Learn From The Word

A Place for You

Admin — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:03:53 +0000

Finally got the promised snow. Churches cancelled, so I was having church "covid style" Sunday morning. I watched some original music by City Hills Worship (Knoxville, TN) - Great Stuff! Then I watched New Life Church, Canton, Ga (Pastor Allan is my brother) - also Great Stuff.

Then I noticed the Dove Awards video thumbnail just below the New Life video I was watching. You may have noticed that I shared the Dove Awards opening song for #SundaySongs. I wanted to talk about what happened to me while I was watching the Dove Awards in that post, but I decided to share their story then and share this story with a scripture.

I'm sure many of you have watched award shows before. I watch them sometimes, too. I love movies and tv, so I'm invested. But I wasn't very far into this award show before I was crying. I'm not talking about tearing up. I was already tearing up while watching For King and Country. No, I'm talking about full-on UGLY CRY. At the time, I was thinking, "Why am I crying like this?" But I couldn't stop.

Here's the thing. I was so moved by the atmosphere in the room. Yes, these people were being recognized for their work, but the focus was on one person - JESUS. It wasn't just a show. People were worshipping. Was everyone in the room 100% in it for God? Probably not. But the stark difference of what was happening that night compared to other awards shows or life in general was astounding to me.

I think what really started me off was seeing the host, Tauren Wells, standing there doing his opening bit, holding the WORD OF GOD in his hands. I still can't pinpoint why I cried so violently. But here are some thoughts.

There was joy in seeing a place where everyone was like-minded. There was no need for agendas and pushing causes. They were all on the same side with the same cause. I saw peace. I saw love. I saw thoughtfulness.

But there was also sadness, though, realizing how different the world is from the things of God.

God was encouraging me by reminding me, "THIS IS NOT OUR HOME." It's temporary. That awards show was a little piece of Heaven. It's great that we can have that from time to time in our temporary home. But there will come a day when we will experience the real heaven. Eyes on the prize, y'all!

He HAS gone to prepare a place. He prepared the WAY, too! But He prepared the way for everyone. Will everyone make it? No, sadly.

God was also calling me by reminding me to go out to Jerusalem, Judea, and the uttermost parts of the earth and compel them to come. (I'm still crying). As much as I would like to find and stay in little pieces of heaven here on earth with goosebumps and all, people need to see Jesus.

I will finish with this: Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll won Song of the Year for "Hard Faught Hallelujah." When they went up to accept their award, they didn't give a long list of thanks to the people who made it possible. They talked about the people who didn't know Jesus. Jelly Roll called them "the least of these." He said if people didn't take time for "the least of these," he wouldn't be standing there.

Matthew 25:35-36
35 For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me.’
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Heaven is coming for us. Praise God! Can't wait, but for now

"Let's put faith to our feet and feet to our faith." -Jelly Roll

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Tuesday Trivia (01-27-26)

Admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 21:40:03 +0000

The post Tuesday Trivia (01-27-26) appeared first on Learn From The Word.

Tips for Success with New Year’s Goals

Admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 04:04:36 +0000

It's that time again when we are thinking about setting goals for the new year. Most of us have made New Year's resolutions. I'm guessing that an equal number of people abandoned them before the end of the year. A 2023 Forbes Health survey found the average resolution lasts less than four months. Other sources said 80% don't make it through February. Did you know the second Friday in January is called "Quitter's Day?"

Here are a few tips to help you get past the second Friday and maintain motivation the whole year.

Tips for Success with Your Goals

Set a Long-term Goal.

Be specific so you will know when you have reached your goal.
For example, I will lose 20 lbs in 6 months is much more concrete than "Lose weight." You will know where you are headed and exactly when you get there.

Set a Daily Goal

Break it down into well-defined, small, manageable steps.
For example, I will walk for 10 minutes per day. Just saying exercise more leaves too many questions. What kind of exercise? How long? How many days per week?<

Set a Regular Time

Establishing a time helps keep us on track rather than trying to fit it into our schedule each day and becoming frustrated when we are too busy during the day and too tired at night. Creating a trigger event can also be effective. I will walk 10 minutes when I first get up. It may not always be the same time, but it does happen MOST days. lol

Set a Regular Place

Choose a location that inspires, relaxes, or in some way makes you feel good to be there.

Why Daily?

Daily behavior builds a habit faster.

