Bible Scripture Reading for Thursday 29 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 29 December 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "The Restoration of Peter"

Since we have finished the Book of John, I would just like to comment on "The Restoration of Peter" from Chapter 21.  It is interesting to note that in the Book of John, is the only Gospel account of Jesus restoring Peter to His ministry after his three denials (John 18:17, 25-27, 21:15-19). Only a short time before this dramatic encounter with the risen Lord, Peter had boldly announced that he would give his life for Jesus.  Jesus responded by informing Peter that he would actually deny Him three times that same night  (John 13:37-38).

Later that evening after Jesus had Peter that he would deny Him three times, Jesus was arrested. While He stood trail before the chief priest, Peter hid outside in the courtyard.  Three times Peter was recognized as one of Jesus followers; three times he denied knowing Jesus, thus fulfilling the words of Jesus.  Luke 22:62 tells us that when Peter realized what he had done, He went out and "wept bitterly."

Can you just imagine, Peters emotions during his encounter with the resurrected Savior by the Sea of Tiberius.  He was in no doubt overjoyed to see the risen Lord.  But he was also ashamed and embarrassed about his desertion and denied of Jesus in His hour of greatest need.

Here by the Sea of Tiberius Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him.  Three times He asked just as Peter had denied Him three times.  The first two times, Christ used the Greek word "agapao", signifying a love commitment, a love of the will.  Peter responded with the Greek word, "phileo", indicting Peter's strong emotions for the Lord.  This word expresses warmth, fondness and friendship.

The Lord, when Peter acknowledged that he loved Him, gave him the task of feeding His lambs and taking care of His sheep.  Expressing our love for Christ means that we have a duty to do the work of God and to be faithful.  During the ministry of Christ here on this earth, Peter at times had difficulty with faithfulness.  Since Jesus was getting ready to ascend back to His Heavenly Father, He wanted to get a commitment from Him.

Please note that the third time that Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him our Lord used the word, "phileo," indicating a strong friendship.  Christ had taught that a friend who loves will lay down his life for a friend.  Peter had denied Christ three times.  So with Peter's final response to the question of "Do you love me?" from the Lord, he says, "You know that I love You," the Lord had drawn a commitment from Peter and assured the other disciples of the bond between Himself and Peter.  Jesus here in this exchange, demonstrated His COMPLETE FORGIVENESS of Peter thus showing us a Christians that just as Christ forgave we also should forgive those who do us wrong.  The Lord restored Peter to a position of leadership in the ongoing ministry of the gospel.

Today's Hymn: "Grace Greater Than Our Sin"

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt
Yonder on Calvary's mount out poured, There where the blood of the lamb was spilled
Grace, Grace, God's Grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, Grace, God's Grace, Grace that is greater than all our sins

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Holy Spirit, how thankful we are that when we confess our sins to you, that You are faithful to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us of All our unrighteousness.  May we as your servants go out into this dying and sinful world and proclaim the Good News of the Free Gift of Salvation that we have because of the the shed blood and resurrection from the grave of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Help us Lord to forgive those that have done us wrong just as you forgave us of our sins.  Thank You Jesus for Your Love, Mercy, and Grace. Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "May we as Christians in unseen faith say, "My Lord and my God as we place our complete Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for the God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual Dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but with God; for with God all things are possible." Mark 10:27

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for Wednesday 28 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 28 December 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Love, Expressed In Caring"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 21:1-25
Today's Key Verse: John 20:18 "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish."

Today our Blog on the Book of John will reach its climax as we come to the final chapter of this eyewitness account from John whom the Lord loved. John in this final chapter cannot help but go back and bring back some of the post-resurrection times Jesus spend with His disciples.

In verse 3 we see that Peter has decided to go back to his old trade of fishing.  He may have done this because He was restless or a feeling that he needed to support his family.  You will note that when Peter told the others that he was going fishing that they wanted to go with him. This reminds us that Peter really is the laeder of the disciples. 

The fishing trip was an exercise in futility.  They caught no fish.  We see that Jesus is at the shore and they don't recognized Him.  He tells them to cast out there nets one more time and when they did they caught so much fish that they could hardly pull it in.  John tells Peter that it is the Lord and Peter jumps into the sea and swims ashore to get to Jesus.

We as Christians need to realize that as we follow Jesus we cannot and will not want to go back to our old way of life.  Jesus calls us to something fresh and new.  We will find no real satisfaction except in doing His will.

Peter must have felt as we do when we fail the Lord: eager for acceptance, yet uncertain and ashamed.  We as Christians need to follow Peters example.  Peter was so eager to see Jesus again that he jumped out of the boat and swam ashore.  There he rushed to bring fish to Jesus when He asked for them. 

In verses 15-17, Jesus gently confronts Peter and asks, "Do you love Me?" three times-- once for each of Peter's eariler denials.  This discussion was probably conducted with hearing of the other six disciples.  Peter had publicly professed his loyalty before the Crucifixion and Jesus wants the othe disciples to understand Peter's restoration.  Jesus uses his old name "Simon," not "Rock," his new spiritual name.

"Tend" in verse 16 means to shepherd.  Lambs need to be fed, sheep need to be guided.  Peter was called to care for diverse people in different ways, just as Christ had done with the disciples.

Twenty five times in the Gospel of John Jesus uses the expression Verily, verily (KJV) to introduce a concept the hearer might have difficulty believing.  This intensive expression emphasized that what was stated was true because God is True.  Jesus in verse 18 predicts the manner of Peter's death.  Tradition tells us that Peter was crucified upside down, for he did not feel worthy to die as the Lord had.

