Presured? A Test, in Living in God’s Assurance

What Is Fear?Fear : Old English færan(to terrify, ambush, surprise) Definition: A strong emotion due to seeing or becoming aware of danger; the reason or cause of such strong emotion.

At its best, fear helps you protect yourself, and helps to remind you that you don’t have control over everything in your life (and never will). At its worst, fear can turn us into murderous bigots or quivering cowards. A person can create fear in someone else, for vengeance or control. Demagogues tell a story of perilous fear. Great leaders get us to reach beyond fear, even beyond hope, to a future built on a love that is beyond just us and far greater than all fear.Fear can shrink the soul more than anything else except powerlust.

There are many kinds of fear:

• sudden fear (alarm).

• strong desire not to do something (dread). (Like, say, homework.)

• fear of doing something against one’s conscience or better judgment (qualm).

• fear of unfavorable results (worry). (Worry switches attention from taking action to thinking about the chance of failure, which in turn heightens the chance of failure.)

• brief but strong loss of composure (panic).

• fear that causes immediate physical reaction (horror). (This is what’s sought after at Halloween or in some movies.)

• fear of one specific thing beyond reason (phobia).

• irrational fear that people are out to do you harm (paranoia). (They’re not all out to get you. Honest.)

• the surrender to extreme fear (terror). (A terrorist is someone who seeks to control a situation by putting other people into terror.)

Fear Not!

Jesus is several times recorded as saying, “Fear not“. It’s also one of the traditional messages of the angels. Psalm 23 says “I shall fear no evil, for Thou art with me”. Fears that are turned over to God will be muted or harnessed, or will go away. Instead of fearing the darkness, seek the light. Go against God, and there is no reason not to be in terror, except perhaps for God’s unfathomable mercy.

When you stop trying to be in control and let God be in control, there is no cause for fear, for the One in Control loves you and seeks the best for you. Trust in God’s love casts out fear.When you stop fearing your neighbor, it opens you up to the possibility of loving them – but it’s not the same thing as actually loving them.

“Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed.”
Michael Pritchard

Fear God, yes, but don’t be afraid of Him.”
J.A. Spender, *The Comments of Bagshot*

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”
Ambrose Redmoon

Mark 5:36

New International Version (NIV)

Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

Mark 5:36

English Standard Version (ESV)

But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

Mark 5:36

Amplified Bible (AMP)

Overhearing but ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear;only keep on believing.

Mark 5:36

The Message (MSG)

Jesus overheard what they were talking about and said to the leader, “Don’t listen to them; just trust me.”

Mark 5:36 KJV

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

God knows everything, every thought that proceeds from us…from our hearts and minds, and exactly what alignment we are placing ourselves under. We, often, fail to compute, and comprehend how swiftly emotional reaction to what is seen can put us in a “state” not compatible to God’s Reality, in Christ. Therefore, we continually need to determine, and thus, align with the Reality of God, and not our own selves.

In the KJV we see, clearly, Christ’s immediate reaction, do we not? He declares to the heart and mind that embraces the reasoning and not faith in God:

Be not afraid-

afraid-5399 phobeo fob-eh’-o from 5401; to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere:–be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly)

There is a side of me that is chuckling when I read this definition of afraid, from the original language. Why? Their is a slight implying that being frightened is “passively” being alarmed; when man is residing in fear and being afraid, our feelings and emotions are not exactly “passive”, are they?! Not usually-not at all; for we permit another “influence” of reasoning, of what may be seen in circumstances to govern how we think. When this “permission” occurs within our feelings, actions, and behavior passivity is not the character description I would have chosen!

When God’s Voice speaks to humanity by and through His Word, He usually defines/ instructs us what not to do, before He declares and directs us want to do, in “light” of God’s Kingdom Realty – not the “World’s reality. As you see I am focusing on one verse, for I am seeing such immediate and personal communication from Our God, Our Lord and Savior- Jesus Christ. Why do I believe this is so dynamic, and valuable for us? There is much I could respond with such a question; however, John 1:1 is sufficient: The Word was- The Word was God- The Word is God. And, as I hope you realize, and know this verse is referring to Jesus- the one who’s Voice is being directed to us from Mark 5:36.

“Only believe”-

Only- 3440 monon mon’-on neuter of 3441 as adverb; merely:–alone, but, only. 

