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And the prophet said in Isaiah 9:6-7: “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. Of the increase of his goverment and peace there will be not end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
And the angel said in Luke 1:35-37, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. ….For nothing is impossible with God.”
And Mary said in Luke 1:38, “I am the Lord’s servant, Let it be to me according to your word.” By saying yes, she would risk the loss of her reputation.
NOW, WHAT DO YOU SAY? Can you say as Mary said, “Let it be to me according to your word?” Can you risk your reputation?
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.” Luke 1:31
Jesus means “He shall save.” The angel was foretelling the salvation God was bringing to His people. The Hebrew name Joshua was common in Biblical times. The Son of God was not named a unique name. Though it meant Savior the name Jesus was common. God was identifying with the common man. Although He was the Savior of Mankind, He was representative of mankind. He was not different from us, He became one of us. He had all the traits of a mortal man but was sinless in nature and deed. This fact qualified Him to be the spotless lamb that would bear the sins of mankind.
When He was born it was proclaimed aloud who He was. He was “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” His birth was the beginning of events that would change history and time. No other man has had as much affect on history as Jesus. He has divided history, B.C. and A.D. Had you realized that time revolves around Jesus? Jesus never emphasized His birth, He proclaimed His death and resurrection as the major event. His entire life and death are to be celebrated, not just at Christmas, but all year long. There is no other “reason for the season”.
PSALM 95
There are only two possible responses to every trial and testing we experience in life: we either soften our hearts toward God or we harden our hearts toward God. The heart that makes a habit of praising God during good times will find it easier to praise Him during life’s tough times. Take David’s advice in this psalm and sing, give thanks, worship, and bow down in the Lord’s presence today. ….Marilyn Hickey
Come, let’s shout praises to God; raise the roof for the Rock who saved us! Let’s march into his presence singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns! And why? Because God is the best, High King over all the gods. In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns. In the other hand grasps the high mountains. He made Ocean–he owns it! His hands sculpted Earth! So come, let us worship; bow down before him, on your knees before God, who made us! Oh, yes, he’s our God, and we’re the people he pastures, the flock he feeds.
Drop everything and listen, listen as he speaks, “Don’t turn a deaf ear as in the Bitter Uprising, as in the day of the Wilderness Test, when your ancestors turned and put me to the test. For forty years they watched me at work among them, as over and over they tried my patience and I was provoked–oh, was I provoked! ‘Can’t they keep their minds on God for five minutes? Do they simply refuse to walk down my road?’ Exasperated, I exploded. They’ll never get where they’re headed, never be able to sit down and rest.'” Message Bible
‘And they opened their gifts to Him, gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matt. 2:11. Tradition has taught us that three wise men from the East came to visit Jesus at His birth. Actually it was two years after He was born. They brought Him gifts. Gold was to represent His Kingship. Frankincense was to represent His priesthood. Myrrh was to declare His suffering and death. These gifts are a picture of Jesus as King, Priest, and Savior. The Son of God became a man and dwellt among us.
As we look at the three gifts, let us view them from a completely different point of view. How do we emulate the Wise men in their offering? Are we required to offer sacrifices under the new covenant? What are we to give to the Holy Son of God? As we look at the gifts closely we find a remarkable resemblance to what we are asked to give to the Savior. For the answer listen to the message,”What do I give to Jesus?”
Written by David, Psalm 23 is one of the most quoted and memorized psalms.
It is known by both the saved and unsaved. For many, their only contact with this psalm
will be when it is sung or read at funerals. How sad, because this marvelous psalm is
meant to comfort and encourage God’s children each and every day of their lives. In
only six verses David shares the truth of God’s total provision, guidance, protection,
presence, abundance, and goodness toward us for eternity.
If you have not committed this psalm to memory, do so this week.
When a need arises, remember that as your Shepherd, Jesus has made Himself
responsible for your well-being. Then keep looking over your shoulder in the days
ahead–goodness and mercy will be following you.
