Jesus is Lord

CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:41:31 -0800

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

* * *

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)

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

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Walking in a Winter Funderland!

nobody@vox.com(Darryl) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:59:07 -0800

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:

Bedroom View of Snow

Last Christmas we gave each other snow shoes as a gift. We used them several times.

Here's a scene along Wilson Avenue:

Snow Scene along Wilson Avenue

Here is a photo my wife took of me, next to a flag waving in the wind:

Proud to Be an American in Snow

We also walked the length of the Hanover Trolley Rail Trail. Here's a scene along the trail:

Hanover Trolley Rail Trail in Snow

Here's what our new house looks like in the snow:

Our house in snow

Here's our Garden Flag in the snow:

Our December Garden Flag

A blessed Christmas and happy New Year to all!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Christmas Devotions

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:07:11 -0800

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

* * *

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

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Fan into the Flame!

nobody@vox.com(Darryl) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:29:27 -0800

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:

Furnace Room Verse

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?

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:36:40 -0800

TIDINGS OF JOY

[4]

THE SHEPHERDS

Read Luke 2:8–20

"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10–11 NKJV

* * *

Exhausted but happy, Joseph wraps his newborn babe in swaddling clothes and lays him at Mary's side. They are alone, in the city of their birth, but not their home. Only the sound of animals disturbs their quiet conversation. What will life be like with this child of God? Soon they will be able to consummate their marriage and build a family together.
Meanwhile, out in the nearby fields, a lowly group of shepherds are in for a big surprise. Suddenly an angel appears in the night sky surrounded by the glory of the Lord. He announces, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "(Luke 2:11 NKJV) Lonely quiet places - this stable - those fields - where all of history would be changed. Even today we date our lives from this event.

* * *

Lord, help me to value the lonely, quiet moments of my life. They are so few and yet so valuable. Speak to my heart this morning with words of peace. Like Mary, I truly desire to understand Your ways and ponder them in my heart.

* * *

"All those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:18-19 NKJV

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Standing on the Promises of God~~Part 3

nobody@vox.com(Darryl) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:01:27 -0800

Well, in the past two days, I've taken you inside the front door of our new home, and into the living room, so today, we enter the dining room.

Here's the verse I wrote on the cement floor of that room before the vinyl flooring went down over it:

Dining Room Verse

We spend so much of our lives eating and drinking and preparing to do so and cleaning up afterward that this verse lifts up that we should be glorifying God at these times, at all times!

Whatever we do, let us glorify God in it.

Jesus often broke bread with his disciples, with sinners and tax collectors, people on the fringes of society and the high and mighty, too.

Set an extra plate at your table for Jesus, who is present at every meal, in his risen power.

Welcome him into your home, your living room, your dining room, and let His peace fill you up.

We walk around our new home and in every room, we are "standing on the promises of God."

Sola gloria dei!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Standing on the Promises~~Part 2

nobody@vox.com(Darryl) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:40:29 -0800

I began a series yesterday on "Standing on the Promises of God."

We wrote verses on the concrete floor of the rooms of our new house, before they were covered with carpet or vinyl flooring. Now when we walk around the house, we are standing on the promises of God, literally!

That's what we are doing at "Hallowed House," the first house we have ever owned. It's in the borough of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania.

I call our house "Hallowed House" because we moved there on October 30th, a day before All Hallow's Eve. Hallowe'en is also known as Reformation Day and I know it well as my own birthday, too!

Yesterday I showed you the verse inside the front door of Hallowed House. Here's another verse, found on the concrete floor (later covered with padding and carpet, after all, it's a living room!):

Living Room Verse

Both my wife and I agree that we like this verse because it gives life a focus, praising God. It's also a prayer, recognizing that we are works in progress, not perfect people by any means.

Our aim is to live in such a way that we may praise God.

Let the redeemed of the Lord praise God!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

A Course in Miracles - famous quotes and sayings

nobody@vox.com(spirituality) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:31:32 -0800

A Course in Miracles - famous quotes and sayings

http://www.squidoo.com/acim-quotes

One of the deepest hyped spiritual books of the late 20th century is 'a Course in Miracles' (also known as ACIM). It uses Christian symbols and imagery, but the message is universal and strongly reminiscent of Eastern spirituality (mainly Vedanta). Below you'll find quotes from this famous text organized by topics like God, Love, Reality etc.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Standing on the Promises--Part 1

nobody@vox.com(Darryl) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:21:11 -0800

Before the floors in our new house were covered with carpet or vinyl flooring, I wrote a Bible verse on each room's floor.

Now, when we walk about our new house, we are literally "Standing on the Promises of God."

Here is the first verse I would like to share with you.