Breaking down a long-term goal into well-defined SMALL MANAGEABLE STEPS that can be done DAILY gives the best chance at success. So it is better to do something daily for five minutes rather than 30 minutes two or three times a week.

Daily behavior Reduces Stress

Establishing a habit (specific task - regular time/place) takes the anxiety out of the process because there are fewer decisions to make.

Daily behavior Boosts Focus & Productivity

With all the decision-making and anxiety out of the way, there is more brain power and energy left over for the task.

Daily behavior Increases Creativity

Consistency of information keeps ideas flowing. Remember returning to school after breaks or summer vacation. How much time was spent on REVIEW? Staying with something daily eliminates the loss of time answering the question, "Now, where was I?" and increases the time of engagement and idea flow.

Daily behavior Increases Confidence

It is easier to see and feel good about the progress with small daily accomplishments.

Daily behavior Increases Success

With less stress, increased productivity, idea flow, and confidence, there is a better chance of excitement to keep going rather than dread. Therefore, there is a better chance of reaching that long-term goal.

Make Daily Bible Reading One of Your Goals

Let me encourage you to make daily time in The Word one of those goals. The benefits of doing things daily apply to reading the Bible daily as well... maybe even more.

Arnold Cole, Ed.D. & Pamela Caudill Ovwigho, Ph.D polled 40,000 people from ages 8-80 to learn about Bible engagement. They found that engagement with the Bible 1-3 times per week (which could include church services) showed very little results in key areas of their life. There was a slight increase at two and three times a week, but when people were engaging at least four times a week, the change was astounding.

Feelings of loneliness decreased 30%.
Anger issues decreased 32%.
Bitterness in relationships decreased 40%.
Alcoholism decreased 57%.
Sex outside of marriage decreased 68%.
Spiritual stagnation decreased by 60%
Viewing pornography decreased 61%
Sharing their faith increased 200% (WOW!)
Discipling others increased 230%

The Word has the power to change lives for the better!

Is 55:10-11

The rain and snow come down from the heavens
    and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
    producing seed for the farmer
    and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word.
    I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
    And it will prosper everywhere I send it.

The more we read (and study) the word, the more we will know the word.

The more we know the Word, the more we will know God and all He has made available for us.

The word is the Bread of Life!

I think we can all agree that eating daily is much better than 1 - 2 times a week. He wants us to be filled... not hungry or thirsty.
John 6:35, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

The word is salvation - Cover to Cover!

His plan to rescue and restore was there all along. He is the same God! He wants nothing more than for us to know how much He loves us and longs for a relationship with us.
Romans 10:17 - "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."

The word is a light!

We don't have to bump around in this dark world without a flashlight.
Psalm 119:105 - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

The word is promises of hope and blessings!

Psalms 1:2-3, “Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, and whatever they do prospers.”

The word is truth!

John 8:31-32 - "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'”

The word is power!

The truth of the word renews our mind, which brings power to change. Once we know the truth, we no longer believe the lies that confuse us and keep us bound to things like anger, frustration, and loneliness.
John 17:17 - "Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth."

Set a Long-Term Goal

Read the Bible through in a year
Read the Old Testament through in a year
Read the New Testament through in a year
Read a Chronological Bible (More like a story)
Read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Read the Pauline Epistles
Topic Study - Pick something interesting to you
Study through a specific book of the Bible

Break it down into small, manageable steps

Read a chapter a day.
Read 10, 20, or 30 minutes a day. (Better 10 minutes a day than 30 minutes 1-2 times a week.)
Get a One-Year Bible
Find a daily reading schedule
Pick up a study guide for a topic or a book of the Bible
Download a Bible app with a reading plan. (YouVersion, Bible Gateway)

Set a time

Morning has fewer distractions, but choose what works best for you. That will lead to the best results.

Pick a place

Choose a comfortable, quiet place. Ideally, you can keep a Bible, notebook, pens, and other study tools there to make it easier each time. Make some coffee, and enjoy some quiet time with God and His word.

The post Tips for Success with New Year’s Goals appeared first on Learn From The Word.

The Lord’s Prayer

Admin — Sun, 21 May 2023 17:08:37 +0000

I can remember spending hours “praying.” Looking back, though, I realized that I was not praying at all. I was only rehearsing all the things that were wrong in my life. It was no encounter with God. I blamed God for not answering my prayers.

I recently asked myself some questions about prayer.

