Isaiah 56:7 NLT — I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for Your promises. Lord, I am so grateful for the hope I have in You. Thank You for being the One to bridge the chasm between me and You. Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to all nations. Your salvation is freely offered to all people. Lord, thank You that You hear my prayers. Please continue to teach me how to pray. Lord, thank You for being the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
Matthew 2:1-212 NKJV
[1] Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, [2] saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3] When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. [4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. [5] So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: [6] ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” [7] Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. [8] And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” [9] When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. [10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. [11] And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. [12] Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Matthew 2:16-18 NKJV
[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. [17] Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: [18] “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.”
What incredible contrast in this story.
King Herod and the wise men were both seeking the Child.
The wise men and King Herod had wealth and knowledge.
King Herod met with the wise men and helped them by calling the chief priests and scribes together to determine where the scriptures foretold Messiah would be born.
The wise men and King Herod created a stir.
Where the contrast really stands out is in their response to the birth of Jesus.
The wise men brought Him gifts and shared with others their quest find the newborn king.
King Herod brought the slaughter of innocence baby boys and the grief told of by Jeremiah.
Let us heed the warning, selfish ambition leads to great harm, as King Herod exemplified.
The wise men’s part in this story inspires and encourages.
They spent time, effort, and money to travel a great distance to honor Jesus.
We too can bring Jesus the best and most costly gifts: our hearts, our lives.
We too can share what we know and have seen about our Lord and Savior, bringing Him glory and honor
We too can follow the wise men and seek Him daily.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for these wise men and the impact they made on history. Thank You for their courage and diligence to travel all that way just to give You birthday gifts. Lord, please continue to teach me wisdom from Your Word that I took might walk wherever I am called to give You myself. Lord, thank You for the stark contrast between those who were focused on what was right and King Herod who was obviously focused on evil. Lord, protect the innocent for there are still those focused on evil. Bring the truth of Your salvation to this lost world! Thank You. Amen.
Philippians 4:4 KJV — Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Sometimes I need a reminder.
I just don’t feel like rejoicing, but this is not a suggestion.
God knows I need it.
It requires me to focus my heart upon the wonderful works of God.
First and foremost being the sacrifice of my Savior.
Galatians 1:3-4 KJV — Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Then on to the gifts and blessings He’s granted me.
Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. Psalm 54:4
Recalling continually the promises of the future.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5
Salvation is reason alone to rejoice continually!
Then, to look at the way God provides for me daily, is my refuge and strength, and has my best at heart, I am never without reason to rejoice nor without opportunity to be grateful.
Rejoicing comes, easily when I am looking at Jesus.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the amazing things You do each day. Lord, You are awesome! Your ways are perfect and Your truth is my guide. Thank You for all You have done and are doing. Lord, You are great and wonderful! You are not only all I need, You will be all I ever need. Thank You! Your name is great and greatly to be praised. All of creation is a testimony to Your greatness. I love You! Thank You for first loving me! May the earth be filled with the knowledge of Your glory! Amen.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 KJV
What is submission?
How does one submit to God?
These are questions of monumental proportions, for submission to God must be done according to His standards.
Matthew 22:37 KJV — Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Scripture is clear, submitting oneself to God must be a total surrender.
Isaiah 29:13 KJV — Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
God’s Word teaches that those whose desire is to honor the Lord are diligent, keeping themselves from the way of sin, through continual application of the scriptures.
Psalm 1:1-2KJV — Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Thus, submission is total surrender and submitting to God is relying completely upon Him in every part of life.
Although it isn’t easy to submit one’s self, it is well worth while, for He is faithful to lead those who chose to follow Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV — Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Psalm 37:4-5 KJV — Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your truth that helps us see clearly the blessings of following You. Lord, please continue to teach me from Your Word what true submission and surrender look like each day. Help me to be faithful to Your leading and obedient to Your truths. Lord, there is always the flesh trying to get me to serve self instead of You. Thank You for continuing to show me how to overcome sin through the application of Your Word. Thank You for all Your blessings! I love You, Jesus. Thank You for loving me! Amen.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3 KJV
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this truth and the warning within. Lord, throughout scripture we see how destructive pride (the opposite of humility) is to us and our relationship with You. It was through the lie of pride, from the enemy, which deceived Eve.” …for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5 KJV Lord, it is through the sin of selfish ambition that we often harm those we are supposed to love. Greed, addiction, lust, and a host of other sin find their beginning in pride, the kind of pride which places one person as better and more deserving than another. Lord, even within Your people, pride is a dangerous poison which can destroy families and fellowship. Lord, please teach my heart to always think soberly, focusing on You and Your gifts, Your calling for my day. Lord, I want to be humble, teachable, pliable, that I might be led by Your Holy Spirit and Your Word daily. Lord, help our family to be on guard against thinking too highly of ourselves, sinning against You and others. Lord Jesus, help me be a servant, faithful, loyal, patient, true, and honorable. I want to reflect Your Word and Your love to those around me. Please, help me to do that today. Lord, please bring humility to those who are called by Your name. Let their lives be marked by their servant’s heart and their attitudes of joy, peace, and patience. Lord, let each one of Your people see that they are responsible to humble themselves before You and pray, seeking Your face daily. Hold them up as they seek to honor You. Break down any lies, deception, or chains of sin that is hindering them from living totally surrendered to You. Thank You for Your church, please continue to cleanse us daily through the washing of Your Word and feed us through Your scriptures. Thank You that those who have called upon Your name are not in need of a bath, for Your sacrifice cleanses the repentant, but we need our feet washed daily because we walk through a fallen world. Thank You for Your life is our example in all things. Please continue to teach us and help us learn to be humble servants. I ask these things in Your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
I’m very thankful to be born in this country and enjoy the liberty our nation has had for generations.
