It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

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THE LOVE OF GOD

Many people today have had their sense of love shaped by the Disney princess. Who fall in love at first sight and live happily ever after. But that is not reality. We as parents, family and friends must be deliberate in training our children, young men and young women, yes, and even ourselves, the importance of words and especially the word love. Love is an action word. To say we love someone with our words and not the action is an oxymoron; that is a self-contradicting situation. We cannot love and not act because love gives of itself.

God says when a person speaks, though they speak as angels, but do not show love, it is like someone clanging a cymbal without any rhyme or reason. Many have been fooled by these sweet talkers who were only making loud clanging sounds with no intention of being truthful. God is truth and He has sent His word of truth to set us free from the deceitfulness of people.

God says there are some who are prophets, gifted with the talent of giving insight and may understand mysteries. They may even have a high level of knowledge or have the gift of faith to heal and move mountains. But if they do not demonstrate God’s love, they are nothing. Some may even have a deep concern for the poor and give much and possibly their lives for the poor. But if it is not from a position of love, it will profit them nothing.

I Corinthians 13: 1- 3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Love endures for a long time. It enables us to remain kind to those who may be responsible for the hurt. God is patient with us though we are sinners. He is kind to us and did not credit our sins to us. Jesus paid our debt and took our punishment. We who love must endure long with those around us even when they are not kind.

Love does not envy, crave for those things that belong to another, hold grudges, become bitter or harbor resentment. Love is quick to forgive, quick to show goodwill, and to be reconciled. God does not hold grudges. He reconciled us back to Himself at a great cost of His Son Jesus. While we were still sinning against God, He forgave us. Those who love God are given a ministry of reconciliation to bring those who are lost to God, even though they may still be in a problematic or distressing life. We are to forgive others as God, for Christ’s, sake forgave us.

Love does not behave rudely, offensively or disrespectfully. Love does not oppress others so to make one’s self look better and does not look for ways to take advantage of others. Love does not try to provoke others, or pick a fight, to have an advantage or to have things go their way. Love does not think evil of others; it does not accuse or believe the worst of people. God’s love for us caused Him to humble Himself and send Jesus for us. Jesus became a man and experienced our pain, hurt and death. God remembered we were made from the dust and could not save ourselves. The Mighty and the Strong gave Himself for the weak and the lost. He came that we might have His abundant life; to heal our sickness and disease. We, who are Christ followers, will have the love of God in us to enable us to show compassion, forgiveness and mercy to those who are undeserving.

Love does not delight, celebrate or cheer evil or injustices. God is merciful, kind and full of grace He forgives sin. But God will judge the guilty, those who refuse His pardon through faith in Jesus. Love rejoices and celebrates when truth prevails over lies. Love empowers us to believe and trust people and have hope in them. This love is willing to endure long and to help others. God has shown His love as He waits patiently for all those who will one day believe in Jesus. We too must be committed to truth and not turn a deaf ear or a blind eye to injustices. We too, must be patient and pray for those who do not believe hoping to see a repentant heart.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8             Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 Love never fails.

Love never fails because God is love. God is faithful and true. It is God Who defines love by Who He is.

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Faith Hope and Love – The Greatest of These Is Love

We are told to abide in faith, hope and love. Abide is from a Greek word that means; to stay in a given place; expectancy, to continue, to endure, to remain. It is a verb which means action must take place for us to abide. Most people think they are abiding when they are just waiting on God to move but there is no movement in that. To abide in faith is to continue to hear the word of God. To abide in hope is to continue to expect a favorable outcome no matter the visible circumstances. To abide in love is to continue in the presence and communion with God and to reflect His love! To know God is to know love. To fellowship with God is to be in the presence of the very essence of love.

1 Corinthians 13:13     And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Many people believe their love for God is shown in their emotional attachment to Him and/or the service they do and this will cause God to love them more and move in their lives. When they fall short and do not see what they expected from God, then they lose hope. It was not God who failed; it was their understanding of His word and His love. People begin to doubt God’s love when challenges come. They do not understand with every profession of faith, there will be tests to prove our faith in our action and to see if we really believe what we said. But God’s love never changes.