What does faith have to do with prayer?
Why pray for healing when it doesn't always happen?
If someone chooses to walk away from God or doesn't choose Him at all, how do my prayers help?
God already knows what I need. Why pray (Ask)?

I decided to do a study on the Lord's Prayer.

The Lord's Prayer - Matthew 6:10-13

This begins a journey of lessons in prayer. I don't make any claims to be able to answer all of these questions for you (or even for me), but what better way to learn about prayer than from the passage where Jesus Himself taught His disciples how to pray?

Jesus spent a LOT of time in prayer. HE. IS. GOD! If He took that much time praying, we really should! Anything worth doing is worth learning how to do better. The better we pray, the more we get out of praying. No, I am not talking about getting more of what we ask... although that might be a part. I am talking more about really encountering God.

It makes me think of the woman with the issue of blood. Nothing stopped her from getting to Jesus. She pressed through the crowd, and probably even crawled on the ground. What about the woman and the unjust judge? She kept returning to him until he took action to meet her need.

Posture. Persistence. Position. Understanding of who you are approaching. These are some of the things we can learn from the Lord's Prayer.

This first installment of The Lord's Prayer series is a chart of things we can learn about the process of prayer. The first few verses are about how we should enter His presence. The next part is about asking Him for whatever we need. Read these verses. Soak it in. Then practice what you have learned as you pray.

The following installments in the Lord's Prayer series will go more in-depth about each topic.

Pray, then, in this way:

Align with God

Matthew 6:9-10

Awareness of:

Acknowledge

(Worship)

Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.

His Character

Allegiance

(Renew Mind)

Your kingdom come.

His Kingdom

Agree

(Submit)

Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

His Plan

Ask God

Matthew 6:11-13

Awareness of:

Ask

(Depend)

‘Give us this day our daily bread.

His Provision

Amend

(Repent/Forgive)

‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

His Grace

Admit Weakness

(Beware of Flesh)

‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

His Protection

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The Gift Part 4 – Resurrection of Jesus

Admin — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 02:00:12 +0000

I went to the funeral home this week to see a friend who had lost his mother. When I walked in, I expected it to be really quiet and people crying. That wasn't really the case. People were talking and visiting and even laughing at times. While I am sure the family is sad to have lost their loved one, I felt there was an assurance among them that they would see her again which brought comfort and peace.

Prophecies Fulfilled in The Resurrection of Jesus

It is not the death of Jesus that we celebrate. There's not really anything happy or fun about death. His death was necessary. Without it, there would be no forgiveness for our sin.
Hebrews 9:22

But if it all ended at the grave, there really would have been no reason to celebrate. Fortunately for all of us, it didn't end there. He died, but death could not hold Him. He was buried, but His body is no longer there. He is alive!! That is why we can celebrate! That is why the family at the funeral home knew they would see their loved one again. Because He died and rose from the dead, we have the promise of eternal life if we have confessed our sin and believed His sacrifice was enough to forgive us our sin.

Jesus predicted several times that He would rise again. He may have told His disciples in order to prepare them for what was about to happen. He also may have said it to comfort them preemptively. The prophecies of His resurrection went much further back though.

Here are just some of the old testament prophecies concerning the resurrection of Jesus. Along with each prophecy, is a new testament reference where the prophecy is fulfilled.

1. Who - Prophecies Fulfilled in the Person of Jesus

He is Alive!

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 16:10-11
New Testament Fulfillment: Mark 16:6

Worked out Salvation:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 59:16
New Testament Fulfillment: Hebrews 9:15

New Covenant:

Old Testament Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:31
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 26:28

Send the Holy Spirit:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 44:3
New Testament Fulfillment: John 20:22

He ascended to Heaven:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 110:1
New Testament Fulfillment: Acts 2:33-35

There are many skeptics out there who do not believe in the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. For some, the many, many prophecies fulfilled to this point in the birth, life, and deathof Jesus would be enough to not doubt the validity of His resurrection.

It is a fact that His body was no longer in the tomb where they placed Him. If He didn't actually rise from the dead, where is His body?

When the guards reported to the authorities that His body was gone, they reported that a bright light came from the tomb and the stone rolled back. They said that it scared them literally into a kind of coma state.

Matthew 28:4

The authorities paid the guards to say that the disciples came and took the body of Jesus while they were sleeping.

