This is the last day of 2021! Need some guidance for the New Year?

Ask and keep on asking.. all the way through. 

Through what? All the way through what you're going through. What we as a nation have been going through.  

Why would we not ask or inquire of the Lord for His direction in the new year? 

Great idea for all. Pray, ask  seek, knock. Let's be like the Bereans and prove all things against what's so. 

We have "some knowledge"  about what's really so today perhaps, but we haven't arrived yet. There is more to learn. We don't ask when we think we already know. Ever felt like a know it all? Ever thought for sure you knew what was so and then it turned out not to be so? So much fake news out there today.. packaged like it's bona fide and true.

Are you already in the know ..all the way? Are you already wise in your own eyes, if not wise enough, then simply ask for wisdom and guidance. Ask for knowledge from the Word too. Ask for the specifics regarding His path for you. 

Sometimes we don't ask because we fear that God is going to give us an answer we really don't want to hear. 

King David kept inquiring of God in God's terms until he heard. King Saul briefly asked on his own terms because he was living in disobedience and God didn't respond to him so Saul went to a witch, the sorceress at Endor.

Many people are into the new age movement today and into psychics and horoscopes today because they are fearful and feel that God can't hear them.  Perhaps it’s because they too have first come to God on their own terms.. briefly ..living in disobedience how they feel like, and their sin blocks their communication. Repent, come on His (biblical) terms. 

When we take the wrong path because we don't ask then God doesn't give up on his children.

Go to Him on His term, not on yours. God has as many possibilities as there are messes in this world gone sideways. Ask.. hear clearly, seek n see, knock n go through the right place at the right time.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

Like me ..have you ever been totally determined to do a certain thing, to undertake a certain project, to marry a certain person, or to pursue a certain career..... and then God completely redirected you?

Be not self-confident instead of putting your confidence in the Lord. Why put confidence in your own abilities or in your flesh independently from the Word?

Peter tried that. I will never forsake you, Jesus! He did.   

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience and turn entirely away from evil." Proverbs 3:7 amp

There are many ways the Lord leads us today. Of course it would be nice if we could wake up every morning with a little heavenly dispatch on our iPads or at our doors, giving us our specific itineraries for the particular day: 

I would like it to include all the problems, trials, and challenges that I will be facing that day. I would like it to include all the questions I will be asked by others so I can be prepared. 

The Lord has never given me that iPad itinerary. He’s never led me or anyone in such a way, but I have found that divine guidance comes as a result of biblically taking steps of faith.

Ask and keep on asking. Sometimes there are ways the Lord will show us that we are out of His will. The Spirit convicts me at times and I need to repent. One of those ways is a lack of peace to rule like an umpire over my game so to speak. The Bible tells us, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). But peace is only one piece of the pie if ya will -- depend upon Christ. 

Maybe you can think of certain situations, perhaps a business relationship you were getting involved in, or another kind of relationship, or a place you were going to, and there was a sudden lack of peace inside—almost like a spiritual agitation deep inside of you. That might have been the the Prince of Peace, your Lord saying no, don’t go that way. I’ve got a better plan for you. Ask and keep on asking -- go back to him again and again for the detail regarding His will. 

There may be times when God directs you differently than the way you intended to go. Ever acted presumptuously before. I have and I thought I was walking in faith. 

God not only has His will, but He also has His timing for every situation in your life. Therefore, we want to make sure that we are in the will of God and are moving according to the timing of God as well. Let’s do it His way instead of our own. His mouth still works, He can speak to your heart and mind. 

Knowing the will of God is basically knowing God, so we diligently seek and keep on seeking.. to know n serve Him better. He want Him more than everything else.. more than our goals, more than our wishes, more than our so called vision.. more than everything else. 

You knock in relation to opportunity as well, Sport. Knock and keep on knocking. Consistently, persistently.. it becomes a lifestyle of vertical dependence. Knock on the Door. Look to the One who can open the doors. 

God can open a door that no man can close. It's easy for Him to do. It’s easy for Him to bring the right road blocks across your path as well.. those ones you need. And He can remove all roadblocks out of the way before you when you ask and keep on asking to know His will. 

“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me." ~ Jesus, Revelation 3:8 nlt

Let's listen, test it.. those messages, and be like the Bereans to prove all things against what's written in the Bible. Why embrace it if it's off and not worth embracing?  

"As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men.." Acts 17:10-12

Do you have zero assurance yet, and some doubt inside about how well you’ll do in eternity? Jesus is the Door for you.  

"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." ~ Jesus (See John 10:9-16 nkjv)

Here's five basics on living in the will of God.. like during this new year.

Need some help with guidance through the 2022 and beyond?  You're not alone, and the Lord can make it easy and clear for you and me.

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. keep on seeking, and you will find. keep on knocking, and the door will be open to you." Matthew 7:7 nlt

Here are five's basics to know before ya go..

* 1.) God doesn't delight in our confusion. God's love letter to the believer, the Bible, is written to reveal mysteries not to conceal mysteries.  Prayerfully consult this book and its Author for wise guidance in 2022 and beyond.

