"Go, Sin No More"

December 31, 2016

“Go, Sin No More”

Blessings folk!

My mind is usually drawn to this thought this time of year.

The Lord desires to give us a “place to begin again”.

This encounter pictures this.

Read.
Rejoice.

John 8:1-11

But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him;
and He sat down and began to teach them.

The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery,
and having set her in the center of the court,

they *said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act.

“Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?”

They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him.
But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground.

But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them,
“He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.

When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones,
and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court.

Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?”

She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go.
From now on sin no more.”


Note the facts.

  • Jesus was in the temple…early morning…all the people came…He sat and taught them. (What did Jesus teach? The Kingdom of God)
  • The scribes and Pharisees (I’ll call them Religionists) brought a woman caught in adultery…in the very. (If “in the very act”, where is the man? The Law applied to him also. I suspect a Pharisee offered to sacrifice himself “to the cause.&rdquoWinking
  • The Religionists did this to test Jesus. They were attempting to set Him up. To bring Him down. They desired to accuse Him before the people related to the Law.
  • Jesus stooped and wrote on the ground. Thinking? Meditating? Likely awaiting the Word of Father.
  • The Religionists persisted.
  • Jesus responded.
  • The Religionist left.
  • Jesus inquired of the woman.
  • Jesus refused to condemn her…”go, sin no more”.

Hear the principles
  • The Religionists, especially today, will behave in like manner. They lie. They accuse. They look very “religious”, but their hearts are corrupt. They did not care about the woman. Nor do they care today.
  • The Religionists will use the Law to “kill, steal and destroy”, especially related to the Spirit.
  • The Religionists have no desire for redemption and forgiveness.
  • The Religionists desire to make others “twice the son of hell” that they are.

Mat 23:15

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.


  • Jesus will forgive.
  • Jesus will give a place to begin again.

At the end of this calendar year, remember, Jesus forgives.
Forget what is behind.
At the beginning of the next year, remember, Jesus gives a place to begin again.
Press on toward the goal.
Reach forward!

Phl 3:12-14

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect,
but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet;
but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.


Go, sin no more.

"Holy Prophets of Old"

December 30, 2016

“Holy Prophets of Old”

Blessings folk!

Zacharias is speaking forth a prophetic Word of praise to the Most High.

Luke 1:67-75

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

“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—

Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES,
And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US;

To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,

The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,

To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,

In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.


The Lord had told His people long ago through the prophets.
He would bring salvation from their enemies, those who hate them.
He would show mercy.
He would remember His holy covenant…the Abrahamic covenant.
He would rescue them
He would be served by them without fear…in holiness…in righteousness all their days.

Zacharias was reminding the people.
He was speaking of his baby son.
He was speaking of Messiah.

This was the Word from the Lord through His faithful servant.

The people now knew.

They knew to give heed to this little one.

Would they?

"Blessed Be the Lord God of Israel"

December 29, 2016

“Blessed Be the Lord God of Israel”

Blessings folk!

Zacharias was set free from deafness and dumbness.
Oh that the Body of Christ would be too.
We are deaf to the Spirit of the Lord.
We are dumb to the Word the Lord desires to speak through us.

Look at the first thing Zacharias said…

Luk 1:68-69

“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—


He blesses the Lord.
He declares that is is the Lord God of Israel that has done this.
The Lord has visited us…
The Lord has accomplished redemption for His people…
Note the tense of the verbs.

Zacharias son would be the forerunner of Messiah.
Zacharias and Elizabeth knew this.
They had been told.
They believed.
Zacharias considers it to be done.
He knew of Mary and her child.
He is now declaring that salvation is accomplished, even though it was in the process of “becoming”.

Zacharias then give the “scriptural support” for his statement.

The Lord has raised up, again note the tense, a horn of salvation for us.
Salvation from the house of David the Lord’s servant…as was prophesied.

We will see more of this prophesied Word.

For now, bless the Lord in everything.
Give thanks for His fulfilled Word.
Rejoice in the horn of salvation that He has provided.

"Filled With the Holy Spirit and Prophesied"

December 28, 2016

“Filled With the Holy Spirit and Prophesied”

Blessings folk!

Zacharias was able to speak and hear.

He broke forth in prophetic proclamation and praise.

We will look at it over a few days.
For now, read slowly and watch what we learn of…
  • the ways of the Lord
  • the child

Luke 1:67-79

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

“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—

Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES,
And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US;

To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,

The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,

To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,

In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;

To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,

Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,

TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”


This child, John, would be a prophet of the Most High.
He would go before the Lord to prepare His way.

The Lord accomplishes His ways…then, now and in the future.

Rest in this.

