"God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love-not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away out sins."
1 John 4:9-10
Thank you God. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Mary and Joseph.
1 John 4:9-10
This is love. This is the Christmas story. God loved us first before we even had life (physical life). He loves us enough to make provisions for our eternity.
Thank you God. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Mary and Joseph.
17 Comments:
Isn't it neat how the scripture lined up with Christmas Day. God does love us so much.
Elizabeth AR
Merry CHRISTmas, dear sisters!
The good news: We filled a pew and then some during the Christmas Eve service. My two sons and I, my brother & his family (5), my sister & her family (3), even my Dad came. Then they came to our house for food and presents.
The not so good news: DH is still not home. The flight set to arrive at 11:50 p.m. was delayed for an hour and 15 minutes. So, I haven't even started for the airport yet. Praise God I'm still awake.
The readings that grabbed me today were similar: 2 John 1:4 (How happy I was to meet your children and find them living according to the truth, just as the Father commanded) and 3 John 1:4 (I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth). As a mother, I echo these sentiments. I pray that both my boys walk the path worthy of the sacrifice Christ made for them. My oldest son is starting to worry me. Three months in college and I found out yesterday that he has not been reading his bible regularly like he used to do at home. He also has not been attending church even after I have sent him the answer to prayer from the Arise! Cry Out! conference. It breaks my heart. I reiterated the need to stay connected with a good church and reading his bible. Daily. I pray that he does not turn into a prodigal. But like my dear sister in Christ told me, my son needs to have his own walk with Jesus. Not me and my son with Jesus but just him and the Lord. Again, the lesson of getting out of the way. I have a hard time with that.
Anyway, Wendy, thank you for leading everyone this year and for doing another one in 2010! I'm glad I found this group.
Love you all!
Heading to the airport,
~T
Dear Wendy~ Love-the Christmas story! Thank you God, for your presence here in this group, the most special present we could ever wish for you've already given to us!
Did you all notice how many times 'love' was mentioned? Over 46 times I believe-just in the short book of I John alone!
Guess what? I love you all to pieces! Thank you for your many blessings each and everyday!
Merry Christmas!
Love, Lori - AZ
Merry Christmas sisters! I am so thankful for this community we have here and Wendy for your leadership. I pray you all have a wonderful day celebrating our Savior's birth with family and friends. My boys should be up soon. Will did wake up at 4:30 but I got him back to sleep :) I can't wait for him to come in here in the living room. It is going to be a wonderful day!
Love you all, have a blessed day!
Brandee, TN
PS T, hope DH is home now! Prayers for safe travels.
Wendy, I too was amazed how perfectly Scripture lined up today. Reading about God's gift of love.
It was the final verse in today's reading that received my thoughts. It was divinely placed so I could share my family Christmas letter today.
“Please give my personal greetings to each of our friends there.” 3 John 15
Personal greetings to each of our friends “there”.
This morning my thoughts wander to another ‘there’.
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.” Luke 2:6
"There". A place of new beginnings.
“There”. The place were God has positioned you right now. A place of promise, provision and purpose.
Where is your “there”?
As I reflect back over this year, my “there” found our family walking unwanted paths this year. My Dad was hospitalized for eight months and our time “there” taught us patience and trust. Our “there” ushered in questions, pain and confusion, but also deeper trust and faith.
“There” also required dependence on God this year as my husband's job hung in the balance for awhile. We are so thankful that he is still employed by General Motors.
Physically my health brought challenges in another place of “there”, but God was so kind to intervene and restore.
“There” also finds my son seeking guidance for University next fall. We are praying for God’s “there” to be revealed as he sends out applications for further study.
In the next month my son will also complete his A.R.C.T. solo performer’s exam and we marvel that the Lord has brought him “there”.
Some family concerns continue to call us to walk a “there” that has us seeking God alone. Circumstances not our choice, yet still allowed through God’s sovereignty and grace.
A “there” with several new friendships has brought much delight, as God has placed us purposefully in the lives of others.
In the verse above, Mary’s place of “there” was a place of deliverance. There is something God desires to release in us, through us and around us in our place of “there”.
I pray that today will find you “there”.
“There” beside the manger.
“There” surrendered to His will.
“There” receiving God’s promise.
“There” listening to His heartbeat.
“There” surrendered in obedience.
“There” kneeling before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
“There” held in His embrace.
My prayers are with you in your place of “there”. Know wherever you are, you are loved…much loved.
Merry Christmas and God's richest blessing,
Joy
Oh Merry Christmas to all of my blogger friends! We celebrated Christmas last night, so today is a day of relaxation and fun and games.
The weather here in MN is bad, so all church services were cancelled..which left a void in our Christmas celebrations. More snow is predicted through Sunday...wow we have alot already!
Joy, I liked your posting....and as I pondered my "theres"....one thing rang true...God was "there" everytime. There was no there that He didn't share!
Amen, and amen.
Our blessed Savior is born! He is coming again!