"These things I've written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God (which represents all that Jesus Christ is and does), so that you will know with settled an absolute knowledge that you already have eternal life." 1 John 5:13 amp

* 2.) God is willing to guide you -- He's not reluctant to.

He never has been reluctant to. He's given us His Spirit to comfort, to encourage and to guide.. His church as well, and the Bible. Just keep returning to this Book.

* 3.) God is able to guide you in many different ways.

On any day of the week!  Inquire of the Lord by faith and then listen to Him with a heart willing to do what he says and how he wants you to do it. Wisely do what He says, cuz too many of us have tried to do it our own way and been foolish. I've sadly been there before.

He can open the door for you, He can close one, He can give you peace inside your heart, He can give you unrest, He can bring smart people for animals across your path that make it clear. Remember Balaam heard from his donkey.  

Basic: He can speak to you from the Bible. if you think he's speaking to you by an Angel or a spirit then you better verify it against your Bible like a Berean would do.

One man said, "I didn't have a peace about marrying her, but I prayed through until I did have peace regarding marrying her and now I realize she isn't saved ...because she told me so. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers in the original language it means do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. let not your heart be troubled, neither let It be afraid." ~ Jesus, John 14:27

Peace is only one part the guidance-equation. Hey, if you really want to do something bad enough you can gain some peace to get going, and the devil can also give you a sort of peace to proceed down the wrong path.

* 4.) God's first priority with you and me isn't our happiness. He's more interested in what's best for us.  

Even when He blesses us He has others in mind too. He's very interested in what's best for us and He delights to bless us.

Certainly there's no place to be as happy as in the will of God! There's no better place to be really, but sometimes the will of God involves suffering or death. Sometimes even dying young like the martyrs did as they glorified the Lord. You got to know that about the will of God.

Just because you have a job that you don't at all like doesn't mean you're out of God's will. Moses had a job he didn't like for 40 years and he was in God's will. It was indeed God's place for him.

Just because you're struggling in your marriage with that person of the opposite sex you hooked up with.. doesn't mean that you married the wrong one, or are outside the will of God. Naw, Many people are struggling because they married a worldly, or carnally-minded, or religious, or lost person.. but that might not be you if you didn't marry one of those types. Did you marry somebody dead or lukewarm? Are you lukewarm spiritually, or red hot on-fire for Jesus and in a healthy growing local church? Are your pastors and your church, and you prayerfully in the word of God daily?

Sometimes, being right in the middle of God's will means you're going to experience difficulties, trials, testings and temptations even. 

"..strengthening and establishing the hearts of the disciples; encouraging them to remain firm in the faith, saying, 'It is through many tribulations and hardships that we must enter the kingdom of God.'" Acts 14:22 amp

"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. in the world you will have tribulation. but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own and would treat you with affection. but you are not of the world (you no longer belong to it), but I have chosen you out of the world. and because of this the world hates you. remember and continue to remember that I told you, 'a servant is not greater than his master.' if they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." ~ Jesus John 15:19-21

* 5.) Ordinarily, God doesn't show us His will until we are willing to do it. Many people who ask God for guidance want him to present it to them first so that they can decide if they want to do it. 

If you trust Jesus as Lord, then just sign on the dotted line and let God fill in the blank so to speak (Just make sure it's nothing that the Bible clearly calls sin).

How can I be sure I am praying according to the will of God?

I want to recognize the will of, and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Well, He guides us through our own consciences (with the Word Romans 9:1) and via other quiet, subtle ways.

 Forgive even me.. is that God's will?

The new year is upon us already. Time seems to fly when you’re having fun huh! 

2022 is upon us, and you might be one of the millions of people planning to grow and change some part of your life. Have you made some New Year's resolutions? God can help you with those if you pray over them. You might need some good guidance from the Lord today. Ask, listen, hear and then wisely apply God's word. 

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” James 4:13-17

Are you going to follow the Christ of the Bible and stay in the will of God for you, or are you going to trust / ask Him to follow you?  You laugh, but people do the later all the time. We do what we and then ask God to bless it – I’ve foolishly done that before.

We can't just divorce Him from our life, schedule and then get busy in our own sufficiency. Presumptions. Why miss use up some of that dash in-between the dates of your birth and departure that’ll go on your headstone.. that represents your very life?

I’m not against planning at all, but we can’t just do life as if God will bless whatever you decide you will do.  We need to inquire of Him as to what He would have each of us do.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Ps. 90:12 

My life is in His hands and I pray I can make every day count to glorify God.

“Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am.” Ps. 39:4 

“And this we will do if God permits.” Hebrews 6:3

Some so called believers us verses on the brevity of life to live it up partying almost every day. Others use these verses to justify never taking a smart risk – life is so short. Why try? Others use these verses to justify their lazy passivity. We’re not to be fatalists, we can earnestly pray and wisely act in 2022.

