Category Archives: Bible Thoughts

Advent – day 16 – Love

Today is Advent 16
Light the 16th candle

Advent 16

Ornaments:

Love wooden hearts

Love nativity

Love – it is the first listed fruit of the Spirit in Gal 5:22-23

fruit of the spirit – sincerelysarad,com

It’s something that grows from the Spirit inside.

God is love.
1 John 4:7-10

7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Love is evidence of being in Christ.
And Love is a verb – it is shown by actions: God shows us His Love!
John 3:16 for God so loved…that famous passage:

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

It is love that caused God to send his son to die for us.

A good man would not die for a friend…
Romans 5:6-7

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

This is the great showing of love:

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

We didn’t deserve it. We’d done nothing to earn it. God’s love was so full towards us that it overflowed to paying the price for us. And when the world tells me that I am unlovable, I just need to go to these passages and remind myself, God loves me.

We love because he first loved us(1 John 4:19) – without him, we do not understand unconditional love.

1 cor 13…This is love – written by Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
First, he mentions doing good – but if I have not love, I am nothing.
Then, instructions:

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails

Then a talk about growing – and the conclusion of the matter:

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

My take on this is that the greatest fruit to display is LOVE. and with this description, one can work on growing in love for their whole life!

Jesus was born on Christmas morn because God’s heart was torn.

There are several great passages above to read about God’s love. I am amazed whenever I think about His love towards me. In His love he forgives me and gives me second, third and upteenth chances, as long as I keep turning, honestly, to him. I don’t know what I would do without God’s loving hand in my life. It is his love that has pulled me out of suicide and depression. It is his love that has kept me here. It is sharing His love that gives me great joy! And I thank God for it daily.

Lord Jesus, please open my eyes to see the love you have for me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More Advent Devotions

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi (with Jim, 12-8-1959 to 12-18-2020)
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up!
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Advent – Joy – third Sunday of Advent

Today is Advent 15
Light the 15th candle on the Advent Log

Advent Log 15

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent
Light the third Advent Candle on the Advent Wreath

The themes for the Sundays in Advent designate this Sunday as the Sunday of Joy.

I have already written much about Joy, so I am going to just link those writings here.

Joy of Jesus

The Oil of Joy

Joy Cross

Joy has been a struggle for me, and I wrote about it as the answer against one of the Giants in my Land

I have questioned, but the Why of it is, that I must choose to rejoice – choose Joy.

Joy to YOU

Joy to the World

This is one of my favorite Christmas Carols – it speaks the truth of salvation!

And here’s some updated versions:

More Advent Devotions

Advent Day 18 – Faith

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.

Advent day 14 – The Lamb

Advent Day 14 – the Lamb
Light the 14th candle on the Advent Log.
No photo for this one.

In 2015, when I created this Advent Blog, I combined Lion and Lamb on day 12.

This year, 2016, I’ve been doing a study on Psalm 23 – The Lord is my Shepherd.
I plan to have a study done about the shepherd before the end of the year.

The point of this blog is that Jesus came as a lamb – the perfect spotless lamb that was slain for our sins.

here is a refresher from Day 12.

~~~~~

Jesus came as a baby and was laying in a manger. A manger is a feeding trough for farm animals. The fact that Jesus came and was so meek and mild caused much difficulty for the rulers of the Church of his day. First, Jesus came as a lamb.

Lamb

Lamb

The stories in the Old Testament about sacrifices force us to talk about the meaning of blood sacrifice. That sacrifice needed to be a perfect, no scars, no warts, no wrinkles, but perfect ram or lamb. In the New Testament we are told about Jesus going to the cross as a lamb going to sacrifice. This is one of the key differences in the Christian faith, that we have a Savior that chose to pay the price for our sins.

John 1:29

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 Cor 15:20-22

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

(Gen 22:8; Ex 12:5; Is 53:4-7; 1 Pet 1:18-21)

Rev 5:12

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

~~~~~

nativity

The reason that we see Nativities up at Christmas was because Jesus was born in a manger – like an animal. Like a lamb.

He came – humbled himself from heaven, and came – to die for us. To be the lamb that was slain.

