The Preparation: He’s Revealed

December 7, 2023 ~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Prophets told of the Messiah’s coming throughout the Old Testament. Then 400 years of silence—no prophets or prophetic words. The heavens were like brass—until Gabriel broke through and announced the birth of John the Baptist.

John was peculiar, many prophets were but I think John topped them with his wilderness living, locusts and honey diet, and unusual garb. And yet, his message was received:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2).

Isaiah told us John would do this to prepare the way for Jesus and that many would turn back to the Lord. And Gabriel told the same thing to John’s father, who erupted in prophetic praise at his birth:

You will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the
knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins (Luke 1:76-77).

Like the Jews of Jesus’ day, we live in a time of great darkness and also look for the Messiah. John’s message hasn’t changed for those of us who wait.

Come to Jesus, the Savior who came and is coming again.
He will give you forgiveness, salvation, and fulness of life.

The Prophecy: He’s Coming

November 30, 2023November 29, 2023 ~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

It was a dark time for Israel. The plots of war against them caused the king to shake “as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind” (Isa.7:2). Isaiah delivered a message from God—Israel would not be destroyed, now, but in 65 years it would be decimated. Talk about good news, bad news!

But Isaiah had more to say and described a sign they would receive:

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (v 14).

One unspoken detail—this will happen in approximately 750 years.

All Isaiah’s prophecies came true. Israel was not destroyed, her enemies were. Sixty-five years later she was taken captive by Assyria. Hundreds of years later Immanuel was born, fulfilling more words from Isaiah:

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…

of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end” (Isa.9:2-7).

Our perspective of life and time is immediate and often urgent. We watch wars and hear rumors of wars emanate from our screens. Nations again conspire to destroy Israel.

Peace is only possible when we trust God to unfold His plan in His perfect way and perfect time. All His prophecies are true. What He said, He did, and will yet do.

Pre-Thanks-Giving #3

November 22, 2023 ~ Barbara ~ 2 Comments

It’s the day before Thanksgiving. We’ve acknowledged our gifts of people and possessions, including family and friends, the beauty of nature, and the comfort of our personal belongings. Today we look at the third category, which actually supersedes all others. However it is often most appreciated when it is all we have.

If we had no food and friends, poor health or housing, limited vision or hearing, we would still be rich—we have the blessing of a life seen and loved by God, rich spiritual blessings.

The One who provides us with all that lies before us, makes us richest with what we cannot see—a relationship with Him that gives us peace beyond understanding, joy full and free, the understanding of truth, contentment that satisfies, hope inexplicable, a hunger to go deeper, and the Holy Spirit who reveals these spiritual riches.

Surely, God is worthy of our utmost gratitude and abandoned worship.

Pre-Thanks-Giving #2

November 16, 2023November 15, 2023 ~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

What is second on your “I’m thankful for…” list? I’m going to guess it’s PROVISION. When I picture our family’s “Thank you, Lord” poster, I recall drawings of houses, various aspects of nature, favorite foods, and perhaps a car, baseball bat, or new furnace.

As Provider, God is generous, attentive, and timely. Given our human nature, it’s difficult to imagine a benevolence that is not restrained or stingy. And it’s a challenge to comprehend blessings that encompass both present necessity and future provision. Such is the depth of God’s unreserved, extensive generosity to us.

In these pre-thanks-giving days let’s take particular note of those blessings that enrich our lives but are easily overlooked and taken for granted. I’ll start.

The deer in our backyard, a backyard, the home that comes with a backyard. A car that runs and passed inspection. Swivel rockers. A fireplace. Food in our cabinets. Cabinets. Soaring hawks. The birds that know when to take cover. Books. Reading glasses. Cataract surgery and every other life-improving, lifesaving effort. Churches. Biblical preaching. Worship and music. Games and puzzles, knitting and crocheting. The variety of trees, differing in type, shape, leaf, and hue. The cold of snow and the heat of sun.

What’s on your list?

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash