who is this king of glory?

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
-Psalm 18:2

With the new film "Captain America" coming out in theaters soon, I was reminded of heroes. There are many tales of knights, crusaders, warriors, kings and the underdogs who came out to win victoriously. What is your favorite story of a hero? Maybe the people who housed escaping Jews from the Holocaust? This thing that stands out among heroes - what is it about them? Bravery? Valor? Honor? Strength?

What stands out most to me is their passion that they have for living for more than just themselves. That makes them heroes to me. And you know, I have most found this hero in Jesus Christ. He is God who came to earth to not just show us the way to go but to rescue us.

• He came, not ostentatiously but humbly in a manger. 
• He came, not only to love just those who were thought of as well-respected in community or those in power, but also to love the weak, the brokenhearted, the widows and the children. 
• He came, not at a yell but with a message filled with hope, forgiveness and God's plan to redeem, rescue and guide a weary world.

We can so easily fall into the siren tune of turning away from our Creator and Savior, and yet - and yet, He sees us fully and wants us back. He wants us back enough to sacrifice for us. In fact, He is the sort of God Father to run to us with open arms like the prodigal son's father. He wants us to believe in Him - to trust in Him and to ask for His help because He is wise and good.

Knowing this hero is monumental.

Who is this King of glory?

I think Third Day's lyrics below and the words in this link - "King of Glory" sung live by Third Day - capture Him well.

"Who is this King of glory that pursues me with his love
And haunts me with hearing His softly spoken words
My conscience, a reminder, of forgiveness that I need
Who is this king of glory who offers it to me?

Who is this King of angels, oh blessed Prince of Peace
Revealing things of heaven and all its mysteries
My spirit's ever longing for His grace in which to stand
Who is this King of glory, Son of God and son of man

His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty, King of my heart
The King of glory

Who is this King of glory with strength and majesty
And wisdom beyond measure, the gracious King of Kings
The Lord of earth and heaven, the Creator of all things?
He is the King of glory, He's everything to me"

How will we respond to such love, such bravery and such sacrifice? Will we trust Him with our lives?

a spark on an ordinary, dark night

"The shepherds began saying to one another, 'Let us go straight back to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.' 

So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as he lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child…

The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told to them" (Luke 2:15b-17, 20, NASB). 

Aisles and aisles of red, green and white was all I could see for a while. My shopping cart was popping out with the same colors as I emerged from this sea and approached the check-out line. Then - in the middle of this busy day - a man at the check-out begun talking with me about Christmastime and church. And there it was - a glimmer in the middle of the day of Christ, our Savior, who was part of God's plan to sacrificd Himself as a ransom for all. This message is for all people. Even on the seemingly most normal of days, God is at work to spread this message, to save us and  to draw us all closer to Him.

That night, I was reminded of the shepherds' reactions in Luke 2, the night of Christ's birth:

• First, they were terrified by the angel that visited them in the fields (v. 9). Who wouldn't be? A heavenly creature appeared during their work shift and in the dark.
• They went to see what the angel had told them (vv. 15-16). After hearing the angel's message that the Savior was born in Bethlehem, they decided to check it out. They were filled with joy to see that what the angels had told them about Jesus was so accurate.
• They praised God and told others what the angels had told them about the Child (vv. 17-18, 20). And they brought glory to God.

I pray that God helps us see each day - no matter how ordinary or how unusual it seems - as a time that He can move and bring light along with His love. I pray He gives us His heart, along with the words to share what He has shown us about Him, this good news for all people, that our Savior is here.

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord'" (Luke 2:10-11). 

A lasting promise

"We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain." -Hebrews 6:19

Have you been in a boat before? Quite a few years ago, I remember sailing with some friends and my friend's grandfather near Kemah, Texas. We left the shore mid-afternoon, planning to come back to land in time to eat dinner. It was a beautiful day, but as the sun started to set, we realized something may be wrong. We had drifted into waters that seemed too deep for an anchor, and the wind seemed to have stopped. After a while of searching, we found a way back and my friend's grandfather was able to find a spot to anchor the boat. We were hungry and tired, so we were relieved to have a spot to eat and rest before nightfall.

