Long before Jesus was born, the prophets had predicted His coming. The priests and rabbis knew that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem – a prophesy they explained to Herod and the Kings from the East. We know that even the common people were taught this prophesy, since later–when Jesus started His ministry–the people said, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?" (John 7:41b-42)
WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM
[6]
THE WISE MEN AND HEROD
Read Matthew 2:1–12 & Micah 5:2
When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: Matthew 2:4–5 NIV
* * *
They must not have realized that He was born in Bethlehem during the census. The Jews of Jesus time really had no excuse for not recognizing their Messiah. Had they truly been looking for Him, they would have known who He was–just as the Wise Men and even Herod did.
* * *
Lord, I praise You for the reliability of Your Word. Help me to be willing to share the message of Your coming with my children, their friends and all who might be seeking for truth. As the Christmas cards say, "Wise men still seek Him."
* * *
"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:2 NIV
ice fishing with my husband!
He filleted several of these for me, and I fried them up, along with some homemade hush puppies. I even made some homemade tartar sauce. Delicious! The rest are all frozen for another time. We're planning to go back to the same lake Monday after Christmas. Can't wait!
I know I haven't been here in a little while. Sorry. I was posting on my regular blog and thought it showed up here, but I see it didn't(smile). That's ok.....now, I know.
The reason for my title.....a lady friend from church asked me to read "The Shack" and give her my opinion. Well, I finished it up today & I'm just not real sure how I feel about it. I think it's one of those books one must "digest" before forming an opinion. Does that make sense? First....all I can say right now is I thought it was a very good "story". Some of it I did not agree with..&..some of it was very,very good. One part really grabbed me where he wrote about Adam's death expelled the very breath of God. That never occurred to me...until reading that and remembering that God breathed into Adam to bring him alive & putting it all together, just made me go WoW!
So, I guess my question is this...."Has anyone here read this book & do you have an opinion you would like to share?" "What did you get out of it?"
We walked in our snow shoes for an hour and ten minutes this morning.
Here's what we saw from our bedroom window when we arose:
Last Christmas we gave each other snow shoes as a gift. We used them several times.
Here's a scene along Wilson Avenue:
Here's a scene along Wilson Avenue:
Here is a photo my wife took of me, next to a flag waving in the wind:
We also walked the length of the Hanover Trolley Rail Trail. Here's a scene along the trail:
Here's what our new house looks like in the snow:
Here's our Garden Flag in the snow:
A blessed Christmas and happy New Year to all!
REVEALER OF HEARTS
[5]
SIMEON
Read Luke 2:21-40
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined… to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2:34–35 NIV
SIMEON
Read Luke 2:21-40
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined… to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2:34–35 NIV
* * *
Holding the newborn baby in his arms, Simeon spoke words from God: Mary's life would be filled with both joy and sorrow. Her baby would be at the center of controversy. Her Son would be the revealer of hearts – even her own. She would have to learn to step back, be silent, and continue to ponder things in her heart. Shepherds could praise Him, Pharisees would curse Him and children would adore Him – but Mary could only quietly pray for Him. He was her son, but he was also her Savior. God's plan would proceed as she stood by and watched.
* * *
Lord, I know You have a plan for each of our children. Mary had some very human sons and daughters in addition to her perfect Son, Jesus. Would they ever accept Him as Messiah? No doubt, Mary prayed that her other children would accept Him as their personal Savior. It wasn't until after the resurrection that they truly believed – but in God's perfect time – Mary's prayers were answered.
* * *
And Joseph and His (Jesus’) mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Luke 2:33 NKJV I have been writing a series of posts about Bible verses I wrote on our cement floor, before our new home's floors were covered with carpet or vinyl.
Here's today's verse, found on the furnace room floor:
A man died and went to heaven. Jesus offered to show him around. They entered a large warehouse and saw shelves full of gifts with peoples' names on them. The man saw several wrapped gifts for him, too. So he asked our Lord about it.
"I saw some gifts with my name on it. Why didn't you ever give me those gifts on earth?"
Jesus replied, "You never asked for those."
God has many wonderful gifts to give us, not the least of which is the gift of faith. But we need to do something to receive it, to fan it into flame.
It's right there inside us, all along, we just need to fan it into flame.
What are you waiting for?
"I saw some gifts with my name on it. Why didn't you ever give me those gifts on earth?"
Jesus replied, "You never asked for those."
God has many wonderful gifts to give us, not the least of which is the gift of faith. But we need to do something to receive it, to fan it into flame.
It's right there inside us, all along, we just need to fan it into flame.
What are you waiting for?
Here is a view of the city park in Nickerson, Kansas. The city permits bicyclists to camp in the park as they pass through. It looks like a warm, friendly place.
On the TransAmerican Trail, on my virtual walk across America, I am just 10 miles away from Nickerson, Kansas.
Since I started walking west from Yorktown, Virginia, I have walked 1,800 miles on my way to Florence, Oregon.
If you would like to join in the virtual walk across America, go to:
http://exercise.lbl.gov/user/userHome.htm
It’s fun and easy to sign up. As you walk, you can input your miles on your very own page and see a photo of where you “are” along the TransAmerican Trail.
Yesterday I took 5,619 steps for 2.5 miles. I did not meet my daily goal of 11,000 steps.
I had this all written out and just deleted everything cause it wasn't acting right & I couldn't get it to look like I wanted it to look. I did change the design because even though I really liked the other, I thought it was time for something new & a little more Christmas-looking.
I seem to always be soooooooooo tired lately. Can't really get into the Christmas spirit of things. Doesn't help that our house isn't finished, therefore, can't decorate it like I want. Did put up our son's 9ft. tree and it is beginning to look awesome. Have had trouble finding some of the decorations, but, all in all, I think it's turned out nice.
I think my mom & I are going to try and do some baking tomorrow. I have about three little elderly ladies that come to our church (one's been a shut in now for some time) that I told Mom I would like to fix some trays of Christmas goodies and deliver to them. Plus, we're going to fix my brother & his oldest son who live in Arizona a Christmas tin box a piece and mail to them.
Well, I think I am going to finish up here and do a couple of other things and then head off to bed as I am pretty beat. Don't think it will take me long to fall fast asleep tonight. :) :)
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