Matthew 28:13

The guards fell asleep while they were guarding a high-profile tomb? That is kind of an odd story to tell. (Ever know someone who would tell a lie, when the truth sounded better?) First of all, if they had fallen asleep, how would they have known who came to get the body? Besides that, the Roman guards took their work very seriously. Their life depended on it.

The Romans created and perfected forms of torturing and killing people. They could be ruthless. They would not have spared their own if they had fallen asleep on the job - especially one this important. Everyone knew that.

Also, there were four of them on the watch together. Those four would stand watch for three hours and then another group of four would take the next three hours. What are the chances of four guards all falling asleep on a three-hour watch especially when it was something this important?

No. They were desperate to make sure that people didn't believe that Jesus had actually risen from the dead as He and many prophecies had predicted. Unfortunately, despite the many holes in their "guards fell asleep" story, many jumped on board with this theory.

The truth is that the enemy knew that the power of the resurrection of Jesus would change lives forever. It is that same power that continues to change lives today. That same power lives in us (if we have been born again) and gives us hope and strength for today and every day until the return of Jesus.

Speaking of His return... This series will continue with the prophecies fulfilled in the return of Jesus!

The post The Gift Part 4 – Resurrection of Jesus appeared first on Learn From The Word.

The Gift Part 3 – Death of Jesus

Admin — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 18:35:37 +0000

I gave my daughter a big birthday dance party for her eleventh birthday. The kids had a great time. (I did too). They danced, ate, played, and won tickets to get prizes. I am not sure it could have gone any better than it did. A great party like that does not happen without a price though. There are hours and hours of preparation. Every detail had to be thought out and planned. Music selections had to be purchased and arranged in order. Prizes had to be selected and purchased. Decorations had to be purchased and set up. Invitations were made, printed, and sent out. The food had to be selected, purchased, and prepared (at just the right time I might add). The list goes on. My daughter and the rest of the kids enjoyed the benefits of all my work (and a few support staff), but they probably have no idea of the price (time and money) that was paid to make it happen.

Prophecies Fulfilled in the Death of Jesus

Most people celebrate Easter. There’s egg coloring, Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets, sunrise services, Easter clothes, special church services, and the main reason, of course, being our own salvation and reconciliation with God our creator through the forgiveness of sin. Easter is a reason to celebrate, but just like the birthday party, there was a price to be paid for all to enjoy the benefits of the celebration.

Luke 24:46-47

Here are just some of the old testament prophecies concerning the death of Jesus. Along with each prophecy, is a new testament reference where the prophecy is fulfilled.

1. Prophecies Fulfilled in the Arrest and Trial of Jesus

Hated Without Cause:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 35:19, 69:4
New Testament Fulfillment: John 15:23-25

Betrayed by a Friend:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 41:9
New Testament Fulfillment: John 13:18,21

Sold For 30 Pieces of Silver:

Old Testament Prophecy: Zechariah 11:12-13
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 26:15, 27:3,5,7,9-10

Rejected by His Own People:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 53:3
New Testament Fulfillment: John 1:11

Accused by a False Witness:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 35:11
New Testament Fulfillment: Mark 14:55-56

Silent in Front of Accusers:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 53:7
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 27:12-14

Beaten and Mocked:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 50:6
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 26:67-68

Forsaken by His Disciples:

Old Testament Prophecy: Zechariah 13:7
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 26:31,56

2. Prophecies Fulfilled in the Crucifixion of Jesus

Pierced His Hands and Feet:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 22:16
New Testament Fulfillment: John 19:17-18

Gambled For His Clothes

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 22:18
New Testament Fulfillment: John 19:23-24

No Bones Broken

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 34:20
New Testament Fulfillment: John 19:32-33,36

Given Vinegar and Gall to Drink:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 69:21
New Testament Fulfillment: John 19:29

Crucified With Criminals:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 53:12
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 27:38

People Mocked and Wagged Their Heads:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 109:25
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 27:39

Prayed For His Enemies:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 109:4
New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 23:34a

Friends Stood Far Off:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 38:11
New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 23:49

Forsaken by God:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 22:1
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 27:46

Committed His Spirit to God:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 31:5
New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 23:46

Side Pierced:

Old Testament Prophecy: Zechariah 12:10
New Testament Fulfillment: John 19:34

Darkness Over the Land:

Old Testament Prophecy: Amos 8:9
New Testament Fulfillment:Matthew 27:45

3. Prophecies Fulfilled in the Purpose of Jesus

New Covenant:

Old Testament Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:33-34
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 26:27-28

Forgiveness - Made New:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 53:5
New Testament Fulfillment: Romans 5:6-9

We have taken a look at Jesus the King and Jesus the Miracle Worker, but now we are seeing Jesus the Suffering Servant. This is where the rubber meets the road. I believe if this man were a fake (having somehow managed to fulfill all the prophecies up to this point), he would have dropped out of the game here. I can't think of anything this life offers that would make a man willing to go through what Jesus went through during those last hours of His life on earth. The only motivation that He could have had is love.