I praise God for the godly people He has used to bless our nation, from the Pilgrims at Plymouth to the Patriots at the Revolution to the Pioneers who settled this vast country.
Individuals who God raised up to impact their generation.
William Bradford, George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, James and Dolly Madison, Benjamin Rush, John Edward, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, D.L. Moody, Abraham Lincoln, and the list goes on and on, people God raised up to make a difference.
People who believed in God and lived in such a way as to be used by Him mightily.
I’m not unaware of the wrongs that have occurred nor am I ignorant to the crimes the people of our nation have committed against one another as well as other nationalities.
Sadly, our nation is not unique in this area, as history is full of the sins of people, beginning with Cain and continuing to this present day.
No culture, no nation has been exempt from the sins of mankind.
But in it all, we can find hope in Jesus Christ.
We can thank God for His work in our own history as well as the nation of our birth.
We can be the light which shines in the darkness, the example which stands for righteousness, because God is still God.
The Lord has not lost hold on His people.
He has not stopped loving or caring.
He is good, loving, righteous, and just.
God is also merciful, which is why we have not seen Him judge the sins of mankind as yet.
Therefore, it is a blessing and a privilege to stand before the tide of wickedness, living daily unto the Lord and praising Him for His goodness.
For God has never stopped working through the lives of His people to bring the truth of salvation to those so in need.
Therefore, on this day, we celebrate the beginning of our nation, let us also praise God for His works and choose to bring glory to His name by living unto Him.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the founding of our country. Thank You for the people You have raised up throughout history to testify of Your greatness, Your truth, Your righteousness. Lord, thank You that we see all that is worthwhile in You and that You give us these wonderful gifts through Your Word and Your Holy Spirit. Lord, as we celebrate the 4th of July, please help us to be honorable before You, love as You do, and wise in our attitudes and actions that we might shine the truth of the Gospel wherever we are. Lord, You alone are worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. Please continue to raise up Your people to stand for righteousness even in the midst of evil. Lord, please protect the innocent, defend the fatherless and widow, provide for the needy, sustain the helpless, and save the lost. Thank You for Your wonderous works. In Your name I ask these things, Jesus. Amen.
1 Corinthians 6:17 NKJV — But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Lord, please continue to help my spirit be joined to Yours. Please teach me how to walk wmin Your truth today, fearing nothing but You, and seeking Your will for all things. Lord, thank You for helping me, for guiding me, for loving me. Lord, being one spirit with You is an incredible privilege and I want to honor that gift and not grieve Your Holy Spirit. Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your many gifts and blessings. Lord Jesus, thank You for sustaining us today. May the whole earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of You. Please glorify Your name. Amen.
“I’m praising God! After all, arrows were meant to be released.”
His calm demeanor and peace filled face, surprised me.
We were discussing the graduation and move of his first born.
I knew he was referring to Psalms when he said “arrows”.
Psalm 127:3-5NKJV — Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
I’d never thought about it that way, but agreed.
An arrow is of little use still in the quiver, any experienced Archer knows not to waste them by letting one fly out of time.
The Lord brought me back to this truth this morning as I prayed for our second daughter and her husband.
They are moving several states away in a few days and it has not become real yet.
My heart is finding the circumstance bittersweet.
Hard to be so far away, but thrilled that they are walking where they feel God is leading.
I’m so thankful I can trust the Lord to guide and direct them.
For He is faithful and His way is perfect.