There is this rock solid, anchor-like hope we find in God's promise, when we come to Him by faith in Christ. When we believe in His sacrifice, ask for forgiveness and turn to Him for guidance, we are forgiven and considered a part of His family. We are able to be a part of God's family because of His great love for us.

Christ is our intermediary high priest. He is the way we can have a mended relationship with the holy God the Father, because Jesus has paid the price for our sins. Let us praise God that He has forgiven us like that, as if

Kelli Martin

we are white as snow.

Let us praise God in light of this promise, and let us walk by faith because of it. Let's look for ways to share this hope that we find in Him, our rock, and pray that others come to embrace Him as Savior and Lord.

A great song: "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United (a YouTube lyric video link)

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." Colossians 3:2

Kari Beougher

It can be so difficult to train our thoughts toward godly and eternal things. In the midst of day to day life, it is easy to get caught up in the details and fail to let our minds dwell on heavenly things instead of earthly things. Jobs, relationships, finances, education- even seemingly good endeavors can fill our mind and distract us from keeping a proper perspective on who God is and what He has called us to do.

Romans 8:5-6 says, "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace." 
When we focus solely on the realities of this life, it is overwhelming, discouraging, and ultimately, completely futile and displeasing to God. However, when we have a proper focus on who God is and live in the assurance of the hope of heaven, life is far less overwhelming.

When reading this verse, I think of Matthew 14 and Peter walking on the water to Jesus. When Peter had his focus on the Lord, he was able to trust the Lord and walk with confidence; the moment he focused on his circumstances, he was overwhelmed and unable to do what the Lord had asked of him. In the midst of the heartaches, confusion and disappointments of this life, we can have perfect peace when we have our minds set on the Spirit.

Today, may we purpose to set our minds on things above, not focusing on earthly things. May we "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" and "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." (Hebrews 12:2, 1 Corinthians 10:5).

The same yesterday, today and forever

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8, NASB). 

Last night, I thought about how God is simply a striking difference from me. I can miss chances to help someone, but His wisdom and love are ongoing. This morning, I read the verse above. It reminded me of Jesus' faithfulness and how much we need Him.

God's love is shown through Jesus' actions. Jesus, God's Son, was a blameless substitute for the price of our wrongs. God kept His Word about the Messiah - Jesus fulfilled this prophecy from the past. Jesus' sacrifice makes it possible for us to be freed today from the grip that sin threatens to have on us. In Him, we can have a restored relationship with our Creator, by grace and through faith.

Kelli Martin

How is Christ changeless? Some thoughts that came to mind for me:

• As God, He is faithful and keeps His promises (Psalm 33:4, Isaiah 9:6)
• His sacrifice sets believers free from fear - our confidence is in Him (Hebrews 4:14-16)
• He vouches for us as our substitute (Hebrews 2:17-18)
• As we face hard times and doubts, He's a disciple's anchor - we believe in Him and His lead (Hebrews 6:19)

Let's thank God for His faithfulness. Let's pray we see times to share this changeless Christ with others.

Song: "Approach My Soul the Mercy Seat" by Sojourn Music 

Happy New Year!

Below is a devotion written by Charles Spurgeon. Please excuse the Old English language. Just thought it was an insightful devotion for this time of year.

"'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.' -1 Samuel 7:12

"The word 'hitherto' seems like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. Twenty years or seventy, and yet, 'hitherto the Lord hath helped!' Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health, at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea, in honour, in dishonour, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation, 'hitherto hath the Lord helped us!'

"We delight to look down a long avenue of trees. It is delightful to gaze from end to end of the long vista, a sort of verdant temple, with its branching pillars and its arches of leaves; even so look down the long aisles of your years, at the green boughs of mercy overhead, and the strong pillars of lovingkindness and faithfulness which bear up your joys. Are there no birds in yonder branches singing? Surely there must be many, and they all sing of mercy received 'hitherto.'

"But the word also points forward. For when a man gets up to a certain mark and writes 'hitherto,' he is not yet at the end, there is still a distance to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, death. Is it over now? No! There is more yet - awakening in Jesus' likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment, the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fullness of eternity, the infinity of bliss. O be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise thy 'Ebenezer,' for - 

'He who hath helped thee hitherto

Will help thee all thy journey through.'