"Fear and Rejoicing"

December 27, 2016

“Fear and Rejoicing”

Blessings folk!

Elizabeth and Mary rejoiced in the Lord.

We pick up the account…

Luke 1:56

And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.


It appears that Mary stayed until John was born.
She then returned home.

We then see the balance of the Zacharias/Elizabeth/John story…

Luke 1:57-66

Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.

Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her.

And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child,
and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father.

But his mother answered and said, “No indeed; but he shall be called John.”

And they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name.”

And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called.

And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, “His name is John.”
And they were all astonished.

And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed,
and he began to speak in praise of God.

Fear came on all those living around them;
and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea.

All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?”
For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.




Elizabeth gives birth.
John is born.
Great joy was in the community.
The barren had borne.
The Lord’s great mercy was evident.

On the eighth day, as per the law, they circumcised John.
As was the cultural habit they named the child at the same time.
Zacharias and Elizabeth did as instructed by the angel.
They named him John.

When Zacharias acknowledge the name, his tongue was loosened.
(His asking for a tablet is a strong hint that he was both deaf and dumb.)
He could talk!

All rejoiced!
Great fear fell upon them.
These things were talked about through the region.
They wondered what this child would be.
They wondered what the Lord was doing.

So is today.
The Body of Christ must cease seeking to be “relevant”, “sensitive”, “approachable”, “attractive”, etc. etc.
The Body of Christ must simply be as the Lord has designed us.
The world will be drawn to His power and Presence, not to the latest greatest show and fad.

The fear of the Lord due to the obedience of His people.
What might He do?

"How Has It Happened to Me?"

December 26, 2016

“How Has It Happened to Me?”

Blessings folk!

Watch Elizabeth’s response when Mary arrives.
Did she know Mary was coming?
Probably not.
Mary had left immediately after the encounter with the angel.
Could not make a call in those days. Happy

Luke 1:41-45

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb;
and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

And she cried out with a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

“For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the baby leaped in my womb for joy.

“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what
had been spoken to her by the Lord.”


Upon Mary’s greeting…when Elizabeth heard her voice…the baby leaped, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

There was no conversation.
There was not explanation.

Elizabeth received revelation from the Spirit.
She proclaimed it to Mary.
Fact.
Praise.
Rejoicing.

Mary was blessed among women.
Blessed is the fruit of Mary’s womb…speaking of the child she was carrying…just days old.
Elizabeth could not have known in the natural.
She did know in the Spirit.

Then this.
Elizabeth exclaims at the wonder that she is being visited by the mother of “my Lord”.
Elizabeth knew that she was carrying the forerunner of Messiah.
She is now learning who Messiah is.

Elizabeth encourages and exhorts Mary.
Mary is blessed because she believed that the Word of the Lord would be fulfilled.

Imagine the joy of the moment.
Imagine the affirmation that Mary and Elizabeth received through each other and the Spirit.

A foreshadowing of how the church is to be…

"Rejoice, Magnify"

December 25, 2016

“Rejoice, Magnify”

Blessings folk!

A joyous celebration of the Lord’s birth to all!

Remember, as we have been seeing, the Lord fulfilled every prophetic Word spoken related to his coming in the flesh.

He will do likewise in His coming in power as the Victorious King.

Literally hundreds of prophecies have been/will be fulfilled.

As we celebrate His birth, may we worship with the words of His mother Mary…

Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.


Magnify the Lord.
Rejoice in God our Savior.
He helps.
He speaks to us forever.

"Filled With the Holy Spirit"

December 24, 2016

“Filled With the Holy Spirit”

Blessings folk!

Mary believed.
Mary conceived.

What did she do next?

Luke 1:39-41

Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah,

and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.


“At this time…”
What time?
Apparently after her encounter with Gabriel.

We are not told why Mary went.
We are told she did so in a hurry.

Likely it was to visit Elizabeth and rejoice in the news of Elizabeth’s upcoming child.
Remember, Elizabeth had told no one.
Mary now knew.

So, Mary, a young maiden, traveled.
Would she have told her family?
Certainly.
Would she have told her fiancé?
Yes.

She goes.
She arrives to a city in Judah.
She enters the house of Zacharias and greets Elizabeth.

A prophecy fulfilling moment.

Luke 1:15

…and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb.

The baby, John, lept…tells us some things about life in the womb.
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
So was John.

As we will see, both Elizabeth and Mary break forth in praise to the Most High.

May we do likewise.
Rejoicing in the Lord.
Trusting Him as we walk through each breath of life.
Resting in His peace wherever we are in each moment.

"Make It Done to Me..."

December 23, 2016

“Make It Done to Me…”

Blessings folk!

As we continue to see, there is surprise after surprise in the life of those that we encounter in the birth story of Jesus.

We have seen reactions of shock, doubt, faith, confusion, wonder, etc.

How did Mary react to the Word of the angel?

Luke 1:34-38

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered and said to her,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;
and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.

“And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age;
and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord;
may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.


Mary wondered how she could have a child since she had never been with a man.
Not a question of doubt.
A question of the truth of the matter.

Apparently, Zacharias questioned with doubt since he received a punishment for not believing.

Mary was working through understanding.

The angel answered forthrightly.
The Holy Spirit would come upon her.
The Power of the Most High would overshadow her.
Because of this, the Child…note called holy…would be called the Son of God.

Then this.
The angel gives a “faith builder” fact.
Mary’s aged, barren relative Elizabeth was with child.
Remember, no one knew.
Elizabeth hid herself for five months.
The angel “outted” her!

When did this happen?
Did Mary “feel it”?
Did she know?

I believe it happened when she said “may it be done to me according to our word”.

Mary believed.
She believed the Word of the Lord through the angel that with God nothing is impossible.

She declared that she was the bondslave/bondservant of the Lord.
Therefore, she believed.
She laid all before Him.

So should we.
Do we truly believe that with God nothing is impossible?
Do we truly believe that with God all things are possible?
Are we bondservants?

Take these before the Lord.

"He Will..."

December 22, 2016

“He Will…”

Blessings folk!

Gabriel, the angel, appeared to Mary and greeted her…

Luke1:28

And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”


Favored one.
The Lord is with her.

How did Mary react?

Luk 1:29

But she was very perplexed at this statement,
and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.


She was perplexed at the statement.
She did not understand why he was greeting her in such manner.
She pondered the salutation.

Luke 1:30-33

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 bear a son,
and you shall name Him Jesus.

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High;
and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;

and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever,
and His kingdom will have no end.”


As usually occurs with an angelic encounter, he tells her to fear not. then clarifies.

Mary had found favor with God.

How?

By her deeds?
By her faith?
By her understanding?

All are important, but they do not bring qualification.

Favor found with God is from God.
He gives the favor.

Gabriel then brings the news.
Mary will conceive.
She will bear a Son.
He is to be called Jesus. He will be great.
He will be called Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.
He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
His Kingdom will have no end.

Mary was told what was to occur from that moment through all eternity.
We celebrate His coming the first time, but in the midst of that story are references to the balance of time.

Jesus fulfilled a portion of this Word to Mary when He came.
The rest will be fulfilled when He returns.
His Kingdom.
His Reign.
His Throne.
Forever.
Amen.

"This Is the Way..."

December 20, 2016

“This Is the Way…”

Blessings folk!

Near finish to Zacharias account…

Luk 1:21-25

The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple.

But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute.

When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home.

After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant,
and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying,

“This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me,
to take away my disgrace among men.”


The encounter took long enough that the folk were wondering what was happening.
What was causing the delay in Zacharias coming out?

When he did come out, he could not speak.
Unbelief will do that to us.
Silence us.

They realized he had seen a vision in the temple.
How?
He likely “signed it”.

When his priestly duties were completed he went home.
Interesting.
Probably a fairly short time.
The priests had a two-week cycle.
I believe he would not have been able to minister any more at that time due to his affliction.
The Law would not allow such.

Anyway, he goes home.

Again, as with Abraham and Sarah, something happened one day.
Something that likely had not occurred for some period of time.
Zacharias and Elizabeth were both beyond child-bearing age, yet one day, a time of marital intimacy.
Imagine.
They would have known.
They knew the Word of the angel.
They knew the Promise.
They knew what was occurring.

Imagine the emotions, the joy, the wonder.

Then, the wait.

They were in awe.

Elizabeth awaited 5 months in seclusion.
She rejoiced in the strange, marvelous and “outside-of-nature” timing of the Lord.
The Lord had dealt favor upon her.
Her reproach was gone.

The Lord does so for us also.
What reproach might the Lord be taking away…even today?
What favor might He be pouring forth?
Do not disbelieve.
Believe with all your hear, mind, soul and strength.

"Believe"

December 19, 2106

“Believe”

Blessings folk!

Zacharias had heard the Word of the Lord through the angel.
They would have a son.
The son, John, would be the forerunner of Messiah…as prophesied.

What was Zacharias’ response?

Luk 1:18-20

Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain?
For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.”

The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.

“And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”


Zacharias questioned how they could have a son.
He questioned the Word of the Lord.
In the natural, his doubt made sense, he and his wife were advanced in years…past child-bearing..

Yet, where was faith.
Zacharias is standing in the temple, in the Holy Place, before an angel of the Lord, and he demands proof.

