NEW YEAR'S 2013; LET US HONOUR THE LORD!!!

In this New Year, 2013, there are some things that we SHOULD place in priority, in order to SERVE *GOD*, and others! I am going to challenge myself this year, to first of all, inch even closer to *GOD*, then, to act in ways pleasing to HIS WILL! Ways such as making SURE I am DOING more to serve HIM, and others...

Things we can ALL DO in this New Year...

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: DAY 7...

Today is the 7TH Day of CHRISTmas: Seven swans a-swimming: Seven gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT...

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)...

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit is an enumeration of seven spiritual gifts originating with patristic authors, later elaborated by five intellectual virtues and four other groups of ethical characteristics. They are: wisdom, understanding, wonder and awe, right judgement, knowledge, courage, and reverence.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! TIME IS A GIFT OF THE LORD, SPIRALING EVER FORTH TO FULFILL HIS WILL, LET US HONOUR THE TIME WE ARE GIVEN!!!

ECCLESIASTES 3... 
1/ There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. 
2/ A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. 
3/ A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. 
4/ A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. 
5/ A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. 
6/ A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. 
7/ A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. 
8/ A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: DAY 6...

It is the 6TH Day of CHRISTmas, and, New Year's Eve!!! Six geese a-laying: The six days of CREATION!
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world...

GENESIS 1: 26-31... 
26/ Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground." 
27/ God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. 
28/ God blessed them, saying: "Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth." 
29/ God also said: "See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food; 
30/ and to all the animals of the land, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the ground, I give all the green plants for food." And so it happened. 
31/ God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. Evening came, and morning followed--the sixth day.

TICK TOCK, THE COUNTDOWN TO 2013: LET US ENTER THE NEW YEAR POSITIVELY!!!

By the GRACE of *GOD* we are heading into 2013; are you full of HOPE, excitement, and anticipation? Or, is it just more of the same? If it is just more of the same, you know as well as I do, that mentality is part of the problem, don't ya?!!

THE CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY & THE HOPE DERIVED OF LOVE...

Children, especially orphans, and the Elderly, are those whom REALLY NEED us! The BEST of us! No wonder *GOD* has decreed that we should care for them! Given the circumstances of TOO MANY of these, it is CLEAR that HIS decrees CERTAINLY derived from extensive knowledge, compassion, and soundness!!!

Both Children, and, the Elderly, taken from a normal life, and, placed into THE SYSTEM, suffer greatly! Not to underrate those who also suffer under normal conditions, but, the orphans, and, the displaced Elderly, REALLY suffer!!!

SUNDAY'S SACRED SCRIPTURES: PURPOSE TO THE GIFT OF LOVE...

JOHN 15: 1-17... 
1/ "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. 
2/ He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. 
3/ You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. 
4/ Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. 
5/ I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. 
6/ Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. 
7/ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. 
8/ By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. 

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: DAY 5...

It is the 5TH Day of CHRISTmas!  Five gold rings: The Torah or Pentateuch, the first five books of THE OLD TESTAMENT...

The first five books of the Bible (a.k.a., Torah Pentateuch), are called the books of Moses because he was the writer.  After Moses, God spoke through other individuals, prophets, revealing His Word.  Determining what is revealed and not revealed is the spark of debate; This debate regards the canon, which means rule or standard.  

The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch:  1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD, THE LORD, CHRISTMAS!!!

JOHN 10: 14-18... 
14/ I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, 
15/ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. 
16/ I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. 
17/ This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 
18/ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father."

This is CHRISTmas to me! HE has come to take us, the Gentiles into HIS fold, to watch over, protect, comfort, and sustain for ALL eternity!!! AMEN! Let us PRAISE HIM, WORSHIP HIM, and GLORIFY HIS name, THROUGH the best we can bring forth, from the spirit outwardly!!!

HAPPY HOLYDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY FINAL WEEKEND BEFORE THE NEW YEAR ♥♥♥

I have been SO busy that I keep thinking it is Saturday, but, it is FRIDAY! Everything is going by so fast, and, with so much going on, I am losing track of the time! Here we are, just days before 2013!!!

Personally, I get REALLY excited by the prospect of a new year; it is hilarious in truth, because, what can a calendar day change? Seriously, at midnight on December 31ST, we enter into a new year with a mindset that THIS IS GONNA BE THE YEAR OF YEARS:))) Ah well, it is encouraging to view the new year with such enthusiasm, yes?!?