"When read in heaven's light how glorious and marvellous a prospect will thy 'hitherto' unfold to thy grateful eye!"

Excerpt from Charles Spurgeon from Morning and Evening, Complete and Unabridged, KJV Edition. Published by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. in Peabody, Massachusetts in April 2010.

Photo by Nick Meers found with a BBC News article (www.bbc.co.uk).

Merry Christmas!

"'Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, 
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, 
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us 
In the house of David His servant - 
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old - '"
(Luke 1:68-70, New American Standard Bible).

Jesus was the answer for the Jews and the world for a Redeemer, because He was God's fulfillment of His promise to send a Savior to the world.

"The Lord God of Israel," the faithful One (Psalm 18:2, Luke 1:70), who created the world and provides for it, sent Jesus. Jesus was born through the line of David (Matthew  1:1). This was important, because it fulfilled the old prophecies that God gave years and years before (Genesis 22:18, Psalm 89:3-52, Luke 1:32, Galatians 3:18). As my friend Jenna once said, "Jesus was God's Plan A."

Jesus did not Himself sin, yet His sacrifice paid the price for our sins (Hebrews 9:12). We see the all-powerful God's great love, kindness, and grace in that He sent Christ to us (Luke 1:76-78). Through Him, we are able to be forgiven from our sins, when we ask for it out of a genuine faith, so we can have this good relationship with Him and then walk with Him (Luke 1:79).

Enjoy celebrating our great Savior with loved ones today! Let us pray we get the chance to share who He is with someone else this week. Praise God that He is Emmanuel, God with us.

Best wishes for a merry Christmas!

Recommended song: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" by Sojourn Music www.youtube.com - "O Come O Come Emmanuel"

In the Light

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us form all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, New American Standard Bible).

If you rub your hands on a newspaper, then what happens? Usually, it makes my hands smeared with black ink. When we sin, our hearts are marked up by it. We are further from God because of it, because He is holy. 

In this verse and the verses surrounding it (1 John 1:5-10), we learn that God is light. As believers who have turned from sin and seek to live life with the holy God, we also seek to walk in the light. Sin separates us from God, yet He still desires for us to come closer. Remember how He loved us while we were still trapped in sin (Romans 5:8)? Jesus was sent to die for our sins so that God's wrath on the sin would be paid.

Therefore, as believers, we are forgiven and are under grace (Romans 6:14). Yet, in our relationship with God, we must still confess the sin that He sees and turn from it, so this relationship will strengthen (Romans 6:15). God is faithful to forgive us from those sins.

So, God not only walks in the light, but also desires for us to walk in it as well.  When we turn to God, turn away from sin that threatens to damage us, and ask for forgiveness, it is like He washes hands that have been covered in newspaper ink. We are made new, as white as freshly fallen snow. Jesus came into the world, after all, to save us from lives marred from sin, so we would have the chance to be in a mended relationship with God (Titus 2:11-14).

Lord, thank You for sending Your Son to the world, and thank You for Your forgiveness. Give us hearts that ache to be made right with You and follow You, so that Your Spirit can continue its work through us. Help us to share the power of Your forgiveness with someone else this week. Amen.

"Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:7, NASB).

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from interactive.wxxi.org.

In His Image

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12, New American Standard Bible). 

When I first read about the camera feature pictured, I thought it was pretty brilliant. The idea is that you cut a heart shape out of a piece of paper, then attach it to the camera lens. When you take a picture, the result is the photo is in the image of a heart.

We are created in God's image, so God could be able to shine through us. In our sin, that image is skewed. When we turn to follow Him, He forgives us of those sins and makes us new. As believers, we seek to be more like Christ, and this happens with God's power. When Paul wrote "put on" in verse 12, he explained that our new identities, as believers, take shape as we come to know Christ more (see Colossians 1:15, 2:1-3).

We can see God's likeness come to light when He grows believers in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, gentleness, and patience. This is a process, as we grow in our relationship with Him. We are given righteousness, not because of our own doing, but because of God's sacrifice for us. God genuinely, passionately loves His creation (John 3:16, Romans 8:32, Titus 3:4, 1 John 4:9, Romans 3:21-26, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 30, Galatians 2:20).