…Marilyn Hickey
PSALM 23 (Amplified)
The Lord is my Shepherd (to feed, guide, and shield me). I shall not lack. He makes
me lie down in (fresh, tender) green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful
waters. He refreshes and restores my life (my self): He leads me in the paths of
righteousness (uprightness and right standing with Him–not for my earning it) but
for His sake. Yes, though I walk through the (deep, sunless) valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod (to protect) and your staff (to guide), they comfort me. You prepare a table
before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my (brimming)
cup runs over . Surely or only goodness, mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all
the day of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord (and His
presence) shall be my dwelling place.
“…peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Luke 2:14
As we enter the Advent season, people begin to set their attention on
Christmas. This is the season to be “jolly.” It is a time of “good cheer.”
What makes the season special? There would be no Christmas season without Christ.
Yet, the world wants to remove Him from the holiday. Although, it doesn’t want this
holiday eliminated as well.
We have been given a tradition handed down through the ages making the birthday
of Jesus a world wide holiday. It is a tradition that we cherish as Christians. However,
we have no Biblical admonition that we should observe it as a holiday.
Anything we do with regard to Christmas is all based on tradition and not Scripture.
That is not a bad thing in itself, but celebrating Christmas for many people has nothing
to do with Christ. Even among Christians, the holiday is often a time of family and
other celebration rather than centered around Christ.
If we are to celebrate the season, let it be done in truth and honesty. What does
Christmas do? It brings families together like no other holiday. It causes people to
think of others’ needs like no other time of year. Lots of food and drink are consumed.
Parties are abundant. Churches plan special events to reach or impress people.
Decorations are put up throughout the world. Mostly, money is made or spent to
the degree that some companies would go out of business without Christmas.
During this season let us remember, “…whatevery you do, do it heartily, as to the
Lord and not to man.” Col. 3:23
Are you familiar with the term Advent? It is a Christian term meaning “the arrival”.
It is the period of time from November 29 through Christmas Eve. It is set aside to emphasize the birth (arrival) of Jesus, the son of God. History tells us that the Church created a yearly calendar to focus on the various features of the faith.
The main focus is that God came into history to work man’s redemption. ADVENT could stand for: “A Divine Visit Entering Natural Time”. Jesus was God in the flesh. God had a purpose in all this. It is the Bible that tells us what it is. It was for the redemption of mankind by God’s own plan.
It is referred to in I Timothy 3:16 as the “mystery of godliness”. It is the purpose of the church to reveal this to the world. It is not our place to decide Truth; it is our job to reveal it as it is. We do not have to improve upon it, We just have to proclaim it. Truth will always set you free.
Psalm 105 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving to a loving God Who mercifully intervenes for His chosen people. It is one of three lengthy historical psalms which were set to music so that the Jewish heritage could be preserved in everyone’s memory. It lists the wondrous deeds God accomplished to bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt. God performed not just one act but many miracles because that is what the people requested and needed. His providence and care were shown by His actions toward His people.
Do you ever have dry spells? These are times when although you know you love God, you just can’t seem to get excited about Him. If you are in a dry spell right now, stop and think back on the last three times you prayed for help and God intervened in your circumstances causing them to change to your benefit. Let the memories of God’s generosity with His love and His supernatural deliverance water the dryness in your life.
Psalm 105:1-5
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory to his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he had done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.
Psalm 100 is the only psalm that is actually rendered “A Psalm of Thanksgiving.” Within the two stanzas of this psalm, we are admonished to praise and worship the Lord, and we are given good reasons for doing so.
Every parent knows the tremendous responsibilities involved in raising children. For many years parents commit themselves to feeding, clothing, and supplying the many needs of each child. Verse three in this psalm reminds us that, in a similar way, God has
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assumed responsibility for our well-being–we’re His people and the sheep of His pasture! Remembering the Lord’s commitment to care for His “children” is a good way to encourage your faith. God is your heavenly Father, and He delights in providing for your every need. Exercise “child-like” faith in God’s goodness; you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to praise and thank Him!