Psalm 4:5 KJV — Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Lord, I thank You that these precious people in our lives have never been ours. They have always belonged to You. Thank you that you are working in their lives and directing them to this new place. Lord Jesus, I know You will walk with them and guide them. I know You love them more than I could ever do, and I love them so much. Lord, I am excited to see how You will use this new place to grow them in Your truth, Your Word, and Your ways. Lord, please help them to find the answers to questions through prayer and scripture. Lord, please open their minds to learning and their hearts to understanding. Lord Jesus, thank You that I can rest in Your peace knowing You have them in Your hands. I love You, Lord. Amen
1 John 2:29 NKJV — If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
When people see me live a righteous life, God is honored through my actions.
And the Lord gives us the ability to die to our flesh and walk in righteousness.
Romans 6:6 NKJV — knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
It begins and ends with what you think.
The world has it backwards.
They say you have to do good works to get right with God.
When the truth actually is: that we do good works because we are right with God.
Belief drives your values, which drive your behavior.
Truth, (which comes only from God) must lead you.
Allowing emotion to lead, results in being double-minded.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8 NKJV
Thus, to apply the truth and follow His commands is walking daily in the new creation given by God at salvation.
God created us, then saved us from our sins, and brought us into His family.
With that comes a new way of living, a new perspective, and a new future.
1 Peter 1:3-4 NKJV — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
It doesn’t happen over night, just like a newborn doesn’t have many abilities at birth.
Rather, it’s a journey of learning God’s Word, applying it to our day-to-day, and being guided by the Holy Spirit, realizing our actions can quench His leadership in our lives if we choose to walk in the lusts of the flesh instead of the truth of Christ.
Ephesians 4:22-24 NKJV — that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:25-30 NKJV
My choice is to live a life which is pure.
Are you setting your mind on things above or things of this earth?
Do you practice righteousness, service to God and others?
Are you confident that you will hear: “Well done good and faithful servant”?
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. I John 3:1-3 NKJV
Are you preparing to meet Jesus?
I hope so.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your truth and the clear guidance You give us. Thank You for salvation and Your compassion. Thank You for understanding us better than we do and revealing so much to us. Lord, I’m so thankful that this is a journey which You walk with me each day. I’m so blessed to be able to look to Your Word for the renewing of my mind and the transforming of my attitudes and actions. Lord, please let my life be a reflection of You. Thank You! Amen.
This post is based upon the sermon notes from our Pastor, Rod Wilgus, and if you want to hear the sermon it is on our YouTube page: Elkton Bible Baptist Church.
Our pastor gave a wonderful sermon yesterday and I spoke with him afterwards, gaining, by the request, not only his permission to use his sermon for my blog, but he generously handed me his sermon notes.
Then, turning with a broad smile responded, “And you don’t need to put my name on it. It’s all the Lord and I gather things from other places, some I’ve read, others I can’t remember where it came from, but it’s all the Lord.”
The power of the truth and the succinct way he phrased them, is well worth repeating, of course understanding these truths are authored by Almighty God.
To allow each one to steep in our hearts, I’m going to be doing a series of posts.
I will prepare myself to meet Jesus Christ.
And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. I John 2:28-29 NKJV
For every individual the journey of meeting Christ begins at salvation.
Acts 16:31 NKJV — So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
With this belief comes new birth.
1 Peter 1:23 NKJV — having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
For a born again believer, the journey is a life long relationship with Jesus, all in preparation for the final day when we will meet at His return or our arrival in Heaven.
Thus to prepare oneself to meet Jesus Christ we find instructions in scripture for the journey.
We are to abide in Him.
“And now, little children, abide in Him,…” 1 John 2:28a
To abide is to continue to feel at home with the Lord.
Which equals recognizing Jesus Christ as my master and includes Him in all my decisions, depending upon His Word for direction and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Home should be a place of peace, safety, and an opportunity for refreshment.
One finds these things through dwelling with Jesus and surrendering themselves before Him.
We are making ourselves ready for our future with the Lord Jesus by learning His ways and applying His truths.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this instruction which tells us to abide in You. Lord, Your Word is clear that one cannot serve You and anything else. You alone are to be Lord. Please continue to teach me how to walk in Your Word each day. Lord, please bring to my heart and mind Your Word and the truths I have learned. Lord, please help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and careful in my actions. Lord, thank You for being my Savior, my Redeemer! How I look forward to the day when we shall meet face to face. Until then, may my life be a reflection of You. I love You, Lord. Amen.
* For those who would like to watch the sermon on YouTube our church name is Elkton Bible Baptist Church, our pastor is Rod Wilgus and the title is: Preparing for the Return of Jesus Christ, 1 John 2:28-3:3.
patientlyhopeful 