LT Lady

Grace differs from earning wages because it is bestowed upon us not by works that make us deserve it but purely by God’s benevolence towards us. A working definition of biblical grace might be the kindness, love, and mercy of God shown to His children despite our failures to live blamelessly before Him. Grace characterizes The God of all Grace because everything about God displays his grace towards us: love, mercy, forgiveness, strength to live our lives, strength to overcome obstacles and problems, his constant presence with us to name a few.

Jesus, being the very essence of God that humans can see, was always one with the Father, from the very existence of time. He is divine because “the Word was God”. Incarnation is the word used to describe His being born in the flesh. Jesus brings us grace and favor from God when we trust Him as our Lord and Savior. There is nothing in us or nothing we can do to gain that favor. It is only by acknowledging our inability to make ourselves acceptable to God and trusting that Jesus death on the cross accomplishes our redemption and brings us peace with God. Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Him. We must come to that place where we make the decision to believe these words or not. It is the dividing line for every human being that determines where we spend eternity. May everyone in this Bible Study group have a blessed Christmas Day.

Jesus has saved us from our sins by taking the punishment of them upon Himself. We are no longer held accountable for the payment of them since Jesus has taken care of that transaction before God. God laid on Jesus the burden of punishment for our sin. We cannot pay that debt because of our sinfulness. Only the spotless lamb could satisfy the debt. God laid on Jesus all the punishment mankind deserves. The debt has been paid! The sacrifices for sin were to be perfect, spotless, unblemished. Jesus is all those things. On the cross He satisfied the requirements for forgiveness and cleansing that allows us to have communion with God. I am so thankful that He bore the punishment for me! Truly that does bring peace and healing!! A blessed Christmas to you, Dr. Wilson, and all those who have been studying together this last month. ❤️

I think that Dr. Luke is continuing the story of the miraculous birth up until Jesus’ manhood to set the stage for the true purpose of His coming. He tells about the prediction of His coming, His lineage that qualifies Him as the root of Jesse(chapter 3), His dedicated upbringing by righteous parents, His devotion to the scriptures and to God, all of which speaks of His humanity. We learn that because He grew up as other humans, He can relate to our frailties. He also shows us the value of raising our children to submit to God, to love him, and worship him. This is our God-given duty as parents. We can see from our study today that As a young boy Jesus grew in all aspects step by step, year by year into maturity. He was looked upon with favor by those who knew Him. We also should follow this example in our Christian growth and maturity so that we can serve God in whatever path He has set for us. Sometimes it’s hard for us to be patient because we don’t see the value in waiting. Our timetable is often different than God’s. We may not realize there are areas in our spiritual life that need to be refined. God sees our heart and knows what we really need to help us grow closer to Him and to please Him.

The Ancient of Days (God the Father) gave all sovereign authority and all the highest honor and deserved glory to the Son. This is due from the entire world for all eternity. This means He is supreme over anyone or anything. He is the only one worthy of worship. Jesus used the title of Son of Man because it referred to the aspect of His divine being that spoke of His humanity. Only one who is in a sense like us can truly understand the human experience and can bring comfort to us. His humanity also provided the substitution we needed to pay for the penalty for our sins. By using this title He was indicating that He was the one that fulfilled that title from the OT. I am glad today to review this passage that reminds me of the scope of Jesus’ authority. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, supreme over anyone or anything that tries to usurp that authority in my life. I admit that often I forget this and go through the day not offering myself to Him in full love, obedience, and service. I am thankful to be learning so much through these devotional studies. I pray they will stay in my heart and mind in coming days to help me live by the Spirit in every way that honors Christ.

We can learn from Joseph’s action to obey God’s instructions to us without question or delay. See Matthew 1:24 for another example of Joseph’s quick response. We may not know the outcome of what God might be telling us to do but we must be committed to trusting him. I think of Abraham’s obedience when told to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham did not understand the why’s but believed God would make a way for him through it. We can’t understand why God would call anyone to be martyred for their faith but it still happens frequently today. We know that the battle rages on between God and Satan. Revelation 6:9-11 promises that their blood will be avenged by Jesus himself. I find great comfort in that. I believe these little ones will be honored as martyrs as they died before the age of accountability and are considered innocent before God.

