JESUS was born so we may live

                                                        MERRY CHRISTMAS                                                    
                                                   For God So Loved the World

John 3:16-18  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 
17  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 
18  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 

The first Christmas Eve

                                                        The Shepherds and the Angels
Luke 2:8-11  And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
10  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Philippians 4:4-7  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
5  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
6  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving 7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Who do you say Jesus is?

Matthew 11:2-11  Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples
3  and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
4  And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:
5  the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
6  And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
7  As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
8.....
9  What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10  This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’
11  Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

John 10:24-30  So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
25  Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 
26  but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 
27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 
28  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 
29  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 

30  I and the Father are one.” 

And there will be signs - The Coming of the Son of Man

                                                The Coming of the Son of Man
Luke 21:25-36  “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 
26  people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 
27  And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 
28  Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 
                                                       The Lesson of the Fig Tree
29  And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 
30  As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 
31  So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 
32  Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 
33  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34  “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 
35  For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 
36  But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” 

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, Now is the Time; Salvation is Near

                                        FULFILLING THE LAW THROUGH LOVE

Romans 13:8-10  Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
9  For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
10  Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
11  Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
12  The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
13  Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.
14  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

WATCH - BE READY

                                                    The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13  “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 
2  Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 
3  For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 
4  but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 
5  As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 
6  But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 
7  Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 
8  And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 
9  But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 
10  And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 
11  Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 
12  But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 
13  Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. 

Pray for ALL People/ Be Thankful

PRAY FOR ALL PEOPLE

1 Timothy 2:1-4  First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 

2  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4  who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

Render unto Caesar

Matthew 22:17-21  Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
18  But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 
19  Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 
20  And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 
21  They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.

What does God require?

                                                      What Does the Lord Require?

Micah 6:6  “With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
7  Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
8  He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Blessed are you when .........

                                                                    The Beatitudes

Matthew 5:2-12  And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 
3  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
4  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 
5  “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 
6  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 
7  “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 
8  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 
9  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 
10  “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
11  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 
12  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

The truth will set you free

                                             
                                                    The Truth Will Set You Free

John 8:31-36  So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 
8:32  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 
8:33  They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” 
8:34  Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 
8:35  The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 
8:36  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 

Son of man -- authority to forgive sins

Matthew 9:1-8  And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.
2  And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 
3  And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.”
4  But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 
5  For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 
6  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 
7  And he rose and went home.
8  When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Be humble - Be exalted

                                                 The Parable of the Wedding Feast

Luke 14:7-11  Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them,
8  “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 
9  and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 
10  But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 
11  For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 

With God nothing is Impossible -- Without God nothing is possible

Luke 7:11-15  Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him.
12  As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her.
13  And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”
14  Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 
15  And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

Do Not be Anxious

Matthew 6:25-34  “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 
26  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 
27  And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 
28  And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 
29  yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 
30  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 
31  Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 
32  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 
33  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 

34  “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. 

In step with the Spirit?

                                                      Keep in Step with the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-25  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

17  For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

18  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19  Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20  idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21  envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that 
      those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

24  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25  If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Blessed eyes

Luke 10:22  All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” 
Luke 10:23  Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 

Hear, Believe and be Saved

            Luke 8:8 .... And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Romans 10:13-17  For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14  How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
15  And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
16  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?”
17  So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Pray to God for Forgiveness -- not to exalt yourself

                                                                   Luke 18:9-14

Luke18:9  And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 
11  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 
12  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 
14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 

JESUS - The Cornerstone and the Stumblingblock

 

Jesus - Cornerstone and Stumblingblock

Luke 20:17  And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? 

Luke 20:18  Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

1Corinthians 1:22  For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 

23  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

 1Peter2:6  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, ...

                                                              PSALM  51:1-12

          Psalm 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
         11  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
         12  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Beware of false prophets

Matthew 7:15-20  “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16  You will recognize them by their fruits.  Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 
17  So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 
18  A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
19  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 
20  Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. 

Sing Praises to the LORD

           
             1 Chronicles 16:9  Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
             Psalm 47:6  Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
             Psalm 68:32  O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, Selah
             Psalm 98:4  Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous
             song and sing praises!
             Psalm 105:2  Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
             Psalm 147:1  Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; .....

The Lord doesn't make suggestions

                                            THE LAW of the LORD is PERFECT

Psalm 19:1-- 14  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 

2  Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 

3  There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. ....

19:7  The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 

8  the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 

9  the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 

10  More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 

11  Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. .... 

19:14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. 