Morgen
"Happy birthday, Jesus,
I'm so glad its Christmas,
All the tinsel and bells
Makes everything swell,
But the real gift is YOU".......
that's all I can remember of the song...when I woke up this morning it was going through my mind. But the message is clear. Its all about "YOU", Jesus.
Wishing you all a very special
Christmas.
It's snowing here...on Christmas!...it won't stick...the ground is too warm, but so pretty to see.
Jan middle TN
Merry Christmas, dear friends in blogland. Even though I have not been commenting much, your words are always life to my parched soul.
Thank you Wendy for giving us all the best gift of all, God's love flowing through You. What a perfect picture of love flowing you are!
Praying you are all having a beautiful day basking in the ultimate example of love - Christ Jesus!!
Love all of you!
Merry Christmas dear ones!
It is so special to be able to come here and celebrate with all of you!
Today I am full of joy and thanksgiving, for "grace, mercy & peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ - the Son of the Father-will continue to be with us who live in truth and love." 2John1:3
To all of you who reflect so brightly the love and joy of God I pray God's blessing for you today and always.
Lovelovelove,
Liz
AK
Wendy and all the sisters
this is loice from Melbourne,Australia. i have been faithfully following your daily devotions and i love them. its a pleasure to just log on my computer and have a God moment before starting on my work.
i would like to join the bible reading in the new year, but i have no chronological bible and cant have it sent to melbourne. i have tried to but a few items from this website, but i get the message they dont send goods to my location.
challenges of living down and under........
will you be posting the daily reading on your blog so that those of us without the actual bible can still journey together?
love to all of you as you enjoy white xmas. pray for us as our fire season is gearing to be very bad, but i believe our God is in charge of the weather...Oh halleluyah, no one else can control it, But him alone can instantly reverse the current predictions.
Amen
loice
Merry Christmas everyone! Sorry I didn't post over the last few days, but I wanted to echo all the words you all have said about how this study has enriched me!
Jan, I am so thankful that depressing feelings have left you alone this Christmas! I rejoice with all of you and the time spent with family. We did not have any face time with family this year as we are all over the world (my oldest daughter just moved to Korea last week), but we Skyped. Thank God even for the internet!
Loice, I don't know if you will see this message, but here is a link to the Chronological readings each day. They are the same readings as in the Bible that Wendy and P31 sponsored. Just click on the day's link and away you go. I did this many days during my transition to Switzerland and also when I travel for work.
http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/oneyearweeklychrono.php?version=51&startmmdd=0101
Welcome to our group!
Mercy, grace and peace to you all! I will post more on the readings of the 26th later.
Karen, Basel
Easily I assent to but I about the collection should secure more info then it has.
Good Morning Ladies,
After today's reading in Revelation, I sat listening to my IPod Praise music and Revelation Song began to play. It was like I heard this song for the first time! The words come straight from our reading! It is such a blessing...below is a link you can copy and paste into your browser...enjoy and be blessed!
http://s0.ilike.com/play#Gateway+Worship:Revelation+Song:2770626:s2145249.8095416.6065603.0.1.47%2Cstd_b5eb6ed5a580e46e5395b7ebbc3a58cd
or simply google "Revelation Song".
Have a blessed day of rest!
Love,
Nancy
Hope you are all enjoying some restful days after the Christmas rush.
Yesterday and today I have been so blessed by our daily reading. I was honestly dreading approaching Revelation, as there is so much I don't fully understand, but the Lord is opening up His Word to me.
Saturday I was struck my God's keeping power. “Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you…” Jude 24
God’s promises are practical and personal. He is able to keep you. Keep you.
It’s a continued action. He retains possession. He prevents. He perseveres. He provides. He protects. He maintains. He supplies. He sustains. He supports.
However, being able to do these things does not guarantee that He will. God is ready and willing, but we must continue to look to Him in trust and obedience. There is never a deficiency in His power, but there may be in our faith.
I love how the book of Jude begins and ends with God’s keeping power. “I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.” (vs.1) This keeping power is not just a benediction (vs. 24), but an invocation, as He invites us to trust His keeping ability. Remember that you are as secure as God is able.
Today He has called me to “Wake up!” Revelation 3:2 God is calling me not to sleep on the pillow of past accomplishments. Don’t be a chronic reminiscer, but vibrantly alive with a weekly God story. God is speaking. Calling me from yesterdays longing of contentment to today’s yearning for holiness.
Do I need to summon spiritual smelling salts? I can’t drift into spiritual vibrancy. It takes a drastic move on my part. Am I awake? Faith that acts alive IS alive. God says that those who are awake, “walk with me” (vs. 4). WOW!
Revelation 3:8 tells us that God has “opened a door” for us. He has placed before us an open door. New possibilities. I don’t want to be known as one who had potential, but as one who seized opportunities. Any thresholds I need to cross today?