Believe- 4100 pisteuo pist-yoo’-o from 4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit;by implication, to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well-being to Christ):–believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with

Why do we- why do “Christians”… anyone of God’s human creation…havesuch difficulty in incorporating this principle from these words to our hearts and minds? We find it questionable that “our spiritual well-being” is more important hat the “reality” of the situation, the living life; correct?So, then, as we place ourselves, our hearts, our minds- the operation of our own thoughts above the value of God’s thoughts- the direction from His Voice- we choose to place ourselves in the influence of another force that God.

He, God, though Christ is the only real “credit”, the divine Power, our God- in whom Trust should reside, and be thecontrol of ourselves.

… said to the leader, “Don’t listen to them;just trust me.” – The Message

Um…this is not only a translation, for modern man,this is what He want us to receive from Him, in each and every day… in all moments of fear, of granting the permission of that influence to manage your life.

What is the heart of what is First in Value?

Matthew6: 31 – 34: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow:for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

• KJV – 33- But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

• NIV – 33 – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

• MSG – 33 – Steep your life in God- reality, God- initiative, God provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

• This certainly aligns and connects with this verse in the principle of God’s voice to us:

•  verse 34- Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up, when the time comes.

Matthew7: 7-

• KJV – Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

• NIV – Ask and it will be given to you ; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened.

• MSG – Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in.

It may be observable to you, even now, that my focus is going to center on Matthew 6:33; however, I want to begin this exploration from the first words of

Matthew 6: 31- “Therefore, take no thought”…

Many of us, in Christ, claim we are seeking God, as first priority in our lives; yet, what do we really “listen” to first? I would say the “thoughts”, and not God’s Spirit, which dwells within us. Correct? So, then, immediately there is a place for conflicting “alliance” to be a factor in the operation of daily living, in moment by moment of living life.

Take:Strongs- 3309- merimano- to be anxious about- have care

>Thought- 3309 – same as take; therefore they go “together” in alignment of thinking.

Verse6:28 – “And why take ye thought for raiment?”

Raiment-1742- enduma- apparel; garment

…in other words, placing value on the outward appearance of one’s self, as well as on the appearance of others in what we regard.

Verse6:27 – Which of you by taking thought [3309] can add one cubit unto his stature? …

cubit-04803- pechus- affinity- as a measure

Are you understanding God’s Voice, in this passage of His Word, declares/ instructs, us what not to do, in God’s Kingdom Reality, in how we operate in our human value- placing upon the core of our person- before He declares we Seek Him, first? Yet, humanity has a penchant for the regard of our thoughts, our “own understanding”, before we “seek God”, and thus we then seek God with the definition of human perception, and not the reliance of God’s Spirit and direction,for living life. Correct?

Getting the “picture”? So, we shall now go to Matthew 6:33, and examine some of the Strong Greek definitions of some words, and hopefully gain more insight into specifically what God desires from our hearts.

- But (but first) –1161- deh- now ; moreover, nevertheless

First-4412- proton- at the first; first of all :

1. first in time and place

2. in any succession of things and purpose

3. in influence; in honor

(the)Kingdom- 932- basilela- properly- royalty; concretely- realm of power.

The right of authority.

(His)Righteousness- 1343- dikaiosunh- (dik-ah-yos-oo-nay) -

1. state of Him who is as he ought to be, in condition

2. justice or virtue, which gives each his due

Things-5203- tauta- these; that- these words, misc.

Added-4369- prostiyhmi- again, send; give more; increase- proceed further

>From MSG- (from Webster’s Dictionary)- Steep-

1. lofty; high

2. rapid and intense decline or increase

We definitely can conclude that this verse certainly does not mean to align with someone, or some force, and influence who focuses on their own reasoning. (!) God should be the focus, in each day, in each moment we are living life, in His Kingdom Reality.

Let me do a paraphrase of this verse, based on the original language, as we have just studied from research into Strong’s:

Now, in any succession of all ongoing influences on us, seek and align with in constant purpose, with the dominion, and authority of God-His condition, not our own- and all the words, from His Voice, and Word will proceed further in your heart and mind.

Mount, and give attention to your life in continual purpose in God!