God asks us to be holy, because He is holy. As followers of Him, we are called to live in the world, yet driven by Christ's lead. We are called out to follow Him, not only to be saved ourselves and to be a part of His family, but also to serve others and to love the world with the love and grace He shows us. We can be witnesses who live out the love of Christ.

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from www.thespohrsaremultiplying.com.

Fruitful Faith

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, New American Standard Bible). 

I used to work with kids in arts and crafts often, which made for several great stories and memories. Some teachers and leaders above me helped me see the importance of not only providing materials for the art project, but also guiding the kids as they sought to complete the project. It gives the student a chance to possibly make a better craft, to learn more, and to hopefully trust the instructor more.

In a similar way, God is there to help believers when He talks about bearing "much fruit." He guides us through His Word and through the Holy Spirit that we receive as believers. What sort of fruit is this?  The "fruit" is the change God makes in our lives and in others' lives, as we abide in Him. The ultimate example of the kind of life that produces good fruit is Jesus, God incarnate, the One who died to save us.

As we put our faith in God, He helps us grow. He desires for others to grow closer to Him as well. We can share how that is just who God - the Lord who transforms lives like that - is, and He can produce the same goodness in others.

Lord, thank You for being there to save and transform us. Help us bear fruit with significance that honors You and draws more people to a restored relationship with You. Amen.

"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you" (John 15:16, New American Standard Bible).

More verses on this include Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Peter 2:9, and Galatians 5:22-23.
Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from www.naparealestatematch.com/blog.

Stronger than Fear

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13, New American Standard Bible).

"Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear," said the character President Snow in the movie The Hunger Games. He said this as he was trying to convince someone to reduce the hope of a people, a people who had rebelled against him in the past. Even though this is a fictional character, I see truth in what the writers had him say about hope - it is stronger than the sort of fear that the character sought to elicit on people.

In contrast to this character, God is real, and just, and He brings hope instead of aiming to crush it. Even though we cannot see the nail marks in Christ's hands and feet like Thomas did (see John 20:24-29), we can have faith in who God is and what He did through Christ, His Son. There is this pattern that the Bible takes in revealing God's identity and how He's worked to free us from the slavery of sin.

We can have a healthy fear of Him, in regards to knowing He is just and in having respect, honor, and trust in Him (Exodus 18:21, Psalm 115:11, Revelation 14:7). This mighty God is also our Counselor (Isaiah 9:6). We can fully trust in God for who says He is through His Word and how He's been faithful to fulfill His promises.

As we put our faith and trust in Him, we put our hope in Him. We can have full confidence in Him, and He will not leave us empty. In His nature, He can make this hope within us flourish.

Lord, thank You for being our hope. Help us increase our hope in You, and help us share the hope we have with others who need You, too. Amen.

"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7, NASB).

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from hungergamesmovie.org.

The Holy Spirit gives new birth

"Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit'" (John 3:5-6, New American Standard Bible).

The Holy Spirit brings great spiritual renewal from God. In the verses above, Jesus explained to Nicodemus, a well-studied man, what it meant to have a "second birth." God has the power to forgive us, since He rules over all. We are asked to ask Him for forgiveness and believe in Him. Then, the Holy Spirit is given to us at this time of conversion. It is a new birth, because the old has passed away and the new life, walking with Christ, has come. We are brought into God's family.

Our good and loving Father is there to keep forgiving us for sins that come. The Holy Spirit is there to help us understand God's will and turn to God. Jesus is there as an example of how to live on earth and as a reminder that our sins have been paid for on the cross. The Holy Spirit is there to guide us out of sin and into God's truth.

So, this new birth is a monumental moment. When we have it, we no longer live under wrath but we live under grace. We can rest knowing that the Holy Spirit is with us as we live today until we are able to be in God's presence forever in heaven.

Lord, thank You for this new life with You. Help us share You with others so they can have new birth, too, and experience the healing You bring. Thank You for Your presence. Amen.

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from www.photo-dictionary.com.

The Holy Spirit and the desperado

"'But 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 go, I will send Him to you. 
And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 
concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 
and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 
and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged'" (John 16:7-11, New American Standard Bible).

"For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit" (1 Peter 3:18, New American Standard Bible).

