A CHRISTMAS MEDITATION

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

“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. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”  (Isaiah 9:6-7)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”  (John 3:16-17)

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”  (Galatians 4:4-5)

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1:18-21)

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 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:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 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. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”  (Luke 2:1-17)

Wisdom from the Prophet Amos

Amos 5:4 For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: 

Amos 5:5 But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought. 

Amos 5:6 Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel. 

As He always does, the LORD declares that forgiveness is available; Israel just needed to seek Him in faith and repentance.  He makes the point that their sincerity will be noted by coming to Him on His terms—not at Bethel, Gilgal or Beersheba.  The implication—Jerusalem was the place where God had chosen to place His name and receive the sacrifices of His people.  These other cities had been established as worship centers in defiance of God’s instructions and had become centers of idol worship.  The coming judgment of these cities is certain. 

The warning in verse 6—If you don’t turn back to me in faith and repentance, the house of Joseph (another reference to the Northern Kingdom of Israel) will be completely devoured and no one will be able to prevent it.  I think this is again in reference to their impotent idols.  The call is for the people as individuals to repent of their sin and turn back to God in faith and obedience.

It always intrigues me how we humans think we have the right to expect our Creator, The God of the universe, to accept us on our terms instead of His.  So many today are convinced that if their good deeds outweigh their bad, they’ll get to go to heaven.  With that statement they are conceding there is a heaven and, in turn, a God in heaven who determines who is qualified to enter.  He has clearly explained in scripture that the only qualification He will accept is faith in His Son Jesus as the sacrifice for our sin and Lord of our life.  Still, many refuse to believe that He really means what He says.  What an arrogant stance to take before Almighty God; and, sadly, how many are going to suffer an eternity outside His presence because they refuse to believe Him!

HOW DO I SAY THANK YOU?

How do I say “Thank You”

For all that God has done

For all the many blessings

That are mine through His dear Son?

His love is strong and constant

No matter what I do.

He guides, protects and chastens

As I stumble my way through.

He’s always working in my life

To bring about what’s good.

Even if the things I choose

Aren’t always what I should.

His mercy and compassion

Far exceed my greatest need.

And when I come before His throne

He hears my every plea.

I may not understand His ways

When angry, hurt or grieved.

And still His patience never fails.

He’s always there to meet my need.

A Father when I need a hug.

A Refuge when I fear.

A Rock to give me strength.

A Friend when I need cheer.

“Thank You,” loving Father!

“Increase my faith,” I pray.

May others see You shine through me

In all I do and say.

God's Word is Sure

My heart is grieved over recent events in Israel.  I can hardly believe the evil things that people aligned with Hamas have done to fellow human beings.  It can only be described as Satanic and demonic.  Satan is gearing up for his short reign of power over the nations of the world.  Yes, he will get his one-world government—but only according to God’s ordained purpose.  That purpose—to bring forth a believing remnant of the people of Israel through whom He will fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David.   It grieves me that it will take such suffering before God’s chosen people will recognize their true Messiah—the LORD Jesus, as declared in God's word.

As one who has been privileged to become part of spiritual Israel through faith in Jesus, the prayer is ever on my lips, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”  It is my prayer to see peace in Jerusalem and to see Jerusalem a praise throughout the earth.  But I know that will not happen until Jesus returns to establish His kingdom and rule from the throne of David.

My heart is at peace because I know that the promises and prophecies in God’s word are sure and will come to pass just as promised and foretold.  God’s word is clear about describing events and circumstances that would indicate that His return was at the door.  Those events and circumstances are in full evidence around us.  They shout that the last seven years before Jesus returns will soon commence.  As the LORD orchestrates events to bring the people of Israel to saving faith, He will also exercise His wrath against His enemies and exact vengeance upon those that have martyred His followers.

I believe that scripture is very clear in stating that His people, those who believe that Jesus died for their sins and rose victorious from the grave, will be rescued before God inflicts His wrath on planet earth.  That event is commonly known as the rapture.  It is that truth that gives me peace and fills me with great anticipation.  

Satan is the great deceiver, and is hard at work convincing the masses that God’s word is not true—and, as events evidence all around the world, he seems to be succeeding.   Don’t ignore the signs of the times.  Read God’s word with a heart to know the truth.  If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, turn to him in faith today—before it’s too late!

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

1 Thessalonians 5:9 “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ….”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

John 14:1-3  “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

COMING PERSECUTION

I recently heard a teaching by Brett Meador on the subject of this blog.  It is a message from which I think every follower of Jesus today would benefit. 

https://atheycreek.com/teachings/g-447

Keep looking up, Jesus is coming soon!

DON'T LOOK DOWN--LOOK UP!

A piece of my heart....

My soul is sad and weary

As I look around and see

The evil things that people do

To please the enemy.

The love of many grows so cold

As consciences are seared

Right is wrong and wrong is right

No longer is God feared.

As always, it’s the weaker

Abused and sacrificed

As wicked men advance their cause

With no regard for life.

My heart is sliding to despair 

Til finally I look up

Remembering Your promises

That soon You’ll interrupt.

Believers will be snatched away

Your vengeance then unleashed

Your wrath poured out on all within

The kingdom of the beast.

Jacob’s seed will finally know

The truth about our LORD

That He had suffered for their sins

In anguish they will mourn.