Love was created by God and it was one of the greatest gifts to mankind. This life would be void and dull without the love of people – family or friends. Love is the greatest gift we have both to give and to receive. Knowing we are loved is one of the most important things to all mankind. We may go seeking love and showing love in many different ways, but the expressing of love is universal; it crosses all cultures and people. Love is one of the deepest parts of God’s attributes that He has planted into mankind. We know only in part, the love God has for us. To be loved and to express love to others is so important that we have seen some who have risked all for love. This is the love God has shown to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

The Greatest expression of God’s love towards us was to give His Son Jesus to die for us. This expressed a love so deep that it is mind boggling to think how much God must love us. Yet so many are deceived by the lie of the enemy that says God does not care and He does not love us because we are sinful. This world system is part of the fallen state of mankind which Satan has used to keep us blind and in darkness, regarding the deep love God has for us. The whole system is set up to keep the minds of the people so entrenched in the lies, in hate and in disunity, so they would not be able to recognize the truth of God’s love. Whether it is a culture of pride and entitlement or a culture of inferiority and inadequacy, both are based on lies to breed hate.

John 13:34-35             A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” NKJV

We are now accepted as the beloved of God because of our faith in Jesus Christ alone. Not our works of righteousness or service but total trust in the completed work of Christ Who died for our sin. It is out of this love that God has shown to us, that makes us want to serve Him and to change our lives. It is not out of duty to perform to obtain God’s love.

Jesus, after fulfilling all the requirements of the Old Testament, gave us a new commandment – to love one another as Jesus Himself has loved us. Jesus came to show mankind God’s love. God loves us so much that He was willing to give His Son to pay for our sin. We are now given the power of God by The Holy Spirit to live in us, so we may show the love of God to others. This is not a natural thing; to love others who are different. It takes the power of the Risen Christ and the Holy Spirit living in us, to change our hearts and minds that we may show the love of God to those who are unlovely.

Many religions, including the religious Christianity, will have us do many deeds and works to be right with God which is impossible. Jesus fulfilled the old law and gave us a new commandment, to love one another as Christ loves us. Unconditional love will show the world we are Christ’s disciples. When we love one another as He has loved us.

2 Corinthians 5:17- 19          Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. NKJV

We who are Christ’s are given this ministry to reconcile sinners to God by showing the love of Christ. Not crediting sins to people, but rather bringing them into reconciliation through the love of God. The Disciples of Christ will be known by the love they have for one another, and not for the hate they have for the sinner.

1 john 4: 7-8, 11          Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. …Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

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Our Hope Is In The Love God Has For Us And This Is Our Joy!

Our hope is in the love of Jesus Christ for us, the promises of God to us and the power the Holy Spirit gives us. Hope, according to the definition is; a person or thing in which expectations are centered, to believe, trust or to look forward to with confidence. We now understand that faith is the assurance and belief in the fidelity of God and His strict observance of His promises and loyalty to us. When we have the faith of God, understand the Love Jesus has for us, and the power we are given through the Holy Spirit, then our hope is joyous. Because of Jesus, we look forward with great expectation, of having every confidence that He will perform all that He has promised.

Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. NKJV

Hope is a godly imagination that sees the promises of God in our mind though they have not yet appeared. Hope stands firm on the belief in who has made the promise and then rejoice in His love for us.

Hope without the promises of God, is just vain imagination or fantasy. Imagination is a powerful device because the word tells us as a man thinks in his heart so is he. We have often heard it said if we can imagine it we can eventually do it. Just as mankind for years imagined that he could fly and though it took years for him to develop the technology, we now have planes and jets that can fly us anywhere. Things that were thought impossible only a few years ago are being manifested in this natural world today.

Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. KJV

Romans 1:21-22 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. KJV

Wicked and vain imagination is a perverted type of hope in that it allows mankind to think and create evil thoughts in their hearts by rejecting God. They refuse to glorify Him or thankful for all He has done. This is done when a person becomes wise in their own eyes refusing to give honor to God. Then they are free to imagine evil in their hearts when they are left to their own vain imagination. It will lead only to evil because their souls are corrupted by this fallen world. This is why our hope is in the person of Jesus and the promises of God. Anything else is futile and vain.