The magi’s gifts were given to pay homage in adoration of the King. It would have been customary for them to bring gifts from one’s land to another land’s king. The magi were also expressing divine adoration to the child they believed to be King of the Jews and Deliverer of all nations. Our gifts should also be given with love in our hearts to show that we value others. The gifts were fitting because they each represented an aspect of this King’s attributes: gold for royalty, frankincense for humanity (used in burial), and myrrh for divinity (used in tabernacle and temple worship as instructed by God). I can offer Him a worshipful heart and a body to serve in whatever way He shows me to do, both to my family and those outside my family. May anything I do be from a joyful heart, not done grudgingly. Gifts that demonstrate my love could include: Family gathering preparations that I know will be enjoyed and bring happy memories. Spending time with an elderly parent that is alone, to make them feel loved and valued. Looking for ways to give to others in need. Making others feel welcome in my home. Doing all in love, in the power of the Spirit, and for Christ’s sake (not for self but to honor Him).

So many things call our attention away from meditation and prayer. In family life, our spouse and children may not understand how much time we may feel we need to spend doing so. Sometimes we may have days when we feel we didn’t get as much out of the time spent as we had hoped. Sometimes God feels far away when we long for Him to be close. Satan discourages us too. He doesn’t want us to live victoriously. I sometimes have to remind myself that I must press on. Spending time alone with the Lord in prayer and meditation of the Word is the only way we can abide in Him. I’m sure that He values our devotional time more than other activities. He told Mary that “she had chosen the better part.” For some people it may be very difficult because of all their responsibilities. I like to think of Susanna Wesley who was so busy with so many children in the 1700’s that for her prayer time she covered her head with her apron! Something I have just learned to do myself is to commune with the Lord when I turn the light off and lay my head on the pillow. I now look forward to that time. Because Anna listened intently, it enabled her the opportunity to share her experience with others of like mind who were also waiting for Israel’s deliverance.

The Holy Spirit directed Simeon to the temple that day because the time had come for the fulfillment of God’s revelation to him, that he would not die until his very own eyes would see the Messiah. God orchestrated the arrival of both the holy family and this righteous believer at the same time. I think Luke includes this story because: 1) He shows the careful obedience of Jesus’ earthly parents to obey the law of God, and to raise their children to do so as well. When Jesus became a man, no one could say that he was not devoted to the Jewish faith. 2) One of the purposes of Luke’s book was to show that Messiah came for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. Simeon’s prophecy states this in verses 31-32. Jesus caused division among the Jewish leaders and the people of the day because of his radical teaching about the true meaning of love for God. The leaders true hearts were revealed as they dealt with Jesus and later with His followers. Most of the common people also turned against Him when they called out for His crucifixion. All throughout history it has been true that what we truly believe about Jesus defines our destiny.

The suddenness of His coming is fearful because with it He brings judgement upon us. We go about our ways forgetting to give Him first place in our lives. He calls us to account. If it were not for His mercy and the provision for our salvation, we could not stand. John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of the messenger that prepared the way. Jesus’ condemnation of the religious system of his day showed His judgement against it. Revelation 11:18 states: “The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great, and for those who destroy the earth.” God promises that there will be judgement. He will fulfill His promise.

The fact that Jesus Christ is the very image of God is very meaningful to me. How would I even know God’s heart if it were not displayed in the person of his Son. Yes, we can see it in the OT as God works among his people, but I think we see it more so in Jesus as he lived on earth and showed the true heart of the love of God. Jesus let go of all his rights in the godhead to come to earth and live a life of humility. He did it willingly knowing it was the only way to free us from the penalty of sin and give us a life of fellowship with God. The Virgin Birth is a miracle beyond what the human mind could imagine. For God to take on human flesh shows His pity, mercy, and love for the human race that He planned to redeem. He knew there was no other way. And although the cross took care of our debt, perhaps an even greater part of the miracle is that God blesses us as a result of it with communion with Himself. Miracle upon miracle!

The angels told the shepherds where to look and what to look for. They searched until they found the One described. The shepherds told everyone they could about what they had experienced in the night watch and then about the reality of finding the Child. I imagine their story was told with excitement and awe, which elicited amazement in the hearers. Mary pondered thoughtfully all these amazing events that she had experienced in the last year. She would have been awestruck knowing that God was using her, Joseph, and her Son to accomplish God’s plan of redemption. From her own lips: He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers. (Luke 1:54-55)

I see two aspects to the angel’s shocking the shepherds. 1) They were considered the lowest of men in that day. They would have been shocked that they could even witness such a great event. 2) The event itself was shocking for any human to see- the unimaginable sight of God’s own glory. I think an announcement of this kind would have to be done in a great way since it has an impact on every human being. The good news is that the Savior, the Anointed of God, is born to mankind. God has come to rescue us from sin and it’s penalty. We can now have peace and relationship with our Creator. The shepherds can authenticate the angel’s news by finding a newborn baby wrapped in cloths (not unusual) lying in a feeding trough (most unusual!) in the town of Bethlehem. These were the clues for them to find that would enable them to find the One announced to them.