This is different from when Mary asked a similar question to the same angel.
Apparently she sincerely wondered about the mechanics of the promise.
Zacharias’ attitude appears to be different.
We know due to the response of the angel.

The angel was Gabriel.
He stands in the presence of God.
He was sent by God to speak to Zacharias.
He was sent to bring this good news.

But, because Zacharias did not believe, there would be some repercussions.
The Word would still come forth.
But, Zacharias would not be able to speak (or hear? “you shall be silent” Silence would surround him, unable to hear…Luk 1:62 - And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. Making signs because he can’t hear.)

Zacharias did not believe.
Soon he would.

For us, believe.
Do not doubt.
The Word of the Lord stands forever.

"Joy and Gladness"

December 18, 2016

“Joy and Gladness”

Blessings folk!

The angel is speaking to Zacharias.
Zacharias was learning of his son to come…

Luk 1:13-17

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.

“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 he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb.

“And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God.

“It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”


The birth of John would bring forth…

  • joy
  • gladness

Many will rejoice at his birth.

John would…
  • be great in the sight of the Lord
  • drink no wine or liquor
  • be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb
  • turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord God
  • be the forerunner “Him” - Messiah
  • turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children
  • turn the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous
  • make ready a people prepared for the Lord

Imagine learning all this about your son…before birth.
Imagine learning that he would be the forerunner of Messiah

Such had been prophesied.
Zacharias would have known the prophesies.

What a “faith building” encounter this was…or was it?

How did Zacharias respond?
We will see.

Rejoice in the One Who has come…and is coming again.

"Your Petition Has Been Heard"

December 17, 2106

“Your Petition Has Been Heard”

Blessings folk!

Zacharias was offering prayer/incense before the Lord in the temple.
He was doing so in his official, priestly role on behalf of the people of the Lord.
An angel suddenly and unexpectedly appeared before Zacharias.
Zacharias was troubled.
Fear gripped him.

Hear the Word of the Lord through the angel…

Luk 1:13

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.


What petition?
When was it voiced?

Zacharias and Elizabeth were barren.
They had petitioned the Lord for a child…likely many years before.
Yet, they were still childless.
Now there was no hope…they were beyond child-bearing age…as we will see.

Still, the angel states the petition had been heard.

They now would have a son.
They were to name him John.

A valuable lesson for us in this moment.
We pray expecting immediate response from the Lord.
Expectancy and faith is good.
Presumption is not.
We are to pray, trusting the timing and purpose of the Lord.

Zacharias was about to learn much about his son.

What would Zacharias’ response be?
We will see.

For now, fear not what the Lord is doing in your life.
Wait upon the Lord.
Trust in the Lord.
Rejoice in the Lord and the work of His hand.

"An Angel! Fear!"

December 16, 2016

“An Angel! Fear!”

Blessings folk!

Zacaharias was “at work”.
He had been chosen for a special, blessed, perhaps “once-in-a-lifetime” task.
Things did not go the way he expected…

Luk 1:8-12

Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division,

according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering.

And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.

Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him.


Zacharias was a priest, one of many.
He was performing service before God at the appointed time of his division.
There was a system of service.
He was chosen by lot to enter into the temple.
An honor.

People were praying.
(Do we?)
People were waiting.
(Do we?)

Then things went…well…
An angel appeared.

The usual reaction of man to an angel appearing came upon Zacharias.
He was troubled.
Fear gripped him.

Some say that angels and such were for “back then”.
Not true.
Angels are about us today.

Heb 13:2

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.


There are angels of God - “good angels”.
There are the rebellious angels that sided with Lucifer - demons.

Be not troubled when encountered by an angel.
Lay fear before the Lord.
Know His Word.
Live in His Spirit.
Remember…

1Pe 2:9-10

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;
that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:
which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

"Righteous, Blameless"

December 15, 2016

“Righteous, Blameless”

Blessings folk!

We continue receiving the Truth of the Lord that He revealed in His Word related to the birth of the Lord Jesus.

Luke.

Luke tells us at the beginning of his gospel writing the purpose he/the Spirit had in mind…

Luk 1:1-4

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things
accomplished among us,

just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,

it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning,
to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus;

so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

Luke’s account…

  • chronological
  • an investigation
  • based on eyewitness accounts
  • eyewitnesses were servants of the Word
  • written so that we can know the exact truth about the things we have been taught.

Exact truth.

Look where he begins…

Luk 1:5-7

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

They were both righteous in the sight of God,
walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.

But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren,
and they were both advanced in years.


We meet Zacharias and Elizabeth.
Zacharias was a priest.
They were of the line of Aaron.
They were righteous in the sight of God.
They walked blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. (Wow!)

