Celebrate the gift of life today— don’t let troubles steal away your joy. Jesus offers us abundant life, while the devil only seeks to destroy.
There’s so much good to appreciate; open your eyes to the blessings you’ll find. And don’t let past disappointments cloud today and your future that God has in mind.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 NASB
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of your hands.” Psalm 138:8 NKJV
“The Lord will work out his plans for my life— For your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” Psalm 138:8 NLT
“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 NKJV
“‘For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 AMP
“Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NKJV
Jesus, the Son of God, was birthed by Mary and laid in a manger. King Herod sought to kill Him, but He was kept from danger… for His earthly father, Joseph, having been enlightened and driven, by instructions in a dream that the angel of the Lord had given, took the Child and His mother away to a distant Egyptian location. And, there, the family stayed for a specified duration.
In later years, during Jesus’ ministry, others opposed Him, too. But no one could actually harm Him until His ministry days were through. The devil himself confronted Jesus, with temptations to disband from loyalty to the Godhead and to all that was divinely planned. Jesus was obedient, however, to His Father throughout His days. Then, even death, with its finality, couldn’t hold Him—God be praised!
Today, some seek to downplay Jesus’ divinity or worldwide fame, or they deny acknowledging the Lordship of His name. But His is a name that’s above all names—an everlasting name, a name through which we’re made righteous, for He took all our blame. And one day every knee shall bow, acknowledging all that’s been said, of Jesus Christ as Lord of all, who is surely the Church’s head.
Some, who are doubtful, try to put Jesus completely out of thought, abandoning the Christian truths that they were previously taught. But His is a name which we should praise, and certainly not ignore, for there IS no other God—Jesus said, “I am the Door.” How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which God has freely offered to all people of every nation?
It is through Jesus Christ that God has sought to bless us all. He’s the one and only Savior sent to redeem us from man’s fall. He’s the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end… and about whom the scriptures most assuredly were penned. And, thankfully, we can bring to Jesus any problem, large or small. He’s “The Everlasting Father,” on whom we’re privileged to call.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 KJV
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58 KJV
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.’ Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” John 14:6-9 NKJV
Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” John 10:30 NIV
“For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” Hebrews 2:2-4 NASB
“And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18 KJV
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 NKJV
“…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod, the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’” Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV
One of the names of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is The Bright and Morning Star. Long ago, the wise men followed “His” star when traveling from afar.
It guided them like a compass—perhaps giving light to them on their way. The Bright and Morning Star, through God’s Spirit, is still guiding men who are wise today.
This Christmas, a distant neighbor’s roof has a large, lighted star for all to view. Its twinkling in the darkness speaks of God’s love—always there to see us through.
Each night, I look for that star, which reminds of the presence of the Lord— and that, for those who take Jesus as Savior, peace with God has been fully restored.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” 2 John 1:3
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 RSV
“‘I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.’ And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:16-17
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20
There is no greater name than that of Jesus:
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And Hisname will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15
It’s a funny thing, but I never saw Why You might have been laid in a bed of straw. That’s where the animals came to feed, And that was representative of our daily need Of the Bread of Life, which, Jesus, You are. We’re drawn to Your Word like wise men to a star. To all people the angels proclaimed tidings of great joy, By pointing to the birth of that God-indwelt boy, Who lay down in the manger where the animals were fed. Jesus–the Word was God–You’re our daily bread.
P. A. Oltrogge
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son, and she wrapped him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7
“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs, And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.”
Isaiah 40:11
While shepherds watched their flock by night, an angel appeared, and God’s glory shone bright. The angel told the shepherds to not be afraid since a proclamation of great joy was being made! A Savior for all people was born, who was Christ the Lord! And then more angels praised God for the Baby adored. Straightway to Bethlehem the shepherds went to see this One Whom God had sent. To everyone they saw, they made known what was told of God’s gift, Who was cut from the shepherd’s mold. He would have a flock–the Good Shepherd He would be- He would die for that flock, both for you and for me. To rescue and die for the lambs–no greater love could have been sent to us from above. If you’re not yet His lamb, be aware there is danger– we have need of the Good Shepherd, once a babe in a manger. Just receive Him as Savior–then learn of His great care in shepherding your life as you come to Him in prayer. At Christ’s birth, we were blessed, and God’s message came then— of “peace on earth and good will toward men!”