More Advent Devotions

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi (with Jim, 1959-2020)
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.
I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up!
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Advent Day 13- Stone

Advent day 13

light the 13th candle on the Advent Log

Advent day 13

I asked for some help in choosing some additional symbols/names of Christ on facebook.

One option was “The Rock” from Ps 18:46

The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Here is some beautiful piano music to listen to while reading this blog.

here are two of my favorite responses:

Amy Head:

I actually like the corner stone idea or the rock. As you said Jesus is our rock and cannot be moved or shaken. It also made me think of (and I know this is Easter) but when the stone was moved from Jesus’ grave. How stones are frequent in the word and are powerful things no matter how small. Wind, just like sin, is invisible but you can feel it and know it’s there but wind, like sin, cannot move a stone and the stone is like the word of the Lord.

Rebecca Graves:

I kept thinking of the song On Christ the solid rock I stand. I am glad my feet are not on sinking sand. Altars in the old testament we made of a pile of rocks. They were remembrances of what God had done strewn around the landscapes in various places.

And Rebecca’s post brought this reply from Nellwyn Blackmon:

…that reminds me of one of my favorite verses. ..Psalm 40:2

I love having friends that share my faith, and can give me input into how to worship and honor my Lord and Savior.

Jesus is the rock

Jesus is the solid rock on which we stand…as opposed to sinking sand.
Ps 40:2(Ps 27:5; Matt 7:24-27)

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

Jesus is the corner stone the builders rejected, as in the leaders of the church of that day.
Ps 118:22

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

Matthew 21:42

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Jesus is the rock
Ps 61:2

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

He is our shelter, our refuge(as that rock):
Ps 61:3

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

There is the verse that says that we either fall upon the rock for forgiveness or the rock will fall upon us to crush us. The relationship with the rock depends on our heart towards the rock.

Another focus is that we are to build a foundation based upon that rock – Jesus.
1 Cor 3:11

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

We build upon the Rock of Jesus by listening to His words:
Matthew 7:24-25

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And if not:
Matthew 7:26-27

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Ornaments:

Rocks from Craft store

Affix paper clips with hot glue

Jesus is the Rock ornament

These are not typical Christmas/Advent hymn, but are the perfect explanation of why it is so perfect as symbolism for Christ:

Advent 11
More Advent Studies

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.

Advent 2015 – day 12 – the lion and the lamb

Today is Advent day 12.

If using an event log, light candles 12.

Advent 12

Lamb

Lamb

John 1:29

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 Cor 15:20-22

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

(Gen 22:8; Ex 12:5; Is 53:4-7; 1 Pet 1:18-21)

Rev 5:12

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Lion

Lion

The other part of this is Jesus as the lion, the ruler that roars and protects and fights. This is what the people of Jesus’s day expected the Messiah to be. They did not understand that first the Messiah had to pay the price for sin and death, be resurrected and given back all the glory he put aside in order to be a baby human, and then he shall come again to judge the quick and the dead. At that time the lamb has become the lion and will make all things right.

Rev 5:5;

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Num 24:9

He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.

(Hos 11:10; Hos 13:7-8)

Revelations 17:14 – the Lamb goes to war(the Lion)

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

The other key is that our savior has risen from the dead, and sits at the right hand of God, to intercede for the brethren…and, then, He will come again.

This is worthy of worship!

More Advent Devotions
Advent Day 11

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.

Advent 2015 – day 11 – A Key

Today is the 11th day of Advent.

light the 11th candle.

On the 9th Day of Advent, I thought about the scepter, and how it being extended out to the servant was the code for entering into the King’s Presence. This is similar to a code to enter in for security.

On the 8th Day of Advent, I was thinking about the Kingship of the Father God. He owns the ‘house’, and He gets to say who comes in and who does not.

Today, it’s the key.

Key of David

There are so many ways to focus upon the word “key”.
A noun – the keys of David.

Revelation 3:7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

The keys of death and hades.

