Christmas is a week away. I don’t want to add to your stress but help you be still and know He is God, taking ten minutes at the start of each day to experience the Prince of Peace.
Our own Lydia said:
If I don’t set aside a time for reflection, I get lost in the Christmas shuffle. The Lord gently reminds me to be still and know that He is God…Peace fills the atmosphere…. Even in my business, with preparations and practice for the Christmas cantata, special meals with family and friends, I have been sensing little God nudges “I Am here, talk to Me…remember Who you are celebrating”!
And from our own Patti:
The closer it gets to Christmas, the more I try to take quiet time (even in the middle of the night) to reflect on the Savior’s birth; the true meaning of this time.
So let’s meet here for a few minutes each day, and be still, meditating on His Word and songs inspired by His Beloved children.
God Hunt Sunday:
1. How has God met you in the stress or joys of life in this last week?
Monday: Hold Me, Jesus!
I was so moved by Susan’s post, who was feeling particularly down last week with Covid and feeling she’s failed as a mother to her daughter. Matt’s sermon on Everlasting Father made her weep. (And her husband was listening intently — so keep praying for him!) Here is what she said:
God worked through his sermon. It made me cry. In the face of my sin, the Everlasting Father lays down His life and accepts humiliation. He knows my sin and rebellion is misplaced desire. When the bottom of my life falls out, He wants me to remember than He never forsook me or stopped loving me. What if my brokenness is not meant to crush me but to call me home? What does God feel toward me when He sees my sin, the mess I’ve made as I’ve tried to rule my own life? Compassion. What am I met with when I return home? Forgiveness. Why did Jesus live, die, and rise? Because my Father wanted me to have a way home. The Everlasting Father loves His children. If I know and believe this, I will stop running and exhausting myself. We can come to Jesus as King of Kings, but never let Him manifest the Everlasting Father to us.
I’m a huge Rich Mullens fan — and his words before he sings this anointed song are one of the reasons I am. How I pray it ministers to you as you begin this week. Also really meditate on the words to the song.
2. Comment on his thoughts expressed before he sang or the song.
3. Meditate on Psalm 46 and share anything that becomes radioactive.
Tuesday: I Heard The Bells
Sorrow doesn’t stop at Christmas. There’s a new movie out about Longfellow’s heart-aching motive for writing this song. (Has anyone seen it?) This week brought hard news as my dear friend Ann’s cancer has spread. Yet we do not grieve as those who have no hope.
4. How can you use the truth of this song to speak to your soul in whatever hard things you are facing or that our world is facing?
5. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7 and then use it as a springboard for prayer.
Wednesday: Emmanuel
6. Listen to the above and then meditate on Matthew 1:18-25
A. Does anything stand out to you from this passage — if so — what?
B. Several of you mentioned Joseph when I asked you last week to name a good father in Scripture. How do you think the name “Emmanuel” calmed him down in his hard circumstances?
C. How can this name give you peace in what you face today?
Thursday: O Come O Come Emmanuel
7. What names of Jesus in O Come O Come Emmanuel particularly comfort you? Why?
Friday: Unto Us A Child Is Born
A particularly quiet man in our church spoke up as we were studying Isaiah 9:6 and we all listened. He said: “Isaiah told us how it was going to all come down with His first coming, and it did. And he’s told us how it will come with His second coming, and it will.
8. Meditate on Isaiah 9:6-7 (and Let Handel’s music fill your heart)
A. What did Isaiah prophesy about the first coming of Jesus that indeed “came down?”
B. What did he prophesy about the second coming?
C. Use this as a springboard for prayer.
Christmas Eve: It Was Not A Silent Night
9. Listen to the above and share what stands out to you and why.
10. There was so much suffering surrounding the birth of Christ: the shame Mary and Joseph faced, the tension of no room at the Inn while she was in labor, the slaughter of the innocents and the escape to Egypt. But most of all was the suffering of Christ Himself who emptied Himself to become one of us. One of my favorite posts this Advent was from Bing who wrote this:
Emptying oneself is so foreign to the world and could be to us as Christians. I just had a conversation with my daughter over the phone, and it was such a temptation to give her a scolding or a lecture over what I perceived as her lack of faith. To empty myself at that moment was to let go of my pride and desire to control, and to really hear her cry for help behind the façade of independence.
11. Meditate on Philippians 2:5-11 and consider how to apply it as you are with others this week.
222 comments
Love this so much. I will soak it in as I recover from injuries sustained in a head on collision /surgery last week.
Beth–I am so sorry! Praying now for His healing over you.
Oh Lord, please put your healing hand on Beth!
Praying for His healing touch upon you Beth.
Praying, Beth! I’m thankful God has spared you and pray He will continue to heal your body.
Much prayers for you, Beth.
Thank you for your prayers. It is 6:30 and I’m all checked in for shoulder surgery. It will be laparascopic and I should be home by noon. I won’t have a rental car for a week but no plans for the next 2 weeks so I will enjoy quiet time with my corgis, reading and listening to Christmas music. I brought 2 cds of The Cambridge Singers (John Rutter) to listen to in the recovery room.
I cannot look for a car until I get through a criminal case in January. This is the latest attempt from the church that has bullied me for 3 yrs. They won’t give up until I’m in jail. This is related to the VNS stimulation study that I was invited to participate in. I’m a “one major crisis at a time” kind of girl so am off FB and trying to find safe places to be. My own home is the best.
Beth, many prayers for your situation right now. Keep looking up; God has you in his safekeeping.
Wow Beth, all of this at once. I can’t believe that case against you is still going on. I can’t remember the details but do remember how painful it was to you. Take care and I will be praying.
Praying for you, Beth, as you recover from your surgery and face the trial in January.
Beth, I am so sorry to hear this, but I am so thankful that your life was spared. Praying for complete healing for you.
1. How has God met you in the stress or joys of life in this last week?
Our pastor happens to be preaching on the names of Jesus of Isaiah 9!
I had an experience this week where I was able to purposely show God’s love. A student (senior), asked me a very inappropriate question. Basically would I rather have a gay son or a slut daughter. I paused (and thought before I answered….new to me over the last 15 years!), and said, “well, since I love people, either of them. I wouldn’t have to agree with their behavior, but I would still love them.” She said, “That was a good answer!”
Laura! LOVE this. I think I’d be so shocked by the question but you answered so well, so like Jesus.
♥️
Wow, Laura. The Lord was with you. What a perfect answer. I agree with Missy, your story has so inspired me and it gives me hope. It is pure joy to see how God has had His hand on your family and on your heart.
That was a good answer — given by God!
What a great response Laura…definitely God given❤️
Laura, having read your story over the years, I have to say that you have given me such hope that it will not always be dark and that sunshine will come again. I’m thrilled as I think about how God has met you where you are and has loved you and revealed Himself to you, first for your own salvation and then for your deep distresses with some of your children. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and the encouragement that goes along with it!
Thanks Missy’ I have surely learned a lot on the past 15 years. I’m so thankful my friend told me about this blog ♥️.
Laura, I am not sure how I would have answered that question but you sure were Spirit-inspired!
Love your answer, Laura! What prompted the question?
That’s a FOD question…she has been “dogging” me all year. She is trying to make me feel uncomfortable.
That should have said “good” not “FOD!” Stupid autocorrect!
Laura, I googled what FOD stood and it didn’t make sense 🤷🏻♀️! I figured, I’m old and it must stand for something 🤣🤣🤣. Thanks for clarifying!
Laura, you handled that question so well, though I hate the “labels” of shame we put on people! I particularly hate the word “slut” to refer to a girl or woman; it’s so demeaning and it angers me that it always seems to be women who are labeled as such for sexual promiscuity, while men are not labeled like that.
1. How has God met you in the stress or joys of life in this last week? He blessed me so. I picked granddaughters up from school and they wanted to bake cookies. I knew we didn’t have a lot of time so it was crazy hectic. ( piles of foamy soap on the floor from hand washing, spilled flour and lots of cookie dough all over and into their mouths) Yet they were particularly loving on me. While cookies were baking they went into the bedroom and drew pictures for me Sweet sweet memories
Love this!
Oh Judy…what a sweet memory with your granddaughters🥰
Oh, how fun, Judy!
1. How has God met you in the stress or joys of life in this last week?
Some of you know that in the last several months my mom has “disowned” me. I struggled with the word there, I don’t want to sound dramatic or put emphasis on me, it’s just hard to word any other way. But the focus I want to bring is “But God!” Rich in mercy. He has had me in Isaiah 9:6 in multiple places the last several week, including at my staff retreat last week. His name “Everlasting Father” has had such a new deep meaning for me this year, and I know He made sure that I heard Him call Himself my Father at this tender time in my life. On my retreat I shared with one of my Pastors how I do not struggle so much with seeing God as good, but with how He sees me…my Pastor told me to spend some time asking God to give me the words He sings over me (Zeph. 3:17). As I had quiet time on the retreat I took a walk outside and as I was praying, asking Him to give me those words, I looked up and realized I was at a small playground. I went towards it, climbed up the tower, and felt His words “My child”.
2. Comment on his thoughts expressed before he sang or the song.
We love Rich Mullins, my husband often has his music playing throughout the house. He was so humble, honest about the struggles of this world, but always pointing back to the truth of God’s grace.
This from his talk: You think you’re growing…and realize you’re just as susceptible as when we were young…People are going to judge you…rather live on the verge of falling and depend on the grace of God…
From the song: “Surrender don’t come natural to me, I’d rather fight You for something I don’t really want, Than to take what You give that I need, And I’ve beat my head against so many walls, Now I’m falling down I’m falling on my knees…”
Dee–I am SO sorry to hear about Ann. Continuing prayers for Him to pour out His mercy. I know this must be so hard for you all.