Have you heard the song "Desperado" by the Eagles? The illustration to the left is of the band, by Mark Stutzman (from www.rollingstone.com). The word "desperado" means criminal, but it reminds me of old stories about cowboys in the American wild west. I could be way off in my interpretation, but the desperado described seems to be about someone who seeks freedom by living apart from people and love (you can find the lyrics here, at azlyrics.com).

As believers, the Holy Spirit points out sin that separates us from God (John 16:8-11). The purpose of  conviction is to help us see our need for a healed relationship with God, our Creator, Savior, and King. God loves us, and Jesus paid the price for sin already. The hope is that we come to Him for forgiveness, restoration, and a closer relationship with Him.

1 Peter 3:18 explains that the end goal for the convicting is to make us alive in the Spirit. Is there some part of your life that is away from God? God wants us to desire Him more than sin and then put our trust in Him and His lead.

Lord, thank You for loving us enough to want to bring us back to Your presence, even when we sin. Convict us; help us see where we need more of You. May the Holy Spirit convict others, too, so they can also know and trust in You. Amen.

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).

What is the book of John about?

"So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep...I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep'" (John 10:7, 11, New American Standard Bible).

The book of John has revolutionary truths about who Christ is, how He lived on earth and how God saved us through His sacrifice. A couple months ago, a video tool was released by BibleStudyTools.com and www.godtube.com of Jaye Martin describing concepts we can learn about Jesus in the book of John. We recommend checking out more videos released continuing the study of the same subject. You can find these videos by going to www.godtube.com and searching "Jaye Martin," or you can follow this link: Video Tools - "What is the book of John about?".

Photo above of a shepherd in Ireland found on vancouversun.com.

We pray that minds be opened

"Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:45, New American Standard Bible).

The look of worn out pages, the smell of years of storage, the way a story draws you in and won't let you go until the end - there is something I love about books. Yet, it is the story that sticks with me most. It can open my mind to another world, to another perspective I haven't seen, or to a truth I haven't remembered in a while. The beauty of the Bible is that it is God's story on how He came to save us, and it speaks truth to us about who God is.

A great story comes before the verse mentioned above, Luke 24:45, in Luke 24:13-35. Not long after Christ had been crucified on the cross, two men were traveling on foot to Emmaus. They were discussing the news they had heard, that Christ rose from the dead after His death and burial (vv. 14-24). On their journey, Jesus came alongside them and started to talk with them. I assume they were probably baffled as Jesus started explaining how the prophecies from the Old Testament were fulfilled in Christ to prove that He was the Messiah (vv. 25-27, 31-32).

Today, let us pray for someone on our mind who does not yet see the truth in God's Word and what it says about Christ. We pray God brings clarity to an unbeliever so they can understand and have a relationship with our Savior King.

Lord, this person on our mind, please open their mind so they understand your Word. Help them see Christ as true, and help them hear Your call to be a part of Your salvation story.

"And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life" (1 John 5:20, NASB).

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999)
Photo of Trinity Library in Dublin, Ireland from fromeuropewithlove.tumblr.com

A Day of Remembrance

"'Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful'" (John 14:27, New American Standard Bible).

As you probably heard, years ago a tragedy happened in downtown New York City on this day. Later, in the mix of saddening and shocking reports, my favorite stories were ones about heroes of the day. One story I remember was actually recorded in a running book called Going Long that is edited by Runner's World (you can find the book here). In that story, a seasoned long distance runner worked in the Twin Towers. His story stood out to me, because he took time to lead his office out of danger. He seemed gifted to be calm and to keep going under pressure, and he used those skills to help others around him during a time of crisis.

God sent Jesus to die for the world and our sins against Him and others. When we embrace this great grace that He offers, He sends the Holy Spirit to help guide believers through whatever happens in this life on earth. Through Christ's sacrifice for us, we have a great hero in Him.  In tough times, God can give us peace and hope as we trust in Him.