Revelation 1:18 – I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

As an Adjective, Analogy, Symbolism in concept – Jesus is the key to Eternal Life:

John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

A key opens up something.
Usually, it’s because someone wants inside!
As I said on the 8th, for our security system, we have a code, but you still need a key to enter in.
There are keys to blessings – treasures – such as in Malachi 3:10:

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Deuteronomy 11:13

And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,(and then follows many blessings, also listed in Deuteronomy 28)

Matthew 13:44

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Often, I get told “that is old testament, it isn’t appropriate now! We are under Grace!”
We are under grace because humans could not keep the laws! But that does not mean the laws are not good! Who would eliminate the Ten Commandments? Most faith’s have some form of code of behavior. What does the Christian Bible say? What does the Christian Lord Jesus say?

John 14:15

“If you love me, keep my commands.

And, the dear Apostle John wrote that it is KEY to the proof of the love of God!
1 John 5:3-4

3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

But, in a noun sense, Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection are the KEY to enter into the Kingdom.
The Website GodVine.com has a list of scriptures that explain the concept of entering into the Kingdom of Heaven, also known as Salvation.

2 Timothy 1:9-10

9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

John 3:23

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

But there is one other key mentioned – the Key of David, as in RULER.

Isaiah 22:22

I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. (also Revelation 3:7)

JESUS OPENS THE DOOR! or shuts the door. Because he has the KEY to the ruling house of Israel! Jesus is the reigning King!
By applying the keys to salvation, He opens the door, and welcomes us in.

Luke 11:9

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.(also Revelation 3:20)

My heart soars to think that my King and Savior has provided me the key to enter in to the Holy of Holies, to be able to come boldly before the throne of the Most High God!
He died for me so that I could be free of the price of my sins!
The Father rose him from the dead to break the bands of death!
Jesus sits on the right hand of the Father interceding for me!

Oh what Joy fills my heart! I have goosebumps, and heart shivers thinking of how much God Loves me – and knowing that my comprehension of His all encompassing love if so small because of my finite mind.

Today, I celebrate Jesus as the key, code, and deliverer of my salvation.
And I confess that Jesus is my Lord, and I will follow Him!

Today’s hymn is the fourth verse ofO Come, O Come Emmanuel, talking about the Key of David.

Enjoy this version by Pentatonix:

Advent Day 10
More Advent Devotions

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.

Advent 2015 – Day 10, Rising Sun

Advent day 10

Light the 10th Candle on the log.

There is a saying, “it’s always darkest before the dawn.”
That saying never made much sense to me. Sitting on the beach, watching the sun rise, the darkness flees to the degree the light is coming.

Pre-Sunrise Beach at Ft Lauderdale.

Sunrise Beach at Ft Lauderdale

The one thing I noticed while watching the sunrise in the various resort towns is that prior to the sun rising, there is an almost agreed upon hush. Those that are out at this time, even the workers around the pools and restaurants, speak in hushed tones until the sun rises. There is almost an air of the sacred in those moments.

I know that there are those that worship the sun, and therefore, to them, it is sacred.
For me, it illustrates the light of Christ shining into my darkness.

Isaiah 60:1-3 speaks of the promise of light to those who seek him.

1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Actually, it’s speaking of Zion, and when the Lord will return.
Is 9:2, prior to the great Christmas passage, says this:

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Jesus said

“I am the Light of the World; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

In the believing Jews’ world, Jesus definitely changed things from dark to light. For those that did not believe, their worlds changed as well, because now they had to answer to this new development.
In my world,

in 1969, Jesus came into my life, and turned my heart from one of seeking my own will to one of seeking to please Him.
In 1973, I met an evangelist that explained more fully what had happened when I asked Jesus to come live and rule in my heart.
In 1975, I was introduced to a fellowship that believed in following Jesus, and learning by reading their Bibles.
In 1977, I learned that the Holy Spirit was still alive and well and powerful on planet earth.

And year after year after year, I continued to grow in knowledge of the Word of God, understanding of His love for me, and in how to control my appetites.

Prov 4:18

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Growing in Christ is growing brighter and brighter, more and more like Jesus.
When Moses saw God, his face shown with a great light.
Which reminds me of an explanation given by a musician from the 70’s Jesus movement, Barry MaGuire.

There is no light IN us.
God is the Sun, and we are the moon, we just reflect HIS light.

This explanation helps me to remember that every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above, from the father of lights, in whom is no shadow or turning.(James 1:17)
Just like I cannot take credit for my own salvation, being saved by grace through faith, and that not of my own, it is the gift of God (Eph 2:1-9), I cannot take credit for any good gift, shining light or godliness in my life. I am merely reflecting the light that God shines into my life.