In verse 21 Peter says to Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?" (refering to John).  Jesus rebuked Peter for asking about John's calling.  Jesus tell Peter that he should be concerned with following God's will himself and nor worrying about God's Will for others.  There was an important principle here.  We as Christians need to concentrate on folllowing where Jesus leads them.  The church is not a hierarchy, with overseers telling others what God's Will is for them.  The church is an organism and each Believer is directly connected with Jesus Christ, the church's living head.  We each are to love and follow Him--and let others follow wheer they are led.

John closes his Gospel on a nore of regret because there is so much more He could share about Jesus, but there would not be enough books published in the whole world to record His Works and Words. 

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, don't let sin drive you from the Lord.  Hurry back to Him and show your love by ready obedience.

(This closes our Blog Study on the Book of John.  Beginning on Monday 2 January 2012, we will head back into the Old Testament and go into the Book of Isaiah.  Thursday's Blog will be more on the "Restoration Of Peter," and Friday will be a writing from Philippians 4:8-9.) 

Today's Hymn: "One Day"

One Day when Heaven ws filled with His praises, One day when sin was a black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin, Dwell among menm my example is He
One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain, One day they nailed Him to die on the tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected, bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!
One day they left Him alone in the garden, One day He rested from suffering free
Angels came down over His tomb to keep vigil; Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He
One day the grave could not conceal Him no longer One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered,  Now is ascended, my Lord evermore
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming, One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing; Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!
(Refrain)
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me; Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever; One day He's coming-O glorious day!

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit how we praise You as our everlasting God.  Thank You for the strength and hope that you give to those that have put there faith ad trust in You. Help us Lord, as we serve You, to run and not be weary, to walk and not faint.  May we keep our hearts and eyes fixed upon You and may we always pray our prayers in accordance with Your perfect Will.                                               Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "The strength of believers, who are nourished by God, is compared to the strength of an egale."

Click on the Link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Scripture Reading from Romans 8:22-25."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters that are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T,"  GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy." Psalm 147:11

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi





 

Bible Scripture Reading for Tuesday 27 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 27 December 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "The Evidence Is In"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 20:1-31
Today's Key Verse: John 20:30-31 "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this Book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."

Several different followers went to the grave of Jesus and discovered the empty tomb on the first day of the new week. From the very beginning the church has set aside Sunday, the first day of the week, and commemorated, the resurrection of Jesus.  While it was still dark, Mary Magdalene arrived ahead of the other women.  Mary Magdalene, out of whom Jesus had cast out seven demons, was the last at the cross and the first at the grace.

Jesus upon His resurrection had passed through the linen strips.  The linen strips that they had wrapped Jesus in when they buried Him were still laying in the EMPTY tomb.  No one who would have come to steal the body would have taken the time to unwrap it and leave it behind.  The handkerchief around Christ's head had been folded and laid aside.  This would indicate that Jesus did not rush out of the tomb, but took the time to leave His grave clothes neatly folded.

The other disciple in verse 8 is believed to have been John and when he saw the empty tomb and the grave clothes believed that Christ has raised from the dead.  Mary Magdalene in verses 10-16 was the first to see Jesus after His resurrection.  She did not recognize the person she was talking to was the Lord and her first reaction to Him was, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away?" Then Jesus said to her, "Mary," and she said to Him, "Teacher."  Mary then clings to Christ as if she would never let Him go.  Jesus tells her that He could not stay because he had to ascend to His Father.

Jesus then tells her, "I am ascending to my Father and my Father, to my God and to your God." In verse 17 you will note that before His death, Jesus always spoke of my Father.  In this post resurrection message to Mary it is the first time that He adds "And your Father."  Only by His death and resurrection could Jesus bring those who believed in Him  into God's Family.

In verse 22 it says, "And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit."  The ministry to which Jesus called the disciples required spiritual power.  Jesus here in this verse breathe the Spirit into the disciples. At Pentecost the Spirit unified the believers into one body and empowered then to testify of Jesus.  The reception of the Spirit here was like the breath of life that God breathed into Adam.  Yet the gift here was not a human spirit, but the Spirit of the Living God.

In verse 23 when Jesus says, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven," but the apostles did not take these words of Jesus to mean that they had power to forgive sins.  Neither the apostles nor the church had the power to forgive specific sins or prevent forgiveness for any individual.  Jesus was speaking of the responsibility of the church to declare the gospel to all the world, so that those who believe in Jesus can find the precious gift of forgiveness.

The story of Thomas serves as a climax to the theme of John's Gospel.  Thomas struggled with unbelief and doubt and insisted on the most unmistakable proofs.  His phrase in verse 25, "Unless I see the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe," rightly shift the issue of belief and unbelief from the intellect to the will.  Yet when confronted by Jesus he recognized Him, fell on his knees and believed.  We as Christians can other present Jesus to others as clearly as possible.  When they recognize Him they will either choose to believe, or choose not to believe.

At the close of this Chapter, John states the purpose of this Book.  His purpose was to convince his readers that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah who fulfilled God's promises to Israel. Jesus is the Son of God. God in the flesh.  That by believing these things, a person obtains eternal life.

Today's Hymn: "Amazing Grace" (Chris Tomlin)

Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind but now I see
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed
My chain are gone, I've been set free, My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood, His mercy reigns.  Unending love, Amazing Grace
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures,
He will be my shield and my portion be, as long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine
But God, who called me here below, Will be forever mine, Will be forever mine
You are forever mine.