This series will continue with the prophecies fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus!

The post The Gift Part 3 – Death of Jesus appeared first on Learn From The Word.

The Gift Part 2 – Life of Jesus

Admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 22:27:29 +0000

The other day, I was sitting in my chair. I was nice and comfortable with my fuzzy blanket and resting after a long day. My daughter yelled in from another room to ask me to do something for her. Well, I reeeeally didn't want to leave my comfortable, warm place to go and help her. I told her I didn't want to get up - just make do on your own.

Prophecies Fulfilled in The Life of Jesus

When we cried out to God for salvation (even before we cried out), Jesus could have done the same thing I did. He was not only sitting in a nice comfortable chair, He was in Heaven! Fortunately for us, He chose to leave His chair, His glorified body, the presence of God, and all of the wonders of Heaven to help us.
John 3:13

Jesus left his comfortable chair with a purpose. He came to walk blamelessly on this earth in a body just like ours and suffer and die as payment for our sin. We have already seen how His birth fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies. Now we will look at some of the prophecies that were fulfilled through His life.

Here are just some of the old testament prophecies concerning the life of Jesus. Along with each prophecy, is a new testament reference where the prophecy is fulfilled.

1. Who - Prophecies Fulfilled in the Person of Jesus

Jesus a prophet:

Old Testament Prophecy: Deuteronomy 18:17-19
New Testament Fulfillment: Acts 3:18-23

Jesus - Meek and Mild:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 42:2-3
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 12:15-21

Jesus a Minister to the Gentiles:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 42:1
New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 2:27-32

Jesus - Adored by Children:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 8:2
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 21:14-16

2. What – Prophecies Fulfilled in the Actions of Jesus

First Miracle in Galilee:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 9:1-3
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 4:13-16

Heal the Blind and Sick:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 35:5-6
New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 7:22

Ride on a Donkey:

Old Testament Prophecy: Zechariah 9:9
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 21:1-4

3. How – Prophecies Fulfilled in how Jesus Lived

Enter the Temple with Authority:

Old Testament Prophecy: Jeremiah 7:11,15
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 21:12-13

Speaks in parables:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 78:2
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 13:34-35

4. Why – Prophecies Fulfilled in the Purpose of Jesus' Life

Jesus - Despised and Rejected:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 53:1-3
New Testament Fulfillment: John 12:37-38

Purpose of His Life:

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 61:1-3
New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 4:16-21

The Old Testament points to the coming of the Messiah. They spoke in the prophecies of many details about where He would minister, what He would do, how He would live, and why He even came to earth. These are only a few of the many prophecies, all of which were fulfilled, concerning the life of Jesus.

Jesus did come to live and do ministry here on earth. He continuously speaks of doing His Father's will. Part of that included dying for the sin of the world. This series will continue with the prophecies fulfilled concerning the death of Jesus.

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Can You See It From There

Admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 23:24:40 +0000

My co-worker was looking at a sheet of paper lying in front of him. He said he thought he saw an arrow drawn on the page. When he looked back, he didn't see it anymore. I was standing on the other side of the table from him and quickly pointed out the BIG RED Arrow that was hiding behind his hand that was resting on the page.

The same BIG RED arrow that was obvious to me was invisible to my co-worker. The explanation: we were looking from different perspectives. What was hidden from him was in plain view to me. I started to think about how much our perspective affects our lives from day to day.

Perspective doesn't depend on circumstances, it depends on position.

I was able to see the arrow that my co-worker could not see because I was in a different position. We can change our position by a simple posture change, but there are other ways to change our position as well.