The Puritans used to sign their letter with D.V. = Deo Volente (Latin terms meaning “God willing.” There’s gobs of wisdom in that D.V.)

"..but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus." Acts 18:21 nkjv

"..But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power." 1 Cor 4:19

"For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits." 1 Cor. 16:7

“We can hardly believe that another year has flown by”. Or “It only seems like yesterday that we were writing last year’s greetings.” 

People look back over another year, wondering where the time has gone. We seem to live in a culture that constantly feels pressurized by time – deadlines that have to be met, an awareness that the clock is always ticking. If we say that a person has “time on their hands”, we have come to equate that with laziness. James says the brevity of life is the reason we need to walk humbly with God. What were they basically saying? This…

“Look here, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.' How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, 'If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.' Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” Jas 4:13-17 nlt

- We can do life without God if we really want to.

- We can determine life without God if we really desire that.

- We can describe life without God if that's really our beloved goal.

Please determine now to let Jesus rule without rival in you. Let Him by His Spirit describe real life and His direction to your heart.  Yes, determine now in your heart to do your life real close in following Christ on His terms!

- Inverted Selfishness (James 4:1–3). The wars among us are caused by the wars within us. We want to live too independently and please ourselves, even if it hurts somebody else. If we are not careful, even our prayers can become selfish!
- Worthless Worldliness (4:4). Because Abraham opted to live separated from sin BUT NEVER LIVE INDEPENDENTLY FROM GOD, he was the friend of God (2:23); but Lot little by little YET DESICIVELY chose to live too independently becoming the friend of this corrupt and perverse world system (Gen. 13:1–13. Also muse on 1 John 2:15–17).
- Dangerous Hubris (4:5–10). Satan knows how to use pride to defeat you as he defeated Eve (Gen. 3:1–6). Are you laughing when you should be weeping over your own sins? Are you submitting to God's direct or delegated Authority while resisting the devil. Or have you in a religious sort of way been resisting the Lord?
- Diversionary Criticism (4:11–12). One of the easiest ways to hide our sins is to be too busy trying to expose the sins of others. Gossip and slander grieve the Spirit and divide your forever family. God called us to be witnesses of what we've seen, experienced, heard and done.. not judges!
- Boasting in the Flesh (4:13–17). Life here is short and the future is unknown, so go prayerfully do the will of God today. When you make plans, inquire of the Lord and His Book first. Always say, “If the Lord wills” (Prov. 27:1).

Ship in the water?.. good!.. or is the water in your ship and fillin' it up? Bad! What's SO good is the Church in the world bein' and clearly giving witness of Jesus, but what's super lame is the world in the church sinkin' it.

“A whole new generation of Christians has come up believing that it is possible to ‘accept’ Christ without forsaking the world.” ~ A.W. Tozer

The founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, a man who has amassed billions in personal wealth was once asked what one thing he would wish for in life. He reportedly replied, “More time”. That’s one thing in life that not even the wealthiest person can change. It’s ironic that in a culture so committed to saving time, that is the one thing we feel increasingly deprived of. We talk euphemistically about “saving time”, but in actual fact time can only be spent, not saved.

One of the differences between the African view of time and the Western view is that in Africa people tend to see life as a series of events. When these have happened or been dealt with, then the remainder of the time is for “being”. By contrast, we in the West feel that time has to be constantly managed so that every moment is ‘productive’.

The deficiencies of such a mindset become more apparent to us at times such as the advent of a New Year when we habitually reflect whether the past twelve months have constituted a ‘good’ year, or a ’bad’ one. Even the Queen has been through at least one “annus horribilis”. 

Such annual reflection reminds us that many of the events of the preceding twelve months were happenings that were outside our ability to manage or anticipate. Royalty is no exception. Equally, we sense that whatever we have written in our diary for 2012 is provisional, as our control over life’s events is so limited.

For many, the way to come to terms with what cannot be anticipated or managed is to adopt the philosophy of “Que Sera Sera - whatever will be, will be”. If life’s events cannot always be controlled by choice, then chance is what determines your destiny.

But the Christian approach is different. The Bible comes out clearly with the truth that God sets the times and seasons. It is God who decides whether 2012 will be a good year or bad year for me. And how I respond to God’s calendar is the secret of whether my faith grows in the year ahead.

James 4:13 instructs those who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money” with the reminder, “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow.. Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’”. 

It’s not that the Bible condemns wise forward planning (it doesn't), but it’s simply that we should never leave God out of our future plans.. without inquiring of Him like King David often used to do. Ask Him first, instead of decide on your own. 

In the old days people used to add the letters D.V. to all such intentions, an abbreviation for a short Latin phrase, Deo Volente, which means ‘God willing’.

The mere use of the phrase itself can become a pious cliché – perhaps that’s why it has largely disappeared – but the attitude of humble dependence on God as we face an uncertain future is the vital thing to retain.

