Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

 FROM TODAY'S READING...

Merry Christmas...

“A thousand times in history a baby has become a king, but only once in history did a King become a baby.”

Unknown

Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

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John 8:12 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Merry Christmas...

"Lights and candles remind us of Jesus, the light of the world. Jesus was the true light, who, coming into the world, enlightens every person. He was in our world – the world that He created – and yet, too many of us who were created by Him have not received Him. But if we receive Him – if we believe on His name – He gives us the right to be children of God. Jesus came as the light of the world so that everyone who believes in Him shall not remain in the darkness of sin and death but have the light of life."

Biblereasons.com

John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

John‬ ‭12‬:‭46‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.

 ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.

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Luke‬ ‭1:26-35‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Merry Christmas...

“[Mary] is a spiritual model for all who experience the birth of the Savior in their lives because this is a believing question. It is the question that all those who know Jesus have asked: “God, how is it possible?” Do you have this blessed inquisitiveness? Have you asked, “God, how can I experience the life of Jesus within me?”

R. Kent Hughes

Luke, Vol. 1 - That You May Know The Truth

Luke‬ ‭1:26-35‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” 

Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” 

Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.”

John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

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Image: Public Domain (The Annunciation - Henry Ossawa Tanner - Philadelphia Museum of Art)

John 1:14 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Merry Christmas...

"The Incarnation of Jesus Christ is not just a great idea - it really happened. There were eyewitnesses and a written record. The genius of Christianity is that it is not just a religion of influences, values and principles. It is a religion of happenings, of events, of plain but wonderful historical occurrences."

Selwyn Hughes (1928-2006)

Welch Christian minister and author

Founder of Crusade for World Revival 

 John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

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Galatians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭15‬, ‭17‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death....For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

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1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Happy Blessed Thanksgiving...

"Thanksgiving is good but thanks-living is better."
Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

Bible expositor and commentator 

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.

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1 Timothy 4:4-5 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Happy Blessed Thanksgiving Day...

“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

16th President of the United States

1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.

1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭34‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

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Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Happy Blessed Thanksgiving...

"Hearty thanks must be given to God: such as cometh not from the roof of the mouth but the root of the heart."
John Trapp (1601-1669)

English Bible commentator.

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

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Psalm 136:26 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Happy Blessed Thanksgiving...

"It is sad when there is nothing for which we feel grateful to God, but it is serious when there is something and we fail to show gratitude."
William Still (1821-1902)

African-American abolitionist

Psalms‬ ‭136‬:‭26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.

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Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

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2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Happy Blessed Thanksgiving...

"When a Christian finds himself in a difficult situation, he should immediately give thanks to the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Spirit, to keep his heart from complaining and fretting. The devil moves in when a Christian starts to complain, but thanksgiving in the Spirit defeats the devil and glorifies the Lord."

Warren Wiersbe (1929-2019)

Pastor, teacher, and commentator 

2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

Psalms‬ ‭106‬:‭1‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

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Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"I have also turned to Christianity because I ultimately found life without any spiritual solace unendurable — indeed very nearly self-destructive. Atheism failed to answer a simple question: what is the meaning and purpose of life?"

Ayaan Hirsi Ali

UnHerd.com columnist 

Quote from article titled "Why I Am Now A Christian"

Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

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Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

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Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"There is a difference between conceit and confidence. Conceit is bragging about yourself. Confidence means you believe you can get the job done."

Johnny Unitas (1933-2002)

NFL quarterback for Indianapolis Colts 

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

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Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

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Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬b-6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) ...For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

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Jeremiah 15:16 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Don't say God is silent when your Bible is closed."

~ Unknown

Jeremiah‬ ‭15‬:‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.

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Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

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2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

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Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭17‬, ‭20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

I was challenged recently to consider advice about life for others to remember. Following are some considerations. Please feel free to add to the list...

• Strive for contentment.
• Be realistic about your self-awareness.
• Stay in your God-directed life lane.
• Beware of an inflated ego. Stay humble. At least work at it.
• Realize that life can seem to be unfair. Learn to pursue, survive, and adjust to what you desire to achieve.
• Work at spiritual and emotional health.
• Continue learning and growing.
• Collect (journal) tokens of travel and life.
• Keep adjusting to a positive attitude.
• Focus and refocus on living a Christ/Bible-centered life.

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭17‬, ‭20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do...And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"What comes into our minds when we think of God is the most important thing about us."

A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)

Christian pastor, theologian, and author

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

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Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

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