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how wonderful is truly is to receive your Amazing Grace.  How thankful Jesus, we are to You, that you paid our death penalty when you died and shed your blood upon the Cross of Calvary and took our sins upon Yourself.  Help us Lord to keep our faith strong and to keep our eyes fixed upon Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary.
                                                                                                                                                Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "The cosmic and earthly chaos are indications that the decisive and consummate rule of God is approaching."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Acts 1:9-11.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Blessing on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers, "BUT I CAN.".

"By humility and fear of the Lord, Are riches and honor and life." Proverbs 22:4

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Redaing for Sunday 25 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 25 December 2011"

"MERRY CHRISTMAS" and "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS'

Today Bible Verses:

Matthew 1:21-23 "She will give birth to a son, and you are to five to Him the Name of Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord and said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they shall call Him Immanuel-- which means, "God with us."

Luke 1:6-14 "So it was while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.  And she brought forth her first born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a mange, because there was no room for them in the inn.  Now there in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, and angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the City of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"   

The Main characters in Matthew and in Luke in the Christmas Story are Joseph, Mary and the Baby Jesus, and without the birth of Jesus we would have no Christmas Story.

Joseph: the husband of Mary, was legally but not physically the father of Jesus.  Though a carpenter in Nazareth,  he was a legal heir of King David. He was a just and God fearing man who faithfully carried out God's command regarding Mary and the birth of Jesus. Joseph must have felt betrayed when Mary was discovered to be pregnant.   Even Even so, he was willing to protect her by arranging a private divorce.  Matthew 1:19 calls Joseph a just man and reminds us that righteousness is not a stern insistence on the letter of the law, but is incorporated in mercy and compassion.  Joseph is mentions in Scriptures only in the Gospels and only in relation to Christ's childhood.  The silence of the Scriptures on Joseph would suggest that perhaps Joseph died before the time of Christ's ministry.

Mary: the mother of Jesus was godly young women, but bot without sin, either original or actual sin, since she herself refers to her need of a Savior. Luke 1:46-56, records Mary's magnificent prophetic poem.  Mary undoubtedly thought deeply on the visits to her, and may have composed her poem over a period of weeks, guided by the Spirit who spoke through her.   She was betrothed ( a Jewish custom legally equivalent to marriage), to Joseph of Nazareth. During this time the Holy Spirit supernaturally causes her to conceive Jesus apart from any human fatherhood, and she remained a virgin until after the birth of Jesus.  Mary probably grew up in Nazareth.  Following her formal marriage to Joesph and the birth of Jesus she lived in Bethlehem for about two years, spent a short time in Egypt and then raised her family in Nazareth.  Except for the birth narratives and a few times in the Gospels, Mary is seldom mentioned.  She mentioned shortly before the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 1:14.    

Jesus: whose name means Immanuel "God Will Us." Jesus whose birth creates praise among the angels whom appeared to the shepherds and proclaimed the Good News that would bring good tidings of great joy, that a Savior was born which was "Christ the Lord."  Why was this announcement made to Shepherds in the fields? Perhaps because shepherds were of a very low social status.  How appropriate to announce the Good News to ordinary folks rather than to the rich and famous. Jesus who was God's Son and His "gift" to us, was born in a manger, in a stable or a cave.   His birth was announced to the shepherds by angels and "His Star" allowed 
wise men to come and worship Him and present Him with gold, frankincense and myrrh.

May we a Christians on this Christmas Day realize that Christmas isn't about giving and receiving gifts.  Its all about the free gift of God that He gave us at the birth of His Son Jesus Christ.  May we always remember that the reason that we have Christmas is because of Christ.  If you take Christ out of Christmas you have mas which a is nothing word unless Christ is added with the word mas.  In this day and age, people say "Merry Xmas," and "Happy Holidays."  We as Christians who believe in "Christ", need not care who feelings may get hurt  by saying, "Merry Christmas," because if it weren't for the Birth of Christ there  would be "NO HAPPY HOLIDAYS," because of the eternal death we would face without CHRIST and His SALVATION.  Because of His Birth, and because His Death and Resurrection, we now have HOPE through Jesus that began on that glories night when the Light of the world came to us in the darkness of night.



Jesus: "The Lord Saves
Immanuel: "God Is with Us"

Strive to remain conscious of God's Presence, even in your busiest moments.  Take the time to talk to God about whatever delights, you whatever upsets you, and whatever is on your mind. When we as God's Children, take these tiny steps of daily discipline, taken one after the other, it will keep us close to God on the path of life that leads to His throne.

May God's richest Blessings be we with you and your families on this CHRISTMAS DAY, as we joyfully Celebrate the wonderful Birth of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Light of the World and our Redeeming Savior.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi 

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 23 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 23 December 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "The Life of Jesus Was Given, Not Taken"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 19:1-42
Today's Key Verse: John 19:30 "So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit."

As chapter 19 opens we see that Pilate has Jesus scourged.  Scourging was part of a capital sentence. But in the case of Jesus it was inflicted prior to His formal judgment.  This scourging consisted of a whip, split into several strips, into which sharp bones were embedded so as to cut flesh.  The crown of thorns, the purple robe, and the mocking "Hail, King of the Jews", were used to ridicule his claim to be a king.  When the soldiers hit Him in the face and body it was probably with their fists.