Thank you, Lizzy. Love the “my child” word from Him.
Lizzy, it just breaks my heart about your mom! So thankful for our Everlasting Father that loves us unconditionally and sacrificially!
I love it when you share your hard things, dear Lizzy, for your story is strikingly similar to mine. I love that He calls you His child. Such tender words from a loving Father. I also love it when I hear Him call me “daughter.” Just sends chills of joy up my spine. Daughter and child are such tender loving belonging words. I’m so thankful for you.
What a beautiful blessing you received when you climbed the tower and felt His words “My child”. Thank you for sharing your story, dear Lizzy. Yes, you and Missy have both suffered hard things, yet our Father has you both under His wing. He loves you so.
Lizzy, goosebumps as I envision you at the playground. God has His special ways and words with each of us.
“I felt His words “My child”….OH. He spoke those words to you, Lizzy, and yes, you are HIS child, and always will be. Hold on to that encounter with Him.
3. Meditate on Psalm 46 and share anything that becomes radioactive.
The first 3 verses speak most to me. All of these circumstances can and likely will happen to each of us. I have felt the earth give way in my little world. I have watched mountains that I thought would always stand, that I had placed my trust in, crumble. I have heard the waters roar so loud that it has been hard to hear His voice. And yet, even with all these circumstances, He is my safe refuge. He is my only strength. He is very present in all of this with me. Therefore, I will not fear. Though all around me is unstable and cannot be trusted in, He is the God, ‘I AM’ when all else is ‘not’.
‘I AM’ when all else is ‘not’.
Yes, Lizzy and Dee! He is I AM, when all else is not!! How beautiful and comforting and strengthening! What a refuge and present help in time of need!
I love this Psalm and I love your words of faith and strength, dear Lizzy. Thank you for this today: Though all around me is unstable and cannot be trusted in, He is the God, ‘I AM’ when all else is ‘not’.
He is the God, ‘I AM’ when all else is ‘not’. Yes, truly!
How has Jesus met you in the stress or joys of this past week? Wow! I need time to journal because He is meeting me and teaching me so much. I was thrilled to be finally going to the Hansel’s Messiah in my city after missing it the last few years. It’s always been an incredibly spiritually enriching time for me when I have felt the words of Isaiah (my favorite book in the Bible) wash over me. I love how the story of the Gospel is threaded through the whole performance. So much has gone wrong in my world in the last few years so I looked forward to the opening of the Messiah where the tenor softly sings, “Comfort ye my people” knowing that then this would progress to singing about how the people who walked in gross darkness and in the shadow of death have a light shined upon them! Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, good will to men. God has visited and redeemed His people. But the restaurant delayed our dinner and I then went to the wrong venue and had an issue at the box office with my tickets and the doors to the correct venue were locked…..and as we finally stumbled into the top balcony seats because we were already 30 minutes late, I sank into the chair and realized I had missed the comfort song and many others I love and needed. My world seems to grow darker, but the light of His countenance is still upon me in that gross darkness. And soon the alto was singing about the good Shepherd who lovingly leads His flock and carries His lambs in His arms and gently leads those who are with young. And that is me. The little seemingly forgotten single mom coming in late to the performance with a host of burdens on her heart. The single mom with the Rock of Gibralter son walking away from God and me, the daughter who hurled cursing at me when I broke up the knock-down drag out between her and my little son, the little son who just got suspended from school for threatening to bring a gun to school and kill other students who bully him constantly, the little mom all alone without a husband to sob her heart out to…..He is gently leading even me! And then the soprano sang, “Come unto Me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon me and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly and ye shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” And how I praised Him from my heart as I stood at attention with the crowd hailing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will reign forever and of His kingdom there will be no end! Hallelujah! So, yes, He met with me right where I was, and He comforted me even though nothing has changed in my exterior world. All is peace and all is calm in my heart when I remember that He will never leave me nor forsake me.
Beautiful testimony! So happy God met you there through the inspired music! You sound like an amazing Mom, never stop praying for your children…God is Faithful, He hears and answers your cries for help. Hallelujah!
Oh Missy! The pain of being a mother. It hurts so bad sometimes. I’m so sorry and wish I could come and “…comfort ye.” I love the Messiah. Since my dad was a musician, I relish certain music. Hymns and musicals are favorites. I will pray for the relationships. Our daughter has done some changing and I have a better relationship with her these days. Hope.
Prayers He continue to comfort and guide you and for healing and forgiveness and restoration of relationships.
Love your description of going to The Messiah. I so resonate. Thanks, Missy.
Sweet Missy, I thank you for sharing your struggles but also the faithfulness of Jesus in your life…Oh how He loves you! My prayer is that since we’re so close that we can one day meet this side of eternity and fellowship in person.❤️
Dear Missy, I am sobbing as I read your amazing testimony. Thank you for your honesty, for speaking your hurt and frustration, for baring your beautiful soul to all of us who love you so. And yet, He came to you, found you in this huge crowd, saw your broken heart and He let you know that He is Lord, King, Everlasting Father, Redeemer and the One who loves you so deeply. He is your Shepherd and He will always be there for you, to comfort and calm you, in spite of the flood of stress and sorrow you have experienced. Praise God, the perfect husband, Father, lover of our souls. Much love to you, dear Missy. You are ever faithful to Him and He will be with you. I have so much love and respect for you and all you do for your children. Praying for you to sense the fullness of His love everyday.
Missy, “All is peace and all is calm in my heart when I remember that He will never leave me nor forsake me.” He is the only one who NEVER would leave us nor forsake us when all others would do.
Oh Missy–this touched my heart so deep. The tears started at “The little seemingly forgotten…” for all my life I have felt I was the forgotten one. But then you minister to me, reminding me to “Come” and He gives rest, reminding me that He meets us right where we are, and even our circumstances may not change, “All is peace and all is calm in my heart when I remember that He will never leave me nor forsake me.”
Thank you for being here. You are a treasure to us all. You inspire me to walk into the hard and reach for His hand and trust Him to hold.
Amen to Lizzy. This is beautiful: Thank you for being here. You are a treasure to us all. You inspire me to walk into the hard and reach for His hand and trust Him to hold.
Oh Missy, what turmoil you’re enduring right now, and having to face so much alone without support. Your ending here is beautiful, though, and is key: “He met with me right where I was, and He comforted me even though nothing has changed in my exterior world.” He is the God who transcends our circumstances and helps us experience both joy and sorrow at the same time.
1. How has God met you in the stress or joys of life in this last week? After 3 months of practicing with our church choir, we got to perform today, everything went well! I noticed our director was agitated before church began, I asked her if I could pray briefly for her. She told me after church that the pain in her feet and ankles melted away with our prayer and she could focus better on directing. Also, her son she rarely sees anymore came to church with them! Praise God for these affirmations of His Faithfulness!
Sweet affirmations, Lydia! So glad you were there at the right time and place to pray for her.
Love that prayer for your director — overcoming the enemy!
Lydia, so glad your program went well and that you could be of encouragement to the director…God was glorified!
Oh, Lydia. This is such a sweet story of answered prayer and affirmation. He is faithful!
Sunday
1. How has God met you in the stress or joys of life in this last week?
Like Lydia I have been preparing with our worship group to present our Christmas program which was yesterday. I’m close friends with the gal who directed it and I had the privilege of helping put music to one of the songs she wrote, play the guitar and sing it with her and another lady…God put within my heart a great joy in doing that. The down side is I allowed one person to rob my joy and God spoke to my soul Saturday night thru 1 John 4:7 , that I have a choice whether I am obedient in loving others but I don’t have a choice in who I love 😏. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”
1 John 4:7 ESV
I chose to be obedient and God put within me a love for this person that could only come from Him.
I have missed being here but have been following along in the background and reading all the answers and things you have shared…it has so encouraged me.
Please pray for my dear friend Leslie. She has cancer that has spread and her testimony to God’s faithfulness in her life is amazing.
I have missed you here, Sharon. Love this sweet story and how God gave you this verse and put the love in your heart. I will pray for your friend, Leslie and Dee’s dear friend, Ann. May God hold them both close to His heart and give them His peace.
❤️ Thank you Patty!!
Sharon, thank you for the reminder in I john 4:7 for like you, I have struggled with something similar with someone. And like you, I chose obedience, dying to self as our Savior did for us.
Praying for your friend, Leslie, and Dee’s friend, Ann, along with other friends of mine dealing with cancer. Our guitars are waiting for us in Heaven. Oh, joy, that would be the day! And Nila! Laura will be our dancer/choreographer.
Bing, you always make me smile… Yes, our guitars will be waiting in heaven. 😊Also, thank you for your prayers.
So good you chose to be obedient.
Father, please have mercy on Sharon’s friend, Leslie, and be her Prince of Peace.
Sharon–so good to see you. You always minister to me. Thank you for this example of obedience in showing love to one who tried to steal your joy. That convicts me and encourages me in a situation of my own. I praise Him for allowing you to enjoy the beauty of fellowship in singing and playing music with friends–a taste of Heaven!
Monday
2. Comment on his thoughts expressed before he sang or the song.
I have never heard this song by Rich Mullins, so raw, so honest and well expressed. This from him speaking really hit me, “I’d rather be on the verge of falling and let my security be in the all sufficient grace of God than to live in some kind of pietistic illusion of moral excellence. Not that I don’t want to be morally excellent but my faith isn’t in the idea that I am more moral than anybody else. My faith is in the idea that God and His love are greater than whatever any sin any of us commit.”
From the song, “So hold me Jesus cause I’m shaking like a leaf. You have been King of my glory, won’t You be my Prince of Peace.”
This is just what I needed today as I have a tendency to beat myself up…thankful for His grace!