Back in the Old Testament days, King David wrote “My times are in your hand, Lord” Psalm 31:15

Put your life, heart, plans and times (moments of life) in His hands. In simple terms, Let Jesus guide you on what to put in or take out of your life. Whatever I put in my journal (or diary if you have one) for 2012 will be of no significance compared to what God puts in my diary. When we recover the attitude of “Deo Volente”, then we will be able to echo the prayer attributed to Moses in Psalm 90 – “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

What is 100% for sure, yes FOR SURE God's will for you today?  It's His will that you turn (repent), trust (believe in) and simply come to.. or come back to Jesus Christ by faith. Right here and now.  

Red is the color of Christmas and do ya know why? Man, all need to know why!

Sure, He was born to die on Calvary's cross for you and for me.  So RED, it's the color of Christmas!  It's not because of Santa’s clothes, bulbs, or Rudolph’s shiny nose, but because of the shed-blood of Jesus for us.. so that we could enjoy a white Christmas not just keep dreaming about one ..yeah. Come as you are to God even now.  Be washed -- become white as snow.

It's what I read, said and explained to my grandson Heath at the table this year, God's words..

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 

This is why there’s zero reason for believers to fear (instead of reason together) at Christmas time (or at anytime) like those of the world often do!  We can turn, trust, approach by God by faith to apply the bloodshed of the Cross and then live fear-free ever holiday season!  I say we live with the holy fear (respect) of God instead of with any other kind.   

Are you afraid, all alone and lonely at Christmas?  You don't have to be for another minute!  Say NO to fear at Christmas! To loneliness too (click).  

Did ya know that in 2020 there were over 600 million web-searches worldwide in the YouVersion Bible app.  And what was the number one underlined verse in this whole e-Bible globally?  This verse, Isaiah 41:10.  Yeah, globally there’s been an 80% increase in searches in the Bible during 2020, and the answers people are looking to address shows us that there's a whole lot of people that are experiencing fear ..even during this Christmas season.  Did you know there are 200 people in Bible who are said to have been afraid. True.  But perfect love casts all angst und furcht aus / out.  God tells us this... 

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us..” 1 John 4:18-19

In such rude surroundings in a stable and placed in a borrowed manger cuz who'd go out and buy one for a baby? (borrowed manger at the beginning borrowed tomb at the end.. that didn't turn out to be the end).. He's the only one among all those who've been born who chose where he'd be born.

Think about it, without Christ’s…

- virgin birth none of it happened, but it did happen with some eye-witnesses.. His

- virtuous life (so selfless, no sin),

- vicarious death,

- victorious resurrection and soon

- visible coming again... soon!

The first Christmas was very unusual to say the least. 

With Jesus (divesting himself), God became one of His own creatures. An event unparalleled, unheard of with no precedent!

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words.”  Give thanks “for his indescribable gift.” For his “inexpressible gift.” For his “unspeakable gift.” See 2 Corinthians 9:15

I mean with the birth of Jesus there in Bethlehem.  Bible promises were fulfilled.

Q: What’s the distinctive Christianity has no other world religion has? A: The Trinity. And do you see the Trinity at the first Christmas?  The Bible says, “’How can this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit (that’s the third Person of our Triune Godhead) will come upon you, and the power of the Most High (that’s our Father God) will overshadow you.  So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God (that’s Jesus the second Person of the Godhead). Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month..”  Luke 1:34-36 

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” John 1:16

Christians of every century have accepted the teaching of the virgin birth as they should, the doctrine is an essential.

“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." Matthew 1:18 esv

An early Church Father named, Anselm,* once said there's four different ways that God makes a man. He’s done it before.  

1 - By the law of natural generation meaning from the union of a man and a woman which produces a child.

2 - By His own creativity without the agency of either a man or a woman.. like when God made Adam, and then from Adam God took a rib and created Eve.

"So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. And from the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him. And the man said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken.” Genesis 2:21-23 

3 - By a miracle like with Isaac when his parents who were way beyond the age to have a child.

4 - By God the Holy Spirit impregnating a virgin without any help from any man.. that he created. Yes, a child born of a woman without a man even involved. Jesus was begotten of the Holy Spirit, not from Joseph.

If we can accept this as authentic believers do accept this, then of course we can accept the teaching of the virgin birth as God wants us to. Sure like everything in the Bible cuz it's all true!

Man, how can we ever explain all there this virgin birth first Advent mystery, I sure can’t do that. But we can be sure of this.. the incarnation was necessary for our salvation.

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on [him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 2:14-17

Yes, if we accept this as sound believers always have, then we can also accept the doctrine of the Virgin birth.

Now some people call that birth “miraculous” but it's way more than merely miraculous. What happened with Isaac was merely miraculous, but this was deity coming down to the human level.

Jesus had to become a man in order to free mankind from the power of sin and death. The sinless Son had to make atonement for our wrong-doin's.

“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus said, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:19–20; Luke 9:57–58).

He, Christ, started out being placed in a borrowed manger (first birthday, cuz nobody in their right mind goes out to buy a manger for their baby), and he ended up his life be placed in a borrowed tomb.

He owns it all but there was no room for Him.. He get's rejected at an inn. 

“Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” For.. “There was no room for him in the inn.” T he caravansary in Bethlehem was crowded with merchants and travelers and the very best that the world could offer God’s Son was in a stall in a stable. There was no room for Him when He came from the bosom of the Father; no room for Him during the years of His earthly ministry of healing the sick, feeding the poor, lifting the fallen, saving the sinful, always loving and always giving; He was crowded out.

It would appear as we read the gospels that He spent most of His nights in the open air. “Foxes have holes ..but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” 

Yet it was His world by right of creation. “All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made.” For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” He came to His own—His own world—and His own received Him not. And after all these centuries of Gospel light, of Bible preaching and of sound education, He is still “despised and rejected of men.” Will you apply the blood by faith and be cleansed?  He is still seeking to enter homes and hearts.  How few there are who welcome Him!  Will you invite Jesus in? 

1. Why is the Virgin Birth so important?

Why could Jesus not be born of a human father?

2. Is “virgin” or “young woman” the correct translation of Isaiah 7:14?

Is Isaiah 7:14 even intended to be a Messianic prophecy?

3. What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary?

Is the Roman Catholic understanding of the virgin Mary biblical?

4. Do the narratives of Jesus’ birth contradict each other?

Are there contradictions between the accounts of the birth of Jesus in Matthew and Luke?

5. Why did God choose Mary?

Does the Bible say why God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus?

6. Why wasn’t Jesus given another name?

If Immanuel (Emmanuel) was to be the name of the promised Messiah, why was His Name Jesus instead of Immanuel?

7. Did Mary have other children? How many children did Mary have?

Did Mary have other children after Jesus?

8. Was Joseph married before Mary?

Was Mary Joseph’s second wife? Did Joseph have a wife a children before he married Mary?

9. What is the Annunciation?

Why is the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary known as the Annunciation?

10. What is the Immaculate Conception?

Was Mary sinless? Why do Roman Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception of Mary?

11. What does it mean that Jesus is God with us?

What does it mean that Jesus is God with us? What are the practical implications of Jesus being God with us?

12. Is there any validity to the Zeitgeist movie?

Did Christianity copy its beliefs from other world religions? Is Jesus a copy of other gods or mythological beings?

13. What does Immanuel mean?

What is the meaning of the name Immanuel? In the Bible, is Immanuel a name or a title?

14. Why was Jesus born in a manger?

Why was Jesus born in a manger? What should we learn from the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth?

15. What is Mariology?

Are Christians to “venerate” her or any other mere human?  Nope.  Should we pray the rosary or talk to dead saints? Nope.  And we don’t really need any idols.  So, is the Roman Catholic understanding of Mary even biblical?  Is Mariology something a Christian should study? Venerate means to worship and Mary said she needed a Savior which would be she is a sinner. We are to revere to Lord – why even call a pastor a Reverend? Don’t do that. Our society sure lacks holy fear, respect and reverence for God, venerate, worship, adore mean to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully.

She was indeed godly and blessed but by her own admission Mary also needed forgiveness. “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’” See Luke 1:46-55

16. When were Joseph and Mary considered married?

When were Joseph and Mary considered married? Were Joseph and Mary married before Jesus was born, and if so, when?

17. Is Mary the mother of God (Theotokos)?

Since Jesus was God, and Mary gave birth to Jesus, doesn’t that make Mary the mother of God? Nope. Who lived first? God always was when Mary was just an idea in His mind.

18. Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah?

Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? What are some of the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament?

19. Is Jesus a myth? Is Jesus just a copy of the pagan gods of other ancient religions?

Is Jesus the same as Horus or Heru, or Mithras, and Osiris?

20. Is Jesus God in the flesh? Why is it important that Jesus is God in the flesh?

How can deity and humanity be merged in one person?

21. Who was Joseph, the father of Jesus?

What can we learn from what the Bible says about Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus?

22. What happened to Mary biblically?

Where is the last mention of Mary in the Bible?

23. What does the Bible say about the angel Gabriel?

Quite an angel was he!

1. Is praying the rosary scriptural?

Is praying the rosary scriptural? Was it really helpful? Naww, my whole family used to do this. Made my mom happy. I say go straight to God the Father through Jesus the Son with whatever you need.  He delights to answer every prayer with Yes, No, or Wait.  Are there any aspects of the Rosary prayer that do not agree with the Bible? Yep, like the form prayers directed to saints like Mary.

2. Are apparitions of Mary, such as Lady Fatima, true messages from God?

Why does Mary have such an important role in the Catholic faith?

3. What are prayer beads? Is it okay to use beads while praying?

What are prayer beads? Is it okay to use beads while praying? What is the origin of prayer beads?

4. What is a novena?

What is a novena? Is the Roman Catholic practice of praying novenas biblical?

5. Got some questions about prayer and simply praying?

God, I love you and want to know, follow and love you better. Please help me.

6. Here are some questions from Catholics and about Catholicism

Got some Catholic Questions? An honest look at Catholic theology from a Biblical perspective.