Pilate had Jesus scourged hoping that when he brought Him back in front of the Jewish people with His back bleeding and tore apart, blood running down His face from the crown of thorns and the striking that He had received on His face body that the people would have compassion on Him and want Him released.

The Jewish leaders anticipated an outburst of pity and as soon as Jesus was brought back out by Pilate they began demanding the death of Jesus by yelling out, "Crucify Him, Crucify Him!" Pilate again tells the crowd that He can find NO FAULT in Him.  Three times Pilate had publicly pronounced Jesus innocent.  If he had wanted to know the truth, he would have believed what Jesus had already told him.

Pilate brings Jesus back inside and asks him some questions which Jesus did not answer.  He then says to Jesus,  "Do you not know that I have the power to crucify You or release You?"  Jesus acknowledges to Pilate that he has the power to take His life, but only because God allowed him to have that power.

Pilate stilled wanted to release Jesus so the Jews shifted their focus from a religious charge to a political one.  This new plea now forced Pilate to choose between yielding to n indefinite sense of right or escaping the danger of  an accusation at Rome.  Pilate knowing that he was handing over an innocent man to be put to death caved in and handed Jesus over to the Jewish leaders to be Crucified.

After the scourging, beating on and blood lost, Jesus was forced to carry His cross as was the custom, to the place of the skull or Golgotha.  Jesus was crucified with two robbers on each side of Him.  When Pilate had a title that was written and placed at the top of the cross of Jesus that said, "JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS" the Jewish leaders complained to Pilate but he told them, "What I have written, I have written." 

Four women attended the crucifixion, and they remained while the disciples flee except for John who returned.  Several of the women mentioned here in verse 25 had accompanied Jesus and His disciples, taking care of their daily needs.  In verse 27 Jesus places the care of His mother into the hands of John. 

In verse 28 Jesus says, "I thirst."  When Jesus has received the sour wine from the sponge that was attached to a hyssop stick, he did take a sip because one of the agonies of crucifixion was incredible thirst which added to the terrible pain.  When the sour wine touched His lips Jesus said, "It is finished", and bowing His head He gave up His spirit."

The soldiers broke the legs of the two thieves but when they came to Jesus they saw that He was already dead yet one other soldiers pierced His side with a spear and only blood and water came out indicating that Jesus was already dead, because only blood would have flowed from a living body.

In verse 38-42 we see that Joseph of Arimathea come to Pilate and asks permission to take the body of Jesus for burial.  Joseph along with Nicodemus buy 100 pounds of of spices that was intended to cover the entire body of Jesus, a common burial custom.  Jesus at the close of Chapter 19 is buried in the tomb of Joseph which had not been used.  This too was a prophecy: "The Messiah would be buried in a rich man's grave." Isaiah 53:9. 

 Due to the length of today's writing there will be no hymn today.

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit today read from John's eye witness account of the crucifixion of Christ we all need to realize that not only were the Jewish people responsible for the death of Jesus but so were we the Gentiles.  Pilate as we saw today had 3 opportunities to release Jesus knowing that He was innocent but would not because he feared of an uprising.  As sinners Father, we placed that crown of thorns on the head of Jesus, we slapped, hit and spat upon him, we nailed his hands and feet to the cross, we placed that spear in his side, but praise God he shed that blood that we as sinners might be reconciled to God through that shed blood. Thank You Father for Your Love, Mercy and Grace.
                                                                                                                    Amen  
Today's Biblical Truth: "Jesus submitted Himself voluntarily to the ordeal that was ordained by God."

Have a God filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.   Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Blessings be on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness." Psalm 150:2

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
     

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 22 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 22 December 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Standing Before Pilate"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 18:28-40 (Part 2)
Today's Key Verse: John 18:36 "Jesus answered,"My kingdom is not of this world.  If my kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here."

Today is the finish of Chapter 18. In the first part of Chapter 18 we read John's account of the Arrest and Jesus, His mock trials before the Jewish Leaders, and Peters denial of Jesus three times before the rooster crowed just as Jesus had told him.

In John 18:28-40 (19:1-16) and we read John's most significant contribution, however is his detailed description of the trial before Pilate and the frustrated attempts of that weak governor to release a person he knew was very well innocent. 

As Jesus stood before Pilate He admitted to being a king, but totally confused Pilate by asserting His kingdom had neither land nor troops.  Even here as Jesus stood before Pilate He seems to reach out to Pilate than defend Himself.  If only Pilate will listen to (hear and respond correctly) to what Jesus says he will learn (by experience) the truth (reality) Jesus is describing.  

At the end of verse 37 Jesus tells Pilate, "Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice."  Pilate responds with "What is Truth?"  This question can mean three things: (1) a cynical denial of the possibility of knowing the truth (2) a contemptuous jest at anything so practical as abstract truth and (3) a desire to know what no one has been able to tell him.  Jesus in His bearing of the truth was the seal of God.  If Pilate really wanted to know the truth, he would have understood what Jesus was saying.   Pilate then goes back out the the Jews gathered outside and tells them that he CAN FIND NO FAULT in Him.

