Jesus, the Lamb of God The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:29
On the Eighth-Day of Christmas, my ‘True Love’ gave to me … A Lamb to take away my sins. That’s right, in God’s goodness He provided the Perfect Lamb, the Spotless Lamb – Jesus Christ. He did this so that my sins and those of the world might be forgiven. A lamb isn’t powerful like a lion, but this Lamb had all the power of heaven – for His blood was pure. He was the perfect and complete sacrifice – sent by the Father as a free gift of salvation to a lost and dying people whom He loved.
Me – from the Insideout
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Father, I celebrate Your Gift of Jesus Christ as the Lamb sacrificed for my sins. I praise You for the gift of His blood that cleanses me and makes me white as snow.
The More You Know
The only hope we have of Heaven is Jesus. If you don’t know Him or have questions about salvation I would love to help you. I invite you to visit my link, Know These Truths or email me at mryelnb@aol.com and reference “know these truths”.
Scripture:John 4:10; Name of Jesus – The Giver of Living Water; Ornament – Water jug
On this Fourth Day of Christmas, I am reminded of Jesus’ words to the woman at the well – where He revealed Himself to her as the Giver of Living Water. The living water He was referring to was the Holy Spirit, a gift from the Father to every believer. A gift, that was only available through Him. In John 7:38, Jesus says, ” Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.” He wasn’t concerned about her physical need for water but rather her spiritual need for a Savior. Do you know someone who needs the Living Water? Introduce them to Jesus, The miracle Baby in the manger, the Door to God, the Life Giving Vine, and The Giver of Living Water. Read the story – John 4:1-42 NLT – Jesus and the Samaritan Woman – Jesus – Bible Gateway – the woman didn’t even know she was thirsty but once Jesus introduced her to the Living Water her life and the lives of countless others were changed forever.
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
Today’s Scripture is Luke chapter 2. (SOAP verses 10-12)
but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12
Oh, how I love this chapter of the Bible, the cast and characters of Christmas on grand but humble display. Shepherds and angels, Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus, Simeon and Anna the prophetess who had both faithfully waited for the promised Messiah … Each of them a beautiful part of the Christmas story – the Advent of our Christ.
I know it’s easy to zero in on the soap passage, but I invite and encourage you to read each verse with fresh eyes and an undistracted mind that takes it all in as though it were unfolding before you on a stage with all the pageantry of Christmas. Walk with Mary and Joseph on the streets of Bethlehem, see the baby lying in the manger, Mary and Joseph in awe and wonder of it all. Listen with the shepherds to the angelic announcement and to the army of angels proclaiming – “glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will to men!” Hear the words of Simeon and Anna the hope fulfilled and the worship that poured forth. I pray that it will lead you, on this last day of our journey, to stop and worship Christ, the new born King – saying with the angels – “Glory to God in the Highest!”
“Rejoice rejoice of Christian, lift up your voice and sing – Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King – The hope of all who find Him …” the long awaited and promised Messiah! May we, like Simeon, find ourselves saying, “-my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all people: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” And, and like Anna – may we give thanks to God and speak about the Messiah to all who need the salvation He came to bring.
This is like a segment from the memorable Paul Harvey and his segments known as “The Rest of the Story.” Previously in Luke’s story we learned of an angel named Gabriel who appeared to a priest who was serving in the Temple, with an announcement that the priest and his wife, both very old, would have a son, whom they were to name John; and John would be the messenger for the coming Messiah. Which of course, is exactly where the story picks up today. Elizabeth gives birth to a son and she named him John. Their neighbors and relatives rejoiced with the miraculous birth but questioned the name she gave since it was not a family name. Zechariah, though still mute because of his disbelief in the angelic proclamation, confirms by writing on a tablet – “His name is John.” Scripture says that Zechariah immediately regained his speech and blessed God and then, filled with Holy Spirit, he prophesied, saying:
“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. 69 He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, 70 just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. 71 Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.
Luke 1:68-71
I love this response and am quite convicted by them. Zechariah’s words, his first words spoken in months, weren’t a story about what had happened to him but they were about God. They were words of praise that would have brought to the people’s minds God’s long awaited promises to His people – promises of a messenger (Malachi 3:1), a savior (Isa 7:14 and 9:6; Micah 5:2), and of salvation from sin (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
“But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. . . . Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Gotquestions.org
I see several applications as I read through and study this passage. Certainly we learn the importance of believing and obeying God’s word. I also noticed and was reminded of the importance of keeping our minds on God, whether we are in the midst of hard times or celebratory ones. The ultimate example being how in all of the excitement of the birth of a son to a couple well beyond the years of having a child – the fulfillment of the angel’s message – and the return of his speech – Zechariah’s focus remained on God. Undoubtedly, this was a result of the the filling of the Holy Spirit – but let us remember, this is the same Spirit that fills us who have believed, the Spirit of whom Paul said bears within us the fruit of self-control. Both of these examples lead me to the third, you see – because Zechariah believed and obeyed God, evidenced in his naming the child John, Zechariah was given back the ability to speak and maintaining his focus on God, even in all of the excitement, his words poured forth a beautiful prophesy that pointed the people to God and what He had done and was yet to do. The combination of these examples led me to this ultimate application – when we obey God and keep our minds on Him – what pours forth from our lips will be about what He does or has done in the past – it stirs up thought and attention to who He is and what else He can and will do. Thus, we become the salt and light God has called us to be.