Romans 8:24-25         For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. NKJV

It is our Hope in Jesus’ love, the promises of God and the power of the Holy Spirit that gives us patience to wait for the promises. We stand believing in the promises that they will come to pass and be displayed in this natural world, though we may not see it at present. There are many who say they believe in Jesus and yet their hopes are in the things of this world. Though many may have knowledge and a belief of Jesus’ existence, their trust and confidence are in the systems of men and this world. It is our hope in the completed work of Jesus that should gives us joy. Then we will have confidence and hope in our future and be able to wait patiently for it.

We live in a society that expects everything to be done in an instant. Fast food, advancement at work, we are trained to want and get everything right now. This is a trap and many believers in Christ have fallen into it with the thought of everything we need and want should be given to us immediately. This is why so many people lose their joy. They want things right now and are not willing to wait on God and his time.

Impatience is a tool of the enemy that is used against God’s people to have them lose their joy and hope in God. When we are impatient, we are more likely to succumb to doubt and unbelief. This is the weapon the enemy uses to instill fear in God’s people and negate their faith. Just as light and darkness cannot occupy the same space, fear and faith will battle and one will prevail. One will cancel the other. We will either walk in faith in the promises of God or we will fall into the trap of fear and dread losing our hope and the joy we receive in the word of God. We are told fight the good fight of faith. We are to stand in the face of doubt.

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. NKJV

We are rejoicing in the hope we have in the promises of God. The love of Christ and the strength of the Holy Spirit is what gives us the patience we need while waiting to see and receive God’s promises. Our hope is seen by others through the joy we express while waiting for the display of the promises of God in the natural world. People can see our anticipation though they may not see the promise. They see our joy that comes from knowing God will do what He has promised. We have already received it in our mind and see it with our godly imagination. Our hope rests in knowing the power of God’s love and in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

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The Substance of Faith is the Word of God!

We may think we have an understanding of words and their meaning, but sometimes it is necessary to see the words in the original text of Greek and Hebrew. Looking at this text in the Greek we find faith comes from a word that means assurance, belief or fidelity, which is a strict observance of promises and loyalty. Substance is from a Greek word meaning confidence and the dictionary defines it as the actual matter of a thing. The word hope comes from a Greek word that means expect, confide or trust. Evidence in the Greek means proof or conviction.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. KJV

When we state it, as written in the Greek, we may have a better understanding. Now (faith) the assurance and belief of the loyalty and fidelity of God’s word, is the (substance) actual matter and confidence of the things we (hoped for) expect and trust, and this assurance, belief and confidence in the fidelity of God’s word, is the (evidence) proof of our conviction of those things that are not yet seen in the natural but are coming and will be manifested in the seen world.

It is our assurance in God’s love for us, His loyalty and fidelity of His word and promises to us that is the material, which is the substance that is seen by others. People can see our confidence, our joy and marvel at our hope and trust in what God said because we know He will deliver. That hope, faith and belief is proof both in the spirit realm -the things that cannot be seen, and the natural world that we are waiting with great expectation, for the promises to be manifested in the natural and seen world.

The spirit realm cannot be seen with the natural eye or perceived with the natural senses. The only thing this world can see is our excitement, hope and trust in God’s promises and we have the assurance and great expectation to receive it. This is how we too may obtain a good report, that we believed God regardless of what life or experience and others may say.

Hebrews 11:2- 3         For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. NKJV

So by faith (the belief of the loyalty and fidelity of God’s word) we understand the worlds were formed by the spoken word of God. Spoken words are not seen and yet they made the things that are visible. When we understand how the word of God works in the spirit realm we can trust God’s word in the seen world. There are principles and processes that govern in the spoken word of God and faith. They are spirit and not visible and it is important to get knowledge and understanding of these principles, which take the unseen and see them manifested in the seen and earthly realm.

This is why the Bible says without faith we cannot please God, because faith believes in the truth, loyalty and fidelity of God’s word, regardless to what is seen or said in the natural realm. We too, would be offended if someone, who says they love us, but does not trust us or have confidence in our loyalty. We would be insulted and upset even though we may not have been perfect and may have missed the mark on occasion. We want the people who say they love us to trust us. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. God who is perfect in all things and has never missed His promise to us. Still, many do think God has failed them but what they lack is true knowledge and wisdom of God’s word.

Hebrew 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. NKJV

Faith believes God is who He says He is. Faith believes God’s promises and trusts His love and loyalty to reward those who search and seek after Him, His word, principles and truth. It is not going after the things God can do, or provide or the blessing we may get if we do some acts of service for Him. Seeking God is an ongoing process to know Him better and Who He is.