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: DAY 4...

Today is the 4TH Day of CHRISTmas!  Four calling birds: The four Gospels!!!

The 4 Gospels, MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, and, JOHN, according to Christianity, bear an accurate and authoritative account of the life, and death of CHRIST JESUS! The 4 Canonical BOOKS of The New Testament are the most widely used for the study of the life, and times of THE LORD, CHRIST JESUS. Gospel also refers to 'GOOD NEWS', which our LORD, and, SAVIOUR came to share with us, via HIS GIFT of HIS life to consecrate THE COVENANT OF PEACE, or RECONCILIATION...

FAITH IN ALL TIMES...

Some people's FAITH is not as strong as it could be, or should be, because they don't see *GOD*, or feel HIS presence in their lives, though, surely, and TRULY, HE IS VISIBLE in a multitude of ways!!!

I don't know what it is that we humans need to see to believe, or to be motivated at all times! Most of us would pass out from fear if THE LORD suddenly appeared to us! Not only that, HE IS evident in EVERYTHING! HE IS there in good times, in bad times, in ALL times, IF we are there with HIM!!!

TRUE FAITH IS DERIVED FROM SUCH UNDERSTANDING and ACCEPTANCE:
ISAIAH 40: 28-31... 
28/ Do you not know or have you not heard? The LORD is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. 
29/ He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound. 
30/ Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall,
31/ They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: DAY 3...

The 3RD Day of CHRISTmas: 3 French Hens represent the 3 Wise Men, or, The 3 Biblical Magi...

LUKE 2: 8-18... 
8/ Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. 
9/ The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. 
10/ The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 
11/ For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. 
12/ And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." 
13/ And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 
14/ "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." 
15/ When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." 
16/ So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. 
17/ When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. 
18/ All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. 

The announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds is in keeping with Luke's theme that the lowly are singled out as the recipients of God's favors and blessings (see also Luke 1:48, 52).

HAPPY HOLYDAYS WITH ALL MY LOVE, TAKE CARE, and, allow HIS LOVE to become ONE with you, that you are ALWAYS in HIS favour! PRAISE HIM, WORSHIP HIM, and be humbly grateful for ALL HE HAS done for us, and HIS PRESENCE in our lives, which IS the continuing evidence of HIS LOVE for us!!!

TAKE THE PLUNGE INTO THE CROWNING WATERS OF LIFE: LOVE!!!

In ALL of history, the greatest GIFT ever known, is LOVE; the LOVE our FATHER in Heaven holds for us, then manifested in the flesh, a brilliant LIGHT, that we might find our WAY to HIM through the carefully laid, heavy darkness! This GIFT is both tangible, and, intangible; it is ALL powerful, ALL inclusive, and, ALL pure! It has been explained, seen, felt, and proven, yet, we remain distanced from it's usefulness, because we are, largely, reversed in our perceptions, because we have learned the world before we have learned of HIM, and, HIS LOVE...

We measure HIS LOVE on the premise of the worldly LOVE we have known, which, has minor basis, yet, we must know by now, after the many heartaches, disappointments, and, sufferings, that LOVE of this world is corruptible in every way! HIS LOVE is incorruptible, unending, unwavering, and IS renewing! IF we took the time to study HIM, and HIS LOVE, we would begin to understand that worldly LOVE is premised on factors that derive from the deceiver of this world, marred by influence, desire, passion, greed, pride, and other such that produces, in the end, negative results, most of the time! HIS LOVE is irrevocably TRUE, empowering, enabling, enriching, endowed, encouraging, and, enlightening, working ONLY FOR THE GOOD OF ALL IN CREATION, VOID of any negative!!!

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: DAY 2...

The second day of CHRISTmas, 2 Turtle doves, represents The Old and New Testaments!!!

CHRIST, the partridge in a pear tree, is the pulse of The Old and New Testaments, as THE WORD comes to life through HIM!!!

THE HOUR IS NOW HERE WHEN TRUE WORSHIPERS WILL WORSHIP THE FATHER IN SPIRIT & TRUTH...

JOHN 4: 23-24... 
23/ But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth;  and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. 
24/ God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth."

The true worshippers - All who truly and sincerely worship God. They who do it with the heart, and not merely in form.

JOYOUS KWANZAA...

