Love on Christmas Day

Read today's Our Daily Bread devotional, "Love Finds A Way" (http://odb.org/). Made me think of the song "Give Love on Christmas Day" that I heard yesterday on the radio. The thing is, I don't know who sang the version I heard on the radio, and looking the song up on youtube yielded versions from everyone from the Temptations, to Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, to Johnny Gill, to Ledisi, to Trin-I-Tee 5:7, and the list goes on.  Finally stopped looking at and listening to the videos after this one with singing by Yolanda Adams (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssN0wZHOVY0).

 Just reminds me of the love that was given to us that we remember on Christmas:

 

Luke 2:1-20  King James Version (KJV)

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷ 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.

⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

¹⁵ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

 

… and the greatness and the power of that love …

 

John 15:9-17 King James Version (KJV)

⁹ As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

¹⁰ If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

¹¹ These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

¹² This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

¹³ Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

¹⁴ Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

¹⁵ Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

¹⁶ Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

¹⁷ These things I command you, that ye love one another.

 

I am just so grateful !!!

2 Corinthians 9:15 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁵ Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

                                        ... and my journey with Him continues ... 

Hmmm - Humility

Driving along in the car this morning, I was thinking how pretty everything was with the sun coming up, touching the tops of the multicolored trees.  I found myself in awe of God’s creation and humbled by His thoughts, plans, and love for me.

Later, when checking the subject for a topical prayer schedule I am following, I saw that the day's prayer focus was Humility.  Much later in the day, in checking another daily Scripture source, the verse was 1 Peter 5:6 – also about humility.

Hmmm – Humility. I thought about Moses, who was said to be meek, or humble.

Numbers 12:3 Common English Bible (CEB)

³ Now the man Moses was humble, more so than anyone on earth.

 

In thinking about Moses, remembering his being told by the Lord to take off his shoes (when encountering “an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush”), it occurred to me that perhaps this removal of his shoes was a sign of humility.  In the restoration of the son returning from “a far country” in Jesus’ parable in Luke 15, shoes were to be placed upon his feet, as a sign of elevated status.

So, I thought I'd just look up some Scripture verses about humility, lowliness, meekness:

2 Chronicles 7:14 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁴ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Micah 6:8 (KJV)

⁸ 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?

Matthew 11:28-30 (CEB)

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. ³⁰ My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”

Ephesians 4:2-3 (KJV)

² With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

³ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

 

Colossians 3:12-13 (KJV)

¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

James 4:9-10 (KJV)

⁹ Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

1 Peter 5:5-7 (KJV)

⁵ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

⁷ Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 

So I guess I wasn’t surprised when a situation presented itself where God’s grace covered me, deadening prideful feelings which could have seriously affected my attitude and damaged some relationships.  Thank You, God, for Your protection - by clothing me in humility!

Philippians 2:1-11 (KJV)

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

² Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

⁴ Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

… and my journey with Him continues …

Not Alone

God With Us – MercyMe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0evTbghu7Rk)

Psalm 8:3-5 (KJV)

³ When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

⁴ What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

⁵ For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

 

Praying for those going through hard, challenging times, those confused or lonely, those grieving, those with no hope, no light, no joy …

…so many needs, LORD.  But I know that You are more than aware of all of these things I see and know, these things that tear at my heart, and that You care more (and differently) than I do.  Please, Lord, show yourself strong on behalf of all who are hurting in any way, drawing us all - even through difficulties - to Yourself.  Thank You that Your grace is sufficient for anything we encounter, for Your strength is made perfect in weakness.  Thank You for those You send alongside us to help in times of trouble, and most of all, for Your continued Presence with us in accordance with Your faithfulness to Your Word.

 

He is With You – Mandisa (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3CVlv2dz3w)

Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV)

¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 ... and my journey with Him continues ...

Out of the Blue - (feeling) loved

Songs: Jesus, I Love You  by Norman Hutchins  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x80QzaOpoyc)
The Only One by Antonio Neal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nLh1MEF7jM)
He Loves Me by Jill Scott (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxi9OuiyjVc)

1 John 4:9-10

⁹ In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. ¹⁰ In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins

Just got in a while ago and sat down to the computer.  Was going to look up a song i heard on the radio (turns out to be The Only One by Antonio Neal) when "out of the blue" i felt such a surge of love, of feeling loved, of being loved.  My soul's response (before my mind even thought to respond) was "Jesus, i love You!"

So grateful for and humbled by such a love that is not dependent on anything i do or don't do, but that just IS...  Thank You, LORD!!!

... and my journey with Him continues ...

How God loves ...

Isaiah 55

New King James Version (NKJV)

An Invitation to Abundant Life

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
² Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
³ Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—
The sure mercies of David.
⁴ Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people,
A leader and commander for the people.
⁵ Surely you shall call a nation you do not know,
And nations who do not know you shall run to you,
Because of the Lord your God,
And the Holy One of Israel;
For He has glorified you.”

