Friday, December 21, 2018

See The Glory

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…and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, John 1:14 (ESV)

John tells us the people saw the Glory of Jesus that could only come from God the Father.

I once heard a former teacher say, “We have precious things happen in our lives that we can’t explain. These are things from God. Once we can explain them, they no longer seem as precious.” I sometimes feel this way when I hear of stories of what God is doing in the lives of His children.

Do we see God’s glory in our world today? Of course, we do. When we see a newborn baby’s smile, when we see a sunrise or a sunset, we witness God’s glory in ways that are so marvelous we can only stop and look in wonder.

When we see God working in the lives of those around us, we witness a special view of His glory for His children.  

Some friends and I have what we call God moments in our lives. One year the VBS theme was nautical. The director called those moments “God sightings.” I am going to call those moments ‘Glory Sightings’ at least until the New Year begins.

I am taking a break to try to finish preparing our home for Christmas and with the hope of spending extra time with our son. I will return here on January 2, 2019. (That’s my plan.)



Wednesday, December 19, 2018

His Name

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…and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6b (ESV)

Isaiah gives us insight to some of the attributes of Jesus and roles He will have.

Wonderful Counselor

This child, Jesus would always be available to hear us. He would be (and is) always listening as we pour out our heart-breaking stories to Him. He also listens when we give praise for what He has done for us.

Mighty God

We recognize that Jesus came from God. We also have learned that when Jesus told the disciples that He would send a Helper to them when He would leave them. This Helper is the Holy Spirit.

Jesus and the Holy Spirit and God are equal. If you have a difficult time with this idea, think of an egg. We have the shell. Inside the shell, we have the egg white. Along with the egg white, we have the egg yolk. Three distinct substances yet all contained together.

Everlasting Father

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are eternal. They will never cease to be. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, is always present in our lives. Once we accept Him into our hearts, even when we have thoughts and actions that shut Him out, He is always with us. 

Prince of Peace

What is peace? Here are some thoughts on what it means.

•          Outward conditions of tranquility of individuals, of communities, of churches, and of nations.
•          Christian Unity
•          Restored relations of harmony with God. (1)

My thoughts on peace describe it as the absence of stress, worry, and conflict. Another thought of mine was the presence of contentment, joy, trust, and love.

How do you describe peace?
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1.)    The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary:  The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, © 1988, page 980

Monday, December 17, 2018

A Child is Born

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For unto us a child is born,
to us, a son is given
and the government shall be on his shoulder.
Isaiah 9:6a

Isaiah prophesied the birth of the Savior. What does he say in these words?

unto us
Can we imagine what the original hearers or readers thought when Isaiah communicated these words? “Why would God choose to share anything with us?” “Who are we to receive anything from God?” We now know that God chose to send us this gift because of His love for us.

a child is born,

God chose for a child, His child, to be born into our world. God had previously sent emissaries in the form of prophets to carry His message to the people. It was God’s desire that the people would receive this child, listen to His teachings, and live the life God intended for them. 

the government shall be on his shoulder.

This child was to be the source of all governments. It was God’s desire that all laws were to be based on God’s Word.

As we try to live for Jesus in our daily lives, do we understand the concept that all of our laws should have their basis in God’s word? Even our individual conduct should reflect God and His Word.


God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...