PSALM 100 (Message Bible)
On your fee now–applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.
Know this: God is God and God, God. He made us, we didn’t make him. We’re His people, his well-tended sheep.
Enter with the password: “Thank-you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him.
For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever.
“….that we should bring forth fruit to God.” Romans 7:4
At least once in his life a pastor should be able to preach a “silly sermon”. Today is my time to do that. I do not mean a useless sermon with no message in it, but rather an unusual type. Today I want to look at the idea of producing fruit. However, I want you to understand there are many different kinds of fruit. Fruit is not aways fruit as we think of it. Fruit, as referred to in the Bible, means production of something beneficial. It is the produce of our labor.
Apples, pears, peaches, and strawberries are all known fruits, but let us broaden our thinking. Ever heard of “cackle fruit”? It is an egg. Every thought of milk as a fruit? How about honey? Let us look at some Biblical references to honey. Remember, “a land flowing with milk and honey?”
Where do you get honey? It is produced by bees. It is their very life. Making honey is the only purpose of bees. In their effort to produce honey they spread pollen, but that is not an assignment the assume. It is a byproduct of honey production. Lesson, do what you do and other things will work out. Or, “seek you first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to it”
Psalm 26 was written by David and expresses a time when there was a famine in the land for three years. David sought the Lord for the reason behind the famine and was told that it was due to Saul’s breaking of Israel’s covenant with the Gibeonites and having them put to death. Nothing had been done since that time to right the wrong done to the Gibeonites; thus the famine continued. David reveals in this psalm the spiritual character of one who is determined to live close to God.
David hates, “…the congregation of the evildoers;…” and he loves “… the habitation of thy house…” When the doors of the church are opened, do we desire to be inside worshipping and fellowshipping with God’s people? Or do we shun the company of Christians for worldly relationships and pursuits? God’s habitation is within the hearts of His redeemed. Reinforce your desire to live close to God by personalizing David’s convictions in this psalm, and notice where you end up, “in the congregation will I bless the Lord.”
PSALM 26
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. I wash my hand in innocence, and go about your altar, O Lord, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me.
My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the Lord.
There are many things you can say about life. What you say depends on your view of things. Do you see the positive or the negative of any given situation? Do you see the problems or the possibilities? Are you expecting victory or defeat? All of these are a product of attitude.
How you look at life will determine your ability to deal with situations you face. If I look at life itself as a joy I will be able to overcome the struggles and negative circumstances I may face. As a result I will walk away a winner no matter the outcome.
If I have a negative view of life and see no real hope of happiness I will fall into the trap of the devil and give up on anything going my way. There are enough temptations to “give up” on anything. The source of strength is in the joy of the Lord.
Everything in life will not be like I would like it. Things will happen that mess us up. We must remember three things. God loves me. God’s grace is sufficient. And, God is faithful. In the end we will win.
One of the most heartbreaking situations a parent can deal with is a rebellious child. King David wrote Psalm 3 when he fled from Absalom his son. This account is recorded in 11 Samuel 15:13-16. David’s own son rebelled and stole the hearts of the men of Israel away from David. As Absalom gathered an army of thousands to pursue his father, David fled, and while on the run, he wrote Psalm 3. He left us with the theme, “When pressures and trials increase, God is faithful to protect, sustain, and save us out of all our tribulations.”
Does it sometimes seem like “Everything goes wrong at once!”? Has it ever happened to you when you could least afford it, you got sick, necessitating an expensive trip to the doctor, on the -OVER-
way your broke down, and when you arrived home you found that one of your children had spilled a pitcher of grape juice all over your newly cleaned rug? You might be tempted to scream, “”Lord, how are they increased that trouble me!…(Psalm 3)
Imagine the terrible torment David felt, knowing his own beloved son had turned against him. But for one who knows God and the power of prayer, there is a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Don’t let problems overwhelm you; stay in the Word and in prayer, and be overwhelmed with God’s presence! -Marilyn HIckey
Psalm 3 (NIV)
O Lord, how many are my foes? How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him”
But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up mu head.