No “lukewarm” faith that was evidenced in the church of Laodicea, described in Revelation 3:16. Are you aware of the geographical position of Laodicea? It is located between Colossae, a place with snow peaks, and Hierapolis, known for it’s hot springs. Hot is therapeutic and cold is refreshing, but, in between, lukewarm is useless. The church there was described as “blind” and “naked”. They were a leading country in the areas of eye care and clothing. They said they were rich (vs. 17), but there is a wealth that leads to spiritual poverty.
The Lord says, let Me come in and dine with you (vs. 20). The original word used here is translated “dinner”, not breakfast or lunch. Dining implies lingering long and sharing fellowship around the table. That’s God’s desire.
Oh friends, let’s heed God’s morning alarm call to wake up from coasting and complacency, finishing this year with renewed commitment and enthusiasm. A door stands open before us today.
Walking through,
Joy
PS. Going now to play the song you mentioned Nancy.
Wow Joy, thanks for what you shared. I myself have been looking forward to doing Revelation with you all since it's always been a struggle for me to read and understand, so I was hoping for good insights here.
The messages John heard for each of the churches are something we should all listen to too. Don't be lukewarm; don't let our love for each other fall away; turn back to God; remain faithful; don't tolerate false teachings; repent; etc... these are clearly things we see in today's churches.
I also underlined Rev 3:5 where it says Jesus will never "erase their names from the Book of Life" I've heard both sides of the discussion on whether a person can loose their salvation or not....this sounds like a name CAN be erased, which means it was there in the first place. Let's guard our hearts against this happening!
Loved the Revelation Song Nancy.
Morgen
Dear friends,
Revelation is indeed that! I so enjoyed the letters to the seven churches! Joy, I also looked at all the characteristics and promises. If you don't mind, I am going to write a LONG post to reveal the revelations I got from these letters.
One of the commentaries I read said that Paul also wrote to seven churches; Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Colosse, Phillipi, and Thessalonica.
" Early commentators on the Book of Revelation emphasized that as seven is a number of completion and fulfillment, so Jesus and Paul wrote to seven churches as a indication that they were in fact speaking to the complete church, not just these seven congregations. As well, we must remember that every age has had some characteristics of all seven churches. Though certain historical periods are marked by the conditions spoken of in these letters, we could never say that “only one letter” applies to us or our age." (David Guzik)
So we have
1) Ephesus who lost her first love but is given the promise of eating from the tree of life for those who persevere; and we have
2)Smyrna who is rich despite Christians at the time living in abject poverty, and who is soon to be tested, but is promised the crown of life to the faithful. Next we have
3)Pergamos, house of the seat of Satan, (Pergamos was a center of pagan religions). In Jesus' eyes the Christians there were too tolerant, but their promise is one of my favorite. They are promised a " white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” What is a white stone? "In the ancient world, the use of a white stone had many associations. A white stone could be a ticket to a banquet, a sign of friendship, evidence of having been counted, or as a sign of acquittal in a court of law. Jesus may have any one of these meanings in mind, but at the very least we know that it has the assurance of blessing." I like to think of it as a ticket to a banquet with my new name engraved on it... Doesn't that give you holy goosebumps? Next
4)Thyatira: A small church in a city of trade. They had good works and in increasing measure. BUT they also had a Jezebel in their midst. An influential woman who encouraged corruption, sexual immorality and idolatry. But to those who stand firm, the promise is power to rule and the gift of the morning star (Jesus is called the morning star). (continued)
(continued)
5)Sardis: a church in a wealthy city where luxury and leisure had corrupted many. Sardis is seen by Jesus as being dead. They have works, they are busy, but there is no substance to their works. One commentator (Caird) calls Sardis “A perfect model of inoffensive Christianity” (oops that one hit home a bit). But they have a remnant that they can strengthen. They can get life back. And those that do will walk with Jesus in White (robes), a sign of purity, victory, and triumph. The second part of the promise is that Jesus will not blot out their names from the book of life. Morgen, I too have heard the two sides of this argument, but I love to focus on the fact that the book is real and our names are there. I don't see my savior as busy with an eraser all the time... :)
6)Philadelphia - Jesus opens the door and no-one can shut it. This was an evangelistic opportunity for this church because they had a little strength and Jesus was giving them the invitation to walk through the doors He opened. He would turn the hearts and minds of men, but the church of Philadelphia needed to bring the word to others. The promise is that those who follow will become pillars of the Temple in God's house and Jesus will mark them with both the Name of God and Jesus' New Name. This is like the vision in Daniel where the "Son of Man" went out and marked the people to be saved.
7) Last, but not least, Laodicea - the "lukewarm church" (I know a few of these too). Jesus wishes they were not so in the middle, ready to please all. Pleasing man and God. He wants to vomit them out of His mouth... He wants them to buy from Him Gold and White clothes through repentance and replacement of their Zeal. Then they will answer His knock and He will come in and dine with them; the main meal, a leisurely feast!
What a set of promises if we only repent, stand fast, love one another, minister to one another, pray for each other, don't listen to false preachings, and serve.
Sorry for such a long post!
Be blessed everyone!
Karen, Basel
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