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States (and, more recently, Canada) but also celebrated in the Western African Diaspora. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Kwanzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba): Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. It was created by Maulana Karenga, and was first celebrated in 1966–67.

SUPPOSE IT IS THE WRATH OF *GOD*???

Certain countries seem to be hard hit, repeatedly, in various ways, as if some lessons NEED to be recognized, then heeded....

Particular behaviours, and deeds are happening in these certain countries, which have, most definitely, the potential to invoke the wrath of *GOD*, first, in the form of warnings, then increasingly, more severe...

Throughout the world, practices against HIM are occurring moment, by moment; practices even worse than those that saw the fiery end of the ancient cities Sodom, and Gomorrah, along with it's peoples...

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS...

This evening marks the beginning of The Twelve Days of CHRISTmas for many, for others, these 12 days have come, and gone! Interesting how traditions have been altered to fit particular Doctrines, isn't it???

In certain cultures, such as in England, these 12 days are celebrated with continuous feasting, and merry-making, since the Middle Ages! Boxing Day which is December 26, is the first full day of CHRISTmas, and is a National Holiday in many Commonwealth nations. It is celebrated with gifts for Servants, Tradesmen, and, Friends, wherein, plum pudding, roasted goose, and, wassail are commonly served...

CHRIST THE LORD IS BORN: MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE♥♥♥

LUKE 2: 6-20... 
6/ While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, 
7/ and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 
8/ Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. 
9/ The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. 
10/ The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 
11/ For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.
12/ And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." 
13/ And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 
14/ "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." 
15/ When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." 
16/ So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. 
17/ When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. 
18/ All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. 
19/ And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. 
20/ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS: THE LOVE OF *GOD*...

The fourth and last Sunday of the Advent season is on December 23, 2012. The day is called the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The fourth candle is lit on this day along with the first three. It is the Bethlehem candle, reminding that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It is the CHRIST candle, or, the candle of LOVE, or, the Angel's candle. O COME, O COME EMMANUEL...

Advent is all about preparing for the second coming of CHRIST, our LORD *GOD*! It is about RECEIVING HIM, mastering HIS example, learning, and living in HIS LOVE as intended, and becoming the best you feasible, from the spirit outwardly; to HONOUR HIM, and to proclaim HIM as THE LORD, THE KING OF KINGS, THE PERFECT "I AM"!!!

SATURDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS: JOSEPH & MARY HEAD TO BETHLEHEM & LESSONS FROM THE MOTHER OF THE LORD...

I just got home from a Holiday gathering in the next state, long drive, but, obligation prevails! PRAISE THE LORD I am home; something is very strange with the steering in my car, it was weeble-wobbling all over the place; a very difficult drive when it is such a long one! I just got it out of the shop a few days ago; can't get ahold of the mechanic, because his Grandfather is in serious condition, but, thanks be to *GOD*, I made it:)))

My posting is going to be a bit sporadic in the next few days, because I have much left to do before Christmas Eve, as well as other obligations to fulfill, though, I will pop in as I am able...

LUKE 2: 1-5... 
1/ In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. 
2/ This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 
3/ So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. 
4/ And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 
5/ to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

HE'S ALWAYS BEEN FAITHFUL---SARA GROVES

DOES THE LORD HEAR OUR PRAYERS??? NEED WE ASK???

Good morning, people of this life! I am here to share with you, the FACT that THE LORD, our most LOVING *GOD*, DOES hear the prayers of the FAITHFUL, and, as HIS WILL determines, answers our prayers! HALLELUJAH, PRAISE HIS HOLY name, and, THANK YOU LORD!!!

I won't go into detail, but, one of my most pressing prayers was answered as I opened my eyes this morning, and, I am ecstatically testifying while PRAISING HIM!!!

Doubt, and other factors, hinder prayer, so, before you pray, BELIEVE IN HIM! And, be patient, always, because HIS time is not of our time; though, HE most certainly CAN, and DOES work in our timeline, sometimes, HE deems that we have to wait; perhaps for another lesson to take root, or to measure our FAITH, and surely, other factors are at work in HIS WILL...

FRIDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS; GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO!!!

All of CREATION awaits with excitement, the fulfillment of prophecy; the birth of THE LORD, *GOD* and SAVIOUR! Well, perhaps not all, because HIS coming means the defeat of you know who! Still, the Heavens, and it's Hosts, sing "GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO!", you can almost hear them in the distance, as in great numbers they come forth in their Devotion, and, Proclamation to HONOUR CHRIST, THE LORD!!!

