Wise Men Still Seek Him

 

 Matthew 1:18-25

We don't know how many wise men actually came to see Jesus when he was born. We guess three because we know that there were three gifts given. It is also often taught that the wise men came at Jesus' birth - arriving shortly after Jesus did. Many manger scenes can be observed during Christmas and it depicts Jesus in a bed of hay with the wise men and their gifts.

In all reality, the wise men traveled a great distance to see Jesus. It would have been a bit of a travel even now, but thousands of years ago, before modern transportation it would have been more than a small feat. It is figured that it could have taken them as many as two years to make the journey to meet their new born King, as it is known that it took four months to go from Babylon to Jerusalem alone.  Ezra 7:9

The wise men sought Him out to worship Him. They risked their lives; crossed deserts and obstacles. The travel would have been arduous, expensive, exhausting - but in the end - more than worth it!

We live in a time when people don't have time for Jesus, and you are ridiculed if you do. Think back to the wise men - the men that dedicated their time, energy and money to meet Jesus when He was a baby.

God's Word tells us that there is an accountability to mankind. People who ignore Him and refuse to bow down will no longer have a choice.

Romans 3:11 ~ Romans 5:12 ~ Romans 6:23

We all sin, but we are also ALL able to be forgiven.

 

Daniel 12:10 - Seek Jesus for the lost - for your; children, friends and neighbors. Seek Him and lead others.

 

Proverbs 11:30 - Proverbs 3:35 - Proverbs 1:7 - Proverbs 14:12

Psalms 14:1 - Psalms 53:1 - Romans 3:10

 

Worship in all aspects of your life; in song, in deed, in all things. It is necessary to give. What will you give to Jesus? Your attention? Your spirit? Your time? Your life? You should give whatever He requires of you!

 

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Give yourself to the Lord and your life will seem to fall into place. God loves a cheerful giver and He rewards a giving heart.

 

Give of time, talents and treasure. God gives us the best and we must be willing to share that with others.

 

Romans 8:1 - God's Word warns of procrastinations.

2 Corinthians 6:2 - Now is the day and the time, find salvation in the Lord!

Acts 8:39 - Wise men still depart from Jesus as changed individuals!

Romans 10:9 - Romans 10:13

 

 

Our Relationship with Jesus

Matthew 20:29

If we are saved then we know the He is our redeemer. We are to strive to have a good, close relationship with Him. Jesus' attitude never changes, but ours sure has a way of changing. It is important to focus on staying close to Jesus through it all.

When you take your eyes off of Jesus, that is when you start to slip. Keep focused on Jesus so that He may walk with you.

Luke 24:15

You can't have Jesus walking with you physically, BUT you can be spiritually close with Him if you so choose. 

Amos 3:3

Jesus doesn't walk with rebellion. He is close with those that live in a way that pleases Him. The Bible clearly outlines what God wants for our lives, and if we follow His outline then he is well pleased and is close in our walk.

 

Luke 9:28-29



We should always be listening for Jesus and the guidance that He offers. Luke 10:37-42. Choose Jesus over the busy work of this Earth.

John 1:35-37 ~ Isaiah 40:28-31 ~ Acts 4:31-32

Have patience and wait upon the Lord. Be always waiting and always watching for Jesus. Show expectancy and excitement for His return!

Luke 8:40

Rewards for Faithfulness



2 Timothy 4:8

God wants to bless you with good things and he isn't going to run out! God doesn't have a limited supply of blessings to bestow - his supply is limitless!

Like any Father, God wants us to earn our rewards. He wants to give them to us! If we aren't living right and earning our rewards then we are only depriving ourselves.

There are five crowns that we can earn and the Bible gives us direction on how to earn each one.

1. The incorruptible crown: 1 Corinthians 9:24,25
2. The crown of rejoicing: 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20. & Daniel 12:3
3. The crown of life: James 1:12
4. The crown of righteousness: 2 Timothy 4:8
5. The crown of glory: 1 Peter 5:1~4

God has given us the guidance through the Holy Spirit to earn them and now the choice is up to us. When your time of departure comes you must be ready. There is no chance to put it off - when you are called you must go! It is important to live like there is no tomorrow, because you never know when it is your last day here on Earth.

When Jesus was on the cross we were on his mind. he sacrificed Himself for each and every one of us. In return all He asks of us is obedience.

ALWAYS BE:

 

SAVED * SURRENDERED * STEADFAST

 

Acts 9:6 ~ Acts 26:19 ~ Acts 20:24 ~ 2 Corinthians 5:8 ~ Psalms 23:4-6 ~ Ephesians 6:12

 

We are at war against the Devil. Put on the armor of God so that you can be victorious. Stand up - Speak up - Be heard!!! We have victory in Jesus ~ claim it!

We all have a crown waiting for us!

 

Matthew 24:13 ~ Luke 14 ~ Galatians 2:20

The Redeemer

 

JESUS - MY REDEEMER

 

 

If you repent you shall be forgiven!