Front Door Verse

This is the verse we chose for just inside the front door of our new house. Jesus spoke these words to his disciples when he appeared to them in the Upper Room, after his Resurrection.

Peace be with you is a common greeting in the Bible. It should be more in use among Christians than "Have a nice day" or "Have a good one."

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

2009 December InspirationSounds:GRAMMY Nominee Edition

nobody@vox.com(TechMusicGospel) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:18:18 -0800

This is special on two counts: one since I didn't bring you a InspirationSounds podcast last month and second I have been blessed to be the GRAMMY community blogger for the 52nd GRAMMY Awards for the Gospel genre so what else to do but to bring you GRAMMY edition podcast. You know how I love blending Gospel/Christian with some of the best instrumental tunes but this one has a little twist: each of the Gospel songs are up for a nomination for a GRAMMY.

It's pretty cool the power of instrumental music and when it's blended with men and women of God that loves the Lord it's a win-win situation. When you really think about it how many times have you been in service praising and worshiping the Lord and when the choir has stopped singing and the musicians are playing you still are caught up in the spirit, they two go hand in hand.

The tracks featured in this podcast is from their past work to let you that success did not come to these Gospel Nominees over night...it took years for these artists to achieve what they have today and I also feel in order appreciate a person in the present you have to sometime check out what they have done in the past. The artists that are nominated are:

Vicki Winans

Jars of Clay

Smokie Norful

Third Day

J. Moss

Donnie McClurkin

Mary Mary

Kierra "KiKi" Sheard

Sheri Jones-Moffett

Donald Lawrence

Karen Clark Sheard

Israel Houghton

This is only a handful of the talented men and women who have done remarkable work in composing, song writing, arranging some of the best Worship and Praise songs that are nominated this year and if I'm granted the opportunity to participate I will have more tunes in the podcasts.

Big, BIG thanks to the Academy of Music for allowing me to express my feeling in regards to the wonderful talent of the incredible men and women who love the Lord of lords and the King of kings.

Be Blessed, Be Safe,

& Have a Wonderful Day. :-)

Sounds Unlimited: GRAMMY Edition LP1

{to listen: click here | to download: right click}

to download from iTunes - copy this rss feed into iTunes

[Track Title - Artist or Group]

o1. Long As I Got King Jesus - Vicki Winans{Nominated for Best Traditional Gospel Album}

o2. WindSurfer - Steve Kindler and Teja Bell

o3. Nobody Loves Me Like You - Jars of Clay{Nominated for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album}

o4. Till We Meet Again - Special EFX

o5. Celebrate - Smokie Norful{Nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album}

o6. With You In Mind - Acoustic Alchemy

o7. I've Always Loved You - Third Day{Nominated for Best Gospel Song}

o8. Chinnok Winds - Chet Atkins

o9. Livin' 4[Remix] - J. Moss{Nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album}

10. Thy Kingdom Come - Special EFX

11. Speak to My Heart - Donnie McClurkin{Nominated for Best Gospel Performance}

Bonus Podcast

Sounds Unlimited: GRAMMY Edition LP2

{to listen: click here | to download: right click}

to download from iTunes - copy this rss feed into iTunes

[Track Title - Artist or Group]

o1. Incredible - Mary Mary{Nominated for Best Gospel Song}

o2. All Laid Back and Stuff - Andy McKee

o3. You Don't Know - Kierra "KiKi" Sheard{Nominated for Best Gospel Song}

o4. Cruise - Eddie Daniels

o5. God Will Take Care - Ted & Sheri{Nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album}

o6. Dance With Me - Govi

o7. Healed - Donald Lawrence{Nominated for Best Traditional Gospel Album}

o8. Your Love Has Lifted Me - Special EFX

o9. You Showed Me - Karen Clark Sheard{Nominated for Best Gospel Performance}

1o. Those Eyes - Michael Deep

11. Again I Say Rejoice - Israel & New Breed{Nominated for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album}

Intro Underscore music: Todd Kelley "The BigLa"

Outro Underscore music: Nicolay

photo: Snow Blind

By Mathias NEVIERE

InterfaceLIFT.com

Send to a friend

Jesus is Lord

CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM

[6]

THE WISE MEN AND HERODRead Matthew 2:1–12 & Micah 5:2When 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

* * *

Walking in a Winter Funderland!

Christmas Devotions

REVEALER OF HEARTS

Fan into the Flame!

CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

TIDINGS OF JOY

Standing on the Promises of God~~Part 3

Standing on the Promises~~Part 2

A Course in Miracles - famous quotes and sayings

Standing on the Promises--Part 1

2009 December InspirationSounds:GRAMMY Nominee Edition

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