I loved that too. Love Rich Mullins. Another gone too soon, from my viewpoint.
1. How has God met you in the stress or joys of life in this last week?
I have been struggling with fear and anxiety over my husband’s health and future decisions. I feel very alone in this, since he does not fully understand it all. Yet, we were able to go to a wonderful concert, that we have been attending each Christmas Season for years, with some dear friends. It was the Northwest Boys Choir Lessons and Carols. It was difficult for my husband to sit through it and he was totally exhausted, yet we both loved hearing the scripture with the beautiful carols in this wonderful Cathedral in downtown Seattle. I truly felt the presence of God in the scriptures read by the children and their beautiful voices singing words of the coming Savior. The great reminder that I know that He is our Everlasting Father, Who has our future in His hands.
2. Comment on his thoughts expressed before he sang or the song.
I love Rich’s words: God doesn’t look for excuses to condemn you and say bad thing about you. My security is in the all sufficiency of God. When the mountain seems so big and our faith seems so small, He is sufficient. Yes, He is.
3. Meditate on Psalm 46 and share anything that becomes radioactive.
This is one of my favorite Psalms. My favorite verse is Psalm 46:10 “Be Still and Know that I AM GOD.” My NASB version is “Cease Striving and know that I am God.” Today, this stood out: verses 4-5 “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” This is such a reminder of God’s sustaining presence. How many of us need this reminder right now as we pray for one another; for healing for Beth, for Ann and for Leslie with returning cancer, and for divisions and strife among our own family members, who are in need of our Father’s love, influence and wholeness. Lord, bring your sustaining presence to us during this season. We thank you so for the greatest gift of Your Son, Jesus.
Patti,
I just finished reading all the above comments. You did a beautiful job of relating the tough things going on in the lives of this group of bloggers. And the need for a continuing prayer support. And you as well with your hard situation. I have been absent this fall because my life has been full of challenges but God has shown Himself to be always gracious and always faithful through each struggle. Thank you for your prayer and the reminders of His sufficiency.
His “Sustaining Presence” as you said will get us through.
Thank you, Bev and Sharon. God is so good. So good to see you both back here!
Patti, thank you for sharing your struggles and am keeping them in prayer. May you feel His arms wrapped around you during this season of your life.
Oh Patti, continued prayers for you and your husband. I can only imagine how difficult and how alone you must feel. I am praying for His peace to cover you like a blanket and His strength to enable you to be equipped for all He calls you too. Your faith is so beautiful. Thanking Him for this sweet night of the concert you enjoyed together.
Thank you, Lizzy and Lydia for your prayers. I am so thankful for all of you dear ladies on this blog. I feel your prayers. God is good and He sustains us through every season.
Patti, thank-you for your prayer. I am praying for you and your husband right now, being a caregiver for your spouse is a very trying path. I pray for you to have the help of ministering angels as you travel this path. That is wonderful you went to your traditional Christmas concert together! Christmas blessings to you and yours.
Patti, keeping you and your husband in prayer. It is hard for you and it must feel isolating to watch your husband’s health decline, and to be the one to make all of the decisions.
Monday: Hold Me, Jesus!
Seeing the email for this weeks study it just seemed good to touch base here. Prince of Peace (Slow Down…) Actually life will literally be slowed down here in central Nebraska this week. It will be brutal weather even for Nebraska winters. They are reporting sub zero temperatures. Possible wind chill temps -50° I could not be more grateful for God’s physical provisions for us. But in the broader perspective of living in a spiritually cold, dark fallen and broken world God reveals Himself to be more than sufficient in his provision of himself and his Word to give hope and bring peace to my heart.
2. Comment on his thoughts expressed before he sang or the song.
I too am a Rich Mullins fan and these comments stood out to me.
“I think I would rather live on the verge of falling and let my security be in the all sufficient grace of God than to live in some kind of pietistic illusion of moral excellence. Not that I don’t want to be morally excellent. My faith isn’t in the idea I am more moral than anybody else but my faith is in that God and his love are greater than whatever sins any of us ever commit.” Rich Mullins.
That first sentence stood out to me. I think of all the striving I have done through the years to be a “good” Christian. I was in danger of trying to live in a pietistic illusion. But my sin kept getting in the way of it. There is a humility very much needed to live on the verge of falling. I dare never forget that but for that all sufficient grace of God I would be without hope.
3. Meditate on Psalm 46 and share anything that becomes radioactive.
Such a familiar Psalm but I have often taken sound bites from it. Especially the “Be still and know that I am God”. This morning I read it a bit differently. As I looked at the whole context of the Psalm there is a lot happening in it. Trouble, earthquakes, mountains trembling and being cast into the sea and oceans roaring. Nations raging and kingdoms falling apart. But God says in effect “STOP!!” Be quiet. I am God!! I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
He calls us to “Come behold the works of the Lord”
“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah”
The Lord of Hosts is with us. Immanuel. God with us. Jesus came as that baby but He now reigns over sin, over death. And He will be exalted!! As Paul David Tripp says He brings a violent grace to our lives. He dealt violently with our sin and brings a compassionate grace in our salvation from it.
So good to see you here Bev and may you stay warm…brrr!!
Love the quote from Tripp…great reminder.
Welcome back, Bev — so good to see you!
Bev-so good to see you again. I love this “There is a humility very much needed to live on the verge of falling. I dare never forget that but for that all sufficient grace of God I would be without hope.”
Monday
3. Meditate on Psalm 46 and share anything that becomes radioactive.
This Psalm always brings to mind my Dads favorite hymn by Martin Luther, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, a bulwark (defensive wall) never failing, our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills (hard circumstances or struggles we face) prevailing . For still our ancient foe (Satan) does seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,our striving would be losing,were not the right Man on our side,the Man of God’s own choosing.You ask who that may be?Christ Jesus, it is He;Lord Sabaoth His name,from age to age the same;and He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,should threaten to undo us,we will not fear, for God has willedHis truth to triumph through us.The prince of darkness grim,we tremble not for him;his rage we can endure,for lo! his doom is sure;one little word shall fell him.
That Word above all earthly powersno thanks to them abideth;the Spirit and the gifts are oursthrough Him who with us sideth.Let goods and kindred go,this mortal life also;the body they may kill:God’s truth abideth still;His kingdom is forever!
“Luther, when in greatest distress, was wont to call for this psalm, saying, Let us sing the forty-sixth psalm in concert; and then let the devil do his worst.” (John Trapp)
Thank you for reminding me of this hymn Sharon. I love the old ones. The words are uplifting.
I am not encouraged by the Psalm though. I do not see God in todays world. I saw a recent statistic that said something like only 48% of Americans go to church on a regular basis. 93% of Americans celebrate Christmas, but it’s the secular part that they are celebrating, not Jesus. So, not all nations are praising Him, as the Psalm says. People like Amy Grant are making up their own view and accepting the world instead of using scripture and defending it. It makes me sad. I can’t believe a Catholic priest was defrocked for being a loud voice of pro-life. As stated in a Newsmax article, “…And many priests have crossed the line on both politics and defying Church teachings, with little or no pushback from the Vatican.
For example, Father James Martin, editor of the Jesuit magazine America, embraces same-sex unions and consistently advocates against Church teachings on homosexuality and traditional marriage.
Martin’s advocacy has been met by alarm from some in the Church hierarchy, but not the Pope.” There were other examples in the article as well. Nancy Pelosi was entertained by the Pope even though she is a strong supporter of abortion.
Why can’t people debate differing views these days? Colleges have stopped that. You must believe one way or you are “canceled.” It’s ridiculous.
Maybe in the days of old the people saw God taking charge? But we have war (He is supposed to end it according to the Psalm), controlling governments, and even strife in our own country today. The nations are in chaos (as stated in the Psalm). Where is God? Why are we focused on the world and not on Him?
Again I ask, “Where is God?”
Laura — I surely agree our world is godless. Yet a day is coming when Jesus will rule and the nations will exalt Him. I believe that is the thrust of the psalm. Right now the city of man seems to prevail, but the city of God will eventually prevail. You are salt and light at your school, and I pray for that to continue. The Lord surely gave you a good answer to the question meant to be a trap, I believe.
Thanks for the comfort Dee. I explain (below) my “meltdown.”
Sharon, What a good reminder from Luther. Such solid truths. Thanks for sharing.
God Hunt Sunday:
1. How has God met you in the stress or joys of life in this last week?
The testimonies in this blog would be one of my answers to this question. J Just like the 2 above of Lydia and Patti. And Susan’s on Monday is contemplative, and her questions made me pause as well to reflect on my own answers.
A verse came to mind to highlight my joy this week. Zechariah 4:10 NLT
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…”
My daughter texted me “going to go to church today”. To those of you who know anything about my daughter, you know this is a small beginning that cannot be despised. Thank you, God, for the work that you continue to do in my daughter’s life.
Oh Bing, I am doing a happy dance in response to Ruth going to church!! My daughter came to our Christmas program yesterday which was an answer to prayer…God is working in small and mighty ways !!
Love the “Happy dance”!! Yes! Thank you Lord!
My heart was a-leaping when I saw the text, Sharon. My tears were flowing but my soul was thankful and refreshed.
Great news about Ruth, Bing!
Thank you, Dee and Patti.
Wow! Bing! Love that text from Ruth. Thanking God ….. Her heart is warming.
Yay about Ruth! Our kids have been misguided in college. Hopefully, their strong Christian faith of their childhood will pull them through, back to the truth.
Laura, that is my prayer. And that our children whose eyes are being blinded by the prince of this world would see the Prince of Peace who loves them and who would lead them to the truth.
YAY for this good news about Ruth! 😊
2. Comment on his thoughts expressed before he sang or the song.
I do not know Rich Mullins or his songs. I looked him up and found out he wrote and made famous, “Our God is an Awesome God.” I know that one.
