Luke 2: 21 - 40

21On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"[b]), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."[c]
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss[d] your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Luke 2: 8- 20

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Luke 2: 1-7

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

I Timothy 4: 4-5

4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Isaiah 55: 6-11

6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

2 Timothy 3:16

16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Isaiah 43:2

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Joy

Psalm 32:11

11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!


Proverbs 17:22

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,but a crushed spirit dries up the bones


John 17:13

13"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.

1 Peter 1:8

8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

James 1:2

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

Philippians 4:4
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Trials

James 1:2-4
New International Version (NIV)
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Psalm 46:10
10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

1 Thessalonians 5:18
18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Trials will come this is true, yet God is always there for you.
One time I cried out, "God, why am I going through this?"
He replied ,"My child you are going through; you are not in this trial to stay."
God's still God, and HE has always been; and always will be.

Salvation

Everybody needs it!

Romans 3:23 (New International Version)
23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

God provided the lamb!

Romans 5:8 (New International Version)
8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Receive it!

Ephesians 2:8 (New International Version)
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

Salvation is only a prayer away!

Romans 10:13 (New International Version)
13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."


New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Wisdom

1 Kings 3:5-14 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
6 Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
7 "Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."

A truly wise person knows how to apply the wisdom God gave them. Choices in life seem endless.
We must analyze the situation to see what is best. If we make the choice based on our feelings; then we may be in for trouble. We need the wisdom of God to make right choices and do His will.

James 1:5

5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Wisdom is a gift to be used. How many of us have been given gifts by God to use for ministry, yet we hide them away at home?
Growing in Christ will increase our wisdom. Seeking Him through His Word will help us grow.

Proverbs 1:5
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-

Proverbs 4:5
5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.

True Values

Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.



How many times do we know the right thing to do, yet we CHOOSE the wrong thing and then try to justify it?

We need to know and apply the values of God.



Galatians 5:19-20 (New International Version)
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions.21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.



Circumstances may change, but our values should not.

What you value; speaks alot about who you are.



In Daniel Chapter 3 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego remained faithful to God. Thay stuck to their values in times of extreme pressure.



I pray you make the choice to be faithful to God and honor the values He's set forth in His Word.

That's the Truth!

New International Version (NIV)

Proverbs 12:22 The LORD detests lying lips,but he delights in men who are truthful.

Let us be people of truth.
*Our actions must match our words(Genuine, accurate,trustworthy)
Don't settle for anything less.
Speak the truth in love.
Pray and study God's Word to be prepared for battle with the enemy.

John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Truth can break the chains that have you bound.
The truth pleases God. God is truth, and He can't be fooled!

John14: 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Happy Mother's Day (Tomorrow)

Proverbs 31:29 "Many women do noble things,but you surpass them all."

Desire

Desire can be defined as a want or something you crave.
Is there something you desire more than Jesus?
I ask myself the same question, and you know sometimes I find myself focused on things of the world. They fade away, and I find myself hungering or craving something else. I come to realize that nothing can take the place of Jesus and His love. I am the most satisfied when I'm studying His Word, praising Him in song, or writing down words He gives me. May we all desire to be more like Jesus.

Never Alone

Hebrews 13 promises
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."[a] 6So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.What can man do to me?"[b]

When others have packed up and gone or been called home; Jesus is always by our side. He'll be there for you when no one else will. His Word is truth and is not altered by circumstances.He is the constant in a world of change. I love you Lord, and I worship you.

Are You a Witness?

Acts 1:8 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

A witness is someone who has firsthand knowledge about an event. Are you a witness to the saving power of Jesus? Go and tell someone else about His love, and what He's done for you.

Matthew 28 : The Resurrection

1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Matthew 26 : Gethsemane

36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
42He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
43When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Matthew 21 NIV

9The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"[c] "Hosanna[d] in the highest!"
10When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"
11The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Don't be silent!

I don't want the rocks to cry out in my place. All Glory to God for the greatest sacrifice of His one and only Son. May we never forget His love. O How wonderful is the name of Jesus!

1 Timothy 4

12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

John 15:12-14

12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command.

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Psalm 5:11

11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Storms

When the weather threatens to turn on us; then we all run to the store for bread and water. Shouldn't we be prepared before the storm and already be stocked up. Much like the physical storms that threaten us; we'll all face spiritual storms. After we realize we need help (It takes longer for some of us than others) we try to run out and stock up on the Bread of Life and Living Water. I long to be prepared before the storm, but we never know which way the storm will blow us. In Jesus our anchor we'll never be in the storm longer than necessary. He's right there wherever we left Him ready to step in and master the wind. There is so much power in the name of Jesus. Just the mention of His name makes me smile. I want to know more about Him and His great, unexplainable love. I pray each of you have a personal relationship with Him.

He Chose Me

He chose me before He formed me in my mother’s womb, when I burst into the room.
When I took my first breath, and as they laid me on my mother’s chest, when I started to crawl, when I was learning to walk, when I would fall.
He chose me through it all, when I started to school, when I didn’t follow all the rules.
When I fell on my knees, and asked Him to forgive me.
He chose me, and I let Him come in.
He has to be invited, for a gentleman never forces His way in.
He chose me to be His friend.

Copyright S. Annette Strickland All Rights Reserved

Are you ready?

Revelation 21
The New Jerusalem
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Happy New Year!

Today, as we start a new year; let us not look back and dwell on our past mistakes. But let us focus on what is ahead, and how we can make a difference in our world. As the news reporters showed the year in review not one story was positive. Time seems to just slip through our fingers. As I look back over 2007 not all my stories were happy either, but I choose to focus on the good. Like the times I got to spend with my family, friends, and co-workers. The times when I laughed so hard, and ate so much I forgot all my troubles if only for a day. The times when God held my hand because I could not go on. The times when my co-workers came to my aid with a shoulder to cry on, a Dr. Pepper to drink, and my make-up compact so I'd be presentable to the world. All the times I spent at singings or church with family and friends.
I think of my niece and nephew and the future ahead of them. I pray they'll come to know Jesus as Lord of their life. I pray we all grow to be more like Jesus. We'll love deeper, forgive quicker, study the Word and pray harder than any year before. I pray that 2008 will be great!