According to Bible Hub, the command to set up the Tabernacle is a significant event in the history of Israel, marking the establishment of a central place of worship and the tangible presence of God among His people. It was to take place on the first day of the first month of the New Year. In Exodus, God commands the Israelites…
“On the first day of the first month, you will set up the Tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting.” Exodus 40:2 TLV
May each of us feel the peace and hope that the presence of the Lord brings throughout 2026. May we know Christ as Isaiah prophesied…
“And again Isaiah says: There will be a Root of Jesse, and he is the one who will rise up to rule the Gentiles; on him the Gentiles will place their hope…”
The Lord Jesus Christ, our Messiah and Lord, is He of whom Isaiah spoke!
“…Now may the God of hope fill you with complete joy and peace as you continue to believe, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:12-13 EHV
🙏🏻 HAPPY NEW YEAR! MAY YOU BE
BLESSED IN 2026! 🙏🏻
Posted inLove of God|Comments Off on Happy New Year – 2026
On the Eve of the birth of Christ, the prophecy found in Isaiah is about to be fulfilled!
In Matthew’s gospel, a note is added in parentheses
Our Heavenly Father has given us all we need, not only to be saved, but to know the Truth.
Because Jesus came in human form, it is important for people to know that He is more than a man. Thus, centuries before He came prophet prophets foretold the titles that would apply. I feel certain Mary knew these scriptures. Perhaps the scripture in Isaiah 7:14 gave Mary an understanding that enabled her to say with confidence:
“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38 ESV
When Gabriel spoke to Joseph, he told Joseph the child would be the fulfillment of the words of the prophet Isaiah and would be a beacon of hope for all people. This miraculous birth was not merely a coincidence but a divine orchestration that echoed the ancient prophecies, bringing forth a message of peace and salvation.
We can stand firm on Matthew 1:2, knowing that this prophecy finds its final and ultimate fulfillment in the birth of Jesus the Christ, God with us.
Posted inLove of God|Comments Off on And He shall Be Called Immanuel!
Rather than blending pagan practices with Christian, as some want to say, Christmas is a time we should celebrate the overcoming and defeat of paganism and idols by the Messiah, Christ! Christ has overcome the world. Rejoice and be glad that Messiah was born in Bethlehem!
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the God who has given birth also loves one who has been born of him. This is how we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep his commands. In fact, this is love for God: that we keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, because everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: namely, our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1-5
There is no teaching among Christians in the church, the Body of Christ, that evergreens protect or a Yule log has any powers. Christians do not worship these idols and we have freedom to celebrate as we choose because He brought freedom to us and set us free from superstitions.
“So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.” John 8:36
He, who created us, knows where we place our faith. He doesn’t look down on a Christmas prayer service and think His people are worshipping a pagan god. God looks on our hearts!
“… For the Lord does not look at things the way man does. For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
“Nevertheless, God’s foundation stands firm, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord keep away from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:19
It would be extremely wicked to trust in an evergreen or a Yule Log or anything other than the Lord Jesus Christ who is the way to our Holy Father. It is a sin to trust religion to save you. Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost! The Holy Spirit seals those who truly believe the Word of God!
“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30
One other thing we remember, it is written…
“One person values one day above another. Another person values every day the same. Let each person be fully convinced in his own mind.” Romans 14:5
What we must be convinced of is that our hearts are dedicated to the Lord and that we serve Him and no one else and nothing else.
Jesus said, “You believe in God, believe also in Me.” John 14:1
“So whether you eat or drink, or do anything else, do everything to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are his own chosen people, eager to do good works. Keep telling people these things. Continue to encourage and rebuke with full authority. Let no one ignore you.” Titus 2:11-15
Perhaps it is a grievous sin to celebrate Christmas if you don’t trust Christ and give the glory to Him, but if you know and trust Him, you are free to celebrate if you choose.
“But once this perishable body has put on imperishability, and this mortal body has put on immortality, then what is written will be fulfilled: Death is swallowed up in victory. Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 EHV
Did you know that in the Christmas story itself is revealed that personal salvation is for ALL people, not just a select few, as some ‘religions’ teach? Listen…
“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!” Luke 2:9-14 ESV
Notice the words, TO ALL PEOPLE!
Because Jesus came to serve as our Passover Lamb, so perhaps this was why He told shepherds first. Shepherds were on the bottom of the socio-economic order. I believe God came to them first to emphasize that our earthly riches will not be of value in God’s kingdom. Rejoice! He came for all people, not just a select few as some religions teach and I have heard that one group teaches that the promises are only for 144,000. Actually, that is one of the worst kinds of heresies because it keeps people out of the true Kingdom of God.
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of Lords.” Revelation 19:11-16 ESV
The King of glory came into a stable where there is mud and manure. When He comes again, He will come in power, glory, and judgment. Jesus will be leading the armies of God. Jesus is the LORD of Armies! His own will be gathered to Him but the lost will be struck by the sword from His mouth. This is how powerful the Word of God is and why it is a dangerous sin to change it in any way! We are living in a period of grace. Whosoever comes to Christ in repentance and faith will be saved. Those who die in their sins without receiving Christ, (and we are all sinners), will not get a second chance. Let Christ wash your sins away today. Call on His Name and be saved!