The world and the traditions of men have taught us so many things that are contrary to the word of God until so many are living in unbelief and do not realize it. They will say things like, “I call it like I see it,” but faith is saying what God says about the matter and is not moved by what is seen. Some people will even say God did not fulfill His promise and these are those who lack a true knowledge of God and His promises. God is not a man that He should lie, so if there is a problem then we should look at ourselves. God is not the problem.

If there is a problem, the problem is with us and our knowledge and understanding but not with God’s word. So many people rely on what they have been told, things they have heard or experienced, to determine their trust in God’s word. God says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The word says wisdom is the principal thing, so we should strive for wisdom and in our striving we should get an understanding.

Romans 10:17            So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Proverbs 4:7   Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. NKJV

Remember, faith is the belief in the loyalty and fidelity of God’s word. Our assurance in God’s word is the substance, the actual matter, which we are hoping for, expect and trust with confidence, that we will receive what is in the word of God. Our hope, confidence and joy is the very evidence and proof of our conviction that those things that are not yet seen, that are the spoken word of God, will be manifested in the natural and seen world.

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Faith Works Through Love

Faith is displayed in three parts, just as God is revealed in three parts; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Faith is revealed as a gift of God in the power of the Holy Spirit, in the knowledge of the Word of God, and in the trust and confidence of the love God has for us. We have been confused on how to operate in faith because we have taken only a portion of what faith really is and tried to make it work.

We are given the full measure of faith. The Holy Spirit of God is living in us. Some people think they can operate in this life with the Spirit alone but they lack the knowledge of God’s word and His promises. These are those who have a saving belief in Jesus and have the Spirit of God living in them and will go to heaven when they die, but they are living defeated in the world because they are not operating in faith.

Others have faith in God and have knowledge of God’s word. They know God is able to heal, provide and protect us in these present times as He has done in times past as seen in the Bible but they believe they have not done enough, or fallen short in prayer, or in service, or in fleshly ways. These are those who have knowledge of God’s word and believe God is able but they are not sure God will do it for them. Some think if they pray a lot, plead with God, fast or even have others to pray; perhaps this will move the hand of God to answer their prayers.

It is when we trust in the love God has for us we are able to rest in the promises that are in the word of God, which gives us hope and joy to wait on the manifestation of God’s promises in our lives. Faith works by love.

Galatians 5:6           For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love

Faith in Christ does not come through the work of circumcision that came in the Old Testament, which is the law of sacrifice to be right with God. Nor does it come through uncircumcision, with no responsibility to do anything. Faith works through love. When we know and understand the love God has for us, then our Hope is in Him which gives us peace. Our joy is the evidence that the world sees while we are waiting for the appearance and display of these promises in our natural state.

Faith works through the trust we have in God’s love for us. We will never understand just how much God loves us until we see it displayed in His word. It is the lack of knowledge of God, His love for us and His promises that destroy many people who believe in Christ. The world’s religious traditions of men have made the word of God to no effect. Too often people believe in what they have heard from others and see on social media because they lack the true knowledge of God’s word.

We obtain hope through the knowledge of God’s word and we trust His word because we understand how much He loves us. You may have seen the joy and hope on a child’s face when a parent or grandparent promises them a gift. Though the promise is for a time in the future that child will display evidence of joy and expectation because they trust the one who promised. This is the faith of those who know the love God has for them. They know the promises of His word and they have hope and great expectation that the world cannot understand.

1 John 4:18      There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Perfect love casts out fear. God’s love is perfect love. He has given us this perfect love in the person of the Holy Spirit living in us. God has displayed love in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. No greater love can no one have than to give his life for that person. When we understand God’s love is not based on any act of service or good deeds, it is only because of Who He is, we can rest in God’s love for us. There is no fear of God becoming mad or the anger of God coming against us because Jesus took all of God’s wrath and judgement. Now there is only the love God has for us.

Romans 5:8     But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The Father gave His Son to die in our place which displayed a boundless love for us. Jesus left His position in heaven to come, live and die in our place as a mighty act of love. Jesus came and bore our sorrows, received our judgement and the wrath of God for our sins. This exhibited God’s unlimited love for us. God did not wait until we got ourselves together, stopped sinning, or to become holy to love us, to save us, or to send Jesus to redeem us. While we were still in our mess and totally enemies of God in our own minds, He showed His love and forgiveness toward us.