Chapter 18 closes with Pilate being told that a prisoner should be released in honor of the Passover.  Pilate jumped at the possible compromise.  By promising to release Jesus on account of the custom rather than proclaiming Him innocent, Pilate would avoid insulting the Jewish leaders, who had already proclaimed Him guilty.  Pilate asks the yelling mob "do you want me to release Barabbas or the King of the Jews?" The crowd yells, "not Jesus but Barabbas."  The crowd wanted Barabbas released, who was not only a robber, but a rebel and a murderer, instead of Jesus Christ, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

Today's Christmas Hymn: "The Little Drummer Boy"

Come they told me, a new born king to see. Our finest gifts bring, to lay before the King, so to honor Him when we come
Pa rum pum pum
Little baby, I am a poor baby too. I have no gift to bring, that's fit to give our King. Shall I play for you, on my drum?
Pa rum pum pum
Mary nodded, the ox and lamb kept time.  I played on my drum for Him, I played my best for Him, and then He smiled at me, me and my drum
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, as we start our travels to gather together with family and friends, we ask Lord that You will watch over all who travel, that You protect those that travel to and from their destinations.  We ask Lord just as the drummer boy, that in our daily lives we will give to you all our best in serving You, and reaching out to those that are in need of Your Loving and Saving Grace.  May we keep our minds focused on You, and the reason that we Celebrate This Christmas Season.

Today's Biblical Truth: "Our desire should not be to isolate ourselves from the world, but to use Christ's word and the Holy Spirits power to serve Him while we are here on this earth."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Acts 1:9."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You." Psalm 63:3

I would love to hear from those of you who are reading this Blog.  Please add a comment at the end of this Blog or email me at cindilynn53@yahoo.com.  Also if there is a favorite Hymn that you would like me to add as the Hymn of the Day please let me know.  Let me know where you are from and your first name as well so I can give you credit for the suggestion.

Your Sister in Christ
Cindi   

God's Words of Wisdom from the Bible for Tuesday 20 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 20 December 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "The  Trials of Jesus"
Today's Scripture Reading:  Various Scripture Reading from Various Gospel Accounts on the Trials of Jesus
Today's Key Verse: John 18:12-14 "Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of, the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.  And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people."

Today is part 2 of John Chapter 18.  Today we will Read about the trials of Jesus that come not only from the Book of John but from the three other Gospel accounts of these trails.  Listed before is the people that Jesus stood before after His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane."

The Trials of Jesus

BEFORE JEWISH RELIGIOUS LEADERS

Preliminary hearing before Annas                  Although the Romans had deposed Annas, but in
(John 18:12-24)                                                  the eyes of the Jews he still functioned as the high
                                                                             priest, because the office was for life. Annas
                                                                             questioned Jesus, but Jesus demanded a legal
                                                                             hearing
Hearing before Caiaphas                                  Caiaphas was the high priest appointed by the
(Matthew 26:57-67; Mark 14:53-65)                Romans. Two witnesses testified against Jesus
                                                                             and Caiaphas asked Jesus if He was the Messiah.
                                                                             Jesus answered yes, and Caiaphas concluded that
                                                                             Jesus was guilty of blashemy.
The Trial before the Sanhedrin                        The council of religious leaders confirmed   
 (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1                            Caiaphas's conclusion.  In this trial, Jesus
  Luke 22:66-71)                                                  admitted He was the Son of God and declared 
                                                                              that He will sit on the right hand of God the
                                                                              Father.

BEFORE ROMAN AUTHORITIES

First Hearing Before Pilate                              The Jewish religious leaders brought Jesus to
(John 18:28-27; Matthew 27:11-14;                 Pilate in order to get permission to execute Him.
Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5)                               They accused Him of treason. Pilate saw Jesus
                                                                             innocence, but briefly questioned Him. In this
                                                                             interview, Jesus revealed to Pilate that His
                                                                             kingdom was not of this earth.
Hearing before Herod                                       Pilate send Jesus to Herod because Jesus was from
(Luke 23:6-12)                                                    Galilee, the region ruled by Herod.  Jesus
                                                                             remained silent before Herod.
Final Hearing Before Pilate                              Pilate did not want to condemn an innocent man,
(John 18:38-19:16; Matthew 27:15-26;            but he was afraid of another Jewish uprising. 
Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:13-25)                          Therefore he finally gave in to the cries of the
                                                                              crowd to "Crucify Him."

In verse 37 Jesus admitted to being a king, but totally confused Pilate by asserting His kingdom had neither land nor troops.  Even here Jesus seems to reach out to touch Pilate rather than defend Himself.  If only Pilate will listen to (hear and respond correctly) what Jesus says he would have learned (by experience) the truth (reality) Jesus is describing.  Pilate here shrugs off the appeal with a scornful "What is truth?"  Pilate sees Jesus as harmless, and he is willing to let Jesus go, but the people would have nothing to do with that.   

Today's Christmas Hymn: "Mary Did You Know"

Mary did you know, that you baby boy will one day walk on water? Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that you baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to the blind? Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kissed your little baby, you have kissed the face of God
The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the Lamb
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all Creation? Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations
Did you know that your baby is heaven's perfect Lamb? The sleeping child you're holding is the "GREAT I AM"

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how thankful we are Father for you love for us that You sent your Son the unblemished and perfect Lamb to become the sacrifice upon the Cross of Calvary for our sins in that whomsoever would come to Him would be washed is His life giving blood.  May you grant us the boldness to go out and speak to those around us about the Free Gift of Salvation that You Abba Father have given us through Jesus Christ Your Son and our Lord and Savior.   May all Praise and Glory be given to You now and forever.
                                                                                                                                           Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "The loving relationship  of believers to each other is the greatest witness to Jesus Christ."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Also pray for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me." Psalm 49:15.