The LORD will then return as King

To rule from David’s throne

Restoring much of Eden’s peace

To quiet creation’s groans.

In righteousness our LORD will reign

One thousand years—and then

Satan will get one last chance

To claim the hearts of men.

He’ll gather a great army 

From the nations he deceives

Amazingly they’ll number

As the sand that’s in the sea.

Fire will come down from God

And sin will meet defeat.

Satan cast into hell’s fire

God’s victory complete.

Despair replaced by blessed hope

Now lives within my soul

As I await the LORD’s return

With joy my heart will flow!

LOVE CAME DOWN

Love sent Jesus down to earth

Creation to redeem

Knowing that He would endure

Great pain and suffering.

He was wounded for our sins

Afflicted and oppressed

Yet spoke no word in His defense

Despite His great distress.

The Father watched from heaven above

Pleased with what He saw

His Son—an offering for our sin

His sacrifice for all.

They crucified Him on the cross

And mocked Him as He died

Thinking they had proved Him wrong

His claim had been denied.

But three days later Christ arose

To resurrected life

Proving Him to be the Truth

The Son of Man divine.

Eternal life can now be ours

A gift from God above

Repent, believe and just receive

Christ Jesus—Son of love.

A DESIRE FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS IN THE LAND

 Psalms 101:1 ¶ I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 

“mercy” = kindness; by implication (towards God)…beauty, favor, pity

“judgment” = judging according to divine law

As shown by so many psalms, David’s music centered around his thoughts of God—as the Creator and Sovereign of the universe, as the God of Israel, and as His personal LORD and Savior.  His songs were basically a result of his prayers put to music.  

Psalms 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

This verse is an expression of David’s commitment to behave with intelligence and wisdom and in sincerity with integrity.  The question in the middle of the verse indicates that David is experiencing a time of testing in which He is waiting for God to act on his behalf.  I got the idea that he is trying to encourage God to act by promising to live before Him with a “perfect heart.”  The Hebrew for “perfect” makes reference to moral innocence and integrity.  He understands that it is who we are in private that best testifies to who we really are.

I decided to see what Webster had to say about integrity:  “The state or quality of being entire or complete….Moral soundness; honesty; freedom from corrupting influence or motive….purity.”  As Jesus so carefully explained in His teaching on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5-7), God is looking at our actions as the outworking of our motives.  David is declaring his intent to live righteously and without deceit before God in his home (and before the people of Israel I believe is implied).  We all know that to maintain our righteousness at home is the hardest.  Family is the first to be able to spot insincerity and/or deceitfulness in our actions.  

 

Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 

I think scripture very strongly warns us that temptation often comes to us through our eyes.  It certainly played a part in Eve falling for Satan’s lies.

Genesis 3:6 “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat….”

David is committed to avoiding temptation by controlling what he chooses to put before his eyes.  This is called being proactive in guarding his heart.  I have made a similar commitment in later years that I sure wish I had made when I was young.  It is so hard in today’s culture to keep that commitment.  Our entertainment industry is crafted around appealing to the lust of the eyes and the flesh.  Even if you are discerning about what you watch on television, you still have to deal with the commercials that utilize the same tactic of appealing to the lust of the eyes and the flesh.  

David was motivated by a sincere hatred of the wickedness of those that choose to turn aside from God’s commands (and embrace what is wicked is the implication).  He is determined not to let such wickedness become a part of his life.  He wants his life to be above reproach.

It is important to note that David is declaring hatred for the sin, but not for the sinner.  That is in accordance with the heart of God.

Psalms 101:4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 

A “froward heart” is a reference to being “distorted…false…perverse.”  It is evidenced by deliberate choices to embrace what is evil with a stubborn heart and rebellious spirit.  David is determined that this will never be a description of him.  He is determined not to have intimate fellowship with those who have such hearts. 

2 Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 

David is determined not to tolerate those who would secretly slander his neighbor.  Only cowards and/or those with immoral motives would make such accusations.  Isn’t it interesting that he connects those who slander with those who are proud and arrogant?  He is determined not to tolerate such people in his administration. 

Psalms 101:6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 

David desires that his kingdom be enjoyed by those who are faithful to God and whose hearts are morally pure, honest and without deceit.  He expects those who serve to do so with sincerity and integrity (as discussed in verse 2 above).

Psalms 101:7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 

Psalms 101:8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. 

David is determined that the wicked and deceitful not be allowed to serve in the palace; those who are liars will not be tolerated.  His determination is to rid Israel of those who have rejected serving God and chosen to live in sin and rebellion against Him.  He wants Jerusalem to be a city of the faithful and obedient who accept God as LORD.  I think this is basically a statement of committing to dispense righteous judgment as king.

Though David would prove to fall short in light of these commitments, he always responded with a heart of repentance and renewed obedience while maintaining his faith in his LORD.  He was privileged to be identified in scripture as a “man after God’s own heart.”

Acts 13:22 “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”

As I looked back over this psalm, I thought how wonderful it would be if our government in America operated with these guidelines.

• To act with wisdom and integrity
• To hate what is evil and wicked according to God’s word
• To limit service to those of moral character according to God’s word
• To be intolerant of slander 
• To disqualify for service those who lie or are deceitful
• To judge with righteous judgment according to the principles of God’s word

I am convinced this will never be the norm until the LORD Jesus returns to establish His kingdom.  COME LORD JESUS!