7. Not going to slight any Catholics (as a child I was raised in this Roman organization), but is the Catholic Church a separate religion or a division of Christianity?

*Who was Anselm of Canterbury (1033—1109)? Anselm was born around 1033 into the family of a Lombard landowner of Aosta, in the Piedmont regions of Northern Italy.  He is called a church father who liked to study truth.  Some call Anselm one of the most important Christian thinkers of the eleventh century.  Perhaps, not sure if he was.  

"Only the lonely know the way I feel tonight.. Only the lonely know the heartaches I’ve been through." ~ Roy Orbison

Christmas is almost here and what have you been wantin'?  Got some feelings of loneliness this time of year? 

What are you going to do with em?  Many people try to drink or smoke em away.  

Yes, many people feel lonely ..especially during the holiday season.  I hate that, and I feel for them.  Been there, done that before.  

May I ask you.. Is someone who was once there with you.. who meant a whole lot to you.. not there with you any more?  So sorry!  There is Someone there for you this year. 

A new Harvard study came out to show us how many Americans often feel lonely as of late.  

The study shows us that 36 percent of Americans feel significantly alone and lonely almost all the time (here).  ALMOST ALL THE TIME!  

Hey no cliché here, but it’s Christmas time and God is still love and He’s SO there for you.  Right now.  Where you are, and He gets it.  He can meet every need, just believe!  The Bible says...  

"So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'” Matthew 1:22-23 nkjv

You know there are a lot of names for Christ, but here’s a name for Him that I like a whole lot!  I really love Immanuel more than so many names! 

Who feels lonely at times?  Perhaps everyone.  Even famous people aren’t exempt from sadness, from loneliness and from emptiness—they are human, just like us.  They are not super-human, they are just like us.  

The only difference is “they just happen to have the money, fame and luxurious lifestyles many dream of having — except they get to experience firsthand just how empty it all is.” 

One doctor named Robin Smith wrote a book called "Hungry: The Truth about being Full," and in it she writes about those who feel a loneliness, a void, an emptiness in their lives after experiencing success.  She calls it being "hungry for the high note." 

She goes on to write about the early deaths of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston back in the day.  "People say that drugs killed them.  Drugs didn't Kill them.  What killed them is they were striving and hungry. They were striving to 'Hit the high note again.'" People hate to feel lonely, empty, broken, or like some has-been. Jesus understands! 

“As a society, we do little to support emerging adults at precisely the time when they are dealing with the most defining, stressful decisions of their lives related to work, love, and identity. Who to love? What to be?” ~ Loneliness in America 

“Among American adults today, 36% (of respondents) reported serious loneliness—feeling lonely “frequently” or “almost all the time or all the time..” This included 61% of young people aged 18-25 and 51% of mothers with young children.

43% of young adults reported increases in loneliness since the outbreak of the pandemic. About half of lonely young adults in our survey reported that no one in the past few weeks had “taken more than just a few minutes” to ask how they are doing in a way that made them feel like the person “genuinely cared.”

Young adults suffer high rates of both loneliness and anxiety and depression. According to a recent CDC survey, 63% of this age group are suffering significant symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Again, this fairly new report suggests that 36% of all Americans—including 61% of young adults and 51% of mothers with young children—feel “serious loneliness.”  Not surprisingly, loneliness appears to have increased substantially since the outbreak of the global pandemic.”

You also know there are many types of loneliness today, and various causes of loneliness, and the potentially steep costs of loneliness seems to be rising higher.. including early mortality and a wide array of serious physical and emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, heart disease, substance abuse, and domestic abuse.  This doesn't need to happen at all. Please don’t abuse yourself or any other human ..never ever, not even if they are still in the womb!  

Listen, you can be a part of the problem today, or you can be a part of the Solution today.. in Christ (this world's ulitmate Soluiton).  He loves all sinners like me, and He can forgive any sin we've committed.  

So which will you choose?  What do I say?  I say get your name on the roll, and be on the rock -- build others up every day!  Believers can help to build up our physical and our social infrastructure (with zero racism) too.. at every level in our communities ..if there is a willingness to build together. 

For decades small groups have been so important to Liney and I against loneliness etc.  Even now more than before.  I'm not takin' about religious groups or ones based on downer-problems, or 12 steps (which might be good steps), or on personal opinions, but on what’s really so and very edifying for all.  Believer, you have a story to tell that can help others -- yes, there are those who need to hear it.  There are people who need to hear the Gospel story!  It's imperative. Let's build up instead of tear down.. one by one by one.  Let's build upon true words and sound principles (in the Bible), and upon viable solutions from God that'll last -- that go the distance for all kinds of people everywhere. 

We each have a part to play so to speak. We each can do something to restore our commitments to Him, to His Church, to each other and to the common good in this country.. even to those citizens who are vulnerable.

This Loneliness in America: How the Pandemic Has Deepened an Epidemic of Loneliness and What We Can Do About It report is based on an online survey of approximately 950 Americans in October 2020.