I looked up the lyrics to Hold Me Jesus. Beautiful. I have been that shaking lead before. I have mentioned this before…When I was giving birth I got nervous at the precipice. I knew I was the only one who could go through the birth physically. I looked up to the ceiling and said, “It’s just You and me now God.” I was comforted.
3. Meditate on Psalm 46 and share anything that becomes radioactive.
He is our strength. All nations will bow to Him. He will end wars. He is with us.
I wonder why we don’t get to see this play out in today’s world? When? This passage makes me think that all that happened in the past, but not in my lifetime. Countries fight, governments are too controlling, and even within our own country there is strife. It makes me sad. I wish people would respect each other. They don’t have to agree, but listening is a good place to start. Unfortunately, the colleges are teaching that you can’t debate. It’s terrible.
Laura, ah! We have many common experiences as teachers. I, too, see the need to listen well among my students. The overuse of technology has contributed to our younger people being so self-absorbed. It is sad as you have said. But we pray.
Laura — please see my comment above. This is future. The City of God.
4. How can you use the truth of this song to speak to your soul in whatever hard things you are facing or that our world is facing?
“Open up your heart and hear them”
Pain can make me want to close off my heart, or at least try to protect myself. But we have to be open in order to receive. To hear His voice, receive His love, we have to keep our hearts and eyes open. There is an action on our part, an act of seeking, risking, being present.
5. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7 and then use it as a springboard for prayer.
Dear Father, You tell me not to worry because You know how often I do. You know what I carry and You ask me to give it to You. So Father, I lay at Your feet my heart’s desire that the generations of sin be broken in my family. I ask that my boy will follow You all the days of their lives and start a new heritage for our family. I ask that one day I may have a house full of grandchildren who love You, whose parents love You, a new beginning, as You tell me about in Isaiah 43:18. But Father, even if I do not see this in my lifetime here, I will still praise You today and always. You have given me a future hope a promised inheritance kept for me, and in that I find rest, peace. Thank You Father.
6. Listen to the above and then meditate on Matthew 1:18-25
A. Does anything stand out to you from this passage — if so — what?
” as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him” He considered, pondered, prayed…and God appeared and gave Him wisdom.
B. Several of you mentioned Joseph when I asked you last week to name a good father in Scripture. How do you think the name “Emmanuel” calmed him down in his hard circumstances?
To hear from the Angel of the Lord that this Son would be called God With Us—my eyes always fill at this Name. With Us. I don’t even think I can put the right words to this, just overwhelming
C. How can this name give you peace in what you face today?
We so often think, there’s “God” and then there’s “us”, but that small word “with”—so powerful. He does not leave us alone. He is not merely watching over us, or leading in front of us, or orchestrating all things around us, but He is WITH us, in all thing. In us. It is impossible for me to be alone, I cannot be separated from Him. When we feel no one understands or that we have no one, it is never true. He is I AM, and He is with.
From Lizzy:
To hear from the Angel of the Lord that this Son would be called God With Us—my eyes always fill at this Name. With Us. I don’t even think I can put the right words to this, just overwhelming
2. Comment on his thoughts expressed before he sang or the song. Very insightful brave words to live in courage Particularly for someone like me who has trouble letting go of my mistakes
3. Meditate on Psalm 46 and share anything that becomes radioactive. I guess when there is turmoil and unrest all around me God is still in control. Sit back, exhale, focus on who He is and that He is God Don’t let circumstances around me take control. Focus and rest in Him
2.Comment on his thoughts expressed before he sang or the song. As Christians, non-Christians are always looking for excuses to find fault in us. Because our lives in Christ convict them and they don’t want to give up their sin. Rich said, “Let my security be in God, even with my failings”. I agree, there is no way that I can be without sin in this flesh. I depend totally on God’s Grace! This particular song was so meaningful and healing to me immediately after the death of my husband. I could literally feel Jesus holding me as I sang it. Thank-you Dee, for using this song that brought me healing and now brings back such sweet memories of God’s Faithfulness.
3. Meditate on Psalm 46 and share anything that becomes radioactive. vs 6- 7 ” The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;He raised His voice and the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Stronghold.” With all the strife and struggles in our world in the past 2-3 years, I fall victim to the fear message, that is so prevelent. This scripture reminds me of just Who is in charge and Whom I can stand upon and trust in. It is radioactive to me at this moment! Praise the Lord, He is mighty to save!
I’m so glad it brought you healing, Lydia.
Lydia, I love how that song was so meaningful and healing after your husband’s death. God comes to us in such personal ways to give us comfort and love. This is so true: The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Stronghold.
1. How has God met you in the stress or joys of life in this last week? He has relieved me of the sense of dread/foreboding/emptiness that I have been feeling lately.
Dawn, it is good to hear about your relief from a sense of dread/foreboding/emptiness. Only God can do that for each one of us. He sees you. El Roi
1. Comment on his thoughts expressed before he sang or the song.
“I am keenly aware that as you think you are growing as a Christian and then suddenly you are just susceptible as when you were 16. His story about being on a train in Germany and he and his friends talking about their struggles against temptation, and somebody asked him, “Are you Rich Mullins?”
I’d rather live on the verge of falling and let my security be in the all-sufficiency grace of God than live in a pietistic illusion of moral excellence. My faith is not in that I am better than others, but in that God and His love is greater than whatever sin we have ever committed.
I have been there many times. And lately, it is not so much as I have not been there before, but the awareness of my susceptibility is so keen that it would bring tears to my eyes. It makes me realize how dependent I should be on the Lord, in his all-sufficient grace and that He loves me. And that I can share my failures with others and not be afraid of losing their love, nor of Jesus.
I love the song, “Hold me Jesus”-the first time I have heard it.
2. Meditate on Psalm 46 and share anything that becomes radioactive.
Presence. Presence of God. When I am afraid, I will remember God is with me.
First of all, I want to say that I so loved and was helped by what Susan wrote about her sense of failure and God actually calling her home in that sense of failure. It so touched a nerve in my heart. Thank you, dear Susan, for sharing your heart. Secondly, I just had to tell you all how God helped me today. I have to say it was one of the most trying and terrifying days of my life with a devastating situation in my home today with my children. In the past, I would’ve collapsed in utter hopeless tears and despair. But I suddenly remembered that Dee told us to meditate on Psalm 46 today. Only God could’ve brought that to my mind and heart in the midst of my great distress. I quickly pulled out my phone Bible app. Two phrases were radioactive to me: “God is a present help” and “be still and know that I am God.” In that very moment, He surely was a present help to me, right then and there!! He caused my racing heart and mind to stop and be still and revel in the fact that He is God and that He can help me in this exact moment in this precise circumstance in which I found myself. He calmed me right then and there which is a huge miracle if anybody knows my bent to running around in circles when something is in chaos as it was today. Also, at that precise time, our dear Patti sent me a private message to encourage me and to say she was praying for me. None of this is short of the dear hand and heart of my present Lord who met me in my present distress with His calming Word and a precious message from dear Patti. Tears just now. All is well even when the circumstances don’t look like it. What a sweet Savior we have. I so much want to love Him and give Him joy by my trust in Him. He has never failed me.
What a wonderful testimony, Miriam. You are a joy here. And so glad our contemplative and honest Susan was a help to you.
Oh Miriam, what a powerful testimony of God being with you in a deeply troubling time. Oh how I pray He will continue to show himself strong on your behalf.
Thank You Jesus, for protecting Missy!!
Missy, yes, only God can do such a timely intervention. Thankful to God for protecting you in whatever terrifying situation you were in with the children. Praying for you, dear friend.
Praising God with you, Missy. He is with you.
Prayers for your friend Ann for peace and comfort. 4. How can you use the truth of this song to speak to your soul in whatever hard things you are facing or that our world is facing? God is not dead He still rules. He still cares and will bring comfort and direction and peace
5. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7 and then use it as a springboard for prayer. Father I lay it all before you all the uncertainties and direction to take. Where to say no and where to agree. Thank You that You will direct my steps and give me peace and show me the way to take.
4. How can you use the truth of this song to speak to your soul in whatever hard things you are facing or that our world is facing? It is what God declared to us when Jesus was born. It’s Gods intention toward us. We’re not going to find it by looking at the world around us or thinking about our failures and shortcomings. Look to the One who is the giver of the gift of peace.
5. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7 and then use it as a springboard for prayer. I have been thinking of this verse a lot lately when I been having insomnia.
Tuesday: I Heard The Bells
4. How can you use the truth of this song to speak to your soul in whatever hard things you are facing or that our world is facing?
It comes back to that underlying truth that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is our peace. He didn’t just bring peace as a form of appeasement to help us as something to soothe us and make us “feel” better. He is the embodiment of peace because in becoming flesh he brought peace to our very souls. He dealt with our sin problem which separated us from God but because of Jesus and his coming to die for sin we can have peace with God. Sin no longer keeps us at enmity with God robbing us of peace.
How does this help me face hard things? By recognizing that peace is not the absence of troubles. This world is fallen and broken and I am too but as I choose to embrace Jesus He becomes my peace of heart and mind. I think of Paige Benton Brown’s teaching about Hannah from the Samuel study and how Hannah was desperate for God. Paige challenged us to be desperate for God. If I want Him more than I want anything He brings peace to my heart and being.
5. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7 and then use it as a springboard for prayer.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
”Father, as I consider these words from your Word I thank you for the wonderful privilege of always being able to come to You and to bring my requests and ask of You. You say to bring everything to you in prayer and to not bring anxiety or worry into my asking. Lord that isn’t natural to my weak flesh that wants to control my situations and have control of those situations that matter to me. I am full of agendas selfish and even noble. As I relinquish those to you verse 7 here offers me the “peace of God”. Oh Lord is there anything more wonderful than that! A supernatural peace from you that will guard my heart and my mind from anxiety, fear and worry. You offer me rest for my soul in the midst of it all.