Lord, we know Your Holy Spirit is the divine Comforter. Please bring healing for the families of those who passed away that day. We pray others come to know You, because we have seen how You can transform lives for the better. Thank You for Your grace in sending Jesus to sacrifice in our place. Let Your Holy Spirit renew our hearts with a love for You and who You are. Help us share with others how You offer peace and hope. Please be with our country during this time of reflection. Amen.

suggested reading:  John 14
photo from www.bumperstickermagnet.com

Immanuel, God with us

"Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
'See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name Him Immanuel, 
which is translated 'God with us.'"
-Matthew 1:22-23, Holman Christian Standard Bible

How can we share this truth today?  This past week, I have been reminded of how God can use even nature to remind us of Him.  Last weekend, a tornado warning came to the city I am living in.  Students were released from classes midday, and most workers I know were given permission to go home.  My school sent an emergency text message to students, letting us know to be somewhere safe.

Rushing home in traffic, I tried to keep calm.  I heard the first warning while I was at work on the 16th floor of a building that has a vast view of the sky.  Seeing the sky stressed me out, but as I drove home, God reminded me to pray.

One of the names of God that stands out to me is "Immanuel" meaning "God with us."  This is a deep thing.  God didn't just create the world and let us be.  He is still here, and He wants a relationship with us.  My friend today reminded me of a verse:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength" (Isaiah 30:15). ‎

When I had gotten a couple of texts to take cover for an hour or so, God brought peace as I sat in a small bathroom, praying as I read part of the Psalms.  Later, as I heard and read about more friends' stories through the storm, I saw how God's grace was in all of it.  God was there bringing peace, prayer, laughter.  He was there as He brought people together during the storm, and He is here now, sending people to help the communities that were damaged by the storms.

In the storm, I saw how God is powerful.  And then, I was reminded how He can bring restoration, peace, and relief.  How can we help others see our need for God, who stays with His people?

Today, I pray we remember to share that Jesus is Immanuel.  He has been a part of God's plan all along, so that we could have a restored relationship with God.  I pray God works in us and through us, so we express this truth to others, so they can have a restored relationship with our Creator and find rest in our powerful God as well.

Photo from news source WDRB 41 Louisville

JESUS is LORD!

JESUS is EVERYTHING that everyone is searching for, yearning for, and SO MUCH MORE!!

Please Share Jesus with someone today, they will THANK GOD that you did!!


The Powerful Life-Changing Names of God!!!!



ELOHIM......Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1
meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.
ADONAI......Malachi 1:6
meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.
JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4
a reference to God's divine salvation.
JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13
meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"
JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1
meaning "The Lord my shepherd"
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.......Ezekiel 48:35
meaning "The Lord who is present"
JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26
meaning "The Lord our healer"
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU......Jeremiah 23:6
meaning "The Lord our righteousness"
JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14
meaning "The Lord will provide"
JEHOVAH-NISSI.........Exodus 17:15
meaning "The Lord our banner"
JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24
meaning "The Lord is peace"
JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3
meaning "The Lord of Hosts"
JEHOVAH-GMOLAH........Jeremiah 51:6
meaning "The God of Recompense"
EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14
meaning "The most high God
EL-ROI................Genesis 16:13
meaning "The strong one who sees"
EL-SHADDAI............Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1
meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty"
EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31
meaning "The everlasting God"


MORE NAMES OF GOD

ABBA.............................Romans 8:15
ADVOCATE.........................I John 2:1 (kjv)
ALMIGHTY.........................Genesis 17:1
ALPHA............................Revelation 22:13
AMEN.............................Revelation 3:14
ANCIENT OF DAYS..................Daniel 7:9
ANOINTED ONE.....................Psalm 2:2
APOSTLE..........................Hebrews 3:1
ARM OF THE LORD..................Isaiah 53:1
AUTHOR OF LIFE...................Acts 3:15
AUTHOR OF OUR FAITH..............Hebrews 12:2

BEGINNING.........................Revelation 21:6
BLESSED & HOLY RULER..............1 Timothy 6:15
BRANCH............................Jeremiah 33:15
BREAD OF GOD......................John 6:33
BREAD OF LIFE.....................John 6:35
BRIDEGROOM........................Isaiah 62:56
BRIGHT MORNING STAR...............Revelation 22:16