1. A Position of Obedience

God promised Abraham, who had no children at the time, that his descendants would become a great nation so numerous, they could not be counted. He waited nearly 25 years and into old age for the birth of his promised son. Then God asked him to sacrifice his promised son on an altar. As he took his son up to the place where he planned to sacrifice him, I can only imagine that he was going over and over in his mind to figure a way out. As he raised his arm to slay the boy, in the very moment of his obedience, he found the answer he was looking for.

Genesis 22:12-13

2. A Position of Faith

Israel had been held captive in Egypt for many years. They were forced to work as slaves to ruthless Egyptian slave masters. Through a series of bizarre events, (the ten plagues), Pharaoh let the whole nation of Israel leave Egypt directed by Moses and Aaron. As they made their way, the Egyptian pharaoh changed his mind about letting them go, realizing he would lose all his laborers. He gathered his army and followed them. Moses and the nation of Israel found themselves between a rock and a hard place or between the Red Sea and a very powerful army! The people were fearful, but Moses trusted God to deliver them from their circumstances. He had not brought them this far to let them be crushed by their enemy.

Exodus 14:10-14

Moses believed God could do something amazing! They only needed to stand firm and be still...in other words trust God.

Exodus 14:21-22

Not only did God make a way for them to move forward, but He also defeated their enemy by causing the water to close in on them behind Israel.

3. A Position of a Spirit-Filled Life

Stephen had been brought to the Sanhedrin on charges of blasphemy based on false witnesses. He gave a long speech to the high priest to defend himself. In the speech, he accused the Jews of killing the Son of God, the one God sent to save them all. His stand for Christ put him in a life-threatening situation.

Acts 7:54-60

Stephen was truly given a new perspective. He was allowed to see right into heaven. How comforting that must have been in his situation. In this case, his perspective did not actually change his circumstances, but it gave him peace to go through his circumstances. He was also able to forgive those who were stoning him. He not only forgave them, but he had compassion on them that God would forgive them.

In all three of these cases, there is a Common Thread.

LOOK UP! Abraham looked up. The Israelites looked up. Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up.

In all three of these situations, they all looked up for their answer. The Israelites were unable to see it right away, but Moses held out his right hand in faith until they all saw a miraculous answer. There are many things in this life that can cause us to stress or worry or even be sad, but if we can keep our eyes fixed on God by obeying, trusting, and walking with Him, we can have peace as well as everything we need.

Matthew 6:30-33

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Gift That Keeps on Giving – Birth of Jesus

Admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 00:14:06 +0000

One Christmas, my parents gave me a gift to open. Before I opened it, they told me that it was a "gift that keeps on giving." I couldn't imagine what it could be. When I opened the package, I discovered a cell phone. They called it the gift that keeps on giving, because they intended to pay the bill each month to maintain service for the phone.

Prophecies Fulfilled in the Birth of Jesus

Christmas is a time for giving. Not all gifts keep on giving, but there is one gift for everyone that does keep on giving. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as a gift to the World.
Luke 2:10-11

Most of us have probably heard the story of the birth of Jesus, but what some may not realize is that His birth, right down to the last detail, was a fulfillment of hundreds of Old Testament prophecies. These prophecies were written between 1450 BC and 430 BC. Manuscripts have been found to prove they were written at least 400 - 1000 years before He was born.

It would be difficult enough to predict something 5 years away, let alone 4-15 centuries, especially with the degree of detail and 100% accuracy. It would also be impossible for someone to PLAN to fulfill all the prophecies. The prophecies speak of so many details about the timing, bloodline, location, and circumstances of the birth of Jesus. Who but God alone could plan such things?

Here are just some of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the birth of Jesus. Along with each prophecy is a New Testament reference where the prophecy is fulfilled.

1. Genealogy – Prophecies Fulfilled in the Bloodline of Jesus

The Seed of Abraham (Promised Blessing):

Old Testament Prophecy: Genesis 22:18
New Testament Fulfillment: Acts 3:25

The Seed of Isaac (Son of God - Savior):

Old Testament Prophecy: Genesis 21:12
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 1:2

Jacob (King of the Jews):

Old Testament Prophecy: Genesis 28:13-14 | Numbers 24:17, 19
New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 1:31-33

Out of the Tribe of Judah (Victorious Ruler):

Old Testament Prophecy: Micah 5:2
New Testament Fulfillment: Revelation 5:5

Born in the Family of Jesse (Messianic King - Eternal King):

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 11:1
New Testament Fulfillment: Acts 13:22-23

Born in the House of David (King):