My fourth great grandfather was Edward Garrett II. He lived in SC with his wife Ann Owsley. They had sixteen children. Of course I have never seen them or even seen a picture of them, but something they did many years ago has touched my life and the lives of many others. Around 1790, Edward Garrett II of Warrior Creek, SC community invited elder Joshua Palmer of the Upper Duncan Creek Church (now Langston) to hold church services in his home, inviting those living nearby to attend. This continued after the death of Edward Garrett in 1794 and his wife, Ann West Owsley, gave the first acre of land for a church building in 1806. 1806 is the date used to indicate the beginning of Warrior Creek Church (then known as Warrior Creek Chapel) although, at that time, services had been held for more than 15 years. Services are still held there today and Edward and Ann, along with many of their descendants, lie in the church cemetery.
2024
When thinking of what life must have been like in Warrior Creek community near Laurens, SC in 1790, it seems that my fourth great grandparents could not have imagined how the word of God would still be preached in that locality 134 years after Pastor Palmer preached in their home. Even if they might have hoped for that to happen, never could they have imagined it would be available on a social media platform called Facebook. Yet the Lord knew this and used their small gift of opening their home and the donation of one small acre of land to bless so many through the ages.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10
“For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 HCSB
What we do matters. We can be used by God to provide a blessing if we love and obey Him. The Owsley/Garrett family did something in 1794 that is still blessing people today. Who knows how many generations may be blessed by something you do in the future?
Jesus is Christ, Messiah, Son of God, Son of man, the Rock, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, the First and the Last, Alpha and Omega, and LORD of HOSTS (Adonai Tzva’ot in Hebrew). He is the Light of the world, the Resurrection and the Life. He is the Author and Perfector of our faith. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is our Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus is Emanuel, God with us. (John 1:41, Matthew 3:17, John 1:51, 1Corinthians 10:4, Hebrew 12:2, Revelation 1:8 and 22:13, John 11:25, John 14:6, 1 Peter 1:19, Revelation 5:12, Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14)
“Always keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28
LORD OF HOSTS
Revelation 19:11-16 — “Next I saw heaven opened, and there before me was a white horse. Sitting on it was the one called Faithful and True, and it is in righteousness [tsid’ke-nu] that he passes judgment and goes to battle. His eyes were like a fiery flame, and on his head were many royal crowns. And he had a name written which no one knew but himself. He was wearing a robe that had been soaked in blood, and the name by which he is called is, ‘THE WORD OF GOD.’ The armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. And out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down nations — ‘He will rule them with a staff of iron.’ It is he who treads the winepress from which flows the wine of the furious rage of Adonai, God of heaven’s armies [YHWH, Elohe Tzva’ot]. And on his robe and on his thigh he has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (https://www.gotquestions.org/Complete-Jewish-Bible-CJB.htmlCJB)
WHO DID ISAIAH SEE WHEN HE SAW THE LORD – HIGH AND LIFTED UP?
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is (YHWH) the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD (YHWH) of hosts. Isaiah 6:1-5
ISAIAH SAW THE LORD JESUS
Isaiah said these things because he saw JESUS’ GLORY AND SPOKE ABOUT HIM. Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue. For they loved praise from men more than praise from God. John 12:41-43
The King of glory, who commands the armies of heaven and who will eventually defeat every enemy arrayed against Him, is none other than Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Lord of hosts (see Revelation 19:11–20). from Got Questions.com
Robert MacGimsey (1898–1979) from Louisiana wrote this song that sounds like a Black Minstrel, although the composer wasn’t African American. Perhaps the sound came from the influence of the lady he called Aunt Becky who was his childhood care giver. She often sang Sprituals to him as he grew up and he developed a heart for the many people who were mistreated during and after slavery in America. According to Union Review:
“His intent in writing “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” was indeed to portray it as an American slave song. MacGimsey made it his life’s work to learn, preserve, transcribe, and make accessible African- American folk music from the South. MacGimsey wanted “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” to echo the sentiments of black Christians in the Civil War era. He once described his most famous song as more a meaning than a song: He pictured an aging black man whose life had been full of injustice “standing off in the middle of a field just giving his heart to Jesus in the stillness.”
Don’t miss the most beautiful rendition by Mahalia Jackson!
Sweet little Jesus Boy, they made you be born in a manger. Sweet little Holy Child, didn’t know who You was.Didn’t know you come to save us, Lord; to take our sins away.
Our eyes was blind, we couldn’t see, we didn’t know who You was.
Long time ago, you was born. Born in a manger low, Sweet little Jesus Boy.The world treat You mean, Lord; treat me mean, too. But that’s how things is down here, we didn’t know t’was You.
You done showed us how, we is trying. Master, You done showed us how, even when you’s dying.Just seem like we can’t do right, look how we treated You. But please, sir, forgive us Lord, we didn’t know ’twas You.
Sweet little Jesus Boy, born long time ago. Sweet little Holy Child, and we didn’t know who You was….