“The Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Years ago, Roy Orbison recorded one of the great rock n roll classics, entitled, "Only the Lonely."  

Remember it?  A couple of the lines from the song go, "Only the lonely know the way I feel tonight.. Only the lonely know the heartaches I’ve been through." 

Have you ever heard it?  What do you think about that song?  Did it resonate with you any?  That song did with a lot of lonely people who knew what it was like to feel isolated (even with certain people), rejected, or abandoned by those who shouldn’t ever abandon.

Have you been palmed in the face so to speak, or ditched, pushed, or straight-armed?  Do you have puffed up, smug, impudent sons or daughters that have done that to you or to other family members, though you’ve raised them never to do that?  

Perhaps it’s because of your sound stance on Conservative values and principles, or because of your sound spiritual beliefs that they do that.  The world and the worldly (including dead-inside, nominal and or stiff religious Christians) have never been fans for those.  If the world hates you, guess who it really hated first?  So don’t take it so personal.  If it’s due your your selfish words or stupid acts that they ditched you.. then please learn from that.  Did they tell you multiple times that they hold to the same good stances as you do in those areas but then suddenly their choices totally betray their professions?  There’s a name for that and you’re really not the first one to be blindsided.  Christ was as well by those who played HIs friends. 

“He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3

And yet Jesus chose to love His enemies.  We can prayerfully do that too.. by His power.  This agape love starts on two knees so to speak. 

Jesus said, “This is My command to you: Love one another. If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.”  John 15:18 

Maybe you’ve been intentionally forgotten or abandoned this year and it’s due to their excuses regarding Covid 19—perhaps it was by your parents, once close friends, your spouse, or your children.  Or maybe someone you loved and had high-hopes for died of Covid or some related complication?  Liney and I just found out yesterday evening that our second son was killed by Covid 19.  Yeah, it took almost five months for the authorities to figure that out.  I guess there’s a backlog.  

So, perhaps you feel that you’ve been abandoned by loved ones.. or even from God Himself.  Is that the case, or at least it seems that way?  Are you lonely during these holidays?  What will you do about that, run farther away from God and His Church (your forever-family of real believers), or run closer to Him and them? 

There are many people who feel estranged and alienated from God today.  Some really bad things have happened in their lives and they wonder how a God of Love could even allow that.  

Even the people who seem to have everything they want in life, with apparently zero lack.. they may still face a deep, nagging, inner loneliness.

We read in John five of this lone dude at the pool of Bethesda in Israel who was in a seemingly hopeless situation, but he wanted to hope again.  He didn't want to be lonely, yet he'd been literally abandoned.  

He wasn’t one of the outwardly beautiful, rich, or strong people of His day.  He was neglected, ignored, uncared for and pretty much unable to help himself.  What’s more, it would appear that he’d been in that type condition for many long, emotionally painful, weary years.  Sure, can you imagine.. he must have felt forgotten and desperately lonely inside.

But then Jesus Christ came along and changed this man’s life for good.  The forgotten man wasn't forgotten (by God) and he was never the same again.  It’s a story that tells you and me how to change as well.  We can turn, change and be longterm-changed for good if we cooperate with the Spirit. What did Christ do at the beginning with this man?  Well, initially before this big transformation with a personal healing were delivered to this man, Jesus first asked him a very pointed question: "Do you want to be made well?"

What kind of question is that, Lord?  Well, think about it.. many people really don’t want to be made well.  Perhaps they like the Government hand-outs and other benefits that come from how they are.. or maybe there are other reasons too?  Perhaps they get really used to being that way.. too used to it. 

What if Jesus asked you something like that same question?  Do you really deep-down want to be made well.. or whole by God?  May I be so bold to ask you.. Is there something in you that needs a touch, a healing, restoration, or needs changing in your life? 

What do you feel you really need to make you happy?

Freebee Gifts and Earthy Governments Don't Make it Go Away.  

Loneliness Doesn't Go Away by Adding in Another Idol During a Holiday.. or With "a Fling", or With Another Shiny Thing or With an Affair.  Nope, but Many Don’t.. Won't Believe This.  Stuborn, Bullheaded, I was That Way.  They Think It'll All Go Away.. that Way instead of His Way. 

Jesus is God' the Father's Good Way for you and me. 

"There is nothing new under the sun."  Think about King Solomon a sec.  He is the one who said that verse long ago.  Remember when he went on a wild binge to personally experience every pleasure this world had to offer people.  Solomon a party-animal lived in the fast lane and a luxurious palace, with servants, expansive gardens and everything that a King of his day could ever long for. Desires, He went after them.  He had women at his beck n call and more wine n grub than a high-profile foodie could take in during a whole lifetime. He had it all, and yet.. he had nothing.  He was lonely, empty and brokenhearted.  Please ask for God's wisdom like he did!  Wise old King Solomon summed it up this way: "Everything is meaningless!" (Eccl. 1:2) 

The word for meaningless that Solomon voiced can be translated as emptiness, futility, meaninglessness, nothingness or simply a "bubble that bursts!"  Is that a photograph of your life? 