God,our God- our Lord and Saviour knows our intentions, and the root of how we maintain focus, or not in Him. This amazing passage is not new from the Voice of God; it, frankly, is a reminder of His Word, to us, His people, centuries ago:

Deuteronomy4: 28-31- And there you will serve gods of wood and stone, the work of human hands, that neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to the LORD your God and obey his voice. For the LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them.

The Message version of verse 29 really gets at what God desires from all His Creation; the “Whole Heart” who Seeks God.

• “But even there, if you seek God, your God, you’ll be able to find him, if you’re serious looking for him, with your whole heart and soul.”

Is this a description of you? Um… Let us all pray that this becomes us, and our heart and character in whom we regard, First!

Boasting About Life and Tomorrow? Watch Out for the Fall!

A few years ago, I went to California, directed by God, for the summer, between Bible College years, and experienced a remarkable time in my life, I have never ceased to remember. One of the “events” of that summer was attending a Saturday night Bible Study service, at Calvary Chapel, with Chuck Smith leading…with thousands of surfers coming in, with sandals and surfboards, in hand! Aside from being raised in the mountains of Pennsylvania, I was overwealmed at the continual operation of God’s Spirit, living in the intention and life of God’s Will.

After sharing this specific experiencce with a friend, I went online, and quickly discovered the current web site for Calvary Chapel, with Reverand Chuck Smith, still the head pastor, and finding a great “Media Center”, where access to live broadcasts of services are there for you. I choose to watch the January 02, 2012 evening service, with John Randall, and have been inspired to “dig” further into revealing insight into the Scripture passage he spoke on: James 4:13-17.

From James 4:13-

“Now listen, you who say…you do not know what will happen tomorrow”.

The value of one’s own perceptions mean little to God’s Kingdom Reality for you and for your life.

From James 4:14-

“What is your life? Your’e a mist… then vanishes.”

New Living Testament-

Your life is like the morning fog- its here for a little while, then its gone.

 King James Version-

It is even a vapor, that appears for a little while, and then vanisheth away.

Vapor- Greek- atims- breath, stream, vapor.

 Barnes Notes:

“For it is”- life: something frail, with no calculation that can be credibbly made on its permanance. A vapor is something that lies on a mountain side, on the morning, but is disipated by the rising sun, leaving not a trace behind.

The comparison of life as a vapor is common, beautiful, and it is just.

Job states: “ O, remember that my life is Wind.”

From Matthew Henry:

Through bliss or woe, “forever”, must be according to our conduct during this fleeting moment. We are always to be dependent on the Will of God, Our times are not in our own hands, but at the disposal of God.

Psalm 39:5- You have made my life a mere handbreath; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath. Selah.

Proverbs 27:1 – Do not boast about tomorrow; you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Isaiah 2:22- Stop trusting in men, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?

Consider: Ecclesiastes 14:18 – As of the green leaves of a thick tree, some fall, and some grow; so is the gene and a of flesh and blood; one cometh to an end, and another is born.

• In this life we have the choice to be “born again”, to be in Christ, and therefore, to maintain to do the Will of God.

Gil’s Exposition of the Bible-

No man can secure a day, an hour, a moment, and much less a year, in the continuance of this life- nor can he see what may befall him today or tomorrow- therefore, it is of great stupidity to determine “this”, without the Hand and the Will of God- in whom we live, and breath, and have our being- and by whom ALL events are governed and directed.

[ And He is before All things, and By Him All things consist- Colossians 1: 17 ]

[ MSG- He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. ]

James 4:15- Instead you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s Will, we will live, and do this or that.”

Instead- God’s Perspective, not your own, is honored.

• Instead- Greek- anti (avri) – instead of, because of, wherefore

• in place of myself

• denotes- subsitution/ correspondence – place / reason

• because of- for in the “room of”

Barnes Notes-

You ought rather to recognize your aboslute dependance on God; all things are under His Control. There is nothing on which we can assume the base of the assurance of success, but of His favor.

Clark-

No man should ever say he will do this or do that without the condition of “If God Will”. Take Heed- Christian- that the heathen buffoon thinks they can laugh you out of your countenance, in making God’s Will – Priority.

God’s Exposition of the Bible-

1. Your choice for your living life should be agreeable to the determining Will and Purposes of God.

2. “If we should live”- Let a man never say he will do anything before he says: If God Will.”

Jamieson Fausset – Brown -

The boaster spoke as if life, action, and a particular action were in “their power”. The real TRUTH, all three of these elements are entirely dependant on the Will of God.