SO MUCH went into this most BEAUTIFUL GIFT to Mankind; one only has to read THE WORD through, then, assimilate the events from Adam and Eve, through the time of HIS birth! Who else but the TRUTH of GENIUS, and LOVE, *GOD*, could have all human history integrated, and, entwined into the manifestation of HIS PLAN? The more it sinks into my power of reasoning, the more AWESOME it is!!!

CHRIST IS THE BLESSING of BLESSINGS; LOVE PROVEN, and undeniable! This season IS ULTRA SPECIAL, thanks be to HIM, for HIS MERCY, GRACE, and, TRUE desire to see HIS Chosen safe in HIS eternal company!!!

Here we are; the weekend before CHRISTmas! A time of LOVE, a time of JOY, a time of PEACE, a time of HOPE! Let us take the time to reflect upon the DIVINE nature of THE GIFT OF LOVE to this world, and, to THANK HIM for LOVING us so very much! But mostly, let us HONOUR HIS LOVE with great intention, and sincerity, by following HIM, in thought, action, and reaction! PRAISE THE LORD, ALL in CREATION!!!

SING, GLOOOOOOOORIA, GLOOOOOORIA, GLOOOOOOORIA, IN EXCELSIS DEO!!!

HAPPY HOLYDAYS, with ALL my LOVE!!!

REV. LWINSOR © 2012

Live It: HOW TO GET PAST WHAT YOU WILL NEVER GET OVER...

Like many, the recent tragedy in this HOLY season, in Connecticut, has taken it's toll on me, and, you can't but be reminded all over the 'Net, good, or bad! My heart hurts for those who are suffering this great loss, at this special time of year; it is simply, tragic. I found this as I was sorting through some things, so, thought it was worth sharing, with HOPES that it might contain even a single inspiring thought, that may help someone, somewhere, who needs encouragement...

*GOD* BLESS, and BE with us ALL, I LOVE YOU, and let us stand with ALL who need us!!! PEACE be with you, in the name of CHRIST our LORD....

Sorry, the link for this article is not working, so, here is what I have received concerning this article...

Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of John F. Westfall's new book, Getting Past What You'll Never Get Over: Help for Dealing with Life's Hurts (Revell Books, 2012).

Life in this fallen world is full of suffering, and Jesus warned us to expect trouble in it. Various kinds of hardship – such as illnesses, injuries, broken relationships, financial crises, and the deaths of people we love – come into everyone’s life.

MY CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO THE WORLD...

IF I could give everyone in the world a gift for CHRISTmas, I would give them strength, courage, along with the ability to cope, wrapped in the happiness inducing PEACE of FAITH, and, the ribbon would be tightly threaded with HOPE! This I would do because of the LOVE, that has been given to me, by THE LORD ABOVE...lw'12

THURSDAY'S TRIUMPHS: WE 'ARE' STRENGTHENED IN THE LORD...

THE GOOD LORD gave us an incredible amount of strength, along with ability, and, capacity, that, we can overcome, survive, grow, and, gather from the downers of this life! Like CHRIST, we are able to be victorious OVER the things in life that have the power, like Crazy Glue to attach us to what is wrong! Looking into society, you can see that many have become attached to what is wrong; they are bound to their suffering, pain, agony, grief, discouragement, depression, and on the negatives go. It is a shame because we are NOT designed for defeat, NO!, we are designed for TRIUMPH!!!

2 TIMOTHY 1: 7...
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

CREATION SPEAKS OF THE GLORY OF *GOD*; SO SHALL ALL MANKIND!!!

I am SO busy, but, THANKS be unto THE LORD, who GIVES me strength, and endurance, to ALWAYS accomplish what I must:)))

HOW I LOVE our LORD! It is VERY difficult to explain HOW HE has filled me, HOW HE has touched me, HOW HE has inspired me, but, I CANNOT relent from ATTEMPTING to, because HE IS WORTHY of EVERY PRAISE!!!

While HE is within all of us, HE is likened unto a seed that needs to be, first, discovered, then nurtured, in order for the magnificence of HIM to blossom, flourish, and, exceed expectations! Yes, in many, HIS presence is like, dormant, but, those who have espied HIM, in HIS GLORY, have come to KNOW HIS INFINITE LOVE, BEAUTY, GRACIOUSNESS, GENEROSITY, GENIUS,MASTERY, well, ALL of HIS REMARKABLY AWESOME ATTRIBUTES, which, CANNOT change, for HE IS TRUE to HIS DIVINE nature, and WILL!!!