Thankyou for this blog and the encouragement it brings me this week to consider and spend time with the Prince of Peace.
I ask for Dee and each of the sweet sisters here to experience You and the wonderful peace you bring into our lives even in the midst of this fallen, broken and troublesome world. We love you and we embrace you and exalt you together asking by the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus Christ be lifted up to the glory of God the Father. Amen
Thank you, Bev!
What a beautiful prayer, Bev. Thank you.
4. How can you use the truth of this song to speak to your soul in whatever hard things you are facing or that our world is facing?
I had a bit of a meltdown in the middle of the night and was feeling quite low about the world. Full disclosure, I am sick today. I responded (above) to Sharon with the sadness of the world. Part of this sadness is that the “adults” of our world are not protecting children very well. Mostly it’s because people are too busy to pay attention and bad things are happening right under our nose. Here’s an example…in Bow, NH there is a comic book in the high school that is basically pornographic. It’s called “Gender Queer” and shows homosexual sex. It’s so disturbing that adults would think this is ok for teens. Last time I checked, no parent wants their teen to have any kind of sex! When I checked our school library, I found a menagerie of books on the subject (lesbians, gays, and transgenders) and put one on hold to review. I do not believe the book (from Bow HS) was in our library. I plan to have a conversation with the superintendent about this soon. It’s awful and this is where from where my despair comes (I believe).
As the morning light streams in my room, I realize that I need to remember the hope that Longfellow’s poem considers. I also need to try to be as hopeful as Luther was saying, “…let’s sing the 46th Psalm…” I do believe that God lives through us. I know He cares. The world gets in my face and it is hard to remember. But, He is always there when I need Him. A simple example is that I have been concerned with my health because of a symptom I am having that I have never experienced. I kept skipping my vitamin regiment because my nutritionist changed the time of day I would take certain vitamins. I kept forgetting. I noticed a little change in the symptom. So, then I thought, I wonder if I stop taking the vitamins altogether if the symptom would go away? It did! I think God was helping me figure it out!
Although I love Casting Crowns, this version is not my favorite. Here is the song as I know it. Bing Crosby has the best voice!
https://youtu.be/aMmRkimMBOE
I did see the movie Dee. It was good. Sad, but good. The cinematography was amazing! You really caught the love between Longfellow and his wife.
5. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7 and then use it as a springboard for prayer.
Dear Lord, I know You are in charge. Thank You for that. It means I don’t have to worry about anything, but have faith that You are in control. It brings me peace. No matter what happens in this world, You are taking care of it all. In Your Holy Name I pray. Amen.
Laura,
I so appreciate your honesty and definitely understand your trepidation in regards to where our country is heading. I will say, being a teacher has got to be really hard but I am so thankful for teachers like you. I will specifically pray that God will give you the words to say to the superintendent and that He will prepare this person’s heart to hear what God has to say through you. I also pray that you will feel His presence of peace in your life and in this situation. Praying for you health as well😊
Amen, Sharon!!
Thank you for prayers and encouragement.
Oh, dear Laura! I understand what you are saying about the books in the Library. It is so disheartening. When we worked at our sweet Christian School in Redmond, WA ( I worked in the Library)~ they were pressured to include books that were not in line with the Christian values of the school. Thankfully, our Head Master did not comply. That alone caused parents to leave public schools in this area and get on the waiting list for the Christian school. I agree with Dee’s comment above. ” Yet a day is coming when Jesus will rule and the nations will exalt Him. I believe that is the thrust of the psalm. Right now the city of man seems to prevail, but the city of God will eventually prevail. You are salt and light at your school, and I pray for that to continue.”
I am so grateful that we are still safe to meet and share on this Blog. I never take this freedom for granted. Even our pastor feels that Christians may, at some point, have to meet in homes, due to the values that our country is embracing. (per Sharon’s comment). I am so thankful for teachers like you! It sends me back to Ephesians 6: 10-18 (Putting on the whole armor of God). Praying that the Lord will equip you each day with His armor, as you teach and talk to your superintendent.
Tuesday
4. How can you use the truth of this song to speak to your soul in whatever hard things you are facing or that our world is facing?
“Peace on earth, good will to men,” was what the angels said to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. They went to who was considered the low of the lowest rather than to the religious leaders or rulers! So, what I speak to my soul is Jesus came to save even a sinner like me. I am made righteous because of His work on the cross, not anything I did but because of His grace I am saved through faith. I am worthy in His sight and my relationship with Jesus is what brings peace into my life. Not how I’m feeling or if my circumstances are great. I think of what Jesus said in John 14:26-27, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
He not only gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit but also the gift of peace , “which isn’t the absence of trouble but what is best for our highest good,”. (Barclay)
5. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7 and then use it as a springboard for prayer.
Dear Lord,
Forgive me for the sin of being anxious, not trusting You in all things. I pray for Your strength to not be anxious or worried about anything, but in every circumstance may I rather cry out to You and let You know my needs and have a heart of thanksgiving. In doing this, Your peace, which is beyond my comprehension, will guard my heart and mind. Thank Y0u for this beautiful promise and truth that I can speak into my soul day by day and moment by moment. Amen
1. How has God met you in the stress or joys of life in this last week?
One beautiful way is that my relationship with my one daughter-in-law went a little bit deeper. It has taken me a long time to really start to know her, because she is quiet and reserved, and in this I don’t mean unfriendly, just reserved. I didn’t know her that well before she married our son, and then they moved away in 2017, so I don’t see her very much. But I have visited more often since they have children, and this past week, she shared something personal and vulnerable with me, and I was able to respond with encouragement and know how to pray for her. I wrote her a letter for Christmas, sharing how I feel about her and the kind of woman, wife, and mother she is and how proud I am of her.
Also, the Lord met me in a simple way taking Communion this past Sunday. As I went forward and knelt, waiting with open hands to receive the wafer, our priest, who knows me personally, placed it in my hands and just sort of wrapped her fingers around my hand for a second and gave a warm squeeze. I noticed and felt it, and it encouraged me, because I’d been feeling disconnected from my church community due to missing events due to having been sick.
Susan, how special that your daughter-in-law opened up to you and I love that you wrote her a Christmas letter. She’s so fortunate to have you as a mother-in-law❤️
Two very sweet happenings, Susan!
Susan, your attention to how God uses simple gestures like a warm squeeze from your priest, is heartwarming. I love your attentiveness to God’s work in your life. And what a treat to have an inroad into your daughter-in-law’s life. So sweet!
Such beautiful and precious moments from our Father. So thankful for your connecting with your daughter in law. Such an important relationship.
4. How can you use the truth of this song to speak to your soul in whatever hard things you are facing or that our world is facing? “God is not dead, nor does He sleep.” This line in the song changes everything! Our God is still in control, even when life seems out of control. I believe He hears every prayer and has an answer…before we even speak a prayer or cry out for help, He already knows our needs and is ready with the right response. He will never abandon us, we must stand firm and trust in Him…A Mighty Fortress is Our God! ( An amazing song that Patti referenced a few days ago.)
5. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7 and then use it as a springboard for prayer. ( Sometimes I wake suddenly in the night with anxious thoughts, I have my prayer journal beside my bed with a pen and write as I pray for the anxious thoughts to stop.) Lord Jesus, You know my thoughts and my heart, the things that weigh on me right now. I sense a spiritual battle is in progress, Lord I ask in Your Name, Jesus, that you would bind the enemy and his demons away from my family and the families of all those represented here. I come against sickness, cancer and longterm illness of any sort in Jesus Name and I plead the Blood of Jesus over all of Your Children Lord. We need Your protection, we need to see Your Hand at work here on Earth in our daily lives. I am pleading for miracles of healing for those we each know that are suffering and for healing of anxiety, depression and oppression in the Mighty Name of Jesus! Oh, Prince of Peace I ask You to pour out Your perfect Peace on our world, disarm those who have the spirit of murder in their hearts. Change the hearts and minds of leaders bent on power and the oppression of the weak, speak Your Truth into their souls Lord God. I trust in You my Lord and King, my Prince of Peace. “Take my life and let it be concecrated Lord to Thee.” In Jesus Name, Amen.
It was Sharon, not Patti that shared the song “A Mighty Fortress…” a few days ago. Sorry I miss quoted, Sharon.
No worries😊
How good to have your prayer journal next to your bed. I love the psalm that says when my anxieties multiply, so do Your mercies.
Tuesday: I Heard The Bells
Sorrow doesn’t stop at Christmas. There’s a new movie out about Longfellow’s heart-aching motive for writing this song. (Has anyone seen it?) This week brought hard news as my dear friend Ann’s cancer has spread. Yet we do not grieve as those who have no hope.
I am praying for Ann, Dee. You are so right: sorrow does not stop at Christmas. We have quite a few of our members going through such hard times. A friend’s son’s death anniversary is 2 days away, and 2 of our ladies are separated by distance from their husbands who are in the nursing home. Many are weary.
5. How can you use the truth of this song to speak to your soul in whatever hard things you are facing or that our world is facing?
All the verses speak so much of the Prince of Peace; His presence amidst all. This verse stood out to me as it reminds me that I have a choice on how to respond to anything coming my way. To hear His voice above the din of the other voices that clamor for my attention and allegiance.
O souls amid earth’s busy strife,The Word of God is light and life;Oh, hear His voice, make Him your choice,Hail peace on earth, goodwill to men.
2. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7 and then use it as a springboard for prayer.
