Messiah Will Be [Was] Born in Bethlehem - Prophecy Series

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origin are from of old, from ancient times.

- Micah 5:2

When he [Jesus] had called together all the people's chief priests and teacher of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is that the prophet has written:

"But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will shepherd my people Israel."

- Matthew 2:4-6

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Bread of Life

 Bread of Life

“Give us this day our daily bread.” – Matthew 6:11

When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray he instructed them to approach God with affection by calling him “Father” and to revere his name. They were to seek his kingdom in heaven and ask for the same on earth, and seek forgiveness as well as forgive others, and ask for help in time of temptation.

In the midst of this prayer – which is a guide for all prayers – he included the portion of requesting bread. This would not have been a surprise instruction. Deut. 8:2-3 speaks of manna provided to the nation of Israel in the wilderness. Later in their journey with Jesus, he instructed his disciples there is more to life than bread. In John 6:35 “Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never go thirsty.’” When we pray for bread – for the physical nourishment the human body requires – we are to pray for the spiritual nourishment our spirit requires. Jesus is that spiritual nourishment. He gives us what we require to resist temptation and be a light to the world. (Matt.5:14)

Not only are we to pray for ourselves and our family, but also for our neighbor. Our neighbor is the one without bread. This is the reason Jesus used the plural pronoun “us.” When Jesus fed the multitude he was speaking to a wide variety of people in their respective journey with Jesus – his twelve disciples, other followers, seekers, doubters, and those fascinated by his miracles.  This prayer extends beyond the family of God. When Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount he said “… love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matt. 5:44) The “us” also includes those who oppose Jesus.

When a follower of Jesus the Christ prays, “Give us this day our daily bread,” the prayer is not a selfish one – praying for just what I need, or what my household needs. It is a prayer of love as we ask God the Father to provide for our neighbor and our enemy. He knows our physical need for food and water; he also gives required spiritual food to his believers in order to light the way for those who do not know Jesus – the eternal bread of life.  

A Virgin Will Give Birth - Prophecy Series

Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." 
- Isaiah 7:14

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."
- Luke 1:35

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Jesus the Messiah, from David's Offspring - Prophecy Series

 When your [David's] days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
- 2 Samuel 7:12-13

This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.
- Matthew 1:1

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Waiting for Consolation

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord" ), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

- Luke 2:22-40

Mary's Song and David's Psalm of Jesus the Christ

Mary’s Song and David’s Psalm:

“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he had been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One had done great things for me – holy is his name.

The Lord as made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.  

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of God.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their in most thoughts.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst in jubilant song with music; make music with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn. Shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but had lifted up the humble.

Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He will judge the world in righteousness and the people with equity.”

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

- Luke 1:46-55 and Psalm 98:1-9

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During this Christmas season – and always – may we remember the eternal faithfulness of our God, the source of mercy and salvation through his Son, Jesus the Messiah! May we have a heart after God. May we follow the promptings of his Holy Spirit and praise his name for the privilege to serve our Almighty God!

(Click here to read the Prophecy Series about Jesus the Messiah.)

Praise to GOD with Musical Instruments

Praise to GOD with Musical Instruments
 
The Bible has many passages about praising him with a variety of instruments. For example, the tambourine which is also know the timbrel – the Hebrew word is “HaTof” or “Tof” which means a framed drum; in ancient times it was hand-held. Psalm 150:4 encourages us to “praise him [GOD] with timbrel and dancing…” The passage continues with, “praise him with strings and pipe…” It is clear that the Psalmist includes a stringed instrument. In modern times, these two instruments include the drum and the guitar. However we praise GOD, may it be from the heart – with sincerity of soul. Some may “praise him with the clash of cymbals” (v.5a) and “let everything that has breath praise the LORD.” (v. 6).
Additional scripture about the use of musical instruments include (but this list if non-exhaustive):
 
“Make music to the LORD, all the earth, burst jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing …” Psalm 98:4-5
 
            “Praise the LORD with harp; sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.” Psalm 33:2 (KJV)
 
            “Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted.’” Exodus 15:20-21a
 
            As we (his church) praise the Almighty LORD GOD, it is important to remember, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD.” Psalm 100:1 (KJV)

Praising GOD for His Laws

The Psalmist praised GOD for his laws (particularly in chapter 119).

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. (v. 7)

Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. (v. 12)

At midnight I rise to give thanks for your righteous laws. (v. 62)

Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. (v. 108)

Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. (v. 164)

May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. (v. 171)

Let me live that I may praise you, and may your law sustain me. (v. 175)

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... this is love for GOD: to keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for everyone born of GOD overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our own faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of GOD.

- 1 John 5:3-5 

The Greatest Commandment

 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. The is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

- Matthew 22:36-40

The Light of the World

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

- John 8:12

Tenth Commandment

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

- Exodus 20:17

(Italics added for emphasis.)

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Click here to read the Greatest Commandment.

Ninth Commandment

"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." 

- Exodus 20:16

10th Commandment