HE IS THE LORD, NO DOUBT CAN DENY IT!!!

BLESSED IS THE AMAZING *GOD*, who took an ordinary young girl, with extraordinary TRUST in HIM, to manifest the prophecy OF HIS GRACE! Mary, Mother of THE LORD, complied with FAITH to HIS WILL, as did Joseph, her Husband, whereas, Zechariah, the Father of John The Baptist, doubted, though the AWESOME *GOD*, fulfilled HIS WILL, even through the doubt!!!

Doubt is rampant in humanity, it has been so since the first people; this is the heavy shroud placed over us by the evil enemy of *GOD*! Doubt, I am sure, serves great purpose to HIS WILL, given it's extensiveness! It must be a measuring instrument, or, a tool of implement! MANY doubters have been worked into SOLID believers, such as Thomas, and, Paul too...

JOHN 20: 29...
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

WEDNESDAY'S WISDOM: THE STAR OF PROPHECY & FULFILLMENT...

2 SAMUEL 7: 12-16...
12/ And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. 
13/ It is he who shall build a house for my name. And I will make his royal throne firm forever. 
14/ I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. And if he does wrong, I will correct him with the rod of men and with human chastisements; 
15/ but I will not withdraw my favor from him as I withdrew it from your predecessor Saul, whom I removed from my presence. 
16/ Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.'"

ISAIAH 7: 14...
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.

LOVE IS THE REASON FOR THIS & ALL SEASONS: IT IS THE 'HEART' OF LIFE!!!

LOVE IS THE REASON FOR THIS HOLY SEASON, in fact, for ALL seasons, therefore, let us, also, give the gift of LOVE to ALL! In doing so, we are then, BLESSED by THE TRUE GIFT of LOVE, our LORD, in ways we cannot begin to fathom! In giving LOVE, HIS LOVE IS payed ever forward, and as a beacon, invites ALL into the heart of HIS LOVE, which then, heals, restores, renews, and, replenishes ALL in it's path!!!

THANK YOU LORD, for YOUR LOVE, it has filled me, exceedingly, then has, overflowed from me, until I can no longer see myself, instead, finds me looking forward to the end goal of the MAJESTIC GENIUS of YOUR LOVE! GLORY TO *GOD* IN THE HIGHEST!!!

REV. LWINSOR © 2012

AS HIS CHOSEN ONES...

COLOSSIANS 3: 12-17... 
12/ Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 
13/ bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. 
14/ And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. 
15/ And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. 
16/ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 
17/ And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

TUESDAY'S THOUGHTS: PREEMINENT LORD; FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS...

COLOSSIANS 1: 15-23... 
15/ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 
16/ For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. 
17/ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 
18/ He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. 
19/ For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, 
20/ and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross (through him), whether those on earth or those in heaven. 

LET US SEE, & LET US HEAR...

MATTHEW 13: 15...
Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them.'

ALL Scripture is *GOD* breathed, and, exists to TEACH us of HIM, and HOW to live according to HIS WILL! Unfortunately, people pick, and choose, what they WANT to hear, or know, SO then, there are more uninformed than informed! Many of HIS Ministers/Pastors/Reverends/Preachers, and others, have QUIT their Calling because of this! I DON'T agree with their choice; the peoples refusal of THE TRUTH is what it is, but, it sure ain't gonna get better with those Called running away from their DIVINELY ORDAINED duty!!!

This IS a HOLY season, a celebration of LOVE, a time of opening UP to increased awareness, then, ONENESS with THE LORD! It is a time to GIVE oneself TO HIM, in order to receive OF HIM!!!

IT IS ALL ABOUT *GOD*!!!

ALL, AND EVERYTHING IN CREATION, IN EXISTENCE, IS ABOUT *GOD*, AND HIS GLORY!

HIS LIGHT IS THE PURITY OF LOVE, OF GENIUS, OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, UNPRECEDENTED, WHICH SPANS FAR, FAR, FAR BEYOND THIS WORLD!!!

PREPPING THE SPIRIT FOR THE HOLINESS IN WHICH IT WAS MANIFESTED...

1 PETER 1: 17-19... 
17/ Now if you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one's works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, 
18/ realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold 
19/ but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb.