Reflection For the Journey
God undoubtedly saw Zechariah and Elizabeth in their years of pain and longing. He was merciful despite their mistakes and used both to encourage their community and make His name great. He is the same God today. What might He be working to restore in your life, even to your longing or momentary unbelief?
From the LGG devotion journal, p 134 / The Promised Messiah
based on the LGG Advent Study, The Promised Messiah / w4d3
Scripture: Luke 1:26-56 / SOAP verses
The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise
46 Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.
Luke 1:46-49
Nestled in this passage of 30 verses is a beautiful prayer by Mary and a delightfully powerful scene of the affect that our Lord has on others when His presence is detected in us. However, there is another verse that jumped off the pages to me. You see, as is my morning habit, I opened an email devo before diving into today’s Advent Study. The verse from the devotion in my email was from Mark 9:23, which teaches that for the one who believes in God everything is possible because there is nothing God cannot do.
“‘if you can?'” said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.'”
Mark 9:23
This is a great reminder for any given day to be sure, but when I got to verse 37 of Luke chapter 1, and read, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”, I realized God really wanted me to remember this truth today. Two separate passages, two distinct conversations – but both pointing me to the same truth – With God all things are possible! – Nothing is impossible! For the father’s son in Mark chapter nine, it wasn’t a matter of “if” Jesus could heal the boy it was matter of believing that He could; as for Gabriel’s words to Mary it was the encouragement that the same God who would deliver a baby through a virgin was also giving a child to Mary’s relative who was old and barren. In both passages the result is the same thing – trusting God for the impossible. May I never lose sight of this truth. For it is hope and strength and peace in Jesus’ Name! May I say with Mary, my soul exalts You Father and, indeed, my spirit rejoices in You – my God and Savior. Because You, in grace and mercy, have looked on this humble ‘servant’ and have made known to me Your love and Your Son and by faith I have been made new. You have done great things for me, and holy, holy, holy is Your name.
“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”
Luke 1:25
I love when the goodness of God is so visible on the pages of Scripture. I see it here in the words of Luke and I here it in the words of Elizabeth’s response to the great surprise of her pregnancy. Luke’s account of the ‘grand redemptive plan’ through Christ starts with the announcement of another prophecy to be fulfilled. It was a prophecy of Isaiah who told of a messenger, who would declare, “Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight”. In Luke’s account of the Christmas story, there would be a child who would be born to a priest and his wife, who, as Luke describes, were childless because the woman was barren and they were “both very old.” The child would be named John and grow to me the messenger that Isaiah spoke of – a messenger that would prepare the hearts of the people to receive Jesus and the message He came to bring. The center of the Christmas story will always be the redemptive work of God through the gift of His Son, born of a virgin, to take away the sins of the world; but as we see in today’s story the redemptive plan isn’t just a collective salvation of all who believe but a personal plan that works through individuals like Zechariah and Elizabeth to deliver the messenger who would prepare the way for Christ. Likewise, the plan involves those God would call to prepare the way throughout the centuries – catalyst of the Gospel like John and the disciples who would join Jesus in spreading the Gospel during and after His time on earth.
I find great encouragement in seeing and knowing that redemption wasn’t just collective but personal and deeply meaningful, as Elizabeth and her words of praise testified. God not only used her to bear the forerunner of Christ but, in using her, He freed her from the shame and disgrace and burden of childlessness in that day.
Like those who came before us, God’s “grand redemptive plan” continues to reach down through the ages as He sets all who believe in Jesus – free from slavery to sin and the shame it places on us. He also assigns us to carry the love of Christ, (John 13:34) and His Gospel Message to the world, (Matt 5:13-16). May we, like Elizabeth, realize what the Lord has done for us and give Him praise – not just with our lips but with our obedience to His call upon our lives.
Based on The Promised Messiah, a Love God Greatly Advent Study
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:20
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.
2 Corinthians 1:20
If someone made you a promise, how long would you have to wait before you began to doubt their promise? One day, three days, or forty … a year, two, ten… how long before you gave up hoping and believing that what they had promised would ever be realized? We live in a cultural of quick and easy gratification. It’s often referred to as a “fast-food mentality” – referring to the quick and easy method of placing an order for your food and driving off with it in five minutes or less. There is no question that the convenience is nice but it has fostered impatience and often a demanding time-table for everything in life. However, when it comes to God’s timeline we must be careful with our expectations. We must learn from those who have gone before us – from the garden to John’s last words of the revelation God’s promises are not always realized quickly. While He created the world in seven days He was not always so quick in His actions. There were often decades of waiting for children that had been promised or for a shepherd boy to become a king, there were centuries of waiting for the promised Messiah’s birth and we are still waiting for His promised return. The good news is – not only has He demonstrated that we can trust Him, but His Word declares that all of His promises are “Yes!”. We can trust that each and every promise will one day come true and that God’s timing is always perfect and for a good reason, whether we understand it or not. Borrowing from a line in the LGG devotional for today that I found most encouraging, I pass on to you these words, “We may be waiting longer than we’d like for some things, but we can be confident that all His promises are “Yes,” and we can say “Amen” and give glory to God when we see them fulfilled.” To this, my heart responds with the Psalmist, “wait patiently for the Lord.”