I’ve had my share of depression and despair – darkness that surrounds my heart and my mind. I am not naive enough to say that the light of Christ causes all those dark shadows to flee, because, they haven’t. Oh how I wish they would! And yet, I daily have to choose to enter into His presence for the light unto my path for that day. I daily have to choose not to embrace the depression that would have me dwell in the dark past, or upon wounds long gone. Yes, there are chemical imbalances within me that God could heal if He chose to. And Yes, I have yelled at him for not choosing to do so. And yes, I have to repent for yelling at my King!

Another saying:

The soul would have no rainbow
if the eye no tear.

Those that have suffered depression, and despair are more appreciative of joy and hope, because they know the lack thereof.
I see it as my calling to share my stories of darkness in order to find others in darkness, and then, help them to find joy and hope. Not always do they find Jesus, but Jesus is my joy, hope and light.

A Sunrise or Day-Spring is the symbol for this day.

A Rising Sun

Dear Lord, please help me to remember your light will rise upon my darkness when it threatens to take over my heart and mind. Please help me to share your hope with those that suffer in the darkness. For me, that darkness is depression and suicide and pain. None of these things are the promised gifts of the cross, and yet, I know that you have never ignored me when I yield to your plan for my life. When I seek you, I have always found you. I may not agree with your plans, but I have always found them to be the best, in my limited hindsight. Please continue to use me, and deliver me from the enemy, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

note – I am fully aware that most would consider this symbol of Christ to mean delivering a person out of the darkness of sin and into the light of the Kingdom of Christ. Obviously, that happened to me in 1969. There are many resources for such symbolism. This is my story, my calling, and my heart cry – to set free the captives of such darkness as depression and mental illness, and if anyone cares to join me in that journey – welcome!

Song for today is the verses 1-3 of O Come O Come Emmanuel

Advent Day 9

More Advent Devotions

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.

Advent – day 9 – Scepter

Advent day 9

light the 9th candle on the Advent Log.

Advent Candle 9

The scepter.
Second only to the crown as a symbol of power.
Rulers hold the scepter.

I have read the story of Esther with a unique perspective. This feels a bit like sexual assault to me.
I am not sure that I would appreciate being kidnapped – so to speak – to become one of the King’s potential mates.
Probably to be used once, and then thrown aside, potentially never to be free again, and definitely not able to get married and have a family.

Anyway, in the story, in order for Esther to save her people, she must risk her life by boldly going into the throne room, and requesting an audience with the King. King Artexurxes(sp) was known for his having people killed on a whim. If he did not reach out his scepter to her, and welcome her into the throne room, she would die.

Putting her life on the line, to go into the throne room of a great and powerful King, in order to intercede for her people. Amazing. And this she did after three days of prayer and fasting.

Genesis 49:10 says that the scepter shall not depart from Judah:

The scepter will not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,[a]
until he to whom it belongs[b] shall come
and the obedience of the nations shall be his.

Isaiah 9:6-7, the great Christmas passage, talks about Jesus ruling:

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

I get Jesus being King of Kings – which was why yesterday’s symbol was a crown.
But the scepter? How does that apply to me? I go back to Esther’s story.

Because I have sinned, and I am not holy, I cannot enter into the throne room of a Holy God. (Hab 1:13) God is too holy to look upon sin, which is why sin brought death and separation into the world.
Because Jesus died on my behalf, paid my death penalty, In Christ, I can enter into the throne room with no concern of a Holy God destroying me for my unholiness.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:14 & 16

Because of Jesus, God the Father, on the great white throne of Judgement(actually, that will be Jesus), extends His scepter and welcomes me into His presence for fellowship.

We just bought a new house.
Because I am not able to see all the doors from everywhere, very unlike the RV, we put in a security system.
This security system has a code to enter, and only those with the code may do so, without sounding the alarm, and having the police called.
During our Thanksgiving trip to Ohio, we needed someone to look after our cat, Purrl. Because we trusted her, she had her own code to enter into the house. She also had a key, but that is a different symbol.
The security system let us know every time she entered and exited. Her freedom to enter in was given to her by US, because of her commitment, and the freedom was based in that code.