CHIEF SHEPHERD.....................1 Peter 5:4
CHOSEN ONE.........................Isaiah 42:1
CHRIST.............................Matthew 22:42
CHRIST OF GOD......................Luke 9:20
CHRIST THE LORD....................Luke 2:11
CHRIST, SON OF LIVING GOD..........Matthew 16:16
COMFORTER..........................John 14:26(kjv)
COMMANDER..........................Isaiah 55:4
CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL...............Luke 2:25
CONSUMING FIRE......................Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29
CORNERSTONE.........................Isaiah 28:16
COUNSELOR...........................Isaiah 9:6
CREATOR.............................1 Peter 4:19

DELIVERER..............................Romans 11:26
DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS.................Haggai 2:7
DOOR...................................John 10:7(kjv)

END....................................Revelation 21:6
ETERNAL GOD............................Deut. 33:27
EVERLASTING FATHER.....................Isaiah 9:6

FAITHFUL & TRUE........................Revelation 19:11
FAITHFUL WITNESS.......................Revelation 1:5
FATHER.................................Matthew 6:9
FIRSTBORN (3)........................................Rom.8:29,Rev.1:5,Col.1:15
FIRSTFRUITS............................1 Cor.15:20-23
FOUNDATION.............................1 Cor. 3:11
FRIEND OF TAX COLLECTORS & SINNERS.....Matthew 11:19

GENTLE WHISPER.........................1 Kings 19:12
GIFT OF GOD............................John 4:10
GLORY OF THE LORD......................Isaiah 40:5
GOD....................................Genesis 1:1
GOD ALMIGHTY...........................Genesis 17:1
GOD OVER ALL...........................Romans 9:5
GOD WHO SEES ME........................Genesis 16:13
GOOD SHEPHERD..........................John 10:11
GREAT HIGH PRIEST......................Hebrews 4:14
GREAT SHEPHERD.........................Hebrews 13:20
GUIDE..................................Psalm 48:14

HEAD OF THE BODY.......................Colossians 1:18
HEAD OF THE CHURCH.....................Ephesians 5:23
HEIR OF ALL THINGS.....................Hebrews 1:2
HIGH PRIEST............................Hebrews 3:1
HIGH PRIEST FOREVER....................Hebrews 6:20
HOLY ONE...............................Acts 2:27
HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL.....................Isaiah 49:7
HOLY SPIRIT............................John 15:26
HOPE...................................Titus 2:13
HORN OF SALVATION......................Luke 1:69

I AM....................................Exodus 3:14, John 8:58
IMAGE OF GOD............................2 Cor. 4:4
IMAGE OF HIS PERSON.....................Hebrews 1:3 (kjv)
IMMANUEL................................Isaiah 7:14

JEALOUS..............................Exodus 34:14 (kjv)
JEHOVAH..............................Psalm 83:18 (kjv)
JESUS................................Matthew 1:21
JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD................Romans 6:23
JUDGE................................Isaiah 33:22, Acts 10:42

KING.................................Zechariah 9:9
KING ETERNAL.........................1 Timothy 1:17
KING OF KINGS........................1 Timothy 6:15
KING OF THE AGES.....................Revelation 15:3

LAMB OF GOD...........................John 1:29
LAST ADAM.............................1 Cor. 15:45
LAWGIVER..............................Isaiah 33:22
LEADER................................Isaiah 55:4
LIFE..................................John 14:6
LIGHT OF THE WORLD....................John 8:12
LIKE AN EAGLE.........................Deut. 32:11
LILY OF THE VALLEYS...................Song 2:1
LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH............Revelation 5:5
LIVING STONE..........................1 Peter 2:4
LIVING WATER..........................John 4:10
LORD..................................John 13:13
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.....................Revelation 15:3
LORD JESUS CHRIST.....................1 Cor. 15:57
LORD OF ALL...........................Acts 10:36
LORD OF GLORY ........................1 Cor. 2:8
LORD OF HOSTS.........................Haggai 1:5
LORD OF LORDS.........................1 Tim. 6:15
LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS..............Jeremiah 23:6
LOVE.................................1 John 4:8

MAN OF SORROWS.........................Isaiah 53:3
MASTER..................................Luke 5:5
MEDIATOR................................1 Timothy 2:5
MERCIFUL GOD............................Jeremiah 3:12
MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT................Malachi 3:1
MESSIAH................................. John 4:25
MIGHTY GOD...............................Isaiah 9:6
MIGHTY ONE...............................Isaiah 60:16