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Response To The Word
Father, thank You that all of Your promises are yes and amen in Christ Jesus! Thank You for the reminder from Your Word that we can trust You without question or doubt and please help us to wait patiently, knowing that Your timing and reasons in all things are perfect – to Your glory and honor amen and amen.
Reflection for the Journey
Are there promises you are waiting to see God fulfill? What are they and how does this passage help you to wait patiently?
Scripture: Hebrews 9:27-28; Matthew 24:30-31 / SOAP: John 14:1-3
“Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. 3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too.
John 14:1-3
Oh, how I love the promises of God. The best part of His promises is that they are all, yes and amen in JESUS! Which, I’m sure, is why this old hymn kept playing through my mind as I was reading today’s Scripture.
Standing on the promises of Christ, my King, Through eternal ages let his praises ring; Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain: Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God, my Savior; Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail. When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God.
Promise after promise is fulfilled throughout Scripture but perhaps none sweeter and certainly none more endearing to our hearts than the one we celebrate during this Advent season. The birth of the baby in Bethlehem, the city of David, to a virgin – brought great hope to the watching world as it does to us today. Some thirty-three years later another great, albeit tragic, promise was fulfilled in the death, burial, and resurrection of that same child. Those who know Him cannot help but weep at His death and yet rejoice at the freedom we know because of it – and the hope we know in the empty tomb and His ascension into Heaven.
The fulfillment of these promises and all those that came before them or those we have seen evidence of in our own lives, even to this day, are what give us the beautiful hope in the promise of Jesus in John 14:1-3. You see, Jesus had made known His upcoming departure and here, in the fourteenth chapter of John, He gives His disciples and, by extension, all – who by faith have chosen to follow Him, the ultimate promise of hope. It is a promise meant to sustain us as believers . For to press on in His work during His absence it is vital that we keep believing in Him – in who He is, in what He is doing, and in the promise that He will return for us and take us with Him – so that where He is we may be also.
Jesus is making a place for us Jesus will come again Jesus will take us to be with Him
The HOPE of John 14:3
There is one catch about His promise to return and take us with Him – it is only for those who have placed their faith in Him. So, as we wait on His promised return may we be faithfully active in making Him known. May we live out His love, share His message of peace and hope, and continually pray for the salvation of the lost.
Marvelous message we bring, Glorious carol we sing, Wonderful word of the King, Jesus is coming again! -Chorus: Coming again, Coming again, May be morning, may be noon, May be evening and may be soon! Coming again, Coming again; O what a wonderful day it will be -Jesus is coming again!
He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.
Eph 4:10
If you know me well, you know that I am rarely at a loss for words, lol. Today however, is one of those days. However, my friends at lovegodgreatly.com did a wonderful job , as always, with their commentary on our soap passage today and I am delighted to share it with you here in the hope that it will bring clarity and an enjoyable addition to your study of God’s Word today. You will also want to check out their blog for today for even more insight into the passage. – love and blessings from – mefromthensideout
Today’s post is taken from the Journal for the Love God Greatly Advent Study, The Promised Messiah. You will find this study and all of the others at lovegodgreatly.com – It is a remarkable site of teaching and opportunity to grow in faith and understanding of God’s Word, with an emphasis and passion to spread the Word of God to every tribe and tongue. Please take a minute to check it out and be sure to like and follow them – and me, if you don’t mind 🙂
Scripture: Genesis 12:3 and 22:18; Psalm 72:17; Gal 3:6-16 / SOAP: Gal 3:8-9
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel to Abraham ahead of time, saying, “All the nationswill be blessed in you.” 9 So then those who believe are blessed along with Abraham the believer.
Genesis 3:8-9
Have you ever heard or sung the song “Father Abraham”? It’s an interactive song that teaches children, and in my case adults, that as believers we are part of the family of Abraham. Which, as Paul points out in Galatians chapter three is a vital part of our heritage in the family of God. Knowing this part of our heritage does not change who we are in Christ but it does give us a broader understanding of who and how we are in Christ, much like the popular ancestry studies of today help us understand our physical heritage.
Father Abrham had many sons, many sons had father Abrham I am one of them and so are you – so let’s just praise the Lord…
I was saved when I was a very young girl, five or six years of age, but it wasn’t until my late twenties that I began to understand the depth of the grace of God. Until then it was a word relegated to a verse that proclaimed the means of my salvation, “For it is by grace you are saved through faith, it is a gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast.”
My heritage by blood is gentile but by the grace of God I have been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ! By faith I am now numbered among the sons and daughters of Abraham.
MefromtheINsideout!
What does it mean to you to be part of the family of God? Do you remember a time when you weren’t part of the family?
Me From the Inside Out 