Oh God, you are so near. V.5 There is nothing that I should stay anxious about. Let me correct my thinking when it creeps in; let your truth prevail. Give me a thankful heart, remembering your faithfulness in the past and that you are the same today and every tomorrow. Thank you that I can come to you with anything (including the seemingly impossible). And while I wait, let your peace guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. With you nothing is impossible, your timing is always perfect. And to your name be the glory!
6. Listen to the above and then meditate on Matthew 1:18-25
A. Does anything stand out to you from this passage — if so — what?
Josephs father was Jacob, but the passage says David….I guess it’s the line?
The fact that he had no relations with Mary but the angel never said he couldn’t….
Can’t help but add this to our songs this week:
https://youtu.be/SXyrGGGIZSM
B. Several of you mentioned Joseph when I asked you last week to name a good father in Scripture. How do you think the name “Emmanuel” calmed him down in his hard circumstances?
God with us. That is a comfort for sure. The angel said it so it must be truth.
C. How can this name give you peace in what you face today?
He is here. For some reason I don’t feel very “Christmasy” this year 🤷🏻♀️. I usually have to work up to Christmas Eve (this year we get Friday off), so it’s hard to focus because I’m still focused on work. My friends in the south all got off last Friday. I do live in the heathen Northeast!
I saw another statistic this week; there are 2.6 billion Christians in the world. More than Muslims, Hindus. Interesting. That is hopeful. I’m disappointed in the American stats of this though. We are spoiled.
Laura,
Thanks for including the lineage song by Bishop Hooper. I love how they put scripture to music so beautifully. Amazing talent with obvious hearts for God’s Word. And it was a perfect compliment to todays lesson.
I would have to say I’m not feeling very “Christmasy” this year either. The world weighs heavy right now in so many ways. I feel it personally and in the lives of many close friends and family and with the sweet sisters here on this blog. It’s like our enemy Satan is kicking a lot of dirt in our faces right now. It really requires being intentional to focus on Jesus. It was a very dark world when he was born but he brought his light into our world and he still shines today through the darkness. Satan would distract us from seeing Jesus. I agree with Dee that “Right now the city of man seems to prevail, but the city of God will eventually prevail”. I think often of John’s comment at the end of The Revelation “Come, Lord Jesus!” We long for his return when all things will be made new.
Good post Bev. I just have to sigh. But, I think you are correct, the devil is lurking isn’t he? He needs to back off!
6. Listen to the above and then meditate on Matthew 1:18-25
A. Does anything stand out to you from this passage — if so — what? He will save His people from their sins Exactly what I need, a Savior
B. Several of you mentioned Joseph when I asked you last week to name a good father in Scripture. How do you think the name “Emmanuel” calmed him down in his hard circumstances? I think God wouldn’t have put Jesus in this man s care unless he was a good man and a man who was aware of the coming Messiah. Something jumped inside his spirit and when he talked with Mary they both understood their honor and responsibility concerning the baby
C. How can this name give you peace in what you face today? What a wonderful thing to remember God with us. It’s so wonderful to hear all the Christmas songs and the peace and joy that Christ has brought to the world. In Him is no darkness at all.
6. Listen to the above and then meditate on Matthew 1:18-25
A. Does anything stand out to you from this passage — if so — what? That Joseph even knew for sure that it was God speaking to him. He had a dream, not a visit from an angel like Mary or Abraham. He had no physical experience yet he believed without even consulting the religious leaders to see what their interpretation of the dream was. Is it coincidental that he shared a name with Joseph of the Old Testament to whom God gave the gift of interpreting dreams?
B. Several of you mentioned Joseph when I asked you last week to name a good father in Scripture. How do you think the name “Emmanuel” calmed him down in his hard circumstances? Because he truly believed that God was with them, he experienced the peace that was spoken of in Isaiah 26:3 and Philippians 4:7.
C. How can this name give you peace in what you face today? This really helped me yesterday, I couldn’t sleep and was anxious thinking about all of the things that I still “have” to do before my family’s Christmas party on the 23rd (my only day off this week). After doing the study yesterday, I seriously began thinking about what was said in the introduction and came to the decision that I’m going to focus on and celebrate Jesus’ birth in my heart and mind. Whatever gets done, gets done and if I fail this year to live up to anyone’s expectations I pray that it isn’t the one thing that they remember about me. It’s hard because I don’t want to seem lazy or uncaring about the effort that other people put into making the holidays memorable.
Dawn, with all you have put into the family’s get-together, I pray you will be blessed by the encouragement you will receive from God’s Word of a job well done. And hopefully, from your own family.
Dawn, Asking God to bless you and your Christmas gathering. Someone told me one time that “Expectations are planned disappointments.” Let go of your expectations for being responsible for making other’s holiday memorable. Let Jesus make it memorable for you. Your heart is in the right place as you celebrate Jesus’s birth in your heart and mind. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Dawn! I pray your family (and you) are blessed 🙏♥️
I pray that you sense the Lord’s peace with you as you plan your family party. I join the other ladies in praying for you to be in perfect peace. You are honoring Jesus and that is what is is all about. How I pray that He will make this a sweet family time of making many memories.
Love that dream connection with the Josephs, Dawn!
Wednesday: Emmanuel
6. Listen to the above and then meditate on Matthew 1:18-25
A. Does anything stand out to you from this passage — if so — what?
Yes, Joseph was obedient to what he was asked to do (take Mary as his wife even though she was pregnant) even when he probably had to deal with his confusion about their situation. That he did not consummate the marriage after Mary gave birth to Jesus and have other children with her. To have always been in the background. He emptied himself of what a man should be during that time and cultural expectations and led to a quiet life. If a secular book was written of the birth of Jesus, Mary would have been given the spotlight and Joseph, none, the most perhaps, an afterthought. This made me think of the people mentioned in our study with Paige on Isaiah and Elijah. They were not even given names! But they mattered. Joseph mattered to God as much as Mary did. And I matter to God even though my name may go to oblivion once I am gone from this earth.
B. Several of you mentioned Joseph when I asked you last week to name a good father in Scripture. How do you think the name “Emmanuel” calmed him down in his hard circumstances?
That even though he must not have quite understood what is going on, Joseph believed that God will be always with him through questioning looks, both sets of parents wondering, his reputation and Mary’s, and later raising Jesus, the Son of God, and his own Savior. I got to thinking, too that Joseph died before Jesus’ ministry. How hard that must have been to leave Mary, but his “Emmanuel” must have been his constant stay and peace. I love Michael Card’s song, Joseph’s song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qKzgzO8ua4
How could it beThis baby in my armsSleeping now, so peacefullyThe Son of God, the angel saidHow could it be?Lord, I know He’s not my ownNot of my flesh, not of my boneStill Father let this baby beThe son of my love
Father show me where I fitInto this plan of yoursHow can a man be fatherTo the Son of GodLord, for all my lifeI’ve been a simple carpenterHow can I raise a king?How can I raise a king?He looks so smallHis face and hands so fairAnd when He criesThe sun just seems to disappearAnd when He laughs it shines againHow could it be?
C. How can this name give you peace in what you face today?
Isaiah 26:3 comes to mind. The One, who is with me, is the Prince of Peace.
You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both [inclination and character],Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. AMPLIFIED Bible
Thanks for the reminder of Isaiah 26:3…one of my favorites❤️
Love the Michael Card song. It is amazing to observe and think about humanity (Joseph & Mary) all tied up in the life of the Son of God who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace. Son of God and Son of man.
Your name and my name may go into oblivion after we die where this world is concerned. But we don’t want anyone to remember us anyway, just Jesus. And most importantly our names are written in the Lamb’s book of Life for eternity.
Oh, Bev! I love this! He is our All! Your name and my name may go into oblivion after we die where this world is concerned. But we don’t want anyone to remember us anyway, just Jesus. And most importantly our names are written in the Lamb’s book of Life for eternity.
Oh, Bing! Thank you for sharing this link. The Michael Card song and the illustrations are such beautiful reminders of all that Joseph did, though he gets little attention. God gave Joseph a great responsibility and he fulfilled his role of earthly father so well, with no expressions of praise necessary.
Wednesday: Emmanuel
6. Listen to the above and then meditate on Matthew 1:18-25
A. Does anything stand out to you from this passage — if so — what?
—One of the things for me that stood out was the character of Joseph. God didn’t just choose Mary to be the earthly physical mother of Jesus but he also chose Joseph to be the physically present father to Jesus. Mary wasn’t a random choice and neither was Joseph. When the Angel spoke to Joseph he called him son of David which was a reminder of his linage. He was a direct descendant of King David. And the promise of the coming Messiah was to be from the line of David. Joseph believed what the Angel told him and demonstrated a humble obedience to God.
B. Several of you mentioned Joseph when I asked you last week to name a good father in Scripture. How do you think the name “Emmanuel” calmed him down in his hard circumstances?
—It had to become apparent to Joseph that God was doing something amazing in Mary’s life and his own by sending an Angel to calm his fears and give him clear instruction and it was based on the Word of God. I’m sure Joseph was familiar with the prophecy from Isaiah as stated in verse 23. To see it being fulfilled personally had to have had a powerful affect on his life. He was experiencing God with him and what comfort comes to our lives when we realize God is actually with us in an up close and personal way.
C. How can this name give you peace in what you face today?
—It is only in the name of Jesus and the recognition of his presence in my life that gives any measure of real peace to my heart. As I read the comments on this blog and hear the hearts of women here struggling to experience God’s peace oh how we need Jesus with us. Emmanuel.
I was awake in the night last night for quite a while very troubled in my spirit. I was angry over a troubling situation in our family that happened a few weeks ago at the wedding reception of our granddaughter. Actions that were the result of blatant sin had greatly marred the whole event. We had dinner with my husband’s brother last night and I heard even more details that stirred me up. I had tried hard to put the whole situation behind me.