To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me
I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
Arise, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
From the Lord come deliverance May your blessing be on your people.
“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” Rom. 5:20
I have a few questions to ask you. Please think clearly. How strong is God’s grace? What can stop it from working? Whose sin abounded? Who’s grace abounded more?
The Bible clearly says we are saved by grace through faith. Grace is God’s electrical service that powers our lives. Faith is the switch that opens the path into our life.
The electricity that turns on the light in your home is always there. It does not wait at the electric company for you to call. The electricity itself does not have your name on it. It is just there for you to use when you turn on the switch. That is the way it is with God’s grace. The bill has been paid, once for all. The company(Jesus) takes care of making sure power is always available.
Can sin stop the power of God’s grace from reaching you? No. If sin could stop God’s grace, Jesus would never have died for us to begin with. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly”. The sin that abounded was ours. The grace that abounded more was God’s. If you had no sins you would need no grace. If sin can stop God’s grace we are all doomed to hell. The truth is that sin doesn’t stop grace, it activates it. Can dirt stop soap? Does soap only clean “unintentional” dirt? Or, does it clean even when we got dirty on purpose?
Psalm 103 has been called David’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” In this Psalm we are given many benefits of the redeemed–benefits which are presented as reasons to praise the Lord.
Victory over any negative circumstance is not far away when we begin to bless the Lord and remember all His benefits: we are redeemed, forgiven, healed, and given a vigorous and satisfying life in the Lord Jesus Christ. Focus your thoughts on God’s strength and pwoer and recognize that the invincible God is moving on your behalf. You can live in joy and security, knowing that the Lord will never let you down–remember He is the Almighty God. —Marilyn Hickey
Psalm 103:1-7 (Message Bible)
O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!
-He forgives your sins–every one.
-He heals your diseases–every one.
-He redeems you from hell–saves your life!
-He crowns you with love and mercy–paradise crown.
-He wraps you in godness–beauty eternal.
-He renews your youth–you’re always young in his presence.
God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet.
V. 17 God’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him,
Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways
and remember to do whatever he said.
It was “that close”. Missed it by “that much”. “It was just around the corner”. Do these remarks sound familiar? How many times did we “miss out” because of a narrow margin? It is hard to deal with “almost”.
But, what happens when we start the game with two strikes against us to begin with? When something seems doomed from the start and you grasp at straws, can your faith see a way out? It does not matter what the circumstances are you cannot count yourself out and throw in the towel.
If I were to tell you your problem will be solved tomorrow, don’t worry, would you believe it? I think it would depend on how bad you thought your situation was. If it is so bad you nor those around you can see any chance, can it be solved tomorrow? How bad does it have to get until there is no hope? Can certain death be turned into life overnight?
Check out the story in II Kings chapter 7. You might be surprised what God can do.
Psalm 118 was a great psalm that was sung following the Passover meal. Nearly a century after the return of the Jewish people to Palestine, Nehemiah engineered the reconstruction of the walls around Jerusalem in 52 days. This psalm was sung, a victory chant. Here at New Life the walls are being rebuild around our church and our pastor by your prayers. In the 52 days of reconstruction of the wall they worked 24 hours a day to get it completed. Keep praying–God is doing the rebuilding.
Psalm 118:3-17 (Message Bible)
Pushed to the wall, I called to God, from the wide open spaces, he answered.
God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me?
God’s my strong champion; I FLICK OFF MY ENEMIES LIKE FLIES.
Far better to take refuge in God than trust in people.
Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities.
Hemmed in by barbarians, in God’s name I RUBBED THEIR FACES IN THE DIRT;
Hemmed in and with no way out, in God’s name I RUBBED THEIR FACES IN THE DIRT.
