matthew 5:23-26 (KJV)
There are many who profess to be Christian, yet hold grudges, are angry at other brethren, and seek to do harm by gossip, or wish them harm. By the words of Jesus above we are to do what it takes to make things right.
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to want what is good and right for my brother or sister in Christ; to do them good at all times, and not evil; nor to wish evil upon them or even upon those who might seek to do harm to family or myself.
Lord, help me always to pray for my brethren, my neighbor and any who may despise me; and seek to do them good always.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 (KJV)
One of the meanings of the word “Blessed” is ‘happy’. True happiness comes only from God, and doing His will; not our own.
Having a “Pure” heart and mind is also a work of God. “Purity” comes from cleansing, pruning away the dead unfruitful parts of our lives.
What do I want for Christmas?
I want God to work in me, pruning away all that is unclean, unrighteous, and unholy; so that I can see God. Yes I know the Lord as my Lord and Savior, but I want You Lord to do Your work in me, make me pure, and clean of heart, soul and mind.
“Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:2-3
Over the many years people and so called prophets, and preachers have predicted and set dates in which our Lord Jesus would come again. We see that His people are still here and many of the “prophets” have went to eternity; wherever that may be.
The founder of the JW cult predicted that Jesus would return in 1914 or so, and we know that did not happen. In 1988 there was a booklet that came out called “Eighty Eight Reasons Jesus Will Return in 1988”; and again he has not come.
Jesus Himself said, “…I will come again, and receive you unto Myself…” (John 14:3), and we were warned about people saying “…Where is the promise of His coming?…” (2 Peter 3:4). Jesus Himself said,
“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.” Matthew 25:13 (KJV)
There is our answer to the question. When will Jesus return? We do not know. Even Jesus; the Son of God and God the Son; while He walked on earth among his fellow man did not know the time of His return (Matthew 24:36).
The reason we do not know is that this way we live in preparation for His coming. We ought always be ready; bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galations 5:22), and continually being filled by the Spirit of Christ; being His witnesses in a dark world, and ”…So much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25).
There are plenty of signs we can see that declares something is about to happen. The nation of Israel is daily attacked by her enemy, Christians are daily persecuted by beheading, and sale as slaves in some parts of the world. There is much fear.
Christian! Lift up your head. Your redemption draws near.
Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 (KJV)
What do I want for Christmas?
I want repentance to be a daily event of my life; to repent when I sin, and I want all who call themselves followers of Christ Jesus to know that turning from sin; from darkness to the Light, is evidence of faith in Him.
True Repentance is turning from sin to Christ; and we are not guaranteed another day.
What do I want for Christmas?
I want the Youth at camp to hear the clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that the Holy Spirit would speak to their hearts and minds to understand, know and believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God who died on the cross, was buried and rose bodily from the grave; and is to return to take us to Himself.
And He said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father. From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6:65-69 (KJV)
What do I want for Christmas?
And this is for everyday.
I want all those who profess to be Christian to realize, and to know that the faith of Jesus Christ is exclusive; meaning that He is the only way to God and Heaven; that there is no other way, but the death, the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; that those who do not believe in Him will perish (John 3:16), and there is no other hope, salvation, redemption, or eternal life, except Him.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.” John 14:6-7 (KJV)
What do I want for Christmas?
I want the LORD God of all creation to comfort, encourage, and give strength to the families of the Egypt Air flight 804 into the Mediterranean Sea; and that they will find peace through the Son Jesus Christ, and eternal life in Him.
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: the LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers 6:24-25 (KJV)
“Thus will I magnify Myself, and sanctify Myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.” Ezekiel 38:23
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to live for Christ Jesus, and to glorify His name every day that I live.
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 (KJV)
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to be faithful to the LORD God today through His Son Jesus Christ; to be faithful in serving Him and serving others; to be a faithful pastor, preacher of the Word; husband to my wife, father to my children, grandfather to my grandchildren; and in that order.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye 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 acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galations 2:20
What do I want for Christmas?
We in the U. S. of A. live in a once free nation; free from monarchy, free from tyranny, free to speak, free to believe the Scriptures, and to practice our faith; but since those freedoms and others are eroding I want our leaders, President, Vice President, the Senate, Congress; their spouses to know that they are not kings and queens; that they are not higher than the people; but that they are servants to the people – the legal citizens – of the United States of America, and no other nation or league of nations.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” PREAMBLE OF THE United States of America
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance. The LORD looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of His habitation He looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; He considereth all their works. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.” Psalm 33:12-16 (KJV)
What do I want for Christmas?
I want our justice system, lawyers, police officers, courts, all law enforcement people to deal swiftly with child abusers, molesters, murderers of mothers and fathers, and murderers of law enforcement officials, every premeditated murder; and to know that no animal or group of animals, has the worth of one human being.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.” Romans 13:1-6 (KJV)
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7
What do I want for Christmas?
I want all the Nation of Israel to know that God has your back; He is watching over you; and I want you to know that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and God the Son, and that one day you will look upon Him, bow before Him as your King and Messiah.
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:26-29 (KJV)
“And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. As for Me, this is My covenant with them, saith the LORD; My Spirit that is upon thee, and My words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.” Isaiah 59:20-21
The Fire and Hammer 