Another Bible story is about the High Priest serving in the Holy of Holies. He had to go through much purification prior to, be committed to His service, and bring the blood of the sacrifice to the altar. Because it was so dangerous, that God might strike the person dead for entering in without purification first, they had ropes tied around their waists so that their bodies could be pulled out. They knew about those that died that touched the altar, even by mistake. The purity and holiness of God was a serious issue, and going before him with sin in your heart was a deadly issue.

In order for me to enter into the Holy of Holies, where God presides, I must commit my life to being Christ’s servant, and embrace His blood sacrifice on my behalf.
The blood of Jesus is the code to unlock the door to the Holy of Holies!

Gal 2:20 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1John 1:7

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Eph 3:12

11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet 1:11

Jesus is the rod of Jesse, the scepter holder, and He extends the scepter to, well, whosoever will!

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16

And I say – “I WILL!”

Sadly, sometime prior to 2007, I lost my scepter ornament. We had made several, one with a dowel rod and a styrofoam ball. It was spray painted gold(not good for styrofoam) and sequins and such. Those fell apart. The other was made with shrinky dink – paint plastic and then put it into the oven and it shrank, and became intricate. Such is the crown from yesterday, and the following ornaments.

The thing is, the scepter of God has been extended to me, and you, and we have been given full access into the throne room, and one of those reasons is to obtain GRACE. Through Christ, we already have favor.
Another is to obtain Joy – because in His presence(when you are a welcome guest) there is fullness of Joy! I confess that I need Grace to deal with the daily struggles, and Joy to defeat depression. Who doesn’t?

Lord Jesus, thank you for paying the price, and giving me the code to enter into Your Kingdom. Give me grace to remember your gifts daily, and mercy for my faults. I confess that I yield to the depression, and forget to enter in to be filled with Joy. Thank you for all the reminders in this season for JOY! Joy to the World, the Lord has come. Amen.

Advent Day 9

More Advent Devotions

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.

Advent 2015 – Day 8, Second Sunday of Advent

Advent Day 8, or the Second Sunday in Advent

Advent Day 8 – light the eighth candle on the log

Advent Log, 8 candles

New this year is a Facebook group Advent at the WildBerry Patch, where we can discuss ideas, recipes and photos of our advent preparations!

Second Sunday of Advent – light the second candle on the wreath

What is the purpose of the Advent Wreath?
What is the purpose of any of this?
Symbols! Symbolism!

The prophecies talked about signs.
But we were also given symbols to explain more completely the aspects of God.
The wreath – well, that is a relatively recent symbology.
But people have been using candles as a symbol of incense, our prayers rising to God.

I grew up Episcopalian. This church broke off from the Roman Catholic Church.
Methodists grew out of the Episcopal/Anglican brothers, John and Charles Wesley.
Of course, there are many permutations of these specific denominations, but these three, and the Lutherans, are what I call Liturgical.
Yes, the liturgy is the worship program.
What I am talking about is the Church Calendar.
Everything has a time and season.
Everything has symbols(I should have listened more closely in catechism!).
Speaking of symbols, there are whole courses that can be taken for the symbolism in art – much because art has always been a form of worship of one’s God.

There are so many variations on symbolism that I searched for something to give me a little bit of focus this year.
Circle of Light provides multiple Advent Themes for using on the Four Sundays of Advent.

Advent 1 – Hope, Expectations, Prophecies
Advent 2 – Love, Hope, Angels
Advent 3 – Joy, Joy, Shepherds – this candle is often pink
Advent 4 – Peace, Purity, Magi
Christmas Day – the Christ Candle(sitting in the middle)

There are books galore by almost every Christian author for celebrating Advent.
I even have one that goes through Handel’s Messiah, and it includes great works of art depicting that story.

My point is, this is a good time to look at some more symbolism.

Today, I am meditating on Christ as King, and the symbolism is a crown.

19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords. Rev 19:16

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Zechariah 9:9-16

A king.
At that time, and even in some monarchies today, the King’s word was IT. Obey it, or be killed.

Zechariah 9:9-16 gives a beautiful description of what kind of King Jesus is, and what he will do for his people. Jesus is no ordinary King.

What is the purpose of a King? To guide, protect and care for those under his rule.