NAZARENE.................................Matthew 2:23

OFFSPRING OF DAVID.......................Revelation 22:16
OMEGA....................................Revelation 22:13
ONLY BEGOTTEN SON........................John 1:18(kjv)
OUR PASSOVER LAMB........................1 Cor. 5:7
OUR PEACE................................Ephesians 2:14

POTTER...................................Isaiah 64:8
POWER OF GOD.............................1 Cor. 1:24
PRINCE OF PEACE..........................Isaiah 9:6
PROPHET..................................Acts 3:22
PURIFIER.................................Malachi 3:3

RABBONI (TEACHER)........................John 20:16
RADIANCE OF GOD'S GLORY..................Heb.1:3
REDEEMER.................................Job 19:25
REFINER'S FIRE...........................Malachi 3:2
RESURRECTION.............................John 11:25
RIGHTEOUS ONE............................1 John 2:1
ROCK.....................................1 Cor.10:4
ROOT OF DAVID............................Rev. 22:16
ROSE OF SHARON...........................Song 2:1
RULER OF GOD'S CREATION..................Rev. 3:14
RULER OVER KINGS OF EARTH................Rev 1:5
RULER OVER ISRAEL........................Micah 5:2

SAVIOR...................................Luke 2:11
SCEPTER OUT OF ISRAEL....................Numbers 24:17
SEED.....................................Genesis 3:15
SERVANT..................................Isaiah 42:1
SHEPHERD OF OUR SOULS....................1Peter 2:25
SHIELD...................................Genesis 15:1
SON OF DAVID.............................Matthew 1:1
SON OF GOD...............................Matthew 27:54
SON OF MAN...............................Matthew 8:20
SON OF THE MOST HIGH.....................Luke 1:32
SOURCE...................................Hebrews 5:9
SPIRIT OF GOD............................Genesis 1:2
STAR OUT OF JACOB........................Numbers 24:17
STONE....................................1 Peter 2:8
SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.....................Malachi 4:2

TEACHER...................................John 13:13
TRUE LIGHT................................John 1:9
TRUE WITNESS..............................Revelation 3:14
TRUTH.....................................John 14:6

VINE......................................John 15:5

WAY........................................John 14:6
WISDOM OF GOD..............................1 Cor. 1:24
WITNESS....................................Isaiah 55:4
WONDERFUL..................................Isaiah 9:6
WORD.......................................John 1:1
WORD OF GOD................................Revelation 19:13

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3gbJGByIOE (More Than Amazing!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wid7nseWjsE (Jesus - You Are Everything To Me!)

God Knows Exactly What We All Need 4 Summer!!

"For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 HCSB


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8i460c3ejw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8i460c3ejw&feature=related (Just Give Me Jesus! Ann Graham Lotz & Fernado Ortega)

This ONE Thing!

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead..."
Phil. 3:12-13 (ESV)

"Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." Phil. 3:13-14 (MSG)


Paul gives great encouragement for Christian Leaders (and we are all leaders in one way or another) in Phil.3:12-14 as we look at some of the key action verbs:

• FORGET IT - God Provides His Supernatural Strength to Forget It! Our goal must be to daily "forget" what was yesterday's struggles and victories as we follow JESUS & HIS DAILY CALL! Everyday is a NEW DAY!
• PRESS ON - God Provides His Supernatural Strength to Press On! Our goal must be to daily "stretch" onward towards JESUS & HIS DAILY CALL! Everyday is a GOD DAY!

In the age of "multi-tasking" that we live in , as Evangelistic Christian Women, we must be careful to make sure we daily do the ONE thing Paul writes to "the body of Christ" for such a time as this. In my life, the more that I have on my "to do list" the more I am vulnerable to the over-whelming feelings that go with having too much on my plate. The enemy wants us to "get stuck" and ineffective any way that he can. One of his tactics and schemes in the multi-tasking age we live in, is to have so many "multi-tasking to do's" that we end up doing many things halfway instead of ONE or a few things well for Jesus as we PRESS ON!

What are some ways that God is calling you to do this "ONE" thing "forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POf__1yS4qY (Press On ~ Selah)

In JESUS NAME we PRESS ON!