Your Sister In Christ,
Cindi   


                                                                            
  
                       
                                                                          
                                                                            

Scripture Reading for Monday 19 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 19 December 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "The Arrest of Jesus"
Today's Scripture Reading John 18:1-27 (Part 1)
Today's Key Verse: John 18:6 "Now when He said to them, "I am He", they drew back and fell to the ground."  

Today's Writings is Part 1 from John 18:1-27 and tomorrow will be part 2 from John 18:28 thru John 19:42 which deal with the arrest, trials and crucifixion of Jesus. 

John, like the other Gospel writers, covers the events leading up to the crucifixion thoroughly and also adds fresh details.  He reports the jolt that went through the mob that came to arrest Jesus when the Lord tells them "I Am He".  Jesus knew He was about to be arrested and could have escaped but He did not.  He submitted Himself voluntarily to the ordeal that was ordained by God.  In verse 6 we see that for a moment, Christ unveiled His majesty.  His statement of Deity, "I AM He," manifested such glory that it literally threw the soldiers to the ground. Three times during this arrest scene Jesus claimed to be "I AM," echoing God's self-revelation.  He then tells the arresting soldiers to let the men there with Him to go thus Jesus demonstrated His love for His disciples.

John tells us that Peter draws his sword and cuts off the ear of Malchus a servant of the high priest (18:10-11).  John, unlike Luke in 22:51 does not mention Jesus healing the ear of Malchus. Peter we see is shown to be very human and complex person.  He is brave one moment and ready to fight against overwhelming odds for his Lord, and the next moment his courageous collapses when he is questioned by serving maids outside of Pilate's house.  How like us Peter was.  Christians have face martyrdom bravely.  Yet many still hesitate to witness for the Lord when threatened by ridicule or indifference.

John in his Gospel reports the trials both before Annas (verses 12-14), and the high priest (verses 19-24) and Peters denial of Christ (verses 15-18, 25-27).  Annas was the high priest from A.D. 6 to 15.  Although he was disposed by the Romans, Annas was able to control the post through four of his sons who succeeded him, and through his son-in-law, Caiaphas.  Caiaphas was actually high priest from A.D. 18 through A.D. 36, when Christ's public ministry took place.  Annas' influence is shown in references to him as high priest (Luke 3:2) and in he control he exercised over the movements of Jesus that night.

In verse 15 we read that Peter as well as another disciple followed Jesus.  Is is likely that John was that "other disciple " who, with Peter, trialed Jesus to the home of Annas.  John says he was "known to" the high priest's household and so was able to observe the trial of Jesus from within the house.  What a contrast between Peter and Judas.  Peter wept bitterly and turned back to Jesus.  Judas despaired rather than repent.  God can forgive us of our failures if only we turn back to Him.    

Today's Christmas Song: "O Little Town Of Bethlehem"

O Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see Thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by;
Yet in the thy dark street shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years, are met in Thee tonight

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, we come before You Abba Father, thanking you for You Mercy, Love and Grace that was so great for us that You sent Your only begotten Son to die our death upon the Cross of Calvary.  Thank you Jesus for becoming the spotless and sinless sacrifice for us and providing us the Living Water that we receive when we accept you into our lives.
                                                                                                                                 Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "The ultimate reason for future believers to know the love of God is so that God's love may be replicated in them, thus drawing the entire world to Christ."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Various Scripture Reading on "The Prophecies of the Birth of Jesus." 

Have a God Filled Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sister in Christ who are being persecuted for there Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Also Pray for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always Remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with the songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7 

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for Tuesday 13 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 13 December 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Bring God Glory"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 17:1-26
Today's Key Verse: John:4-5 "I have glorified You on earth. I have finished the work which You have given me to do.  And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was."

John 17, in an intimate look at Jesus at prayer.  In what has been called Christ's "high priestly prayer," our Lord prays for Himself (verses 17:1-5), for His disciples (verses 6-19), and then for all believers (verses 20-26).    

JESUS PRAYING FOR HIMSELF

When Christ speaks of His actions bringing God glory, He means that the beauty and majesty of God's nature has been revealed in what He had done.  The amazing reality we see in the prayer of Jesus is that we can can glorify God. When we do God's will, He expresses Himself through us.  We  as Christians can display the beauty of our Almighty and Awesome God.

JESUS PRAYING FOR HIS DISCIPLES

The disciples were God's gift to Jesus, for they were snatched "out of" the world.  This was God being active in salvation.  We as Christians too when we: "accept" the words of Jesus, "believe" that God sent Him, and "Know with certainty" that Christ is from God.  God does not remove the Christian from danger, but protects us in the midst of it.  We are on a mission in this world in which we live as aliens.  Our mission is bring the Free Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ to this lost and dying world.  God's way is not to take us out of the world but to take the world out of us.  Through God's Word, He sets us apart from sin and evil, that we might glorify Him.

JESUS PRAYING FOR ALL BELIEVERS

Starting in verse 20 we see that Christ's prayer was for us the believer as well as for the disciples.  Jesus Prays that you and I might experience oneness with Him, even as He lived in a oneness relationship with the Father. While Jesus was her on the earth Jesus lived in a oneness with the Father by always being responsive to the Father's will.  By being responsive to Christ's will, we live in oneness with the Father.  It's this uniquely personal relationship that Christ prays that we will experience with Him.

Our desire should not be to isolate ourselves from the world, but to use God's word and the Holy Spirit's power to serve Him while we live here on this earth our temporary home.  Yet at the same time we should not become like the world, succumbing to the evil influences of the world.  the ultimate reason for future believers to know the love of God, is so that God's love may be replaced in them, thus drawing the entire world to Christ.