Knowing the circumstances of Jesus’ birth puts it in its historical context. Man cannot say it is just a made up story. That says to me that we as humans must deal with the facts. Do you believe the facts or do you not? The couple faced many difficulties. I’m sure Mary’s parents had concerns for their daughter, even though she was now considered Joseph’s wife and was under his care. If the journey was in winter it would have been cold. How much could Mary walk? She would have to have ridden on a donkey most of the way with Joseph walking by her side. That in itself would have slowed them down. The roads were rough, not like paved roads we have today. Arriving in Bethlehem, an unfamiliar place to them, amongst strangers, no place to have a place to sleep but in a crude shelter. No help for Mary when it came time to birth the baby, perhaps only Joseph, her new husband. Unsanitary conditions as well. Then after registering, another long trip. Not the best of circumstances for anyone. I think God allowed these circumstances because they proved that Jesus indeed set aside His rights and privileges to become human (Philippians 2:6-7). God allows difficulties in our lives to humble us as well. By them we learn to depend on Him, and His mercy, grace, and love. We come to Him in prayer as we lay it all at His feet. We search His Word for wisdom and understanding to help us. All of these actions help us to grow closer to Him.

Jesus lived among the poor and disadvantaged while on Earth. While ministering he “had no place to lay his head”. He was despised and mistreated. “When he saw the crowds he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless (Matt 9:36)” God is a god of mercy, compassion, and love. He doesn’t judge like man does. I live in a retirement community. There are many lonely people here. Also some just scraping by monetarily. I try to reach out as I can. Even a friendly word means so much to people. I used to help with our church’s intercity outreach. I still try to support that work in ways other than being there physically. I pray for and give to ministries that support the needy around the world. I’m challenged by today’s devotional to look for ways to do more, since this is God’s heart.

We resist letting Messiah govern our lives because: 1)We may think He is not guiding us in the way WE think our lives should go. 2) We may not think He is not concerned with the every day details of our lives 3) We forget to ask for His guidance especially when things are running smoothly. #2 & 3 above are reasons why I may not be seeking His counsel. Surrendering to wise leadership may be difficult because we guide ourselves by our own self-will. It is hard to humble ourselves to the leadership of others. To overcome this hardness I need to submit to God through prayer and meditation on the Word. I can study passages that teach about Jesus' humility. I can pray over them and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal wrong attitudes in my heart. Confessing my sin to God and asking for His help to correct my wrong attitudes is how I should be living.

Negative reactions to Jesus may stem from: One's desire to be the master of their own destiny; they may have had a bad experience with someone who claimed to be a Christ follower; believing that Jesus is not the only way to God. Our sin nature fights against submission and expressions of humility to someone else. When we detect resistance to our Lord we need to confess our sin & pride and ask God to move in our hearts to humble us. To kiss the Son is to embrace King Jesus in the completeness of all He is as God's Annointed One, as Lord of our lives and Savior of our souls, and as Coming King who will bring the world into submission to Himself forever.

Joseph was a man that did not act impulsively, even though the word in Greek indicates a struggle & passionate inner emotions involved in his initial decision. God was able to intervene & give clarity to Joseph in his turmoil. Joseph demonstrated his faith by trusting & believing that the angel's word to Him was from God. He was reminded that his own lineage as son of David made him eligible for the honor of Messiah being born through his parentage. He believed the scriptures concerning Messiah that he studied from childhood. He could believe that Mary could indeed be a virgin as scripture foretold. He did not let the suffering of his or Mary's reputation take precedence over his obedience to God. I wondered about the fact that Joseph was not told about what was going to take place at the same time Mary was. Surely they could have faced the news together and have been an encouragement to each other. Perhaps from God's perspective He wanted each to learn to stand first on Him alone before they stood together.

Wonderful Counselor- The Highest of all reveals His mysteries to the least of all Mighty God- All powerful Creator & Sustainer of the universe Everlasting Father- The One who always was & forever will be Prince of Peace- His rule in His children's lives anchors us with stability & calm If I'm walking in the light of these truths I need not fear anything in this world. Whatever happens I know He will lead me into His presence at last & forever.

People choose to live in darkness because they think the cost of following Jesus may be too great for them. They may resist the Light because they may feel too sinful in their habits, or too unworthy, or that they may have to give up something they want to hold onto. I may hesitate to step into Jesus’ full light because of those things just mentioned, or because I may even feel embarrassed to stand up for Him (ashamed to even think or say that!!) Now Galilee is known as the land where our Lord lived, walked, and performed miracles. What a wonderful distinction to have! People that know me know that I live according to my faith in Christ. I pray that His light will shine forth in me everywhere I go.