I lay awake struggling emotionally and trying to find peace and comfort from the Lord. As I worked to shift my focus back on to Jesus he eventually brought peace and sleep back to me. I am grateful for his comfort.
How good He brought peace to your troubled heart.
Wednesday
6. Listen to the above and then meditate on Matthew 1:18-25
A. Does anything stand out to you from this passage — if so — what?
Two things stood out to me. In verse 19 it says Joseph was a just man. The Greek word for “just” is dikaios, which means “righteous, observing divine laws. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says, “it was not consistent with Joseph’s uprightness to expose his betrothed to public reproach.” That tells me a lot about the character of Joseph.
‘The other thing is verse 22. “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet Isaiah. Verse 23 tells us what what was spoken in Isaiah 7:14. I wonder if Joseph knew of this prophecy and through the reminder of the angel he was obedient in taking Mary as his wife? All speculation, but it shows me that God knew Joseph’s heart…he just needed a nudge that came through a dream.
B. Several of you mentioned Joseph when I asked you last week to name a good father in Scripture. How do you think the name “Emmanuel” calmed him down in his hard circumstances?
I was just thinking it had been 400 years since the Jews had heard from the Lord and to now hear that He was gong to be with them had to be encouraging to Joseph. He put his faith in the fact that God had his back and everything would work out according to His purpose.
C. How can this name give you peace in what you face today?
He is alway with me!
Sharon, Thank you for sharing that info what “just” meant. I wondered as I read it but didn’t take time to look it up. You graciously did the footwork for context and I appreciate that.
Sharon, thanks for sharing what you observed and learned about Joseph’s character.
Amen to Bev and Susan. Thank you for sharing this. It is so helpful.
Good thoughts on Joseph, Sharon. I hope you will be with us when we move into James. Nancy Guthrie does a great job of looking at the parents of James and explaining how it shaped him — why James was so concerned about both justice and mercy!
Dee, I was so excited to get the email from Paige that she was doing James…a book that I studied in depth after we lost our son and it encouraged me so much that a few years later I hid this book in my heart. Looking forward to continued growth from Paige’s teaching of this book and your challenging and insightful questions to go along with it. 😊
6. Listen to the above and then meditate on Matthew 1:18-25
A. Does anything stand out to you from this passage — if so — what? Yes, Joseph’s response to Mary’s un-planned pregnancy and his reaction to the dream where the angel of the Lord spoke to him. I don’t know many men who would have responded in obedience to a dream…he must have loved Mary very much( to marry her eventhough she was with child) and the Lord (to leave Mary as a virgin until after Jesus’ birth).
B. Several of you mentioned Joseph when I asked you last week to name a good father in Scripture. How do you think the name “Emmanuel” calmed him down in his hard circumstances? He must have had great faith in the prophecy from Isaiah and trust in the Lord to protect them. The Jewish people had been waiting a long, long time for the Messiah, the Chosen One, God with us. The world was ripe for Emmanuel!
C. How can this name give you peace in what you face today? I have encountered God’s presence most of my life, way before I surrendereď to Him, I knew He sought me. He has lived inside my heart for many years now and walks with me through the hills and valleys of time. I know He is always with me, even today as I made toffee and biscotti for gifts to family. I prayed for those I made it for and I know God is answering my prayers. So, YES! Emmanuel gives me Peace!
7. What names of Jesus in O Come O Come Emmanuel particularly comfort you? Why? I never knew the lyrics to this song other than “O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel” and “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel”. After watching the video, I googled the lyrics so that I could read them again and think about it a bit more. I was surprised to see that the lyrics in the video were not the same as any of the versions that I saw. The name Emmanuel brings me comfort because God with us embodies everything that Jesus was and every name that has been given to him.
My understanding is that because this is such an ancient song, there are many many verses that have come down through the centuries!
6. Listen to the above and then meditate on Matthew 1:18-25
A. Does anything stand out to you from this passage — if so — what?
Joseph must have had fear of public contempt. He contemplated sending Mary away in secret, so that no public judgment of her would take place. An earthly response. When he merely considered this (perhaps only in his mind and not his words?), an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. After the message from the angel, Joseph released his fears and he was obedient to God. A heavenly response of trusting God and obeying. Joseph perhaps then realized that he was also part of God’s miraculous plan~ that this was the biggest miracle ever, fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and not a random happening.
B. Several of you mentioned Joseph when I asked you last week to name a good father in Scripture. How do you think the name “Emmanuel” calmed him down in his hard circumstances?
He realized that he had a part in the fulfillment of the long awaited prophecy. Emmanuel=God with us.
C. How can this name give you peace in what you face today? I drawn peace from the scriptures and how they come to us daily as He is present in my struggles and my joys.
God with us. He knows our hearts and our needs. He sent the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:20 “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” John 14:16-17 ” And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Helper, that He may abide with you for ever; that is the Spirit of of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”
7.What names of Jesus in O Come O Come Emmanuel particularly comfort you? Why?
I love that there are so many reference to Who God is in this hymn. He is in all parts of our lives and the world. Son of God: Jesus; Dayspring: Breaking light, Dawn; King of Nations: True Ruler of world; Comforter: we are In His hand ( Isaiah 41:10); High Priest: Our intercessor; The Word: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.(John 1:1) Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
Thank you dear Dee for this year of amazing studies. You have poured your heart into all of our lives through your meaningful studies. I so appreciate the many hours of prayer, research and study you have done to create this wonderful blog and this beautiful community of believers and seekers. How I thank God for you and I pray that He will continue to keep you in His care, give you encouragement in all that you do and inspire you in His Word. You are so loved and appreciated by all of us. May the Lord bless you and be with you and hold you in the palm of His mighty hand. I love you, Patti
I agree 100% with what Patti wrote.
These studies, the personal interactions, love and prayers from my sisters here have been a lifeline for me.
Patti — you have been such a wonderful addition to this fellowship. I know everyone would say AMEN!
I have been so blessed by you, dear Dee and each of you amazing and thoughtful women. I see the Lord working so beautifully in and through each of your lives.
AMEN!
7. What names of Jesus in O Come O Come Emmanuel particularly comfort you? Why? Prince of Peace. Jesus provides peace with God and peace today and my peace forever. What a loving Savior
Thursday: O Come O Come Emmanuel
7. What names of Jesus in O Come O Come Emmanuel particularly comfort you? Why?
—I would say the two that are sang together. Jesus is our comforter and guide. Nothing or no one else can bring a lasting comfort to our lives. We all want and seek for comfort in other ways and other places than Jesus. I know it is my nature to want a comfortable life not only physically but emotionally as well. I want to be healthy and I just want to get along without any strife or struggle in my relationships. But this life is not so. We live in a troubled world so where is the only place to find comfort in my heart and mind? Only Jesus brings any measure of comfort to me and so I am called to come sit at his feet and communicate with Him and rest in his love. And when I do that He guides me into right thinking and right decisions for my life. Without Jesus I flounder resorting to my own ways. I am so grateful he is always ready and willing to meet my needs and fill me with himself by the power of the Holy Spirit. Nothing satisfies my soul like Jesus.
2. Comment on his thoughts expressed before he sang or the song.
I also love Rich Mullins because he was so honest about his life and struggles. He didn’t wear a mask. Things that stood out to me from his interview:
You think you’re growing as a Christian and all of a sudden you’re in a situation where you go “I am just as susceptible as I was when I was 16 to a lot of things, and we can be really hard on ourselves about that.
This guy leans over and says “Excuse me, but are you Rich Mullins?” And so I had to think back over our conversation to see if I was or not, and decided that I must be; whether or not I like who I am…that is who I am.
There are people who look for excuses to condemn you, to say bad things about you, but God doesn’t look for those kinds of excuses.
I think I would rather live on the verge of falling and let my security be in the all sufficient grace of God….than to live in some kind of illusion of moral excellence.
My faith is in the idea that God, in His love, is greater than whatever sins any of us could commit.
What struck me about the second point (are you Rich Mullins) reminds me of God’s question to Jacob, “What is your name?” Once upon a time, Jacob lied about his name and his identity. In asking for his name, I wonder if Jacob had a moment where his past flashed before him and he had to decide how to answer that question, because to say “Jacob” was to, in a way, own up to his past and his sin when he deceived his father, Isaac.
3. Meditate on Psalm 46 and share anything that becomes radioactive.
The first few verses are a contrast, with the opening verses calling to mind chaos all around, tumult, upheaval, unrest, and then the next few lines describing an inner calm and peace right in the midst of the storm. We always have access to that inner stream of living water.
Always love your comments, Susan. Hoping you will comment on the video I show on Christmas. Made me think of your husband and how Glen Scrivener talks about aiming for the heart in evangelism.
4. How can you use the truth of this song to speak to your soul in whatever hard things you are facing or that our world is facing?
This song makes me think that I can choose to be part of the solution or part of the problem. I can do things to contribute to ill-will and hatred, or I can choose to bring the peace of God that I carry within me to those around me.
5. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7 and use it as a springboard for prayer.
Lord, help me to choose to pray instead of being anxious. Help me to keep an attitude of thanksgiving in my heart instead of entitlement or fear of not getting my needs met or complaining about things being unfair. Thank You for offering to give me your peace to carry me through each day and through all the situations that come my way.
Such a beautiful prayer, Susan. I need to pray this right now.
7. What names of Jesus in O Come O Come Emmanuel particularly comfort you? Why?
Names mentioned were Son of God, Dayspring from on high, True Prophet of the Lord, Great High Priest, King of all nations, and Prince of peace.
I love them all as they speak of Jesus’ magnificence, but the name Prince of Peace speaks the most to me. In this world of many troubles of what, when, where, and why but there is one constant, never changing WHO -Jesus, my peace.