Matthew Henry -

How vain it is to look or expect, for anything good- without God’s Blessing and Guidance! The frailty, and the uncertainty, of life- ought to check the vainity and the presumptous confidence of all projects of futurity. We cannot fix the certain time of a vapor (our life) being scattered.

Oh, that we are careful not to omit prayer, and not to neglect to meditate and examine our conciousness, as we are not to committ outward vices against light!

Acts 11:21- But as he left, he promised, “I will come back, of it is God’s will.” Then, he set sail from Ephesus.

Any way we walk travel and any direction we take is Governed by God, regardless of any human opinion.

From The Message- James 4:13-17- And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today – at the latest, tomorrow – we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.”You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil.In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.

• So, when we elevate ourselves and raise our position, not only in our own minds, but for others to view- this “level”- This is an evil presentation, and this also is an evil enhancement for living life for yourself.

Robinson’s Word Pictures-

James 4:15 – The proper attitude of mind- is not to be uttered in words like a charm.

• In other words- in essence, Robinson is saying: Do not seduce others with what and whom you preceive yourself to be. Properly, we are to focus on God, not on the posion of one’s self.

 John Darby Commentary-

James 4:13-17-

13-16- The same self-will and forgetfulness of God are blamed, the false confidence that flows from reckoning upon being able to do as one pleases, the absence of dependencies on God.

17- This is a conclusion- on that which has already been said, in regard to Faith. The knowledge of good, without its practice, causes even the absence of the work which one could have preformed. The action of the “new man” is absent. And that of the “old man, is present. Thus the good, before our eyes, which we know what to do, and choose not to do, becomes the motivation which controls.

• What can I intelligently say on this posting that has not already be defined by many whom I choose to bring into the text for reading and hopefully some serious thinking on these five verses from James 4? !

• “You should be thankful God wants to control your life”- John Randall

His Mountain Has No Pretense

This Christmas I re-purchased The Message, since my first copy was lost, in traveling. My first reading from this new hardcover edition is from Isaiah Chapter 2, and I feel the notes from this remarkable passage should be the first posting of 2012.

Climb God’s Mountain

verse 3- “They say, Come let’s climb God’s mountain, go to the house of Jacob, he’ll show us the way he works, so we can live the way we were made.”

Why do you believe is the primary factor in the fact we have so many issues and problems in “climbing”, in going to God’s house, in letting Him show us the way he works? In order for all of these spiritual dynamics of personal relations with God, there must be an established, on-going acknowledgment of the fact you have been created by God. Yes, climbing to reach the “peak” of God’s Kingdom Reality in life, takes effort; however, when we come to constant recognition of God’s hand, and His Power that is what created us- your personal self as a human being- then the effort looses its severity, for we (you) know He is in control.

After reading the words: … “their world is full of hokey religion, Philistine witchcraft, and pagan hocus pocus, a world rolling in wealth, stuffed with things, no end to its machines and gadgets…” The Message, brings forth a new heading:

“Pretentious Egos Brought Down to Earth”

In today’s culture most of society does not view these aspects of “the world” as being negative in living; yet, the truth from God’s Voice is declaring He Knows when we regard ourselves, in the core of our focus, over the regard of Himself. All these “things” have become a yielding influence upon the planet of humanity in our age, in this 21st century; is it not a fact that there is “no end to its machines and gadgets in this age of technology? The world of computing and ability to use a finger to control a device has become a “reigning” force in how the thinking of our “neighbors” – and ourselves- function continually in living life in 2012. How does God view this “link” with such influence upon the hearts and minds upon mankind? Two words are a sufficient answer: pretentious ego. (!) When is our population that celebrates New Year’s Eve, in Time Square, going to celebrate the Divine source for governing their lives? God is present, even in the midst of this massive celebration, and desire the heart of each one shouting and watching the ball come down…as He is with everyone.

“People with a big head are headed for a fall…”

​Sound like the ball falling in Time Square on New Years… big head…falling…yet, this is speaking of every human person who fixes themselves in such mental and psychological state of mind, and heart. When “we” are in such a state the concept of falling from a present “status” in not considered or valued, for the focus of self has gained control, and the “heart” of deception is ruling. Do you understand this declaration is not based on the consideration or perceptive feelings of man, but on God taking action upon the state of any man’s heart condition. What is God’s sincere desire for humanity? For each one of us?