Jesus will do that, if I let him.
Do I let him?
If I say that Jesus is my King, do I act like it?

The Bible gives me so much to guide my life, like a constitution, or rule book, or guidebook for my life as the servant of the Most High King.

I know many things that I should do – like embrace the fruit of the Spirit,

Love,
Joy,
Peace,
Patience,
Goodness,
Kindness,
Faithfulness,
Gentleness and
Self Control.

I know some things that I should not do –

Idology,
Graven Images,
Defame the Lord’s Name,
Ignore the Sabbath,
Dishonor my parents,
Murder,
Adultery,
Steal,
Lie,
Envy.

I am neither consistent in doing what I ought, nor not doing what I ought not.

In the Anglican Prayer book, in the confession, it says:

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is nothing good in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent; according to Your promises declared unto men in Christ Jesus our Lord. Grant that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; to the glory of His name. Amen

No, I do not honor the Lord as King in my Life.
So often, I end up on the throne of my own heart, after saying that I want HIM to sit on the throne of my heart. The beauty in Christ is that He is a loving, forgiving KING – and I cry out for His mercies often.

The Symbol? A Crown.

Simple Crown Ornament

Crown Him

This particular photo, of a very nice ornament, will not rotate into the media part of WordPress. This is another situation where I have to allow Christ to be King in my life. I do not know how to do many things, and sometimes, it becomes very evident in a very public way. This whole photo has been a study in practicing patience, because things just didn’t want to work right.
I THINK that God should have everything perfect.
I KNOW that I am not perfect.
Because of these to points of view, I tend to quit.
I give up.
I cannot be perfect, therefore, I do not serve my King in the ways in which He asks of me.
Lord, again, I come to you and crown you as Lord and King of my life.

More Advent Devotions

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.

Advent 2015 Day 7 – The Colors of Christmas

Advent day 7
Light the 7th Candle.

Advent Log, 7 candles

Advent Log – 7 candles

In 1987, I proposed to my husband that I wanted to start celebrating Christmas. This was smack in the face of our position to not celebrate holidays. Period.
The previous decision really caused a huge rift in our families.

Jim told me that I had to do it in such a way that it totally focused upon Jesus, and not Santa Claus. I’m not sure he believed that I could do so. I had been given a ‘vision’ from God, and I’m remembering that first Christmas.

First – the colors. Why Red and Green?
Red – the blood of Jesus that was shed for us
Green – the new life that we receive when we embrace his gift.

But, what about the other colors?
we started with Red and Green – and then added the other colors for our children:
Yellow – for the glory that shines from Christ’s face.
Blue – for the water that washes us clean
Purple – for the royalty of God, and that in Christ we are priests and kings.

At one time, we created bracelets that were witnessing tools, with colored beads that stood for the way of salvation.

Power Bracelet

Eventually, The Wordless Book showed up in our churches, and because of this part of the story of Christ, we embraced it.

Here’s the Pinterest Post for how to make a wordless book.

Wearing something, like the bracelet above, reminds me of the path to heaven.
I confess, there are many times that I forget that I am focusing, or at least, I desire to focus upon, the path to Christ – likeness. I want to be like Christ.

The colors remind me of my God and Savior.
but they also remind me of when we started taking 25 days to talk about Jesus with our Children.

The four of us

Our first Nativity

Stars with the story of Christ’s Birth

We did our first Advent with the paper ring garland. If we were going to participate in Christmas, it was Jesus all the way. (though, to be honest, stockings have to do with Santa, not Jesus – not sure how I’ve missed that for so many years!)

2016 edit – this year, I am painting ornaments – and I have chosen to put the colors of Christmas on them. This one is not complete, but it shows how I have incorporated the colors of Christmas.

Thank you Lord, for all the colors that you created.
Thank you, Lord, for giving Noah the rainbow, the symbol of your promise, there will be an end to trials, storms, and waiting!
Thank you, Lord, for giving us our five children, and helping us to teach them about Christ.
Please, Lord, help our children with children to pass on the truths of God’s word to their children.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

More Advent Devotions

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.

The Wildberry Patch

Be Engrafted into the VINE to produce Eternal Fruit

Category Archives: Bible Thoughts

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