Yet, there was a problem.
They had no child.
Elizabeth was barren.
They were advanced in years, the inference being that they were beyond child-bearing age.

So, what does this have to do with the birth of Jesus.
We will see.

For now, may we be as they.
Though things were not “perfect” in their lives (barrenness), they pursued the Lord.
Righteous.
Blameless as to commandments and requirements of the Lord.

May we do likewise in the power of the Spirit.

"He Shall Be Called A Nazarene"

December 14, 2016

“He Shall Be Called A Nazarene”

Blessings folk!

Joseph, Mary and the Child Jesus were in Egypt.
The Lord had sent them there due to Herod’s desire to kill the Child.

What were they doing?
Waiting.

I’m certain that Joseph had to work.
Life continued.
As they waited.

One night Joseph had another dream…

Mat 2:19-23

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said,

“Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel;
for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”

So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee,

and came and lived in a city called Nazareth.
This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”


The Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.
Again, something that happened several times with Joseph…I believe four times?

The Angel informed Joseph of the geo-political situation.
Herod was dead.
The one who had sought to kill the Child was dead.
Joseph was now instructed to take his family back into the land of Israel.
Note the location.
The land of Israel. No specific region/city is mentioned.

Joseph obeyed.
Upon traveling, apparently to Judea, he heard that Herod’s son was reigning.
Joseph feared returning to Judea.
He was warned by God, again in a dream.
They left for the Galilee region and lived in Nazareth.

Why did all this happen?
As fulfillment of the prophetic Word, “He shall be called a Nazarene”. The prophetic Word came from the Lord long before all this occurred.
Why?
So that we would see that the Lord knows all that was/is/will be.
So that we will believe.
Do you believe?

"Weeping In Ramah"

December 13, 2016

“Weeping In Ramah”

Blessings folk!

Christmas is a time of celebrating the coming of the Lord.
The Lord tells us in His Word much about what happened.
We embrace the joy and wonder.
We usually ignore/reject the pain and suffering.

How often do we hear teaching/messages/sermons on the suffering that occurred at Christ’s birth?

Hear the Word of the Lord.
Receive Truth from the Spirit.

Mat 2:16-18

Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.

Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:

“A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH,
WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING,
RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN;
AND SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED,
BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE.”


Herod was furious because the magi did not report back.
Remember, the Lord had told them to return not to Herod and to go home another way.

Because of his rage and fear of this King, Herod had all the boys in Bethlehem and all its vicinity aged two and under killed.

He used this age based upon the initial report of the magi as to when they had seen the star.
That is the reason I said earlier that they had likely seen the star a year or so before.
A man such as Herod would leave himself some room as to age.

Innocent died.
Evil is ever present.

This had been prophesied…

Jer 31:15

Thus says the LORD,
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
Lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
She refuses to be comforted for her children,
Because they are no more.”


(This gives some interesting insight into how the Lord uses His prophetic Word.)

The region cried in pain and bitter weeping at the loss of their children.
“Rachel” wept.
They refused to be comforted.

Yet, the great Comforter was born.
He was now headed to Egypt.

The same type of thing will happen when the Lord returns.
Prior to His return there will be great persecution, tribulation and death for Israel and the church.

Are you ready?

"Out of Egypt"

December 12, 2016

“Out of Egypt”

Blessings folk!

The magi had left.

Herod was furious.
The magi were to report back to him.
They were to reveal the location of the Child.
The Lord had warned them, in a dream, to return not to Herod and to go home another way.
They did.

We see things in the birth narrative of Jesus that many think belong to a past time…
Dreams.
Angels.
Difficult things in a time of rejoicing.

These belong not to just the past.

Mat 2:13-15

Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.”

So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt.

He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.”


The Lord warned Joseph.
By angel.
In a dream.

Yes, angel.
Yes, dream.
Not just for “a time past in Bible days” as is often assumed.

Joseph obeyed immediately.
Apparently he arose that night…”while it was still night”…and took the Child and His mother and fled to Egypt.

Why?
Herod sought to kill the Child.

Why Egypt?
To fulfill the prophetic Word of the Lord…

Hos 11:1

When Israel was a youth I loved him,
And out of Egypt I called My son.


Angels.
Dream.
Prophetic Word.
Immediate obedience.

They remained in Egypt until Herod’s death.
They awaited the Word of instruction from the Lord.

So should we.

"They Worshipped Him"

December 11, 21096

“They Worshipped Him”

Blessings folk!

The magi rejoiced!
The star had reappeared and now was over the place where the child was.

Mat 2:11-12

After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother;
and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.
Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod,
the magi left for their own country by another way.