“Come family of Jacob, let’s live in the light of God.” God’s Kingdom Reality desires each of His Creation to choose becoming a “member” of His family, so that the light of God is not only a “factor” in our living, but that the Light of Jesus Christ is the Power, the Force, that becomes the control of ourselves. In order for His control to work sufficiently and practically- pretension by deception must be gone as a regarding influence. The ONLY worthy influence that does not lead to resulting in “falling” is God, through the ability Christ has achieved through His Redemption, accomplished for all mankind.

“The swelled big heads will be punctured bladders, the pretentious egos brought down to earth.”

And all those sticks and stones dressed up to look like gods will be gone for good.”

Are you comprehending that any entity, any person- which presents an “outward appearance”, with not a sincere heart aligned with God, will not achieve nor be granted unceasing, eternal life? God does not give eternity to one who is declared “gone for good” does he? Therefore, all, you and I, who may place ourselves in a state of “pretentious” living, nor not living regarding God as primary, is one living in foolishness…without intelligence. Why am I using a such a descriptive word as “intelligence”? Aside from God’s Truth, the place of of position of priority upon living in a force that will be destroyed, not be of eternal value, is “unintelligent”; correct? Realize it takes Trusting God to move out of such condition upon our lives; man’s human intelligence is not of sufficient worth, or personal value, in comparison to God Himself, with His Wisdom.

Isaiah chapter 2 defines that our dressing up with the appearances we make, design, and choose to display, means little to God. He knows what the core of our being and hearts are operating under: Himself, or an oppositional force of influential power. The illusion of our own perception has no credible influence on God…not should it on each one of “us”.

* “If you are quiet enough in your kitchen you will hear a noise. It is a continuous sound, a long droning noise with no particular beginning or ending. It has very little, if any, dramatic range. It may go up and down in volume, but those changes are rarely perceptible. It is the same flat noise, and it goes on and on and on, hour after hour, day after day. If it is loud enough, it can grate on the nerves, but otherwise it is simply there.” – Rob Bell

Get the “picture”? Anyone who thinks they will succeed in their own choice of their direction in living life, is under illusion, under the deceptive force of God’s opposition. What does it take to reach the level described in the last section of this chapter? :

“On that day men and women will take their sticks and stones, they’ve decked out in gold and silver to look like gods and then worshiped, and they will dump them in any ditch or gully. Then they will run for rocks and caves and cliff hideouts to hide from the terror of God…”

God wants us to dump any deceptive or illusionist force that has wounded or gained control of our lives, now. How can this be done? Simple answer: Letting the hearing, listening, and obeying of the Voice of God, from His Spirit, reach into the core of our hearts, and minds.

There is a “side of me” that wants to chuckle in reading the last verse of Isaiah 2; however, I am not laughing, for I realize that side of me is the human spirit, not the Spirit of the Lord, dwelling in my heart. May we all take these words as a personal instructive declaration from God, and seek His Spirit to reveal to us, all Truth in the way we choose to live our lives.

“Quit scraping and fawning over mere humans. so full of themselves, so full of hot air! Can’t you see there’s nothing to them?”

Amen. Let us “climb”, without doubt to reach a consistent personal alignment with the Lord, our God. Believe me there is no better New Year’s resolution that this!

The Truth is So Much More!

From Matthew Chapter One- on “The Birth of Christ.” – the first chapter of the New Testament.

“(ESV) verse one- “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham…

(KJV) “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ”…

(NIV)- “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ”…

generation- (genealogy)- Greek= genesis, from the same as- genea= age, the period of the persons- time; nativity; nature

verse 15- … “of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”

• From Adam Clark- xpiotos= signifies the “anointed”, or anoint-er… it answers exactly to the Hebrew, mashiach, which we pronounce, Messiah. Hence the word Christ, or mashiach, became a name of dignity, often signifies the same as “King”. [ Isaiah 45:!; Psalm 105:15; Leviticus 4:3, 6:20; 1 Samuel 2:10]

• The word, mashiah, and melec, – Christ and King, are often interchanged. [1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 2:2; Luke 23:2]

• The Christ, He Alone is the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords: The King who governs the universe, and rules in the hearts of His followers- the prophet to instruct man in the way he should go, and the great High Priest to make atonement for their sins. Hence, He is called the Messias- a development of the word: ha-mashiach: The Anointed One, in Hebrew, which gives birth to oxpiotoc-hoChristos…which precisely is the same signification in Greek.