1 PETER 2: 11...
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and sojourners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul.

MONDAY'S MEDITATIONS: LET US MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY FOR THE LORD!!!

In listening to the cry of John the Baptist we hear the message of Advent: Prepare the way of THE LORD by repenting of sin and embracing the DIVINE life granted in baptism...

 Powerful words to grow by! Advent is all about preparing for CHRIST JESUS, our LORD, and, *GOD*, and, what better way, than to begin within, with the TRUE self, the spirit, while ever peeling away the self which is of the world???

MARY, MOTHER OF THE LORD...

The days are flying by, and, the HOLY season is gaining momentum! Have we been preparing in spirit, for the BLESSED coming of THE LORD???

While John The Baptist, certainly, had a definitive, and, imperative role, we must also revere the role of Mary, the Mother of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD, and, *GOD*...

Mary, the BLESSED Mother, was an Israelite Jewish Woman from Nazareth of Galilee, and, lived in the late first century BC, and, the late first century AD. According to Scholars, she was roughly 12 years old, when she was visited by the Angel Gabriel, and, 13 when CHRIST, our LORD was born; this in accord with Jewish customs; although, some claim she was around 15. According to varying Doctrines, and Dogmas, there are various stories of her role; Christians maintain CHRIST was born of IMMACULATE birth, others believe she gave birth by COMMAND of *GOD*! She was already betrothed to Joseph and was awaiting the concluding rite of marriage, the formal home-taking ceremony...

Her Parents were Saints; Joachim, and, Anne, and she was Cousin to Elizabeth, with direct lineage to Aaron. Joseph was in direct lineage with Jacob. Elizabeth, and, the Priest Zechariah, were the Parents of John The Baptist. The Gospel of LUKE mentions her by name the most, a total of 12 times. Let us take a look into the HOLY, DIVINE, SACRED, and BLESSED event...

SUNDAY'S SACRED SCRIPTURES: THE LORD WILL NEVER LEAVE, NOR FORSAKE YOU...

DEUTERONOMY 31: 6...
Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you." 

ISAIAH 41: 10...
Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with my right hand of justice.

IN ORDER TO HEAL FROM ANYTHING, WE HAVE TO DO OUR PART, IT IS CALLED UNSHAKEABLE FAITH...

MATTHEW 5: 4...
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

 ISAIAH 41: 10...
 Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with my right hand of justice. 

2 CORINTHIANS 1: 3-4... 
3/ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement,  
4/ who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God.

SATURDAY'S SOUNDNESS: WHEN THE WORLD CRASHES IN AROUND US, THE LORD IS YET SOUND!!!

When the world seems to crash in around us, and, there is no soundness, nor sense to be found, we must remember the one source of soundness, and, sensibility, THE LORD, our *GOD*, whom, remains our ROCK, our FORTRESS, our DELIVERER, our SURE, and, PRESENT help! HIS soundness is eternally sound!!!

While we have a difficult time making sense of HIS sensibilities, they ARE practical, wholesome, and, good for ALL in CREATION, thus, we must TRUST HIM, and, HIS magnificent GENIUS, at ALL times, even when we are lost in a sea of torment, anguish, and, despair...

2 TIMOTHY 4: 18...
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

A TERRIBLE DAY IN CONNECTICUT...

Oh my! I have been gone since I posted earlier today, totally unaware of the tragedy in Connecticut! How awful for those Families! It just breaks my heart! Parents TRUST their Children are safe in School, and, Teachers, as well as other Faculty members should feel safe in their workplace, though, in recent years, there have been some mind boggling scenarios! Then, on top of it, the 20 year old shooter was a Teacher's Child! His Brother said that he had a history of mental illness, and, ironically, 2 of the 3 guns used/found in this act of violence were registered to his Mother, whom he killed before he went to her place of employment...

28 precious lives, of which 20 of them were very young Children, between the ages of 5 & 10, along with 8 others! Can you imagine what this will do to those Children who survived this? Many of these Children were in close proximity, to the shooter. When he walked into one classroom and, shot the Teacher, a 6 year old boy, grabbed his Friends, and ran! Parent who came to the School, said that it was a horrendous scene! The Governor of Connecticut said that evil visited this community today...

Yes, evil DID visit this community today, though, we CANNOT let it remain victorious! WITH *GOD*, we can OVERCOME what evil did today!!!

