Tag: Our Savior

Hallelujah! Our Righteous King Has Come!

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As we prepare for this Christmas season, let us not forget the true reason we celebrate Christmas.

Christmas is derived from the Old English Cristes mæsse meaning the “mass of Christ” or the church celebration of the birth of Christ.

The birth, life, and death of Jesus on earth is the greatest gift ever given, and not by any human, but by God the Father Himself.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

John 3:16-17

I am so grateful that the LORD Jesus was willing to leave His throne in Heaven, come down to Earth, be born among mankind as an example of how we should live our lives, and take upon Himself the sins of the whole world. 

He was born as King—THE KING of kings—not in a palace with all the wealth and comforts of royalty at that time, but in the humblest of conditions in a manger with animals and their smell surrounding Him.

Jesus is the best gift we’ve ever been given!

His love, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice is better than any material thing we could desire.

…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23b

Without Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, we’d all be lost to eternal damnation.

This was God’s plan for the redemption of mankind from way back when Adam and Eve committed the first sin in the Garden of Eden.

We all need a Savior to rescue us from our sin nature. This Savior is Jesus Christ Himself—the perfect Lamb, the perfect Gift.

The Hope of all the world was born, completed His ministry by going to the cross, and resurrected to the Father where He lives seated at His right hand.

Our Savior is active on the throne of Heaven and is present in our everyday lives. He is alive and in command!

Let us not become complacent with such a majestic gift.

Today, we are blessed because we have the Bible, the Holy word of God, to teach us about God’s plan of salvation, our LORD Jesus Christ, and our future based on the choices we make, especially the most important choice we could ever make.

There was a time when Israel, God’s chosen people, was anticipating our Savior, expectantly hoping, and eagerly awaiting.

Life was difficult for them because they sinned against God and subjected themselves to all kinds of consequences that God had warned them about.

God had already spoken His plans through the prophets of old, and because Israel was under the rule of foreign nations, they were waiting on their Messiah to come rescue them.

They knew the Savior was promised by God and they had experienced the faithfulness of His word many times.

Finally, over 2000 years ago, Israel’s Savior, our Savior, was born in Bethlehem in God’s perfect timing when Rome ruled the world.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:1-21

May we continually glorify and praise God as the angels did on the night of our Savior’s birth.

The gift of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ is for everyone who is willing to accept Him in their hearts, invite Him into their lives, and follow Him in all His ways.

As the angels stated at Christ’s birth, those with whom He is pleased will have peace and joy today and forevermore. 

While we’re busy decorating our homes, shopping for gifts, and gathering with our families and friends, let’s remember that without Jesus Christ, there is no Christmas.

Let’s demonstrate the same excitement, wonder, and awe as the shepherds did who went to see Him that first Christmas night!

I wish you a Blessed and Merry Christmas.

Enjoy this song of praise to our Father in Heaven for our most wonderful gift. I have enjoyed this song over the years and hope the same for you.  

If you want to have a relationship with God and are not sure how or where to start, see my previous posts Relationship with God and Relationship with God – Part 2.

Tragedy: When We Just Don’t Understand Why

On By Carmen2 Comments

The news of the flood in Kerrville, Texas, has been very difficult to watch and very emotional for many of us. I kept thinking why, LORD, why did this have to happen to so many unsuspecting people enjoying time in a scenic place of relaxation and recreation?

It is especially heart-breaking to know that so many young girls were lost at a summer camp that was supposed to bring them joy and lasting memories of their childhood.

I can’t imagine the pain the family members of the victims are feeling, but I am certain that they have the same question—WHY?

My goal is not to place blame on any agency or the government. Hopefully in time, these much-needed answers will come, and regulations will be put in place so that an effective notification system will be employed to warn those in the path of any future similar disaster.   

Today, I want to be able to share hope with the victim’s families so they have something to hold on to that will give them a sense of peace about their loved ones who they sadly lost.

I am writing this also for anyone who has tragically lost a loved one and needs to know that they can live again despite the tragedy; they can let go and trust God; they can smile and laugh again; they can be reunited with their loved ones.

First, I do not know why such tragedies happen. What I do know for certain is that we live in an imperfect world with sin, evil, and death.

I also know that God is good and is very much in control. He is not the author of destruction and pain, but of love and life.

