The Lord instructed Moses: “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When a man or woman makes a special vow, a Nazirite vow, to consecrate himself to the Lord, he is to abstain from wine and beer. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or beer. He must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins. He is not to eat anything produced by the grapevine, from seeds to skin, during his vow. “You must not cut his hai throughout the time of his vow of consecration. He must be holy until the time is completed, during which he consecrates himself to the Lord; he is to let the…
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Advent Day: Twenty – Four
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17 This Christmas, what are you expecting? What do you want out of Christmas this year? Of this past year, what is one thing you have learned? One thing I have learned is to love and love with the overflow of God’s love. Matthew 22:35-44 says this, “And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him: “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with…
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Advent: Day Thirteen
For unto us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Immanuel: God with us. Have you ever gone through a time of excitement? Have you ever had to go through a crisis? Have you ever heard God speak to you during either one of these moments? God is a great God. He is a gentle, kind, loving God. When He speaks to us, He also walks with us. He doesn’t leave us to walk through hard things. He doesn’t leave us to walk through…
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Advent: Day Eleven
So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to David’s house and line. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to marry him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. Luke 2:4-6 . A pilgrimage. Have you ever went on a pilgrimage. Leaving behind the familiar life that you know and venturing into the unknown?? Having to hold onto God as your provider! This makes me think of missionary life. Joseph and Mary were called on a pilgrimage. They left behind…
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Advent: Day Eight
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew…
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Advent: Day Six
Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive, is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail. ” I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left. Luke 1:36-38 There is so much in this world that will fail us. People will fail us, and friends will fail us; the family will fail us. Do you know who won’t fail us? God! His word will never fail. Isn’t that amazing. Let’s read 1 Corinthians 13, ” If I speak human or…
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Give Thanks To The Lord
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. I will recount all of our wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you. I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2 In our family growing up, My day would have everyone around the table share what we were thankful for. Let us remember to thank God each day. One way to thank God is through our praise. The Old Testament uses three words for praise: for the Israelites to praise God Barak – bless halal – Hallelujah – praise the Lord yada – sometimes means give thanks I will give thanks to the…
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Bless His Holy Name
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. Psalm 103: 1-5 Do you ever talk to yourself about where your soul is with God? Do you bless the Lord and his Holy name? Do you remember the benefits he gives you? This Psalm is an expression of thanksgiving and praise to…
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Thanking God
He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them and told the disciples to distribute them. Mark 8:6-7 Thanking God for His provisions is so loving towards him. It is acknowledging who he is as our Lord who takes care of us. Have you ever thought about why the people didn’t pack a meal? When I know I might not be home for a meal; I make plans.…
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Spending Time With God
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35 Read the following passages and then answer the following questions. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Psalm 119: 103-105, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a…