The Pleasure of His Company: A Journey to Intimate Friendship with God and other books by Dutch Sheets, available same as above.
The Authority of the Believer & How to Use It, by Dr. Billye Brim, along with other materials, are available at http://www.BillyeBrim.org
The Spirit of Faith, by Mark Hankins, and more inspiring messages, are available at http://www.markhankins.org
Faith to Faith, a daily devotional, by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, and other books and CDs on living a life of faith can be found at http://www.kcm.org
God’s Creative Power Will Work for You, by Charles Capps, and more booklets in that series, are offered at http://www.cappsministries.com
“But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.'” Luke 1:13-17 NKJV
“And in the sixth month, the angel, Gabriel, was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, ‘Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:26-38 KJV
Photo/The Nativity Story Movie
As foretold, Jesus was divinely conceived in the virgin Mary. Thereafter, she visited her cousin, Elizabeth, who was expecting a child, John, as well.
Upon arrival to her home, Mary greeted Elizabeth. Between the two, there must have been much to share and tell.
On hearing the greeting of Mary, Elizabeth felt the baby, who was already filled with the Holy Spirit, inside of her own womb leap for joy.
And then, by the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth spoke loudly, declaring that God’s favor was great on Mary and her baby boy.
Elizabeth questioned why she was being granted such an honor, to be visited by Mary, “the mother of my Lord,”
but said that, through Mary, the world would have Jesus, the Savior—every believer’s greatest reward.
The Song of Mary
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.” (Luke 1:46-55 NKJV)
“And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.” Luke 1:56 NKJV
…from Luke 1
A further reflection on these two women is found at today’s post by Ceci Sheets, wife of Dutch Sheets:
And see Day 14 of the “25 Songs of Christmas” at http://www.kcm.org to hear, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”
For prayer support, visit http://www.govictory.com 24/7 (morning prayer M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. CT), for viewing the program). To call, the number is 877-281-6297, where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own. That number can also be reached throughout the day until 11:00 p.m. ET, (10:00 p.m. CT).
“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
“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
“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
Scriptures NKJV
To hear a choral arrangement on the Name above all names, go to http://www.kcm.org and click on Day 13 of the “25 Songs of Christmas.”
For prayer support, visit http://www.govictory.com 24/7 (morning prayer M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. CT), for viewing the program). To call, the number is 877-281-6297, where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own.
That number can also be reached throughout the day until 11:00 p.m. ET, (10:00 p.m. CT). Then, on Saturdays/Sundays from 10:00 a.m. ET (or 9:00 a.m. CT) to 6:00 p.m. ET (or 5:00 p.m. CT).
I’m so thankful for the many wonderful Christian ministries that can explain Biblical benefits and blessings in a more detailed way than I can poetically convey. So today, in light of the many calamities which we hear of in these times, I would like to refer you to the devotional for today at http://www.josephprince.org, entitled, “God is your refuge from evil.”
Right now we’re anticipating Christmas, a beautiful time of year…. But we’re living in a world that’s tossed with events that, often, would bring fear.
Yet, as Christians, we have a banner of faith that is world-overcoming… Victory began at Christ’s birth, to end the fears that the world is drumming.
From the manger to the cross, our true leader, Jesus, showed us the way…that we could rely on His Father in heaven, who hears us whenever we pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4 KJV
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 KJV
Psalm 91:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you.
You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.
For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.
No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.
For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down,
Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him.
With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.
(You may also like to check out Day 12, “Christmas Every Day” at the 25 Songs of Christmas at http://www.kcm.org )
“Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart…” Luke 18:1 AMP
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)
A portion of scripture to hold onto when things seem impossible or very dark….
is Psalm 27:13-14…it’s like suddenly hearing the song of a meadowlark.
God desires to answer your prayers far more than you would realize–
Believe in seeing the goodness of the Lord, rather than fearing that He denies.
And notice that it speaks of His goodness in “the land of the living”; it’s not pointing to after we die.
God has answers, and His love is great…He’s heard your heart’s every cry.
So be strong and courageous and wait on the Lord, as the Word has stated.
He has the perfect timing and plans–a truth which needs never to be debated.
P. A. Oltrogge
And if you’re going through something which is particularly stormy,
it will be good to remember, too, “This I know, that God is for me.”
“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Check out the song for today at http://www.kcm.org and click on Day 11 of the “25 Songs of Christmas.”
For prayer support, visit http://www.govictory.com (Morning Prayer, M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. CT), for viewing the program). To call, the number is 877-281-6297, where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own.
That number can also be reached throughout the day until 11:00 p.m. ET, (10:00 p.m. CT). Then, on Saturdays/Sundays from 10:00 a.m. ET (or 9:00 a.m. CT) to 6:00 p.m. ET (or 5:00 p.m. CT).
“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
You may enjoy doing an internet search for the lovely sound of the song of the meadowlark….
The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel….
A familiar carol that’s sung every Christmas is “The First Noel,”
about an angel coming from heaven, with the greatest news to tell.
The King of Israel and Savior of the world that day had been born.
He’d come to bring us God’s peace, though He would meet with scorn.
He aimed to please His Father in heaven, seeking only His will,
even to the point of death on a cross, in order that He would fulfill
His Father’s desire for us to have relationship with Him as well.
Of that greatest birth, the first Noel, He’s now appointed us to tell….
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel…born is the King of Israel!
P. A. Oltrogge
“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!”