⁶ Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
⁷ Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.

⁸ “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

¹⁰ “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
¹¹ So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

¹² “For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
¹³ Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree,
And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;
And it shall be to the Lord for a name,
For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

 

 

Listening to David Crowder Band sing John Mark McMillan song "How He Loves", and looking at video of story behind song (http://vimeo.com/10868953) reminds me of Isaiah 55:8-9, that God is so not like us ...

Peace and Justice

Reported for jury duty today.  Thought of these verses, circling the building and praying during the lunch break:

 

Isaiah 48:18 (NKJV)

¹⁸ Oh, that you had heeded My commandments!
Then your peace would have been like a river,
And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

 

Psalm 51:3-4 (NIV)

³ For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.

 

I smiled when I saw that the book I was reading, in the place I was reading (while waiting in the jury room), mentioned the story Jesus told in Luke 18:1-8:

 

Luke 18:1-8, J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

Then he gave them an illustration to show that they must always pray and never lose heart.

^2-5 “Once upon a time,” he said, “there was a magistrate in a town who had neither fear of God nor respect for his fellow-men. There was a widow in the town who kept coming to him, saying, ‘Please protect me from the man who is trying to ruin me.’ And for a long time he refused. But later he said to himself, ‘Although I don’t fear God and have no respect for men, yet this woman is such a nuisance that I shall give judgment in her favour, or else her continual visits will be the death of me!’”

^6-8 Then the Lord said, “Notice how this dishonest magistrate behaved. Do you suppose God, patient as he is, will not see justice done for his chosen, who appeal to him day and night? I assure you he will not delay in seeing justice done. Yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find men on earth who believe in him?”

 

 

So, watching the proceedings, thinking of God as Judge ...

 

Psalm 135 (NKJV)

Praise to God in Creation and Redemption

 Praise the Lord!

 

Praise the name of the Lord;
Praise Him, O you servants of the Lord!
² You who stand in the house of the Lord,
In the courts of the house of our God,
³ Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
Sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant.
⁴ For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself,
Israel for His special treasure.

 

⁵ For I know that the Lord is great,
And our Lord is above all gods.
⁶ Whatever the Lord pleases He does,
In heaven and in earth,
In the seas and in all deep places.
⁷ He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth;
He makes lightning for the rain;
He brings the wind out of His treasuries.

 

⁸ He destroyed the firstborn of Egypt,
Both of man and beast.
⁹ He sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt,
Upon Pharaoh and all his servants.
¹⁰ He defeated many nations
And slew mighty kings—
¹¹ Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan,
And all the kingdoms of Canaan—
¹² And gave their land as a heritage,
A heritage to Israel His people.

 

¹³ Your name, O Lord, endures forever,
Your fame, O Lord, throughout all generations.
¹⁴ For the Lord will judge His people,
And He will have compassion on His servants.

 

¹⁵ The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
The work of men’s hands.
¹⁶ They have mouths, but they do not speak;
Eyes they have, but they do not see;
¹⁷ They have ears, but they do not hear;
Nor is there any breath in their mouths.
¹⁸ Those who make them are like them;
So is everyone who trusts in them.

 

¹⁹ Bless the Lord, O house of Israel!
Bless the Lord, O house of Aaron!
²⁰ Bless the Lord, O house of Levi!
You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord!
²¹ Blessed be the Lord out of Zion,
Who dwells in Jerusalem!

 

Praise the Lord!

 

… and my journey with Him continues …

Back again ...

It’s been a while since I blogged.  In reading some of my earlier posts, I see that a lot of the things I planned on doing (regarding the blog) didn’t get done.

But God is faithful, and continues to call me back to this when I would probably just shake my head in failure, disappointed with myself in my lack of commitment and follow-through, and go on to something else. 

Isaiah 30:15 (AMP)

¹⁵ For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. …

So in response to His call, humbled by His grace and patient lovingkindness towards me, His mercy and goodness shown again and again … here I am again.  And the reason I am here, on this blog, is the reason I am here, on this earth: to bring God glory.  That’s been my lesson lately, that that is my part in God’s plan – to bring Him glory. 

1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-33 (NKJV)

²³ All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. ²⁴ Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

³¹ Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ³² Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, ³³ just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Not sure why, but thinking of these verses:

Zechariah 9:16 (AMP)

¹⁶ And the Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of His people, for they shall be as the [precious] jewels of a crown, lifted high over and shining glitteringly upon His land.

Isaiah 62:1-3 (NKJV)

For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace,
And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
And her salvation as a lamp that burns.
The Gentiles shall see your righteousness,
And all kings your glory.
You shall be called by a new name,
Which the mouth of the Lord will name.
You shall also be a crown of glory
In the hand of the Lord,
And a royal diadem
In the hand of your God.

… and my journey with Him continues …