When I start to question why in certain circumstances, my mind goes to Job in the Bible. The Book of Job is 42 chapters in length and deals with tragedy, despair, a search for answers, temptation to curse God, unwavering devotion to God, and hope.

I will give you the short version of the Book of Job, but I highly recommend you read it for yourself.  

Job was a wealthy man, good and honest. He was loved by God who spoke very highly of him to Satan. Satan wanted to prove God’s assessment of Job wrong and asked for permission to exasperate Job so that he would curse God. God’s only restriction was that he could not kill Job.

Job lost his children, his wealth, and his health. As if this weren’t enough, he was insulted by his friends who came to see him. They suggested that he (and his children) had unconfessed sin which led to these tragedies.

Job maintained his innocence and throughout his suffering questioned God as to why all this hardship when he had been a good man and served God.

His wife even told him to just get it over with, curse God, and die!

Job would not curse God, because he knew God was good. He said that he would go to his grave believing such and that he would indeed bless God!

All Job could do was ask God why he had to endure this tragedy and curse. He said that it would’ve been better that he was never born to have to go through all of this.  

He just didn’t understand why.

Eventually God spoke to him and his friends. God rebuked his friends for assuming they had the answers. And God answered Job with a lengthy discourse of questions (Chapters 38–42).

Some of the questions (there were many) God asked Job that resonate with me are:

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding,
Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the measuring line over it?
On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone?” Job 38:4-6

“Can you raise your voice to the clouds,
So that an abundance of water will cover you?
Can you send flashes of lightning, so that they may go
And say to you, ‘Here we are’?” Job 38:34-35

“Can you drag out Leviathan with a fishhook,
And press down his tongue with a rope?
Can you put a rope in his nose,
And pierce his jaw with a hook?
Will he make many pleas to you,
Or will he speak to you gentle words?
Will he make a covenant with you?” Job 41:1-4

Job could not answer any of these questions and neither can we.

We can only trust God and continue to believe that His plan is best—even when it hurts.

As time passes, we may look back and discern some good that came from the tragedies we experience or we may understand partly why, but we will know completely when we get to Heaven.

God understands your pain and distress and He sympathizes with you. He will show you how to live your next moments, days, months, and years.

He knows the pain you feel. He watched His only Son, Jesus Christ, die on the cross for all mankind. It was a painful experience for Him, but it was necessary for us to receive eternal life.

I believe that Jesus was present in the flood in Kerrville, Texas, and all the little girls who died in this flood were received instantly into His loving arms. Jesus loved children and He took these to a better place where there will be no more death, evil, pain, or sorrow. They are happy and they are waiting for the day they can be reunited with their beloved family and friends.

I also believe that all of the age of accountability who died in Christ were also received instantly into our Savior’s arms.

I will go a step further.

I believe God gave any that were unsaved another opportunity in the flood waters to surrender to His Son Jesus Christ. Perhaps there were some who turned to the LORD in their despair before they died.

Below is a scripture verse that I hold onto for all my family and friends who are not saved.

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

For all of you who are struggling and hurting because of the loss of a relative or friend in this heartbreaking tragedy, please know that one day there will be a great reunion filled with joy and laughter with those you lost in the LORD.

He knows your pain, give it to Him. He understands your questions, your grief, your anger.

Let Jesus heal your heart. Trust Him with your unanswered questions until He either shares some insight with you through the Holy Spirit or He reunites you with them when He calls you home to be with Him.

As I have been following the many stories regarding this flood, I came across a mother who lost her beautiful 8-year-old daughter while at Camp Mystic.  

Her outlook is exactly what I wish to convey in this message.

Lindsey McCleod McCrory lost her daughter, Blakely McCrory, while at Camp Mystic and described her daughter as a “’live wire’ with a ‘fun, spirited attitude’ and ‘the type of child that doesn’t stay down for long.’”

She said, “I’m just so grateful to keep her spirit alive.”

McCleod McCrory continued, “And we strongly believe that it happened quickly. She didn’t have to suffer. I just have this feeling. She’s with all those campers and staff who died, and other children. I just imagined it as a happy place, a peaceful place.”

Wow! What faith this mother has!

McCleod McCrory has had her share of tragedy lately.