 

 

1 John 1:5-9 / Romans 5:1-10

 

When Jesus gave up the ghost and said, "It is finished," He was referring to the plan of salvation being completed. Isaiah 53

 

If it wasn't for Jesus we wouldn't have any of these things. It is through Him that we have forgiveness and salvation. Christ died for us all. He died so that we may have eternal life - we were justified through His blood.

 

Reconciliation

1. Peace with God through a piece of God. Isaiah 9:6 prophesized of Christ's birth. Jesus is the Prince of Peace! John 14:27 / Philippians 4:7
2. Access - He not only forgives us, but he also becomes our best friend! Hebrews 4:14-16

Pray to The Lord and He shall provide!

Find mercy and grace in His love.

 

Ephesians 2:8-9

Acts 18:24-28



 

 

 



Your Heart's Desire

What is your heart's desire?

  

 

Joshua 14:5-15

Psalms 37:4

James 4:2-3

 

Caleb's Story





Caleb was a man of faith. Faith's claim is always based on God's promises. Caleb's promise was also based on God's promise.

 

Titus 1:1-2 - God can't lie. God is faithful and so we should be also. We must life and practice our faith for all to see.

 

Deuteronomy 1:36

2 Chronicles 20:12

 

Who do we trust - and are we obedient? Those are questions you must ask yourself - and hopefully your answer is that your trust and obey the Lord. If that isn't true in your life, then it is important to make changes so that you are a good and faithful servant.

 

Galatians 2:20

1 Peter 1:13-16

 

When we seek God we look for an inheritance for our family as well as for ourselves. These rewards from The Lord can be passed on. If your kids accept Him and then share His Word with their kids then you have left an amazing legacy. One that is completely priceless! Our desire is not only for salvation for ourselves, but for our loved ones as well.

 

Psalms 27 provides comfort for our souls.

Philippians 4:13 - Find strength in The Lord.

 

Say no to sin - resist the devil and he will flee from you. The devil despises the Word and God - use that power to protect yourself. and your family. Refuse temptation and take the gifts that God has promised.

 

1 Thessalonians 2:19

James 1:12

 

 



 

Saying No to Discouragement

Romans 8: 35-39

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Say no to discouragement and return to your roots! Go back to the cross... remember your salvation...return to the arms of The Lord. Malachi 3:7 - It is a two way relationship and pleasant peace is found in God.

When bad things happen people tend to run from God, rather than turning to Him as the one that can help their situation. Make sure you make God your first choice when it comes to fixing problems; He loves to help and He is always there for you. Ramp up your prayer life, bible study and church attendance. In all your actions live a life that is pleasing to The Lord. James 4:5-10

God's word admonishes us and we must be his light. Radiate God's love for all to see! Matthew 5:13-16.

You are God's beacon to the world - let your spiritual light shine for the world to see. Let your Life song sing to the world and let it give praise to God and bring others to know Him.
 
1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 Be ready for when Jesus returns - spread His joy until that day comes, but always be waiting and watching. Live your lives in a way that would be pleasing to Him if He did come today.
 
Be sure you are spreading the right message - spread happiness and love, not doom and gloom. See good in all things - replace negatives with positives.
 
Psalms 37:1-4
Psalms 73:38
 
You can trust in God - commit yourself to Him. Where else can you find a friend so dependable?
 
Rejoice in The Lord! Philippians 4:1-5. Brag on Him now because you never know when it will be your last chance!
 
Philippians 4:6-7
Psalms 34:1-3
 
If others see you always smiling, always happy and always finding the good in life - they will want what you have. Make them desire that peace found only in Jesus - make them desire the love that is found from our Father in Heaven. Lead others to Jesus simply through how you live your life!
 

Be Full of the Spirit

 

When Satan attacks you are usually on the verge of something awesome. The Devil doesn't want good to win over, so that is when He is really on the prowl!

Galatians 5:16-17 - Plan to walk in the spirit and be prepared. Use God as a cloak of protection!

Ephesians 4:29 - Always be leery of the words that you speak. You are a banner of God's love and a door to the truth - don't cloud it with foul talk of this world. Anger is not sin - it is what you do with it. The same is true of any emotion... it is how you deal with it and what you let that emotion turn into. We all get angry and we all have times where we feel a way that is less than desirable, but if you let that emotion turn into negative actions, that is when you lose control to Satan. Romans 7 - There is a constant battle between the flesh and The Spirit. Make sure the flesh is not taking control!

We were created by God for worship. When we don't worship we are missing a key piece of our existence. Amos 3:3 - Can two walk together if they are not agreed? No they can not! The same is with The Spirit and our flesh - we must desire that which The Spirit desires so that we can be whole and walk with The Lord as he created us to do. We have The Spirit within us, it is important to always live in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Ephesians 5:9-21

God is more willing to share with us than we are to share with our kids. Can you imagine that? How much would you give your kids? Is there anything you wouldn't do for them? It is the same with God. We are His children and He loves us and wants the best for us. Luke 11:13

If you aren't filled with The Spirit it is because you don't want to be. The choice is yours, make sure that you choose right! The Lord wants to dwell in you, invite him in! He has promised The Spirit, ask for it! If you aren't full of The Spirit - you are simply full of yourself!