• No human has ever, or will ever, “hold” the title of: THE MESSIAH, or THE ANOINTED ONE OF GOD. This belongs, exclusively, to Jesus, the Christ.

• In the Old Testament, anointed, is applied to the kings [ 1 Samuel 24:6, 10 ] , to the priests [ Leviticus 4:5, 16 ] , and to the prophets [ 1Kings19:16 ] – done to concentrate them to their respectful offices. Jesus, The Messiah, is concentrated to all these office, far beyond the stature of any human in creation.

Are you understanding the Divine distinction of whom Jesus Christ “IS”, has been totally defined and declared in the first, and opening verse of The New Testament? Why does it take “us”- humanity- so long to comprehend this complete Truth, for our lives?

So, I now what to go to a section in this chapter, Matthew 1, that is actually “mind boggling” when full consideration is made on the text and the true purpose of the message brought forth from God’s Voice – to each one of us.

Before God gives the “record” of the birth of Christ he has a most compassionate conversation with Joseph, the human father of Jesus. God knows the heart and mind of everyone of us, and it is clear He knew Joseph.

Matthew 1:18-22 :

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

• God wanted to honestly communicate with Joseph, and He did not want to condemn him, but deal with the heart of this man who was about to use his “own reasoning”, rather than call upon God for direction.

• Wesley- “just man” = a strict observer of the law; therefore, he was wanting to do what was right in obedience to God

• Clark- In other words, Joseph did not want to make Mary a “public example”, exposing a “character” to public view for their assessment. Joseph knew the law required such a person- a wife pregnant, not by himself- to be put to death. However, as righteousness is ever directed, by mercy, he determined to divorce her quietly- privately, without assigning any cause that her life might be saved.

This- the “heart” of God, Our God, saw and observed a heart…that He wanted to reach, with instruction, and compassion. Is this merciful heart not what God desires from all of us? Do you not comprehend this first chapter of The New Testament, in Matthew, God has placed an “example” before us…before the “birth of Jesus” takes place. God This dream was brought forth as the result of God’s consideration, and the Voice being spoken is certainly from a “messenger” of God, Himself. We really need to think upon the reality of the “purpose” of God’s Voice to us from this remarkable dream, and “inner heart” conversation, between God and one of God’s Creation. Why do you believe God made the effort to voice these words to Joseph? This certainly could have been handled and communicated in a vastly different manner; correct?

• From Barne’s Notes- He thought on these things. He did not act hastily. He (Joseph) did not take the course, which the law would have permitted him to do. God will guide the thoughtful and the anxious. And- when we look patiently, at a perplexed subject, and know not what to do, then God, as in the case of Joseph, will lead us and direct our way. (Ps. 25:9)

• The word “angel”, literally, means messenger. This messenger from God, became specific and exacting in guidance and instruction.

• In other words the messenger was saying: “Do not hesitate or have any apprehension about her virtue and purity. Do not fear that she will be unworthy or that she will disgrace you. For that which is conceived of her is of the Holy Ghost, the direct force of Divine Power. (!)

God’s Voice is delivering a powerful message, that He regards to be more vital and important to all who reads and KNOWS His Word…that He wanted this record to be delivered before the Word on the story of Christ’s Birth. Your Father wants a relationship with you… with all He has Created. May we not only celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, may we celebrate the Heart of God who wants to reach through to our own heart. 

What Are You Giving God for Christmas?

The scriptures I am listing here, of course I could explore
extensive comments, with getting into the Greek, and other commentary sources. I have decided not to, for I want each one of us, including myself, to take these passages, in self-examination, and make a decision what “we” can give God, from our hearts, in honor of Christ. The traditional New Year’s Eve resolutions may seem
parallel to this concept; it is not for we are dealing with our
hearts, nor our reasoning from perceptions.

May you value the Word set forth here, as we consider what God will receive from our heart for Christmas.

Luke 2:25-31 (KJV)

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now let thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

Romans 1:21 (KJV)

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

1 Corinthians 3:3-5 (KJV)

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one said, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (KJV)

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 (KJV)

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 (KJV)

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith growth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other abounded; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (KJV)

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Where unto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.