I was just reading stories of Mother's talking about the effects it is having on their young Children, and, even older ones; the questions they are asking, the crying, the fear, and, so forth! This is going to be with some of them, a lifetime, and, I pray with all my heart, there is LOTS of support for them, that, they can begin to heal, and, move past this tragedy...

How do we help others heal from such devastation? We stand BY them, for as long as it takes, we PRAY, and, we offer EVERY kind of support we can to them! We encourage them, though, this is a LONG, drawn out process! THE LORD HAS to be kept in the midst of this, especially for the grieving Families, because given the fact that the majority was very young, there are going to be all sorts of questions concerning DIVINE help! There is going to be, at least, some falling from FAITH, and, some being angry with *GOD*!!!

Church leaders, and, other members of the Community, need to offer the best of their expertise in this time, and, I pray they are well versed, and, enabled to do so!!!

We DON'T KNOW why such things happen, but, we must never forget, that evil is the proof of the world, and, the world IS the testing ground of the FAITHFUL! FAITH is KEY to surviving such, and, TURNING to THE LORD is imperative; not only for those suffering, but, for ALL of us, for their sakes!!!

I am deeply distressed by this news, it is beyond comprehension, yet, I will TURN to THE LORD, and, will remain in prayer for this community, these Families, and, for ALL of us...

REV. LWINSOR © 2012

A BEAUTIFUL, FREE GIFT TO GIVE ALL, IN THIS SEASON, & ALWAYS: HOPE!!!

*GOD* SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE US HOPE, IN HIS SON! HE HAS GIVEN US MANY GIFTS, BUT, THIS GIFT, THIS HOPE IS THE INCORRUPTIBLE EVIDENCE OF HIS LOVE FOR US! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME, ALL IN CREATION!!!

There are MANY gifts we can give to one another, but HOPE is imperative, for SO many reasons! Even people who have some HOPE, need this HOPE to be reiterated, to be refined, UNTIL it is one with them! Those who have NO HOPE, NEED HOPE with ALL their beings, and, can save them from being taken down farther! Thus, in this HOLY season, let us ALWAYS remember to GIVE HOPE to EVERYONE we encounter!!!

DOING GOOD FOR THE GLORY OF THE LORD, *GOD*...

In this season of GIVING, we can really give THE LORD whom deserves it ALL, nothing, save for our LOVE, FAITH, HOPE, TRUST, and, the BEST of our efforts in pleasing HIM, in reflecting HIM, in HONOURING HIM, and, this should extend throughout the days of our lives!!!

GALATIANS 6: 9...
Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.

PSALM 126: 5...
Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy.

PROVERBS 11: 18...
The wicked man makes empty profits, but he who sows virtue has a sure reward.

IT IS FRIDAY!!! JOY TO THE WORLD!!!

It is FRIDAY in this HOLY season, getting closer to CHRISTmas Day! I am in a festive mood, though, it is balanced by the knowledge of MANY people NOT feeling festive due to circumstances, and, conditions; such as, the unemployed, the impoverished, the homeless, those STILL in dire straits after Hurricane Sandy, and, those in the midst of war...

It is the season to GIVE, and so, anyone who has even some extra change, clothes, toys, or what have you, please, GIVE to those who are suffering! GIVING is a true characteristic of LOVE, and, what you give, returns to you, believe it! There are endless ways to help humanity, so, let us always remind ourselves of this fact...

To those who are suffering, in whatever way, TRY to feel the TRUTH of this season, our LORD'S LOVE, and, TURN to HIM, for HE IS in proximity, just waiting to hear from you! TRUST HIM to DELIVER you, but also, be patient, and, wait on HIM, because HIS timeline is NOT of this world. In EVERY day, no matter what we are experiencing, there ARE BLESSINGS; there IS happiness to be found, and, there IS beauty, everywhere; seek such, and, let it LIGHT your way! There isn't much that I haven't personally suffered in this life, so, I can relate, yet, I KNOW what an attitude of FAITH, and, cheer can do!!!

There is MORE than magic in the air, there is MANIFESTATION of PURITY, and, HOLINESS!!!

TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS, TESTS OF TIME...

CHRIST, our LORD, and, SAVIOUR, did NOT have an easy time as a Man! HE went through a LOT in HIS short lifespan, from being tempted as no one has ever been tempted before, to being ridiculed,  rejected by HIS own relatives, and, town, scorned, scourged, tortured, then, nailed to a cross!!!

