Posts Tagged ‘ Jesus ’

Advent 2022 – Day 4: Isaiah 9:13

The people did not turn to him who struck them, nor inquire of the Lord of hosts.

Isaiah 9:13, ESV

At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.

We do horrible things to each other and against God.

We don’t like to believe that God punishes people, either. However, the Old Testament shows how often Israel disobeyed God, and God allowed and even sent disasters and armies to correct them and draw them back to Himself.

But we like to think we know better, so we refuse to go to Him or even blame Him for everything wrong in this life.

How could He allow such bad things to happen? How could a good God let evil happen to good people?

But He has told us that none of us are truly good, that we don’t seek our Maker.

He sends and allows because He has given us the choice to ignore, hate, and refuse Him.

Yet God came to us, willingly taking our hatred and accusations and refusals to the cross, giving us in return grace and forgiveness and acceptance.

Yes, God sends things that hurt but it to draw us in, and He also sends Himself to hold us.

May we seek the Lord who draws us in.

Advent 2022 – Day 3: Isaiah 9:4

For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

Isaiah 9:4, ESV

At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.

There are many times in this world that we burden and oppress each other.

We either attempt to force our own will on others, add our will (rules) to God’s will, or have the will of others forced on us.

We dare to put ourselves in God’s place or blame Him for the sin of others.

We willingly choose our own path, carrying the burden of our sin, thinking we are good in our own right.

The ways of this world drag us down, and we complain and try to fix things ourselves … or accept that we are nothing and hold onto this view.

And many times we lash out at each other, seeking comfort, even if through burdening others.

And if we blame God, we also say His ways must be more burdensome, not wanting to acknowledge that we have burdened ourselves.

Yet God came to us, willingly taking our burden upon His shoulders, removing the oppression of sin by dying on the cross we deserved!

We may still struggle with the problems of this world, but Jesus has promised that we will have troubles. He has given us His yoke of loving others.

May we seek to lead our world to theOne who ends sin’s oppression.

VerseD: Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1, ESV

As we seek God, He gives us more faith and more reasons for faith. We may not see all of His promises in this life, but He has shown Himself faithful.

VerseD: Isaiah 40:3

A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Isaiah 40:3, ESV

We live in a wilderness of sin and darkness in this world.

Let us make every effort to remove obstacles to the gospel in our own lives and as we share the gospel with others.

May we seek the peace and light of God.

VerseD: Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24‭-‬26, ESV

Seek the Lord, and He will bless You with His presence, His grace, and His peace.

VerseD: Galatians 6:10

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10, ESV

Let us give thanks to God for every opportunity we get to serve others, especially within our family in Christ: the Church.

VerseD: Psalm 9:1

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1, ESV

Let us be thankful for all God has done, that He keeps His promises and has shown His love for us.

Thanksgiving 2022

It’s Thanksgiving here!

May we be thankful to God for all He has blessed us with, especiallythe promises we have in Christ.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18, ESV

VerseD: Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:6, ESV

Be thankful to God for the goodness He has shown us in offering us eternal life through Christ.

VerseD: Psalm 119:2

Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart

Psalm 119:2, ESV

We should be thankful to God who has proven Himself to us and given us His Word. May we seek Him continually.