That is where Jesus (God the Son, fully God and fully man) comes in.  King Solomon was raised up to have faith actually, but he abandoned a life of faith for a long time.  Too long.  He'd taken a long stride from His Master’s side.  Lonely midlife crisis?.. you can ask him one day if you like.  Then after realizing that this world system had nothing satisfyingly good to offer him, he simply returned to the Lord in the end.  Great idea!  You can turn, trust and come back to the Lord as well.. or you can do that coming to Him for the first time today.  He forgive and gives second chances.  He also gives free re-fills, believer.  

We tend to think like empty ole Solomon did.  We think we have all the things we want in this world to make us happy, and then we find ourselves like many lonely hurting celebrities find themselves: We’re searching (desperately), so sadly, so empty, so lonely, so down, and ultimately, completely unfulfilled with the lives we are living. Our own BEST choices have brought us to where we are -- we need a smarter Lord to save, to comfort, to provide for, to fellowship with, and to guide us daily. 

Hey Sport, when the outlook ain’t so good, try the uplook!  

Don’t wait another day! Read through the Bible prayerfully.  It is full of broken, lonely, heartbroken people, but it is also full of hope, love and the Good News Message of Jesus Christ. I believe that through a relationship with Christ, you can find peace, comfort, fulfillment, contentment and an abundant life -- life everlasting.  If you are feeling despondent enough to take your own life, please don’t act selfishly. Reach up to Him. 

Do you want to be made well?  On every level.. really?  What do you live for.. what do you dream about or talk about the most?  Is it about gaining that next house or car or computer game or vacation?  

Maybe it’s an addiction you have to a certain vice or certain lifestyle that you are totally trapped in.  Maybe it’s something you’ve tried to shake time and time again.  Man, this is emotional.  Or maybe it’s an old hatred, grudge, or resentment, that you’ve nurtured and nursed along over the months or years and it’s becoming more and more toxic with the passing of time.  What is it with you? Got an idol to bow down to so to speak?  Is it your spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend?  Is it your boss or job? 

Christ enter the scene and turned the course of this man’s life around forever, giving the man an ability to live a life free from loneliness and the power of sin. He could now walk in spiritual victory with JOY unspeakable and full of glory.  He was forgiven and could now enjoy heart to heart fellowship with his Father God who made Him and has a good plan.  

We too can live that life of victory—we can enjoy the ability to break old habits, old strongholds, old bondages and to forgive old fools who reject.  Those who are so tactless and rude and repeatedly hurts others without often knowing it. We can let go of old resentments that they should get it but refuse to.  Jesus is the friends that sticks closer than a brother or son.  

He has all the transforming resurrection power that we each need, the unction to properly function, the Holy Spirit’s anointing to overcome.  But guess what, we must "want to be made well" by Him. Hey Ace, come as you are.. to Him today. 

I'm feelin' thankful today 12/21 for Christ's incarnation. The incarnation is when the one true God came down, took on human flesh here on earth.  It happened and now since Jesus has been physically raised from the dead then guess what.. He is not merely some spirit floating around out there. He is fully human and understands what you and I are going through. 

Not too long ago there was this Jewish man named Larry King.  He was always on TV interviewing people, infact more people than I can even count. Well, Larry was once asked.. what is the one question you would love to ask and have answered by God?  Yes, what would that question be, and Larry responded with: “God, do you have a son?”  

Would that be your question too?  God indeed as a Son and His name is Immanuel a.k.a. Jesus Christ who loves you and has a good plan. 

What does Immanuel mean? ..and why this name, Immanuel? 

How did Jesus bring joy to the world?

What’s the Identity of Jesus.  Is the deity of Christ biblical? Did he have a last name?

If His name was Yeshua, why do we call Him Jesus? 

Got some Jewish questions and about Jesus or Judaism?

What does it mean that Christ was despised and rejected of men (Isaiah 53:3)?

Got some questions about the Jesus Christ of the Bible? That’s the Person you and I want to know! 

What does it mean that Jesus is God with us?

Is Jesus really God in the flesh? Why is that even important that Jesus is God in the flesh?

Why wasn’t Jesus named Immanuel by Mary and Joseph? If Immanuel (Emmanuel) was to be the name of the promised Messiah, why was His Name in that family “Jesus” instead of Immanuel? (Photos above by Sara Rolin and Kyle Johnson) Fish4souls.org

Now I have resurrection power living on the inside

Jesus, You have given us freedom from loneliness!

I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness

Living in the light of Your goodness

You have given us freedom from loneliness!

Freedom, You have given us freedom

You have given us freedom, my chains are gone

Freedom, You have given us freedom

You have given us freedom, hallelujah

Freedom, You have given us freedom

You have given us freedom, my chains are gone

Freedom, You have given us freedom from loneliness!

You have given us freedom, hallelujah

Now I have resurrection power living on the inside

Now, I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness

Living in the light of Your goodness

You have given us freedom from all loneliness!