It is when we trust, believe and have faith in God’s love for us that we have confidence to look with hope at our circumstances. No matter how hopeless it may appear to the world, we may display a peace and a joy with expectancy and anticipation of the word of God to be manifested in our lives.

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Faith Is A Gift From God- Faith Is Trust In The Word Of God!

We have been blind and in darkness as to what faith really is! We lack the knowledge of the truth of Who is Faith. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. An author is one who originates, creates a design, and makes something. Therefore if Jesus is the Creator and Maker of our faith, our faith is perfect in Him. Jesus is also the Finisher of our faith. A finisher completes and makes perfect every detail.

 Romans 12:2               Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NKJV

Lack of faith is not our problem. We lack the knowledge of the truth of the Word of God which helps us to trust in the completed work of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the gift from God to all mankind and for those who accept Jesus as Lord. He comes and lives in them. It is Jesus Who originates designs and creates this gift of faith in us. He not only began this work but He completed it and made it perfect in every detail. Jesus is the Author of our Faith and we are to trust in the Living Word of God as an act of our will. We have been blind and not seen the light of God’s truth because we are ignorant of His Word. We have allowed situations and circumstances to speak to what we call faith and truth, to the point that God’s Word and Truth has no effect

Ephesians 2: 8-10       For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

We are saved by the Grace of God through Faith. Grace is a divine gift and favor from God. We are saved by the divine gift and favor of God through faith that trusts in the completed and finished work of Jesus. We are saved by the gift of God

It is not because of any work we have done that saves us, it is only our trust in the completed work of Jesus. No one should boast of anything they have done to receive salvation.   We may move mountains, it is not because of our great work of faith, but it is our simple trust in the completed works of Christ. God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in faith and truth through belief in His word. It is because of our lack of knowledge of His word we have been walking in darkness. And not in the light and the power of faith in Jesus’ finished work.

Romans 12:3   For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Everyone is given the measure of faith- that measure is the Holy Spirit, the Word of God. Everyone who receives Christ receives the same measure of faith from God. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh and dwelt among God’s people. Now the Holy Spirit is given to everyone who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The Spirit of God, the Word of God, Who is the Son of God comes into our heart to give us a new life as children of God. Implanted in our spirit is the Living God to empower us to do great and mighty works.

We may get ensnared by the schemes and wiles of the enemy who tries to trip us up with pride in who we are, what we have done and accomplished in life. Some even believe they have a right to do whatever they need in order to be happy and satisfied. The voice of this world has spoken so loudly and so long into the minds of God’s people, that many do not know how to recognize the truth of God’s word.

Romans 10:8b-11     The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach):  that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

When we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths Jesus is Lord and God sent Him to die for us, we are saved. Faith is the trust we have in the word. Now we have the Living God , the Holy Spirit in us. We will more likely speak the truth of God because of the knowledge of His word and the faith filled words of Jesus, with the authority He has given us.

Remember as believers we have the word of God in the scriptures form near us. When we speak these words of truth and plant them in our hearts as seeds, we can trust Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, to complete His work. When we believe on Him and His completed work we will not be put to shame.

Faith is knowing the word of God. Faith is activated by our trust in His word.

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Christmas demonstrates humility – God became flesh and dwelt among us.

Christmas demonstrates humility. God humbled Himself and He left His throne in heaven and became flesh to live among sinful man. Jesus was born in humble circumstances, a child of an unwed mother, born in a barn, a storehouse where the animals were kept and His bed was a feeding trough, a manger. Jesus was wrapped in pieces or strips of cloth and not in fine linen or silk that royalty wears. The Creator became flesh as one He created that He may save His creation.

It may sound lofty in the Christmas stories we hear but the Creator of the entire world and the universe was reduced to being born in a shed because there was no room for him in the inn. It appeared as though the whole known world was busy taking care of their own concerns of work, their homes and government situation of being counted for the census and no one recognized the God of all creation had come to be counted among men. People are still too busy with the cares of the world, the gifts and the lack thereof to receive Jesus as the greatest gift of all.