P. A. Oltrogge
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12
“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 (King James Version)
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an 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 the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:8-12 NKJV
It’s become more widely told today that these were specific shepherds, who’d been watching over their flock in the outlying fields by night.
They’d been trained in the special care of those lambs that were destined– to become sacrificial temple lambs, which were to be kept pure and free from blight.
To a designated place used for this purpose, the ewes who were carrying young, were brought by these guardian shepherds, as the place for them to give birth.
Once born, a pure lamb was wrapped immediately in the protective swaddling cloths. Jesus, God’s sacrificial Lamb, too, was so wrapped, illustrating His destiny and signifying His great worth.
“Behold the Lamb of God,” John the Baptist, later, said of Him, “Who takes away the sin of the world.” Jesus was crucified on a cross, died, and was buried, but rose up victoriously from the dead.
Son of God and Son of Man… Jesus, our Messiah, became the fulfillment of God’s redemption plan. Born to bear the penalty for your sins and mine, He had become man, to die on the cross in our stead.
P. A. Oltrogge
Whether you have thought of Jesus having been born in a stable or a cave, it was for you that He was born and that His life He gave….
“(The Lamb Of God) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 NKJV
“Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:3-5 NKJV
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12 KJV
Internet search: Mark Bailey Decision Magazine Migdal Eder or other such articles which refer to the Tower of the Flock (cave-like ground-floor room)
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 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. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made [f]widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
(From Luke 2 NKJV)
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“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 King James Version
A blessed Merry Christmas UNTO YOU, dear follower or friend of this blog…
Greetings dear followers and friends of this blog,
As a “gift,” by way of suggestion, you may enjoy taking in a wonderful Christmas concert from December, 2020, or a previous year (with full orchestra) by doing an internet search for: You Tube Alistair Begg Christmas Concert, A Parkside Christmas, presented by Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, From everlasting.” Micah 5:2 NLT
From destined Bethlehem Ephrathah, a town that was very small, would come the One who would be Ruler of Israel and the Lord of all.
The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, a virgin humble and mild, who God the Father had chosen to bear the Messiah—Jesus, His Holy Child.
Coming forth from the family of Judah, Jesus’ birth was lauded that night, by rejoicing angelic voices, as the world’s Savior from sin’s blight.
His goings forth, the prophet Micah said, were actually “from of old– from everlasting,” as He preexisted with God the Father, if the truth be told.
After His birth, Mary laid Him down in a manger—a depiction very sweet. But He was Immanuel, the eternal Mighty God, sent to bring about Satan’s defeat.
P. A. Oltrogge
…this writing inspired by a devotional written by Kenneth E. Hagin, Founder, Rhema Bible Training College
Joseph, betrothed to Mary, was troubled, having learned she was with child, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying…
“‘Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’ So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’” Matthew 1:20-23 NKJV
Prior to this, Mary had been visited:
“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, ‘Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’
“But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’
“Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’ And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.’
“Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”
Luke 1:26-38 NKJV
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an 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 the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”
Luke 2:7-14 NKJV
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:11 NKJV
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 NKJV
“The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—“. Acts 10:36 NKJV
“Fear tolerated is faith contaminated” is a well-known minister’s saying… derived from “Have no anxiety about anything,” Biblical advice, before and after praying.
“But, in everything, by prayer and supplication…with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God,” which is His instruction on living.
“And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will (assuredly) keep… your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” guarded from concerns that seem so deep.
P. A. Oltrogge
(The quote, “Fear tolerated is faith contaminated,” is by Kenneth Copeland, http://www.kcm.org)
“Have no anxiety 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 passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 RSV
“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything (every circumstance and situation) by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your (specific) requests known to God. And the peace of God (that peace which reassures the heart, that peace) which transcends all understanding, (that peace which) stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (is yours). Philippians 4:6-7 AMP
“Boast in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be joyful.” 1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB
“But as for me, I will sing of Your strength; Yes, I will joyfully sing of Your faithfulness in the morning, For You have been my refuge And a place of refuge on the day of my distress.” Psalm 59:16 NASB
“But the righteous will be joyful; they will rejoice before God; Yes, they will rejoice with gladness.” Psalm 68:3 NASB
And he said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are greater than those who are with them.'” 2 Kings 6:16 NASB
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24 NASB
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all….” 1 Timothy 2:1-5 NKJV
The Porch of the Lord 