Old Testament Prophecy: Jeremiah 23:5-6
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 1:1

2. Location – Prophecies Fulfilled where Jesus was born

Born in Bethlehem:

Old Testament Prophecy: Micah 5:2
New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 2:4-7

3. Events – Prophecies Fulfilled surrounding the Birth of Jesus

Worshipped and Presented gifts by Kings:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 72:10-11
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 2:11

Worshipped by Shepherds:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 72:9
New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 2:15-16

Weeping for the Children

Old Testament Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:15
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 2:16

Flight to Egypt

Old Testament Prophecy: Hosea 11:1
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 2:13-14

4. Fully Man | Fully God – Prophecies Fulfilled About the Person of Jesus

Born of a Woman (Baby/Man):

Old Testament Prophecy: Genesis 3:15
New Testament Fulfillment: Galatians 4:4 | Philippians 2:6-7 | Luke 2:7

Born of a Virgin (God):

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 1:18

He will be called Lord:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 110:1
New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 2:11

He is the Son of God:

Old Testament Prophecy: Psalm 2:7
New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 3:22 (Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11)

These are only a few of the prophecies concerning the birth of Jesus. There are so many prophecies that the probability of someone fulfilling them all is very unlikely. It would be impossible for someone to choose or decide to fulfill them. How could someone decide in what family to be born? How could they plan to be born in Bethlehem even though the family they chose lived in Galilee? This could have only been God. He was able because:

He already existed before His earthly appearance.
He already knew what was going to happen when He spoke the words through the Old Testament prophets.

The Bible tells us in Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23 that His name was to be Immanuel - God with us. Once we disobeyed God (in the Garden of Eden) we could no longer get to Him, so God chose to come to us. This was indeed the greatest gift ever. In fact, it still is the greatest gift, because it is a "gift that keeps on giving." His birth is only the beginning. His life, death, resurrection, and the hope of His return are all part of the gift.

This series will continue with prophecies fulfilled in the life of Jesus.

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On Guard! Temptation is a Battlefield

Admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 22:23:42 +0000

He stood his ground with his feet planted. There was no way of knowing when the enemy would attack. His eyes were wide and watchful. His radio was fastened to his side. He used it frequently throughout the night to maintain contact with the home base. He was trained well. His body was fit. The plans were ready in his mind in case of an attack.

Temptation

As Christians, we are soldiers in a war -- a spiritual war. The enemy (Satan) is lurking around every corner trying to keep us from growing in Christ and leading productive lives full of joy and peace. The enemy will tempt us. An important thing to remember though is that temptation is not a sin. Jesus also experienced temptation.

Mark 1:13

Temptation becomes a sin only when we give in to it. There are a number of factors that make us vulnerable to the attack of the devil in the area of temptation.

Why do we give in?

How do we avoid temptation?

Snoozing on the Job

Be on Your Guard

Matthew 26:40

2 Peter 3:17

A soldier must always stay awake and alert on his watch. If he doesn't, he could be taken by surprise. If no one is on guard watching, the enemy can sneak in and do his damage.

Why do we give in?

How do we avoid temptation?

Unfit for Service

Matthew 26:41

Pray

Matthew 6:13

A soldier must keep his body fit. That includes exercise, healthy eating, and plenty of rest. We don't think of taking care of our bodies as spiritual, but when we are tired, we are more open to attack. In addition, a soldier also keeps in contact with the home base on his radio. He makes use of all his resources. He knows he can't fight the war alone. We can't either. God is always waiting to go to the front lines for us. Satan can defeat one person, but he cannot stand against the armies of heaven.

Why do we give in?

How do we avoid temptation?

No Root

Luke 8:13

Know the Word

Luke 8:15

When someone is fighting, if his feet are not planted with a solid stance, he will be easily knocked down. We have no root to hold us firm in a battle if we don't know the word. The word of God is our sword. When Satan tempted Jesus, He fought back WITH the word of God! "It is written..." A soldier wouldn't think of going to battle without his weapon. Neither should a Christian fight temptation without the two-edged sword that is the Word of God!

2 Peter 3:17-18

Praying, reading/studying the word, and watching/guarding are all action words. 2 Peter 3:14 uses the word "diligent." Luke 8:15 uses the word persevere. Avoiding temptation takes an effort on our part.

The hope:

You will never be tempted beyond what you are able! Be on guard! Pray! Know the word!

I Corinthians 10:13

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