These words from the 3rd-5th verses by Cook and Kauflin spoke to me as well.
Rejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall by His word our darkness dispel
Rejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelHas banished every fear of hell
Rejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come again with us to dwell
The first one is His saving work for my past, the second one is His promise for the dailies (no more condemnation), and the third one, is a promise for the future. Thank you, Jesus.
Yes Thank you Jesus!
7. What names of Jesus in O Come O Come Emmanuel particularly comfort you? Why?
What a beautiful rendition of one of my favorite Christmas songs! The name “Dayspring” has always stood out to me, one day “Dayspring” will come and Eternity will dawn forever! He is the Light of the world, in him there is no darkness! All evil will be gone, no more pain, sickness or death. I can see that bright morning approaching, just over the hilltop, suddenly it will be here and forever. I Praise you Jesus, my Prince of Peace.
Love those thoughts on Dayspring. Some translations say Sunrise — I like that too.
This is so true and lovely, Lydia. I Praise you Jesus, my Prince of Peace.
Beautifully said Lydia.
Lydia, I love what you said about the title “Dayspring” -“that bright morning approaching…suddenly it will be here and forever”. Makes me think of the song, “No more night”.
Amen Bing! I love that song!
7. What names of Jesus in O Come O Come Emmanuel particularly comfort you? Why?
I connected with these two verses:
[Verse 5]O come, Thou Key of David, comeAnd open wide our heavenly homeMake safe the way that leads on highAnd close the path to misery
and,
[Verse 7]O come, desire of nations, bindIn one the hearts of all mankindBid Thou our sad divisions ceaseAnd be Thyself our King of peace
Verse 5 reminds me that I have a place with Jesus in heaven. That is a comfort.
Verse 7 laments that the world be more one with God. It reminds me that He is the prince of peace. How cool it would be to see the entire world married with Him.
Thursday
7. What names of Jesus in O Come O Come Emmanuel particularly comfort you? Why?
Prince of Peace, which reminds me that only He can give me peace. It’s doesn’t come from a feeling I rummage up within myself or circumstances but only from Him in my life. I praise You Lord for being my Prince of Peace!
Amen, Sharon. “only He can give me peace”
Friday: Unto Us A Child Is Born.
8. Meditate on Isaiah 9:6-7 (and Let Handel’s music fill your heart)
—What a wonderful way to start my morning listening to some of Handel’s “Messiah”. I had just read from my advent reading by Paul David Tripp how the angels sang when Jesus came and how mankind can’t help but sing as well. Tripp commented “People from every place, of every race, and of every ethnicity sing. If you listen carefully, you will notice that we tend to sing about what has captured our hearts.”
Singing is a natural outflow of the heart. At the end of his comments he listed the words of a number of the old carols. Reading their words highlights again the amazing and wonderful message of Christmas which is summed up in the answer to this first question.
A. What did Isaiah prophesy about the first coming of Jesus that indeed “came down?”
—Verses 6 & 7 are key verses saying to us that “A child was born to us and a son was given to us.” We have clear accounts of Jesus’s birth in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. I read where there are 19 specific prophecies in Isaiah about the coming Messiah and there are corresponding verses in the New Testament to their fulfillment in Jesus.
I love the comment by Dee’s quiet friend at church on these verses which reminds us that in the faithfulness of God we have full assurance of the prophecies of Second Coming being fulfilled too.
B. What did he prophesy about the second coming?
—Specifically from these verses Jesus will be in absolute control of the government of this world when it is made new. He will be known by all the names listed as Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And in verse 7 the NLT version says “His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”
So the very real promise where we can place our hope is that last statement. The passionate commitment (zeal) of the Lord… will make it happen. What wonderful hope we are given in these hard times of life in a dark world of sin.
Earlier in verse 2 it says “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”
Isaiah 9:2 NLT Jesus is that Light!!
Jesus, You are Wonderful, my Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the One and only Prince of Peace! You alone are worthy of all praise and glory for coming to earth. For being born to us and given to us by God our Father. You came to die in our place for our sin and brought us salvation from our sin and have given us eternal life. Easter is coming with the Resurrection and we will again sing and celebrate that you were born. I thank and praise You that we can live in the very real hope of what you have prophesied and promised to do.
Someday You will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of David for all eternity and you will make it happen. Nothing will stop your zeal to do all of this. Oh how we love You!
I love what Tripp said about people sing about what has captured their heart. Tomorrow I’m posting a video from Glen Scrivener called “Meeting the Nativity.” He said to win people to Christ was must aim for the heart more than the mind. Would you mind giving me the reference for that quote from Tripp — might like to use it in my writing.
This is the full devotional thought by Tripp from the December 23rd reading from his Advent Devotional book called “ Come Let Us Adore Him” At the end of these thoughts he listed all the words to 6 of our most familiar Christmas carols.
“What better reason to sing than this: the Savior is born to live, die, and rise again to fix what sin had broken. The angels sang when Jesus came, but they’re not the only ones who sing; we human beings sing. We can’t stop singing. Children sing, and old men sing. People from every period of history sang. People from every place, of every race, and of every ethnicity sing. If you listen carefully, you will notice that we tend to sing about what has captured our hearts. We sing about what makes us sad. We sing about what makes us happy. We sing about people we love. We sing about our hopes and dreams. We sing about what’s important to us. We sing silly songs about what makes us laugh. We sing about what makes us angry. We sing songs of love, exhortation, comfort, and warning. There’s probably not a day in your life where you haven’t sung or haven’t heard a song. We sing; the question is, what song has your heart? Could there be any more important song than the song the angels sang of the birth of the One who came as the hope of humanity? The song of the angels should make your heart sing. And may the songs of Jesus written since then capture your heart not only during this Christmas season, but every day of your life. Let the words of these songs about the birth of Jesus sink into your heart in a new way today. And may they help your heart to find rest and satisfaction in the person, work, and presence of Jesus!”
Looking forward to tomorrows video.
8. Meditate on Isaiah 9:6-7 (and Let Handel’s music fill your heart)
A. What did Isaiah prophesy about the first coming of Jesus that indeed “came down?” A child, Jesus, has been born.
B. What did he prophesy about the second coming?
The government will be upon His shoulders and there will be no end.
C. Use this as a springboard for prayer.
Lord, you came as a helpless baby, humbling yourself by being dependent on Mary and Joseph for sustenance and care, living an obedient life through them to the Father. You came to your own but many did not receive you, you extended your saving grace to the Gentiles of the world and anyone who believes in you will have eternal life. You came with the purpose of dying for us and God the Father was pleased to give you the name that is above all names. One of these days, the government will be upon your shoulders and everything that speaks of injustice, hate, discord, and sorrow will be no more. You will rule in the new heaven and earth as our Wonderful Counselor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of peace. And of your kingdom, there will be no end.
“Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:7
“…and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:33
What a beautiful prayer, dear Bing. Amen.
8. Meditate on Isaiah 9:6-7 (and Let Handel’s music fill your heart)
A. What did Isaiah prophesy about the first coming of Jesus that indeed “came down?”
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us.” Jesus was born, He is a gift to us. He is the great light of verse 2. He came as a human being, yet He is God.
B. What did he prophesy about the second coming?
That He will return and rule ~ establish a government of peace, justice and righteousness forevermore. In Hidden Christmas by Tim Keller, he writes: “God may take His time, but He keeps His Word.” I cling to that truth!
C. Use this as a springboard for prayer.
Dear Lord, my mind is so drawn to earthly problems and desires. Forgive me that I so easily stray from keeping you at the center of my being. Help me to truly receive and accept the gift of Your Son this Christmas and every day to come. Give me the desire to focus completely on Jesus and the desire to serve Him above all else. Forgive my rabbit trails of thoughts bleeding into my needs, my disappointments and my wants, as I pray. Help me to love You and to desire Your will in my life, no matter the cost. Thank you for directing me in Your path and away from my own wanderings. I thank you that you came as Light into this world of darkness and freely gave Your own life, taking on all of my sin, on the cross. It is only through your Light and Love that I can truly admit my sinfulness and be saved by Your grace. How I look forward to Your return, when we will see you face to face.
Patti, your prayer is so heartfelt and honest! I prayed this for myself…thank you for sharing so deeply!
I too Thank you Patti for this beautiful prayer.
Your prayer could be mine, dear Patti. So true.
Patti–your prayer is beautiful. Praying these words with you.
Patti-I just copied your prayer and I am going to read it to my family at the table for Christmas..it’s such a beautiful plea to leave the cares of this world and focus on Him alone.
You heart shines of Him and you have been such a tremendous gift to me this year, so thankful for you~
8. Meditate on Isaiah 9:6-7 (and Let Handel’s music fill your heart)
The kids and I have listened to this piece of music already this year, so it was fun to play it again and talk about who Handel was and how he lived. We talked about the year he wrote The Messiah, his hairstyle, and way of life in those days. Very cool. They were surprised that back then there was no toilet paper! That was an interesting conversation 😉
A. What did Isaiah prophesy about the first coming of Jesus that indeed “came down?”
His government and peace were brought down from heaven.
B. What did he prophesy about the second coming?
That He would rule with fairness and justice for all eternity.
C. Use this as a springboard for prayer.
Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to earth when you did. Thank You, in advance, for coming again for us. Although it may be soon, and what I ultimately would like, I fear for my friends and relatives who have strayed or do not yet appreciate Your gift. Help my family members recognize their sins and repent. Help them realize they need You. Bring Your governing and peace, yes Lord, PEACE. Oh Lord, God with us, come. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Laura-what a beautiful prayer. “Help them realize they need You. Bring Your governing and peace, yes Lord, PEACE. Oh Lord, God with us, come” Amen