She lost her husband, Blake McCrory, at age 59 to a battle with cancer recently. She also lost her brother (also 59 years old) earlier this year.

What strength! I believe it comes from deep within due to her faith in Jesus Christ.

I am praying for those who have had to deal with such a tragedy in their lives who are hurting and searching for answers.

May God bless you and grant you the peace that surpasses all understanding. May you have joy again and continue to live your life with hope and meaning—just as the ones you lost would want you to.

Below is one of my all-time favorite Christian songs that I hope will bring you consolation as you listen.

If you want to have a relationship with God and are not sure how or where to start, see my previous posts Relationship with God and Relationship with God – Part 2.

The Greatest Love of All

On By CarmenLeave a comment

When you think about love, who or what comes to mind as your greatest love?

Maybe it’s your spouse, your child, or maybe even your parents or grandparents. Some might even say their dog or pet is their greatest love.

Let me ask you another question. How do you measure love?

Is it the simple satisfaction of being loved back by the person you love so much?

Or is it your ability to consistently love someone even though that individual has brought you much pain and rejected your love?

I’m sure there are different responses based on varied experiences.

For this post, I would like to focus on one love that we all have been given, and it is the greatest love we could ever experience.

Greater love has no man than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

This verse in the Bible is Jesus speaking to his apostles and it is the very thing that Jesus did for them and for all of us.

He willingly laid down His life for all mankind—past, present, and future.

He died for us on a cross—one of the most humiliating ways a person could die. He was crucified, a death that was normally reserved for criminals.

Jesus died for us because…

He was obedient to His Father.

He was sent to this world for this very reason.

He was the ultimate sacrificial lamb.

He told the truth about who He is.

He challenged and exposed the evil and lies of those in religious authority.

He socialized with the so-called outcasts—the lower class, the sinners, and the sick. 

He had a large following which caused fear and jealousy by the religious “elite.”

He loved us—all of us—past, present, and future, even though we are sinners.

He knew He was the only way for us sinners to reunite with our heavenly Father.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:6

I believe Jesus loves us because He knows that we are deceived by Satan, just as Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden.

He sympathizes with us in our failed condition, but He does not want to leave us there.

He wants us to overcome this world’s lies and ways.

He wants us to be like Him, and He has shown us how to respond and act in every circumstance that we could encounter.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. . .He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

A very good dramatization of Jesus’s life is The Chosen by Angel Studios. If you haven’t yet seen the episodes of The Chosen, I encourage you to do so.

My husband and I just saw The Last Supper at the movie theater this past Saturday evening. It is a great rendering of Jesus’s last days. I admired His strength to speak truth to the religious authorities, even though it meant His demise.

Jesus could have avoided such controversy by succumbing to the threats against His life, but He did not because He had a greater mission to complete—death on the cross for all mankind.

He is the propitiation for our sins, He is the ultimate sacrifice, and He is active in our lives, waiting for all those who surrender their lives to Him to rejoin Him in Heaven with our Father.

Why Heaven?

Some may say that life in the here and now is good enough, so why desire Heaven?

The answer is simply that we were not intended to live separated from God. We were always supposed to be with God just as Adam and Eve walked and talked with God before they sinned against Him.

Their sin separated them from Holy God and caused them to be cast out of the Garden of Eden.

Our sin also separates us from God, so we need The Perfect Lamb to restore us to God. This Lamb is Jesus.

A Better Life on Earth

This life on earth may be all we have ever known, but there is a better life waiting for those who follow Christ, now and for eternity.

Life as we know it on Earth will be gone one day.

We are told this by God Himself in the Bible, narrated by the apostle John.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give water to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life, without cost. The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. 

Revelation 21:1-7

Now this is something to look forward to!

We will be with the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, who are righteous and just!

No more lies or being maltreated!

No more tears, no more pain, no more illness, no more death!

And a new healthy earth to live on!

As we approach this Easter season, let’s turn our hearts and minds to the true meaning of it all.

Jesus Christ was crucified AND resurrected back to the Father where He is waiting for all of those who will choose Him over this world.

He paid for all our sins by dying for us and paved the way back to our heavenly Father.

This is the greatest love of all time.

Let’s praise our Savior Jesus Christ with the beautiful song below.

The Lamb (Alleluia) – John Wilds