The magi came into a house…it was likely a year or more since the birth of the Babe.
They saw the Child.
They saw His mother.
They fell to the ground and worshipped Him.
They did not worship His mother.
They worshipped Him.

They presented their treasured gifts.
Gold.
Frankincense.
Myrrh.
Each representing an element of the life of the Lord Jesus.

Note that there is no mention of there being three kings. It is assumed because there were three gifts, but there could have been less…more?

There are many understandings of the meaning of the gifts.
Simply…
Gold represents the Kingship of Christ.
Frankincense pictures His priestly role on earth.
Myrrh anticipates His death and resurrection.

The magi knew that Jesus was the Promised One.
Do we?

One last thought.
They were warned of God in a dream.
Dreams are important in the birth account of the Lord.
They are seen throughout His Word.
We do well to pay attention to the dreams the Lord gives.
The dream warned to not return to Herod with a report.
They did as instructed.
They went home another way…rejoicing.

"The Star"

December 10, 2016

“The Star”

Blessings folk!

Magi from the east had arrived.
Herod had heard.
Herod sought to know what their arrival and pronouncement of a king meant.

Mat 2:7-10

Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them
the exact time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”

After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.


Herod wanted to know the timing of the appearance of the star.
Why?
We will see…ok…he wanted to know what age children to kill.

Herod feigned interest in the child king, to worship him.
The truth was that he wanted to kill the baby.

Upon departing from the king, the magi again saw the star.
A very proprietary, one-off star that appeared with great precision…over the place where the child was.
This is the major reason that I do not believe that is was a star as we understand a star.
Nor was it a convergence of the zodiac.
It was likely a manifestation of the shekinah glory of the Lord that led the magi.

They rejoiced when they saw the star.
They knew that the Lord was leading them.
They knew that they would soon see the king.

So shall we.
Are we ready?

"A Ruler Will Come Forth"

December 9, 2016

“A Ruler Will Come Forth”

Blessings folk!

Mary was kept a virgin.
Her son is born.
He is named Jesus.

We continue…

Mat 2:1-6

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king,
magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?
For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people,
he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea;
for this is what has been written by the prophet:

‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH,
ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH;
FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER
WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’”


The Lord reveals many details in the birth narrative of Jesus.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea
He was born in the days of Herod the king…during his reign.

During this time, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.

They knew a King had been born.
How?
I believed the Lord revealed it to them.
They followed a star.
Not a star in a traditional sense of the word…we will see more later.

They knew a King had been born.
But, they did not know exactly where.
They inquired.

As we can imagine, this caused a response with Herod, the current king.

He sought of the chief priests and scribes of the Jews to know where.

They quoted prophecy from Micah 5.

Though a small, insignificant place, Bethlehem would bring forth a ruler, a ruler that would shepherd the people of the Lord - Israel.

Without knowing, the magi had created a political crisis that would precipitate the fulfillment of even more prophecy.
Some very difficult.
All known of God.

Jesus’ coming the first time was difficult in many ways…not just the happy, celebratory event that we have today.

…to be continued…

"He Will Save His People..."

December 8, 2016

“He Will Save His People…”

Blessings folk!

We do well to remember and reflect upon the coming of the Lord the first time.
His birth.
We do better to anticipate His coming again.
His return.

We will take a little turn from Hebrews 11 the next few days to read the New Testament account of the birth of the Lord.

Seek the Lord.
Ask Him to reveal His truth from these very familiar passages.

Mat 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her,
planned to send her away secretly.

But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife;
for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus,
for He will save His people from their sins.”

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.”

And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him,
and took Mary as his wife,

but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.


From the beginning, the news of Jesus caused a stir.
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
People of His day rejected this.
Many today, even in the professing church, reject that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
In the vernacular of the day, they reject the “virgin birth” of the Lord.

The Word is clear.
Jesus was conceived by the Spirit.
This fulfilled the prophetic Word of the Lord…quoted from Isaiah 7.

Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, was righteous and did what was right.
He listened to the Lord.
He obeyed the Word of the Lord received via dreams.
He was faithful.
He was righteous.
He was obedient.
He took Mary as wife.
He kept her a virgin until Jesus was born.
He called Him Jesus, as instructed by the Lord.

Joseph and Mary knew what all this meant.
Messiah had come!
The people could now be saved from their sins!
God with us.

"God Will Be With You?

December 7, 2016

“God Will Be With You”

Blessings folk!

A couple of more thoughts on Israel blessing the sons of Joseph.

Read the conclusion of the account…

Gen 48:17-22

When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on Ephraim’s head, it displeased him; and he grasped his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head.

Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn. Place your right hand on his head.”

But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know; he also will become a people and he also will be great. However, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.”