"Today's Christmas Hymn: "Go Tell It On The Mountains"

While shepherds kept their watching over silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens, there shone a holy light
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, what a listen we as Christians have learned from your word today.  How exciting it is to know that not only was Jesus praying for His disciples in that present time while He was was them, but also prayed for us the future believers whom He knew would to His saving love and grace.  May we as Christians pray for the lost of this world while at the same time go out and reach others for your kingdom.
                                                                                                                    Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "Christ prayed for all believers to behold His glory, unveiled in the full revelation of His glory."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Todays Bible Verse from Psalm 89:15. 

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"A man's pride will bring Him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor." Proverbs 29:23

Yours in Christ,
Cindi



        

Bible Scripture Reading for Monday 12 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 12 December 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "God's Spirit Is Essential To Us"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 16:1-33
Today's Key Verse: John 16:7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth.  It is to your advantage that I go away; for if i do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send him to you."

In this chapter Jesus now concludes His Last Supper night teachings with insights into the future His followers can expect.  They can be expected to be rejected by the leaders of their own people.  We as Christians today will not really "fit in" as long as we are openly committed to Christ.  This warning was not intended to scare or frighten us, but to prepare us for what is to come.

We as Christians and as believers can expect to be supported in this world by the active convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit.  God was present in Jesus' incarnation in one place on earth. But the Holy Spirit is present in all places and is available to ALL BELIEVERS.  Jesus described the Holy Spirit's ministry as one of guidance and revelation of truth.  The Holy Spirit is also a ministry of Jesus, of displaying Him through us the Believer who represent Christ here on this earth.

The Holy Spirit's ministry  to non-Christians is to convey a sense of doom, an awareness that they stand condemned.  The sense of guilt is developed in three areas (1) In regard to sin, because men do not believe in me (verse 9) (2) In regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father (verse 10) and (3) In regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned (verse 11).

The Holy Spirit's inner ministry is focused on helping us grasp the reality of the words of Jesus and then experiencing that reality by obeying His words.  His ministry is also focused on serving the Believer as a guide to us, as we strive to apply the teachings of Jesus to our own lives. 

Joy in (verse 24) is ours because its source in not in this world of change and decay.  NO ONE can TAKE WAY a JOY that is ROOTED in JESUS and experienced as answers to prayers.  The WONDER is not that God PERMITS US to have TROUBLES, but that HE gives us PEACE in our TROUBLES.

Today's Christmas Hymn: "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"

While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone all around
"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread, had seized their troubled mind
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring, to you and all mankind."
"To you, in David's town this day, is born of David's line
The Savior who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be the sign:
The heavenly Babe you there you shall find, to human view displayed
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands, and in a manger laid."
Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith, appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God and thus, addressed their joyful song:
"All glory be to God on high, and on the earth be peace
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men, begin and never cease.

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how thankful we are as Believers in Jesus Christ for the indwelling Power of The Holy Spirit that we received the second that we accepted Jesus Christ into our Lives.  Thank you Jesus for sending the Holy Spirit to us and thank you Holy Spirit, for Your Teachings, Your Guidance and Your Strength.  May we as Christians walk in the footsteps of Jesus as we reach out to this lost and dying world in spreading the Good News of salvation that comes from Jesus Christ our Lord.
                                                                                                                    Amen   
Today's Biblical Truth: "What the Father has, the Son has. What the Son has, the Spirit will declare."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for there Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Also Pray for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name!" Psalm 103:1

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
    

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 9 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 9 December 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "We Must Remain In Jesus"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 15:1-27
Today's Key Verse: John 15:4 "Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you abide in me."

Jesus in this chapter continues His last night teachings.  He compares His future relationship with the disciples to that of a vine to the branches.  He is the source of spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.   His disciples must thus remain"in" Him, intimately connected by responsive obedience to Jesus commands.  The world of lost mankind will hate us a Christians even as it has hated Christ.  Yet the Spirit, resident in the the believer, will testify about Him to the world, even as we His children must testify of Him.

This chapter identifies and defines three relationships that are part of every believers experience: (1) our relationship with Jesus (verses 1-11), our relationship with other believers (verses 12-17), (3) our relationship with the indifferent and hostile world of nonbelievers (verses 18-27).

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS

Jesus in verse 1 in calling the Father the "Gardener" offers us real hope.  Who but the Father would have a greater skill in nurturing our growth?  The pruning of a vine in verse 2,6 involves cutting back live wood to improve its fruitfulness and the removal of dead wood that might spread decay.  Pruning DOES NOT threaten the salvation of believers. The branch of the grapevine has no use but to bear fruit.  The stringy wood cannot be carved or used to make buildings.  It then is thrown out and burned.  Jesus is telling us here that the person who does not abide in Him, is as useless as the branch that is thrown away.  We as Christians are called to bear fruit.  God prunes the true believer so he or she will.

We as believers and as His children "must remain" in Jesus by responding obediently to Him (verse 10).  This places us where we are sensitive to His leading and praying in His Will.  Such prayers our Heavenly Father STILL ANSWERS.

We as Christians glorify God by doing that which brings Him praise.  Here Jesus says that this means bearing fruit.  Living a life in Christ glorifies God because we could never do it without an intimate, dependent relationship with Jesus.

