December 13,2022- “Jesus is for Every Day!”
Christmas is only a part of the story of the birth of Jesus. When we know the rest of the story in the In His Word, we have a glimpse of God’s Salvation based on steadfast love. When we become a part of God’s Story, that we begin to LIVE!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. Hebrews 13.8. Jesus was born to Mary and remained without sin. His life glorified God.
At a low ebb in life, I read a verse that gave me direction and purpose in life. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31. I was struggling with a painful rehab. I learned I can glorify God by standing firm and endure.
Then I read Ecclesiastes 3:11-13. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that He cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also, that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. Ecclesiastes 3:11-13.
Who is this Jesus and what does He mean to us? We have a lifetime to learn who He is and why we celebrate Him!
One of our first verses we learn is this, “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 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.” John 3:16-17. How can we deny Jesus? If we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us. 2 Timothy 2:12.
When Jesus faced the end of life… and was about to be betrayed by Judas, what did He say in His Prayer to his Father God? And going a little farther, He fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39. These are the same words Mary, the Mother of Jesus, said to the angel who announced the birth of Jesus. “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of Him who sent me.” John 5:30.
If we reflect Jesus in loving one another, we are obeying an important commandment! A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34.
Who is the Father God, and why does He Love? Does His Love ever end? Will He ever change? He has Abilities, Integrity, and Relationship. The Lord’s Prayer begins with all we need to know to have a relationship with Father God and Jesus Christ.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:9-15. Your Will Be Done, not ours.
Names of God – There are many more, for God is All in All.
Adonai- Lord or Master, denoting ownership. But for me, it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. Psalm 73:28.
Immanuel– God with us. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” Matthew 1:23.
Jehovah- I Am- Yahweh. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17.
Jehovah-Jireh – The Lord, our Provider. Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together. Genesis 22:8.
Jehovah-Raphe– Jehovah who Heals. God, our healer. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2.
Jehovah-Shalom– Peace, the Lord, our Peace. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27.
This Christmas we focus on the ‘rest of God’s story’ and praise Him. “I am coming soon.” Amen! Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Revelations 22:20.