Throughout it all, HE maintained LOVE, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and, found hope, peace, and, strength, BECAUSE HE RELIED ON *GOD*, IN ALL WAYS! HE wept, HE anguished, HE PRAYED, PRAYED, PRAYED, PRAISED, and, WORSHIPED THE FATHER ABOVE, while, fulfilling HIS WILL!!!

Challenge yourself EACH day to CLING to THE LORD, to RELY upon HIM! TURN TO HIM with your heart, and, soul! ALLOW HIM to BE the DELIVERER! TRUST HIM to move mountains for you! No matter what is going on in your life, IF HE is THE CENTER of your thoughts, actions, and, reactions, HE WILL LEAD YOU THROUGH!!!

THURSDAY'S TRIUMPHS: TRUE TRIUMPH...

The incomparably greatest triumph belongs to *GOD*, who, BEFORE CREATION, foresaw the problems of this world, and so, had already in place, a WAY for us to be brought the full circle back to HIM, IF we should so choose! HIS GENIUS is SO remarkably magnificent, it literally, blows me away! To consider the many aspects, and, facets of CREATION, in their intricate design, and, purpose, is more than astounding, it is beyond description!!!

*GOD* is our TRUE FATHER; FATHER of CREATION, FATHER of Mankind, therefore, don't imagine that we don't possess, in even the slightest ways, some of HIS traits, including the ability TO BE TRIUMPHANT in this time, until REAL life begins! Not only that, but, HE WILLS that we turn to HIM for knowledge, understanding, wisdom, empowerment, enabling, and, whatever we need to manage the journey home; so, you see, we ARE endowed, much more than deception wants us to notice, or believe!!!

IN THIS HOLY SEASON, LET US STEP ONTO THE HIGH ROAD OF HOLINESS...

ISAIAH 35: 8...
A highway will be there, called the holy way; No one unclean may pass over it, nor fools go astray on it.

It SCARES people to think about living HOLY lives, like it is too difficult, too restricting, and, too against the grain! HOLY living FREES us! It takes us UP from the damaging binds of the world, it RELEASES us from condemnation of the natural, carnal, egocentric, fleshy plane, WHICH IS NOT the plane of TRUTH, instead, is the plane of lies, deceit, evil, and, all things wrongly negative!!!

YES, it involves more effort, because we are in constant turmoil, because the natural being LIKES to remain DOMINANT over the TRUE being, the spirit, but, that effort MEANS LIFE!!!

CHRIST: THE SHEPHERD, HIGH PRIEST, THE LIGHT, THE WAY, THE TRUTH, LIFE...

In this HOLY season, LOVE, or CHRIST JESUS, is the reason! There is NOTHING in this life, to compare to our LORD, and SAVIOUR! One cannot partially embrace the magnitude of HIS GIFT to us, it is simply, AWE inspiring...

HEBREWS 5: 1-10... 
1/ Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 
2/ He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness 
3/ and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. 
4/ No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 

5/ In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: "You are my son; this day I have begotten you"; 
6/ just as he says in another place: "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." 

7/ In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 
8/ Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; 
9/ and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 
10/ declared by God high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

WHAT I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS...

When people ask me what I want for CHRISTmas, my general reply is, "Nothing!", though, this is not entirely true,
The gifts I would like, would mean better living the world through,
I long for the gifts of LOVE to be given to all,
That we fulfill, HOLY protocol!!!

I would like to wake up one day, and, hear of PEACE in all lands,
To see a honest joining of thoughts, and, hands;
To never notice a homeless, abused, neglected, or hungry person, again,
As the gifts of LOVE are shared by the goodwill of men!!!

LOVE is the answer, the antidote to all which is wrong,
It is vital, healthy, true, and, strong;
In it's core lies the heart of THE LORD, with all which is right,
And, for us to embrace LOVE, would exalt HIM in delight!!!

In LOVE, there is no suffering of any kind,
As humanity keeps their Brothers, and, Sisters, always in mind;
There is no pain, no hurt, no tears of oppression,
Instead, to HIM, the evidence of our confession!!!

No, I don't want THINGS for CHRISTmas, I want LOVE,
To fill existence, from below to ABOVE,
That, HIS GLORY is ALL we see,
That, we are, TRULY, free!!!

REV. LWINSOR © 2012