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS

In verses 12-17,  Jesus tells us that the key to an abiding relationship with Christ is obedience."  The key to relationship with other believers is "love".  The initiative in salvation always belongs to God. He loved us before we knew Him.  He sent Christ to redeem us while we were in sins.  He reached out with the Good News, and His Spirit wooed us before we expressed any inclination to respond to Him.  What a marvel, that the chain of choices brought us to Jesus and bonds us eternally to Him.

Jesus is our model for love (verse 13).  Intimacy with Him is the motive for loving as He loves.  If believers obey His command to love, they enjoy the intimacy of His friendship.  Friendship, unlike sonship, is not a once for all gift, but develops as the result of obeying the command of Jesus to "LOVE."  Until this point, Jesus had called His disciples servants (12:26; 13:13-16), A servant does what He is told and sees what his master does, but does not necessarily know the meaning or purpose of it.  A friend knows what is happening because friends develop deep fellowship by communicating with one another.



OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE  HOSTILE WORLD OF UNBELIVERS

Starting in verse 18, Jesus tell His disciples that they will be hated by the world just as it had hated him.  Here, as in other passages, the "world" to John is the whole of human society as it exists without God.  This world was hostile to Jesus, and we can expect it will be hostile to the followers of Jesus.  The world's hostility is rooted in a failure to know God (verse 21), but more specifically in a fierce anger that flared when Jesus did reveal God to them (verse 24).

How are we to respond?  As Jesus did, by testifying about God (verse 26).  Never mind the hate of the world against you.  God is still choosing believers out of the world whenever the Free Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ is heard.

Today's Christmas Hymn: "Angels From The Realm Of Glory"

Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight over all the earth,
Ye, who sang creations story, Now proclaim Messiah's birth
Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ the newborn King

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, as we live our life's for You prune us the branches so that we can bear much fruit for you.  May we abide in You always Lord, and may we lovingly obey the Word of God and diligently seek You through Your Word and through Prayer.  Help us to bring the Good News of Salvation of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit's conviction of unbelievers and bring them to the saving Grace of Jesus Christ.
                                                                                                                                  Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "The Holy Spirit is not given to the world, but to believers."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with gladness.


"The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation." Psalm 118:14

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi   

Bible Scripture Reading for Thursday 8 December 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 8 December 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Jesus Is Central"
Today's Scripture Reading: "John 14:1-31
Today's key Verse: John 14:1-4 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's House are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.  And where I go you know, and the way you know."

After closing Chapter 13 with Jesus announcing Judas's betrayal (13:21), His imminent departure (13:33), and Peters denial (13:38) Jesus tell His disciples not to be troubled, but to trust Him.  Mansions in verse 2 refers to a dwelling place.  Such places have been set aside  for all of God's children.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus is the way to the Father.  He is also the truth and the life.  As truth, He is the revelation of god.  As life, He is the communication of God to us.  In a personal relationship with Jesus we discover the way to God, the truth that puts our existence in perspective, and an life that is to be lived here and now.   Jesus in verse 9 tells Phillip, "he who has seen Me has seen the Father."  Jesus with those words was making the claim that "He is God. "

Jesus had accomplished the greatest works possible, including raising the dead.  How could He say that believers would do "greater works?" The answer is seen in the extent of what the apostles did.  The apostles would spread the Good News of Jesus Christ everywhere and see the conversion of thousands.  The disciples were able to do this work because Christ would go to the Father and send the Holy Spirit to empower them.  To pray in the name of Jesus means: (1) to identify the content and motivations of prayers with all the Jesus is and (2) to pray with full confidence in Him as He has revealed Himself.

Obedience in Scripture is pictured as a love response.  True obedience is not unwilling or dutiful conformity to an external standard, but rather is a joy filled reaction to the initiative God has taken in showing us His love in Jesus..  Love and obedience in are so intimately bound together that one who does not love God will not truly obey. They are so  bound together that obedience is an indication of the reality of our love for the Lord.  Our own sense of the presence of Jesus and reality in our lives depends on obedience. When we respond to God's Love with obedience , we are close to Him.  When we do not, we stray, and He seems unreal to us.

The Holy Spirit, the Counselor is "parakletos", one who comes along-side and helps. In verse 26, the Holy Spirits ministry to the believer is beautifully portrayed in this verse.  He is "with" and "in" the believer, an ever present resource.  He teaches us all we need to know to respond to Jesus daily, and he gives us inner peace that is independent of our circumstances.  The Spirit's presence makes it possible for us to choose not to be troubled or fearful.  The Holy Spirit is the believers unbreakable link to our living relationship with the Lord.

"He has nothing in me",  in verse 30, indicates the sinlessness of Jesus.  His yielding to what was about to happen, did not mean that Satan had any power over Him.  Jesus would soon voluntarily yield to the death of the Cross, in loving obedience to the Father.

Today's Christmas Hymn: "O Come, All Ye Faithful"

O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him, Born the King of angels, O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, thank you Jesus for being the Way, the Truth and the Life so that through You we can approach the throne room of Grace yo our Abba Father.  May we have the peace of Christ banishes fear and dread from our hearts, and to realize that Jesus is always in total control in all aspects of our life's.  May we, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, walk in the footsteps of Jesus, that we might grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus and bear much fruit for the Kingdom of God."
                                                                                                                             Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "If a person does not love Jesus, he or she will not obey Him."

Clink on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Psalm 29:2. 

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Also Pray for God's Blessings be with the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T",  GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding." Proverbs 3:13

Your Sister In Christ,
Cindi