Luke 2: 6         So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

God is still sending His messengers to people who are too busy to recognize the King of kings and Lord of lords has arrived to be their Savior. There were many noble kings and wealthy merchants in that day but God chose to send His message to country shepherds, people living out in the fields. The Angel with the very glory of God shinning around him told the shepherds of the good report that the Savior who is Christ the Lord was born in the city of David.

God’s ways are not like man’s. God sent His son to be born in poverty that we may receive His riches. God announced Jesus’ birth to people of humble means, shepherds living in the fields and not to those living in palaces and mansions. In this world the birth of royalty is announced in the most esteemed places to exalt the arrival to the child’s birth. But God chose the way of humility, to send Jesus as a servant, that He may save many.

Luke 2: 8, 10-12         Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

God sent Jesus to earth at the appointed time to save humanity. God is still sending His children, at this appointed time, to be witnesses to humanity that God is still on the throne and He is seeking to save those who are lost. Jesus came born of a woman under the law and government of His day to redeem or purchase back those who were born in sin so they may be adopted into the family of God. In the fullness of God’s time we too are being sent out by our Father to release, emancipate and set free the minds of people who are chained and enslaved to the thoughts and practices of this world.

As a believer in Christ we are God’s Christmas gift to humanity. We have the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Living God in us to help us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God that we may no longer live as slaves to sin, pride and un-forgiveness. We can call out to our Abba Father so that when we demonstrate a life that displays the power of God with humility others may want to receive the gift of everlasting life.

 

Galatians 4:4-7           But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth th Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Though Jesus was a King, He humbled Himself to be born of flesh to become involved with mankind that He may provide a solution for us. It would be impossible to find a king who would give up their high position of living in a palace to live in a stall or to give up their riches for his people and servants. Our God, Our Father gave His best, Jesus our Lord and King so that we may become children of God, heirs to His kingdom. The Christmas story is a story of humility. Jesus is the One who gave His all so that many may be saved. This is still the Christmas story that we too may humble ourselves, to die to self, that others may see in us a reflection of our Father in heaven and want to receive eternal life

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The Gift of Grace is the Gift of Christmas – Jesus is our Gift of Grace

The spirit of Christmas is Grace! Grace is showing favor, kindness, goodwill and love to someone who is undeserving and it is unmerited and unearned. Love is expressed through kindness, goodwill and favor we show to someone who may not deserve it but we give it anyway. Love gives its best and expresses and shows the love it has for those they love. God so loved this world He gave His Best, Jesus, to save us even when we were not being our best. He loved us while we were lost and did not care or love Him and He expressed that love in the Gift of Christ our Savior. Love is a sacrifice; love gives even though it may not receive.

Jesus emptied Himself of all He had a right to, positional as the Son of God, and humbled Himself to be born as a child. Jesus was born of flesh and blood and restricted to a life set in time for the service of others to show the Grace and Love God has for us.

Luke 2: 10-11  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

When God gave His Best, Jesus Christ our Lord, men responded in worship and wise men sought Him and gave gifts to honor the King of kings. Wise men are still seeking Jesus and giving gifts to honor our Lord and King. When these wise men went looking for the Christ there was much cost and much preparation. They came from a far country to search out where the King was born and they had prepared great costly gifts to give a King who was worthy of all they had and more. These gifts to show honor to the God in heaven and were given to a carpenter and his wife. We honor our God when we honor His children. We give to God when we give to the least of these, our brothers and sisters, who are in need on the earth.

We should decide to give the gift of Grace, the Spirit of Christmas to those who may be undeserving and who have not earned this gift. We give this gift of Grace and Love to honor our Lord and King. We express the love He has shown to us to those around us.

Romans 5:6, 8 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Jesus walked in the Grace of God as a man, to fulfill His purpose drawing on the same power of the Holy Spirit that we have access to today. He has given us the ministry of reconciliation and the command to love others as He has loved us. We should determine we will give this gift of grace and predetermine how we will express this Spirit of Christmas to those around us. This time of the year the world softens its heart and expresses kindness to one another. How much more should we, who are in the household and family of God, express His Grace to others?