He blessed them that day, saying,
“By you Israel will pronounce blessing, saying,
‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh!’”
Thus he put Ephraim before Manasseh.

Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you, and bring you back to the land of your fathers.

“I give you one portion more than your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow.”


Joseph was displeased.
He desired his first-born to receive the blessing of the first-born.
God had other plans.

God had revealed to Israel that the younger would be greater than the older.
Israel understood his son’s reaction…”I know, my son, I know”.

The younger would become a multitude of nations.

Both Ephraim and Manasseh would be blessed.
But, Ephraim, the younger, would be first.

Israel then acknowledged the inevitable.
He was about to die…then “but”.
God would be with Joseph.
God would bring Joseph back into the land of his fathers.
Joseph would receive an extra portion of the land.

God revealed it to Israel.
Israel spoke forth the blessing.

God honored His Word.

Rest in His Word.

God will be with you.

"Blessed..."

December 6, 2016

“Blessed…”

Blessings folk!

Israel now speaks forth the blessing.
Give heed to who is blessed.
Watch what is referenced.
What is promised?

Gen 48:15-16

He blessed Joseph, and said,
“The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,
The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,

The angel who has redeemed me from all evil,
Bless the lads;
And may my name live on in them,
And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;
And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”


The blessing of the “lads” begins with the blessing of Joseph.

The Word says “he blessed Joseph and said…”

In the blessing of the father the children are blessed.
In the blessing of the children the father is blessed.

Look at what we learn of God and Israel’s forefathers.
Abraham and Isaac walked before God.
God had been Israel’s shepherd all his life.
God, the angel, had redeemed Israel from evil…all evil.

The past.

It is “this” God, the Most High, that Israel calls upon to bless the lads.

The present.

Israel calls upon the Lord to make his name and the name of Abraham and Isaac to live on in them.
Israel reminds the Lord of His promise of a multitude of descendants upon the earth.

The future.

A blessing rooted and based upon the Word of God…
…in the past
…in the present
…in the future

May we have this understanding and trust in the Lord.
Remembering what He has done.
Rejoicing in what He is doing.
Resting in what He has for us.

"Crossing His Hands..."

December 5, 2016

“Crossing His Hands…”

Blessings folk!

Israel is about to bless Joseph’s sons.
Joseph’s sons that Israel had taken as his…to share his inheritance.

Read carefully.
Watch what occurs.
Watch the reaction of all.
What are the agendas/motivation?
What is God doing?

Gen 48:12-19

Then Joseph took them from his knees, and bowed with his face to the ground.

Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel’s right, and brought them close to him.

But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands, although Manasseh was the firstborn.

He blessed Joseph, and said,
“The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,
The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,

The angel who has redeemed me from all evil,
Bless the lads;
And may my name live on in them,
And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;
And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”

When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on Ephraim’s head, it displeased him; and he grasped his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head.

Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn. Place your right hand on his head.”

But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know; he also will become a people and he also will be great. However, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.”


We have some hints about the situation.
The sons were somewhat younger…they were on Joseph’s knees.
We will look at the actual blessing later, but did you see how Israel blessed mentioning God and the angel? A hint that the “angel” was God.

Joseph moved the boys from his knees.
Joseph bowed in worship before the Lord.
A time of patriarchal blessing is a significant, holy time before the Most High.

Joseph then precisely placed the boys before Israel.
The eldest, Manasseh, was to receive the blessing of the first-born - a significant thing.

But such was not the heart of God in this instance.
God wanted the blessing to go to Ephraim.

Israel knew this, and therefore, crossed his hands when laid upon the boys.
Joseph did not like this.
He knew what the Lord had said about the first-born.
But, the Lord does as He desires.

Joseph corrected his father, likely thinking that due to dimness of sight, that he was laying hands upon the wrong son.

But, Israel knew exactly what he was doing.
He knew exactly what the Lord was leading in.
“I know my son, I know…”
He understood.
He knew the Law.
He also knew the Lord.
He was following the Lord.

Let us do likewise…especially when it “does not make sense”.

"That I May Bless Them..."

December 4, 2016

“That I May Bless Them…”

Blessings folk!

One of the more poignant and touching moments in the Word.

Israel is old.
He is at the end of his life.

Joseph brought his sons before his father.

Genesis 48
8 When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he said, “Who are these?”
9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.”
And he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.”
10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see.
So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them.
11 And Israel said to Joseph,
“I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.”


Israel’s eyes were dim…he could not see well due to age.
He did not recognize them, therefore the question…”who are these?”

Israel kissed them.
Israel embraced them.
Israel rejoiced in being with them.

He never expected to see Joseph again, much less Joseph’s children.

How blessed he was.
How blessed we are.