Like swarming bees, like wild prairie fire, they hemmed me in;
In God’s name I RUBBED THEIR FACES IN THE DIRT.
I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall, when God grabbed and held me.
God’s my strength, he’s also my song, and now he’s my salvation.
Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the Lord? (at New Life)\
“The hand of God has turned the tide! The hand of God is raised in victory!
The hand of God has turned the tide!” I didn’t die. I lived.!!!!
Hello Brother Gerald,
I want to share something that has been in my spirit starting the weekend we were with you. I have never done anything like this before and I have asked God to remove the images from my spirit for several days but they continue so I will just tell you what I see and hear and hopefully you can sift through it and find something of value. Ray and I love you and your family and church so much. We want the very best for you. We admire you and LaVerne so much and desire to emulate the ministry heart we see in you.
I keep hearing in my spirit, “It is time to be impassioned and to rebuild. It is time to remember the day the new sanctuary was laid out on paper and the vision for its use was fresh in your mind and heart and in the people’s hearts. The people are to rise up and build. This time not a physical structure but the True Church. The time for marking time and getting by are over. The Spirit of God is preparing to breathe over your region. The people have become weary because they have allowed their eyes to be filled with loss and defeat rather than God’s unchanging love and purpose. I keep hearing put yesterday behind you. This new day in which you are standing is filled with possibilities and power just waiting to be accessed. I hear you have felt that you ran your best race in the past and that there is now not enough strength to run again. But I hear that the Spirit is about to breathe upon you in a way that will ignite every cell in your body with purpose. HE says to me that in your area people can not hear a more sure word of God than they can from your lips. HE says prepare each message as if it were being cast to the thousands because that is the impact it will have in the lives of those who hear it. HE says remember, remember, the vigor you previously had as it is awaking in you again. HE says the best is ahead of you and that that is not just a phrase, it is HIS directive to you as you reach forward one more time and put your hand to a very worn plow handle and begin to till the soil for renewal and revival in your community. The LORD says the room was built with those dimensions for a reason and HE is not ready to let go of that reason.
You stand like a giant in the KINGDOM says the Spirit and you wield a mighty sword.
THINGS GOD WON’T ASK ON THAT DAY.
1…. God won’t ask what kind of car you drove. He’ll ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation..
2…. Gos won’t ask the square footage of your house, He’ll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
3…. God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He’ll ask how many you helped to clothe.
4…. God won’t ask what your highest salary was. He’ll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
5…. God won’t ask what your job title was. He’ll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
6…. God won’t ask how many friends you had. He’ll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
7…. God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, He’ll ask how you treated your neighbors.
8…. God won’t ask about the color of your skin, He’ll ask about the content of your character.
9…. God won’t ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation. He’ll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.
“What did you go out into the wilderness to see…? Matt. 11:7
Jesus was asking a question about motivation. What is your motivation for what you do? Why do you live the way you live? What is your reason for serving God? Why are you here at New Life?
Are we here because there isn’t any excitement anywhere else? Are we at New Life because it is the biggest, best, most “rocking” place of “worship” in the area? Is it the “in place” to be? I hardly think that is the opinion of the community. Otherwise they would be flocking here by the droves.
This church was built on one principle. We teach the word of God that will give you victory everyday. We may not be a “spiritual walmart” where you can get everything you want. We aren’t large enough to offer classes for every “issue”. We don’t live in a large beautiful house. We have a simple family life and a desire to help all we can.
Are we here to promote a “Christian life style” that is comfortable rubbing shoulders with the world? Should we participate more with the world? It is hard to get more than a handful to join us when we meet with other churches in community services.
I have spent the last three years trying just to continue from day to day. Staying alive was my primary function. Making the effort to continue with what God called me to do and reflect an appearance of strength proved hard at times. But, I made a commitment 30 years ago to give my life for Jesus and New Life. I do not plan to stop as long as there is breath in my body.
“I have decided to follow Jesus. Though none go with me still I will follow. The world behind me the Word before me. I will follow Jesus.
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