Of the MOST HIGH

Luke 1 (selected)

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end."
34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God."
38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the Child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Assuming that Gabriel [the angel sent to tell Mary this news] was of the male gender, my apologies for the photo of the [female] angel. Perhaps we need to get someone to make one that looks like Gabriel. What that might look like - is your guess as well as mine.

On the serious side. I am amazed at this Scripture for several reasons that are not always the obvious. First, Mary's joyous belief of this angel who brought her news that was now going to complicate her life drastically. In fact, it would most likely alienate her and cause her to be looked upon with disgrace even though she was quite innocent of all thoughts and charges. Second, among the angel's first words are, "Do not be afraid, Mary..." - and the angel bookends it with "You who are highly favored... do not be afraid, Mary...you are favored!

[In case you were wondering why I'm here, Mary - You found favor with God - so don't be afraid - you are favored!"] .........Ponder that one more time.

Still, Mary does what any of us women [young or old] might do. She asks, "How's that gonna happen?" Then the angel explains all the details along with telling of Elizabeth's miraculous conception as well.

Now Mary is so excited... she does what most women would do. She packs her bags and goes off to relate with the closest friend/relative she has - one whom God Himself has provided to share the experience with her. Isn't that just like God? When we are trusting HIM - He never leaves us alone to ourselves. He always surrounds us with someone to comfort and cheer us - and have joy in the journey with us.

Lastly - look at the encouragement that Elizabeth was to Mary. Both women understood [perhaps in their limited human form] God's plan for the birth of both of their children. They - and both of their husbands - had been visited by an angel - and now all four would trust GOD to bring about all that the angel had said.

And so it was..................that while they were there................... the days were accomplished that she should be delivered................... and she brought forth her firstborn Son.

Looking Upward and Choosing GREAT JOY,

Stephanie

[Following the Star]

EVERYTHING is Possible

Matthew 6 (selected)

22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Do Not Worry
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. [emphasis added]

Psalm 37 (selected)

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD

and He will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in Him and He will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him;... [emphasis added]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Led Home by the Shepherd]

The LIVING God

Luke 24 (selected)

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself! Touch Me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, He asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42 They gave Him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and He took it and ate it in their presence.
44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
45 Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

The Ascension

50 When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. [Emphasis added]

COME, LORD JESUS!

Looking Upward and Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Led Home by the Shepherd]

FULFILLED

Matthew 1

The Birth of Jesus Christ

18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 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. 21 She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with Child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.

Matthew 2:15,17,22

15...And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my Son."

17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

22 Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

Matthew 13:14

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: " 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

Matthew 26

55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled. [emphasis added]

Do we run and hide from the TRUTH of God's Word or do we embrace all of its wonder and fulfillment?

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Led Home by the Shepherd]

Hearts That Give

1 Chronicles 29
David's Prayer
10 David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

"Praise be to You, O LORD,

God of our father Israel,

from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

for everything in heaven and earth is Yours.

Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;

You are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from You;

You are the ruler of all things.

In Your hands are strength and power

to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give You thanks,

and praise Your glorious Name.
14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand. 15 We are aliens and strangers in Your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building You a temple for Your Holy Name, it comes from Your hand, and all of it belongs to You. 17 I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly Your people who are here have given to You. 18 O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of Your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to You. 19 And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep Your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided."

20 Then David said to the whole assembly, "Praise the LORD your God." So they all praised the LORD, the God of their fathers; they bowed low and fell prostrate before the LORD and the king. [emphasis added]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Led Home by the Shepherd]

A Torn Curtain

Matthew 27:50-54
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely He was the Son of God!"

Can we even imagine what that day was like when that veil was torn in two? Eyes were opened, sin was paid, hearts understood like never before. Freedom rang out as slaves of sin were set free. Access to the Throne Room of a Holy God was made possible for those who believed this "Son of God" = JESUS CHRIST = now RISEN and ALIVE.

That's why I call Him the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - because He's the God of the living! And HE [Jesus] lives to intercede for you and me. Can we ever adore Him enough for interceding on our behalf?

Hebrews 7 (selected)

24 ...but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.
26 Such a high priest meets our need—One who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. [all emphasis added]

As we ponder this baby lying in a manger - filled with urine stenched straw - remember the Cross where His purpose was fulfilled!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Led Home by the Shepherd]

Pursuing the PROMISE GIVER

Romans 4 (selected)

13 It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, 15 because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 23 The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. [emphasis added]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Led Home by the Shepherd]

The Fullness of Grace

Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 3:1-8
Doing What is Good

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. [Scripture emphasis added]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Led Home by the Shepherd]

Hallelujah

Taken at 5:19PM from my backyard. Praise God from Whom All Blessings flow!

LOOKING UPWARD

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For a few years now, the LORD has allowed me to photograph the magnificance of His Sun, His Moon and His Sky. The very first Bible verse that I have taught my grandchildren is this:

Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

When I went on a mission's trip to Tamazulchale, Mexico, recently, this was the same verse [different version] in Spanish - over the pulpit of the Sanctuary of the church where our team would speak and share Christ with all the village Pastors and wives and members of their congregations.

Tonight - in the evening sky - there will be a display that only God could have fashioned for us to see. Let it be a reminder of WHO HE IS - the CREATOR - REDEEMER - and SUSTAINER of the Universe!

Here is a LINK to read more about it and prepare yourself to see this and explain it to your children. Click here: Look to Sky for Spectacular Sight Monday

Look to Sky for Spectacular Sight Monday
By Joe Rao

[He says]

"Every once in a while, something will appear in the night sky that will attract the attention of even those who normally don't bother looking up. It's likely to be that way on Monday evening, Dec. 1.
A slender crescent moon, just 15-percent illuminated, will appear in very close proximity to the two brightest planets in our sky, Venus and Jupiter.
People who are unaware or have no advance notice will almost certainly wonder, as they cast a casual glance toward the moon on that night, what those two "large silvery stars" happen to be?"

I couldn't help but think about his words. Are we looking upward - at the wonder of God - where even the moon and the stars declare His glory? Or will we be caught unaware of Him - with no advance notice? There is no excuse for us to be caught unaware - for the Bible says:

Romans 1

(Paul speaking)

14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
God's Wrath Against Mankind

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [all emphasis added]

Oh, may we give HIM praise and glory when we see the night sky tonight. Look upward to the Almighty, Eternal God of Creation and give Him praise! Only Jesus Christ came to bring PEACE ON EARTH!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Led Home by the Shepherd]

God With Us - For Us - In Us

John 1 [selected] KJV
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.
11 He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.
12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Isaiah 52 NIV

The Suffering and Glory of the Servant

13 See, My servant will act wisely ;

He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
14 Just as there were many who were appalled at Him—

His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man

and His form marred beyond human likeness—
15 so will He sprinkle many nations,

and kings will shut their mouths because of Him.

For what they were not told, they will see,

and what they have not heard, they will understand. [all emphasis added]

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Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Led Home by the Shepherd]