The love of the patriarch is without end.
The Love of the Lord surpasses that.

Israel desired to bless them.
There is something significant about this…
There is something that happens in such…

We in the western world basically reject the power of blessing with the word.
We are wrong.

More later…

"Past...Present...Future..."

December 3, 2016

“Past…Present…Future…”

Blessings folk!

By faith, Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph.

Jacob/Israel summoned the strength he had…just to sit up…he was at the point of eternal glory.

Genesis 48
1 After this, Joseph was told, “Behold, your father is ill.”
So he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
2 And it was told to Jacob, “Your son Joseph has come to you.”
Then Israel summoned his strength and sat up in bed.


Jacob/Israel then recounted the Lord’s appearance to Him and the subsequent covenant promise of blessing.

3 And Jacob said to Joseph,
“God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me,
4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you,
and I will make of you a company of peoples and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.’


Blessing.
Fruitful multiplication…a company of people.
Land given to offspring as an everlasting possession.
Everlasting.

Jacob/Israel now declares that Joseph’s two sons born in Egypt, Ephraim and Manasseh, would be as Jacob/Israel’s own sons…of equal inheritance. Joseph’s other children would be his.

5 And now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are.
6 And the children that you fathered after them shall be yours.
They shall be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance.


Jacob/Israel still missed Rachel…

7 As for me, when I came from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath,
and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”


A time of reflecting on the past…
On rejoicing in what the Lord had done/said…
On resting in the Lord in the time of sorrow…
On preparing to meet the Lord face-to-face…

A time of looking forward…though not there in the flesh…
Of preparing an inheritance…
Or laying the foundation of a legacy in the Lord…

Jacob/Israel was at the point.
So are we.
None are guaranteed another breath.

In all we do…
Rejoice in what the Lord has done…
Trust in what He is doing…
Rest in what He will do.

"Let My Name Be Carried On"

December 2, 2016

“Let My Name Be Carried On”

Blessings folk!

By faith.

The life of the true believer is lived by faith.
Not by what we see.
Not by what we understand.
Note by what “we do”.
By faith.

Jacob/Israel lived by faith…even at the end and beyond.

Heb 11:21

By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped,
leaning on the top of his staff.


Read the story referenced.
We will still discuss later…I love the phrase “I know my son, I know…”

Genesis 48

1 After this, Joseph was told, “Behold, your father is ill.”
So he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
2 And it was told to Jacob, “Your son Joseph has come to you.”
Then Israel summoned his strength and sat up in bed.
3 And Jacob said to Joseph,
“God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me,
4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you,
and I will make of you a company of peoples and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.’
5 And now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are.
6 And the children that you fathered after them shall be yours.
They shall be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance.
7 As for me, when I came from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath,
and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”
8 When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he said, “Who are these?”
9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.”
And he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.”
10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see.
So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them.
11 And Israel said to Joseph,
“I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.”
12 Then Joseph removed them from his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand,
and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him.
14 And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim,
who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh,
crossing his hands (for Manasseh was the firstborn).
15 And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day,
16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys;
and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;
and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”
17 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him, and he took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head.
18 And Joseph said to his father, “Not this way, my father; since this one is the firstborn,
put your right hand on his head.”
19 But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he,
and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”
20 So he blessed them that day, saying, “By you Israel will pronounce blessings, saying,
God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh.’ ” Thus he put Ephraim before Manasseh.
21 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am about to die,
but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your fathers.
22 Moreover, I have given to you rather than to your brothers one mountain slope that I took from the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow.”


“And in them let my name carry on…”
May our arrows carry on our name.
May our Name be worthy of being carried forward.

"Faith Regarding Things to Come"

December 1, 2016

“Faith Regarding Things to Come”

Blessings folk!

The great “Gallery of Faith” - Hebrews 11.

Much is said about Abraham in this passage…brief synopsis of some things in his life.

Less is said about others, though equally important.

Isaac, Abraham’s son of the promise, is mentioned in Abraham’s story.

One verse is stated related to Isaac…

Heb 11:20

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.


A succinct synopsis of the passing of Isaac.

Isaac was blessed of God…

Gen 25:11-12

It came about after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac;
and Isaac lived by Beer-lahai-roi.

Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold.
And the LORD blessed him,


Isaac’s family had their “issues”…many chapters of Genesis recount it.

Yet, according to Hebrews, Isaac blessed both sons regarding the things to come.

Both would prosper.
Both would have descendants.
Only one, Issac, would be the line of the descendants of the Promise.
Yet, both were blessed.

Often, the blessings of the Lord are not seen now, but are regarding things to come.

Fear not over what you “see” now.
Have faith regarding the things to come.