My fourth great grandfather was Edward Garrett II. He lived in SC with his wife Ann Owsley. They had sixteen children. Of course I have never seen them or even seen a picture of them, but something they did many years ago has touched my life and the lives of many others. Around 1790, Edward Garrett II of Warrior Creek, SC community invited elder Joshua Palmer of the Upper Duncan Creek Church (now Langston) to hold church services in his home, inviting those living nearby to attend. This continued after the death of Edward Garrett in 1794 and his wife, Ann West Owsley, gave the first acre of land for a church building in 1806. 1806 is the date used to indicate the beginning of Warrior Creek Church (then known as Warrior Creek Chapel) although, at that time, services had been held for more than 15 years. Services are still held there today and Edward and Ann, along with many of their descendants, lie in the church cemetery.
2024
When thinking of what life must have been like in Warrior Creek community near Laurens, SC in 1790, it seems that my fourth great grandparents could not have imagined how the word of God would still be preached in that locality 134 years after Pastor Palmer preached in their home. Even if they might have hoped for that to happen, never could they have imagined it would be available on a social media platform called Facebook. Yet the Lord knew this and used their small gift of opening their home and the donation of one small acre of land to bless so many through the ages.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10
“For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 HCSB
What we do matters. We can be used by God to provide a blessing if we love and obey Him. The Owsley/Garrett family did something in 1794 that is still blessing people today. Who knows how many generations may be blessed by something you do in the future?
For those interested in Biblical history, it is very revealing to read of Pliny the Younger who wrote in 104 AD?
Pliny wrote over 200 years earlier than the Nicean Council met. Some ‘religions’ claim that the reason Christians worship Jesus as God is because of pressure exerted at this council. Actually, this isn’t true.
Pliny was a Roman who was involved in the persecution of Christians. He wrote to his supervisor about the charges against Christians. He wrote that they sang a hymn to Christ as unto God and bound themselves not to commit wicked deeds.
“They affirmed, however, that the whole of their guilt, or their error, was, that they were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verse a hymn to Christ as to a god, and bound themselves to a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft, adultery, never to falsify their word, not to deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up.” by Pliny the Younger
We have works other than the scriptures that speak of Christ being worshiped as God. Also, there were martyrs who choose death over denouncing Christ as God. Besides Paul and Peter and countless unnamed saints, Saint Ignatius of Antioch was a Christian martyr.
“Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the entire congregation of Israel and spread out his hands.” 2 Chronicles 6:12 CSB
WRITTEN IN GOD’S OWN BLOOD ( Acts 20:28)
Jesus established the New Testament with His own blood. The perfect, sinless, unique Son of God suffered so that we who believe might have eternal life in His name and through Him. The words ‘New Testament’ occur 13 times in the KJV of God’s Holy word. Four of the verses that refer to the New Testament are particularly revealing. Three are direct quotes from Christ Jesus our Lord, written by gospel writers. The other is in the book of Hebrews. (Matthew 26:28,Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 11:25, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 9:15). We will look at what Mark and Paul wrote…
And he said unto them, “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” Mark 14:24 KJV
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” Hebrews 9:15 KJV
UNDER THE NEW COVENANT
CHRIST CAME WHO IS THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD – Colossians 1:15
HOLY SPIRIT CAME TO US – Acts 4
A WAY WAS MADE THAT MAN MIGHT BE RECONCILED TO THE FATHER – Romans 5:10
BELIEVERS RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST – JOHN 3:16, JOHN 10:28
‘The New Testament is both ‘In Christ’ and ‘Through Christ.’ Both The Old and New Testament were given to the house of Judah and the House of Israel by Almighty God. The old foreshadowed the new and better Way. Jeremiah prophesied of God’s plan to provide us with the New Covenant that whereby He would put His teachings within us and write His law on our hearts. Under this New Covenant believers, both gentiles and Jews may be cleansed by the blood of Jesus and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. In Christ, we who were once far off are now reconciled to the Father.
“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:” Jeremiah 31:31 KJV
“But now hath he (Christ) obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” Hebrews 8:6 KJV
Many translations translate the word diathéké: as Covenant. It means testament, will, or covenant. WHAT IS THE NEW COVENANT
Because our God loves His creation, He is a Covenant making God! He covenanted when He established day and night – Jeremiah 33:19-20, 25-26 . He covenanted with Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, and David. All these covenants are found in the Old Testament. They are all important. The New Covenant, however, is the final covenant. It is God’s plan to provide the Way to forgiveness and eternal life for those who serve Him. It is the Way to be saved…
“And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins… Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:26-27, 33-36 CSB
WHY DO WE HAVE AN OLD AND A NEW TESTAMENT?
When Jesus said, “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many” a new Way was introduced. This new covenant meant that in heaven there will be a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, and people! I believe the Holy Bible is divided into Old Testament and New Testament because JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS SON came into the world and the world was changed forever. He changed how we count time. He changed how we understood history. He made a way for millions to spend eternity with Him in paradise. Because of Him, because Christ Jesus, we rejoice!
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