Jesus is our example and He was led by the Spirit of God to give the good news of the gospel, that God’s kingdom has returned to the earth and we can now be set free. He showed the love of God to the brokenhearted; they did not have to be alone, fore they can receive God as their Father and the Holy Spirit as their companion and guide. To those who are enslaved to addictions and the appetites of the flesh, they too can be set free by the power of the Holy Spirit. We also can help those who are blind to the truth of God’s word by showing the love of God in our actions. Those who are oppressed through injustices of this world system or live under the tyranny of social and cultural hatred can be set free by the Blood of Jesus and the love of God. Now is the acceptable time to receive from God this precious gift of Grace.

Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

The Gift of Grace is the Gift of Christmas. Jesus is our Gift of Grace – our reason for Christmas. Jesus came and provided what we could not provide for ourselves. Let us be the provision someone may need during this Christmas season. Let us, as the wise men before, prepare our gifts for our Sovereign King and predetermine how we will show honor and worship to Him, through the people we serve. Let us give the Gift of Christ in a word of encouragement, in an expression of concern, in the displaying of love to those who may be unlovable and may be in desperate need of His love.

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Christmas: When Heaven Came to Earth- Jesus Dispelled Darkness

Jesus brought another government to the earth, a spiritual kingdom that operates on the earth for God’s people. Jesus established a kingdom where we can walk in the light of good news of Christ where He has broken the yoke of sin and the rod of the oppressor. We are no longer chained to the sins of our past or the tyranny of men. There is a spiritual government, a heavenly kingdom, that we now have access to through the belief and faith in the completed work of Christ.

Isaiah 9:2,4,6,7a         The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. 4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden. And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian.

6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end…

Prior to Jesus’ birth we were in our fallen state with our authority taken by the trickster-Satan, living and walking in darkness not fully aware of the depraved and corrupt conditions we were living in. God had given Israel a vision of Himself and called them as a people and nation to be an example on the earth as to how man should serve their God, Lord and King. Israel, like everyone, fell short of displaying the majesty, love and compassion to a world that was in desperate need of grace and mercy.

In the likeness of a human body the child Jesus was born to walk and live on this earth just as we have. He experienced all the pain, sorrows and trials we have experienced living in this fallen world. Jesus came as a man to fellowship with us and to show us He understands what we are going through because He experienced it all, the rejection, hurt, pain and even one of the most horrific deaths, the death of the cross.

To us was given the Son of God, The Son of The Most High God was given for payment of our sin. Only the Son of God could pay the debt owed for the rebellion against God that plunged us into a dark and fallen system of government on the earth, where Satan had become the prince of darkness. Only the sinless Blood of Jesus, the Son of God, could atone for the sin of mankind and though it was a great cost to God, He gave us His Son so we could become sons of the Most High King. We can now call God, Abba Father because He is our everlasting Father; He is Good Father Who meets our every need and gives us our daily provisions.

God is Wonderful; He is full of wonder, He is amazing, He is breathtaking, He does marvelous acts. He takes delight in giving to His children. God has given us His Holy Spirit as our Counselor and guide so if we lack wisdom in any situation we may ask God and He will give the answer liberally. They call Him Almighty God; there is nothing above Him in power and might.

We have seen some mighty and powerful people but God stands above them all and when we stand in faith and in trust of the Mighty God, we serve we will have a Peace the surpasses understanding. Jesus is our Prince of Peace. God did not want man to live in fear of Satan, sickness, death, the wickedness of men or in fear of lack and poverty. Jesus came so that we may have in this world provision, protection and authority over our circumstances. We are no longer under the curse of sin and death but we have been set free and who the Son set free is free in actions, thought and deeds.

The key in God’s Peace is where we put our trust. So many of us say we believe God and we trust in His Word but most do not know God and know little of His Word. This is why they are full of fear and doubt; their minds have not been renewed to the new way of thinking, which is crucial to living in the kingdom of God. As babes are born into this natural world they must learn how to navigate this world system to live successfully on the earth.

The same is true in God’s Kingdom; we who are God’s people should be operating God’s government/kingdom while we are on the earth. Kingdom citizens, those who are re-born, have access to the spiritual kingdom/government of God on the earth. Many are ignorant of their authority and how to operate successfully in the Government/Kingdom of God.

When we are full of fear our minds are filled with the cares of this world. When our minds are full of the wonders of God, His Majesty and Sovereignty we are living and operating in God’s kingdom. We will then display the Peace of God in our lives that most people will not understand.