(From Luke 2 NKJV)
Years later,, during His ministry as an adult, Jesus gave this commission:
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He who has believed (in Me) and has been baptized will be saved (from the penalty of God’s wrath and judgment); but he who has not believed will be condemned.’” Mark 16:15-16 AMP
And the Apostle, Paul, wrote to the Romans:
“Therefore there is now no condemnation (no guilty verdict, no punishment) for those who are in Christ Jesus (who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior).” Romans 8:1 AMP
Of the first Noel, the good news of great joy, rings every Christmas bell!
To hear a great rendition of this Christmas carol, go to http://www.kcm.org and click on Day 10 of the “25 Songs of Christmas.”
For prayer support, visit http://www.govictory.com 24/7 (morning prayer M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. CT), for viewing the program). To call, the number is 877-281-6297, where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own.
That number can also be reached throughout the day until 11:00 p.m. ET, (10:00 p.m. CT). Then, on Saturdays/Sundays from 10:00 a.m. ET (or 9:00 a.m. CT) to 6:00 p.m. ET (or 5:00 p.m. CT).
In this account, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues; and it was on a Sabbath day.
A woman was there who, for eighteen years, had had an infirmity caused by a spirit—she was bound by satan that way.
She was bent double and was totally unable to straighten up at all.
But she made her way over to Jesus, upon His invitation and call.
“Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity,” He said, laying His hands upon her—immediately she became erect.
She began to glorify God that Jesus’ ministry had had such a powerful effect!
But due to rigid adherence to the Torah, a synagogue official could only “see” the Law.
Jesus should not have healed on the Sabbath, he indicated. All he could see was this “flaw.”
In the face of such a miracle, he still, obviously, wasn’t persuaded.
His only desire seemed to be that Jesus’ act of love should be degraded.
Jesus then called him a hypocrite, saying that he, and the other synagogue officials, would untie their own oxen or donkeys on the Sabbath to lead them to some waters.
How much more, then, was it right for Him to heal, even though on a Sabbath, this woman, who was one of Abraham’s daughters.
After Jesus had said these things, his opponents were put to shame…
while, for the glorious things He was doing for others, the people were giving Him great acclaim.
As believers, we, too, are heirs of Abraham; and on any night or day…
the Lord, who never slumbers or sleeps, will hear and answer us whenever we pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:29 NASB
“…He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:3-4 NASB
You may want to visit http://www.govictory.com 24/7 (morning prayer M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET) 877-281-6297 where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own.
God has graciously sent out a worldwide appeal, and now is the time to seal the deal.
Pastors and missionaries have spread the Word that everyone needs Jesus, so that they can be assured
that eternal life is theirs…by way of “the new birth.” The blessing of new life is offered for all people of the earth.
So it’s not only the planting of gospel seeds that needs to go through, but praying for many to respond is a vital part of working in the Lord’s harvest fields too.
Just as, at Jesus’ birth, the angel proclaimed God’s good tidings of great joy to shepherds in a field, we also can tell of that “good news,” and even personally pray with some individuals…for their deal to be sealed!
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
“Jesus answered and said to him, (Nicodemus) ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'” John 3:3
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
Scriptures: New King James Version
Visit “25 Songs of Christmas” at http://www.kcm.org, Day 7, “I Surrender All” and Day 8, “Who is this Baby?” (a beautiful Christmas ballad, which you may not have previously heard).
Though I’ve used the familiar expression, “seal the deal,” the more Biblical way of stating what transpires when you receive Christ as Savior and Lord is that you are not only receiving forgiveness of sins, but you are entering into a covenant relationship with God.
The following quote is from the booklet, A Covenant of Blood, by Kenneth Copeland. “Jesus became the sacrificial Lamb that established your covenant with God. His own blood was shed. The book of Hebrews says that we have a new and living way to approach God. Remember ‘the way of blood’? Well, the blood of Jesus has made the way for us to have a covenant relationship with the Father.”
This quote reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries
I was traveling on a train that had many stops it would be making… but I knew my destination and which stop that I’d be taking.
I thought I’d ask the traveler next to me where he was going to go; then, surprisingly, he said it wasn’t something he could know.
I thought that that was rather odd, for one needs to be quite sure, for travelers can’t ride indefinitely on a never-ending tour.
I’d researched my destination, having heard it was a beautiful place; but my fellow traveler’s plans were vague and uncertain in his case.
Eventually, he’d need to get off—there would come an end to the trail. It reminded me of those who travel equally vaguely, but on a spiritual rail.
They think that any exit will get them to a final place of peace, but they haven’t secured the ticket to where God’s love will never cease.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life…don’t travel until it’s too dark. Secure your ticket by taking Him as Savior—then you’ll KNOW where you will disembark.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6 NKJV
“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.” John 14:2 NKJV
There’s a song in the air; there’s a star in the sky… There’s a mother’s sweet prayer, and a baby’s low cry. And the star rains its fire, while angelic choirs sing, for the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!
There’s a tumult of joy, o’er the wonderful birth, for a virgin’s sweet baby is the Lord of the earth. Lo, the star rains its fire while angelic choirs sing, for the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!
In the light of that star, angels sang of His worth, and their song from afar has swept over the earth. Every hearth is aflame, as we join in and sing, in the homes of the nations that Jesus is King!
We rejoice in His light as we echo the song that was heard in the night from the heavenly throng. The shepherds rejoiced and also made known that the Savior had arrived from God’s heavenly throne.
Josiah G. Holland/Karl P. Harrington
Since this was authored long ago, I adjusted the song somewhat to a bit more modern thought… It is a beautiful Christmas hymn.
P. A. Oltrogge
Visit http://www.kcm.org to prepare for Christmas with “25 Songs of Christmas”… As in the above, December 2nd was a beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night”
The Porch of the Lord 