Use God's Word (Gospel) to become fishers of people

                               Luke 5:1-11  (Jesus calls the disciples to be fishers of men)

Luke 5:10  .... And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

Do Not Judge

Luke 6:37-42 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 
38  give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” .....
41  Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
Matthew 7:4-5 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 
5  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 

Being a true Christian

                                On being a True Christian Paul writes in Romans 12:9-21

Romans 12:9  Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 

10  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 

11  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 

12  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 

13  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 

14  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 

15  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 

16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 

17  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 

18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 

19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 

20  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 

21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

Wisdom - Seek it in God's WORD

                                                  Seek wisdom through Christ Jesus
       Proverbs 3:13  Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,
9:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
19:20  Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
28:26  Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Proverbs 9:7--9  Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8  Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

Love God - Love Your Brother

Galatians 5:14 the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

1 John 4:15-21  Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
16  So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
17  By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.
18  There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
19  We love because he first loved us.
20  If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

21  And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Luke 16:19  “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
20  And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,......
22  The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. ..... 
 Luke 16:23-28 ((while being tormented in the flames of Hades, the rich man looks up and sees Lazarus beside Abraham, asks Abraham to send Lazarus to him to give him some water. Abraham tells rich man he received good things and Lazarus bad things while alive, and now there is a "great chasm" between them and no one can cross the chasm from either side.  Rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers.))
Luke 16:29-31  But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’
30  And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
31  He said to him,If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”

Father Son and Holy Spirit Three in One

Three in One

Matthew 12:31-32 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 
32  And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 
19  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 
20  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

2 Peter 1:20, 21  knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 

21  For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost

                                           The Coming of the Holy Spirit
 Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.
2  And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
3  And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.
4  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

A helper is coming...

                                       .....The promise of the Helper to come.....
John 15:26--16:4  “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 
John 15:27  And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. 
John 16:1  “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 

"....he parted from them...."

Luke 24:46, 47 and (Jesus) said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 
47  and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
Luke 24:50-52  And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.
51  While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.
52  And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

Bee Doers... not just hearers... of the Word

John 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
James 1:22-27  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ....
....:25  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
26  If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
27  Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Be still; wait patiently before the Lord

                                    Psalm 37:7  Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.......

Acts 1:7  He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 

Create in me a clean heart ...

Psalm 51:10-12  Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
11  Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12  Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Matthew 6:6,21 ... when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
21  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

THE GOOD SHEPHERD .....

John 10:11  I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep...... 
John 10:14-16  I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 
15  just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 
16  And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. From John 10:1-42

BLESSED are those who have not seen and yet have BELIEVED

John 20:26-29  Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 
27  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 
28  Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
29  Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 

HE IS RISEN!!

                                                             
                                                              HE HAS RISEN
                                                       HE HAS RISEN INDEED        

 Mark 16:2  And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.
Mark 16:5-6  And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed.
6  And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Matthew 28:7  Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

A Crown of Thorns

John 18:37  Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
John 19:2  And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head .....

BLESSED is he who comes in the name of the LORD

John 12:12,13  The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.
13  So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

Jesus speaks the Truth

 
                            JESUS ANSWER to THOSE WHO QUESTION HIS AUTHORITY
John 8:42-47  Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 
43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. . 
44  You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 
45  But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 
46  Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 
47  Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” 

Living Waters

John 7:37, 38  On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 
38  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 

HIS Steadfast Love ,,,,,

                                                His Steadfast Love Endures Forever
                                                             Psalm 136:1-26
 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
2  Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.
3  Give thanks to the Lord of lords,.....;4  to him who alone does great wonders.....;
5  to him who by understanding made the heavens, .....;6  to him who spread out the earth above the waters, ......;7  to him who made the great lights, .....;8  the sun to rule over the day, .....;

9  the moon and stars to rule over the night, .....;10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, ...;
11  and brought Israel out from among them, ..... 12  with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, .....;
13  to him who divided the Red Sea in two, .....;14  and made Israel pass through the midst of it, .....;
15  but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, .....;
16  to him who led his people through the wilderness, .....17  to him who struck down great kings, ....;
18  and killed mighty kings, .....;19  Sihon, king of the Amorites, .....;20  and Og, king of Bashan,.....;
21  and gave their land as a heritage, .....;22  a heritage to Israel his servant, .....;
23  It is he who remembered us in our low estate,.....;24  and rescued us from our foes, .....;
25  he who gives food to all flesh,....;
26  Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

From where does our help come?

                                                                Psalm 121:1-8
                              I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
                           2  My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
                   3  He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
                           4  Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
                    5  The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
                           6  The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
                           7  The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
    8  The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

The Fall of man

Genesis 3:1-15  Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.....
 3  ,,,,, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’”
4  But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. .....
11  ..... He (LORD God) said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
12  The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”
13  Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14  The LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.
15  I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” .....

This Lenten season and forever -The LORD wants YOU

Joel 2:12-- “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart,..... 13 "and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love....
John 10:16  Jesus said:  And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 

... goodness and mercy shall follow me ...

Exodus 33:19  And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.

Thou preparest a table before me ...

Psalm 23:5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psalm 27:13, 14  I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
14  Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

,,, I fear no evil ...

Proverbs 3:6-7 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7  Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.