The Kingdom of God is increasing with every person that enters into the family of God through the belief and confession of faith in Jesus. God’s Kingdom on the earth is increasing in numbers. The knowledge of God’s word is where the power, authority and transactions in this kingdom and how to operate successfully are displayed.

So many rely on the fables of men and the traditions of their parents, to teach them how they should function in the kingdom of God. Unfortunately most people are living in lack of knowledge of the truth of God’s word. This is the reason we see so many people who call themselves Christians destroyed. Some have more knowledge of the worldly systems and more faith in the government of this world than they have knowledge of God’s kingdom or faith in His word. We see those who do evil things, even in this time of thanksgiving and celebration of our Lord and Saviour, because they are still in darkness and the Light of this world has not entered into their lives.

Those who know their God shall be strong and do great feats, deeds and achievements. Remember we are under a new Government and New King with power and authority over present circumstances because we belong to a different Kingdom.

This is the reason we are celebrating the good news of Jesus who brought God’s Kingdom to earth!!

Daniel 11: 32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery;

but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.

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Giving Thanks Before We Receive is Faith

Faith believes God’s Word is true and the ultimate act of faith is giving thanks to God for what was promised even before we have received it. In the world system we are taught to give thanks when we receive something from someone, whether it is a complement, help or a gift. We are trained to wait and sometimes anxiously in anticipation until we obtain the promise and then express our thanksgiving.

In God’s kingdom, in the realm of His people, we are instructed to give thanks when we receive the promise of God. Thus displaying with the very act of thanksgiving, the certainty of our belief and faith that we have what was promised. Though we may not have received it in this natural state yet and though it has not arrived in our possession, we believe God has answered our prayer and that it is coming so we give God glory with thanksgiving for what we have asked.

John 11: 41b-42 And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.”

Jesus started His prayer with giving God thanks for having heard His prayer before and for always hearing Him. Jesus was praying again not a prayer of vain repetition of saying the same thing over and over but a prayer for the benefit of the people so they would believe. Though Lazarus was still dead at that moment Jesus thanked God for hearing Him knowing God would perform His promise. Many may say Jesus is the Son of God and could do anything and that is right but Jesus limited Himself as a man operating under the knowledge of God’s truth and by the power of the Holy Spirit. The same things we as sons of God have access to, God’s truth and the Holy Spirit.

We can truly give thanks in everything when we see everything in the light of God’s word, truth and promises. He will never leave us or forsake us and in every problem or trial God has provided a way of escape that will be for our good and bring Him glory. If we truly believe this and trust God we can give thanks in hard situations by the power of the Holy Spirit with expectation to see how the Lord will settle the issue. Not to say things we are experiencing are not hard, difficult and possibly overwhelming at the moment, but giving thanks to God in the midst of our hardship helps move us from self-focus and self-serving to faith in the hope God will do a great thing in this situation.

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

It did not say it was joy when we go through life struggles and trials but we can consider and reckon it to be part of a larger process that in the end will produce faith and patience in our lives which is pleasing to God. When we are able to remove our self from the equation, our wants, our desires, our preferences, then it is easier to let go of the pain and wait on the greater good and glory of God. It is when we hold on to our desire to enjoy and be with what we have lost, that we cannot free ourselves to enjoy the present and be full of hope for our future.

When we put self on the throne of our lives, problems are hard to overcome because our needs, yearnings and cravings become so magnified that we lose sight of the things God is doing in our lives. It is only when God is seated on the throne of our lives, high and lifted up that He is exalted above all else and is magnified larger than our painful situation. It is then we are able to press through the pain and difficulties and walk in expectation, waiting to see the glory of the Lord to come as a result of that condition.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

We know these situations did not take God by surprise and what we are going through is the will of God for us at the moment. More importantly how we act and display our faith in God in the midst of those circumstances will testify who God is in our lives.

Gratitude is giving thanks to God for what we have received. Thanksgiving is giving thanks to God for what we want to receive in our future. This is a true display of our faith. Faith believes God has heard our request though it is not seen it in the natural God has made provision for it spiritually and we can wait with expectation for it to manifest itself in the present. We believe our request has transpired in the spiritual kingdom of God and we are now waiting to see how the Lord will settle the matter in the physical realm.

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