Author: debo

Sunday Dec 27 – Love God, Love People

We are at the end of a beautiful Advent season, and starting a New Year in a few days. There is nothing more wonderful than knowing that God’s mercies are new to us every day. He is faithful to us, day by day, month by month, and year by year. When we believe His Word, He gives us light for every step that we take. Here is your dailyeword for the end of this year, and a fresh, vibrant start to the new year

We all have heard that the Ten Commandments are the schoolmaster in the Old Testament to lead us to Jesus in the New Testament. The new commandment that Jesus gave for us to follow is that we love Him with all of our heart, and that we love our neighbors too – Matt 22:38-39. The Bible states that all of the Ten Commandments are wrapped up in those two. I’ve said it before like this, the New Two trump the Big Ten! It is important that we know we are loved, because then we can love others. As believers, our life should revolve around Christ. A Christian is a Christ like one, and Christ should be the center of our existence, our most important Counselor, and the One we depend on in all circumstances. So if you have any question if God loves you, please let this be your definitive answer today. You are loved, completely and totally by a God who stepped out of time into our space so that He could get to know you. Once we know that we are loved completely, then it is natural for us to love others completely. So as important as the ten commandments were in the Old Testament, these two are what you need to live a life that follows Christ example.

The Love of God by Frederick Martin Lehman, Meir Ben Isaac Nehorai

Verse 1
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell
The guilty pair bowed down with care
God gave His Son to win
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from His sin
Chorus
O love of God how rich and pure
How measureless and strong
It shall forevermore endure
The saints and angels song
Verse 2
When years of time shall pass away
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall
When men who here refuse to pray
On rocks and hills and mountains call
God’s love so sure shall still endure
All measureless and strong
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race
The saints and angels song
Verse 3
Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky
Word of the Day: Matt 22:38-39
Song of the Day: The Love of God by Frederick Martin Lehman, Meir Ben Isaac Nehorai

Saturday Dec 26 – Give Some Joy Away

We know that the manger in Bethlehem cradled a King, but who would the world think He was? Would His humble beginning result in anything great? It’s kind of comical to ask that question now, when we know that the Baby born in a manger changed history forever, including how we measure time! Good things really do come in small packages! So what did we receive when we received this little Baby? When we chose to believe on Jesus and ask Him to be our Lord and Savior, He gave us the ability to know God and He made it so that we can have life eternal and live forever in heaven when we die, and experience joy unspeakable. So this little tiny “package” gave us more than we could have ever hoped or dreamed of. He also gave us power to be a witness to those around us. During the Christmas season, as everyone concentrates on getting, why not consider what you can give. Is there someone you know who might need something that you could buy, or might even already own? Why not find a way to be a blessing. Jesus came to the earth to be a blessing to us, and in Genesis 12:2 the Bible tells us that we are blessed to be a blessing. We shouldn’t just think about ourselves, but we should think about others, and how we can serve, help, give or bless someone. What an awesome way to show the love of Jesus this Christmas.

Good Christian Men Rejoice by John Mason Neale

Verse 1
Good Christian men rejoice
With heart and soul and voice
Give ye heed to what we say
News, news Jesus Christ is born today
Ox and ass before Him bow
And He is in the manger now
Christ is born today
Christ is born today

Verse 2
Good Christian men rejoice
With heart and soul and voice
Now ye hear of endless bliss
Joy, joy Jesus Christ was born for this
He has opened heaven’s door
And man is blessed evermore
Christ was born for this
Christ was born for this

Verse 3
Good Christian men rejoice
With heart and soul and voice
Now ye need not fear the grave
Peace, peace Jesus Christ was born to save
Calls you one and calls you all
To gain His everlasting hall
Christ was born to save
Christ was born to save

Word of the Day: Genesis 12:2
Song of the Day: Good Christian Men Rejoice by John Mason Neale

Friday Christmas Day – Simple Family Time

I’m sure you have some wonderful traditions that you have passed down in your family through the years. We do too! We each get one gift on Christmas Eve, the PJ gift, and usually a family game. After the Christmas Eve service, we have some appetizers and just listen to beautiful music and enjoy being together, and everyone gets in their new PJ’s. It is nothing extravagant, nothing spectacular, just simple family time. On Christmas morning, we make sure the animals are fed, and out come the cinnamon rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree from the oven. The smell of coffee gets Dad out of bed, and everyone is anxiously waiting to open presents on Christmas morning We put on our favorite Christmas CD for Christmas morning, it is BJ Thomas singing, Wake Up! It’s Christmas Morning. And then we open presents, one by one, usually youngest to oldest. It always looks like a mess, because we have a big family! It is nothing extravagant, just simple family time. When I think about the first Christmas, those same words apply. It was simple, and it was family time. The setting was certainly simple, but the reason Jesus came was for family. God wanted His family back. His plan was extravagant, but delivered in a simple way. His Son would come out of space and time from heaven and grow up on earth in simple family that would change history forever. Lo and behold, it involved angels, shepherds, and innkeeper, wise men, and an evil ruler who wanted to thwart the whole plan. But God’s will prevailed, and Jesus grew up to simply change family forever. We are part of the family of God, and our families can experience all the hope, joy, love and peace that this simple family time in a manger, in a stable brought to our world. We BELIEVE!

Bow Down by David Baroni, Tony Sutherland

Verse 1
Bow down before the Lord
Worship Him O worship Him
Bow down before our God
Enter in O enter in
Consuming fire and sweet perfume
His awesome presence fills this room
This is holy ground
So come and bow down
Chorus
Holy, holy
Holy Lord of hosts
Saints and angels give You glory
Now and forevermore

Wake Up! It’s Christmas Morning by B.J. Thomas

Verse 1
In my mind, there is bread on the table
Wood on the fire
In my mind, we are gathered together
To celebrate our heart’s desire
I close my eyes, I see a prince on a camel
A shepherd boy running fast
Both headed in the same direction
Towards a baby in the grass

And I see as generations pass
The miracle gets harder to behold
In a dream I’m face to face with my Lord
This is what I’m told

Chorus
Wake up it’s Christmas morning
Wake up there’s work to be done
Gather ’round you band of angels
Gather ’round the permanent One
Wake up it’s Christmas morning
Wake up it’s Christmas morning
Come and behold the broken hearted
It’s for their sake
He has come

Verse 2
In my mind I see a revolution
Fought for those in need
Led by a Man with a great ambition
For hungry hearts to feed
And this leader
He is gentle and kind
He carries no weapons at all
Just the life that was given to the lost and forgotten
That I might heed His call

Emanuel behold Him (7X)

Verse 3
Oh, in my mind I see a worried father
Keeping warm, wrapping tight
In my mind I see a loving mother
Cradle Him through the night
And in comes a shepherd boy
Arriving at his destination proud
Well I wonder if he knew
What that Child was gonna do
When the angels were talking about

Word of the Day: Luke 2 16-20
Song of the Day: Bow Down by David Baroni, Tony Sutherland or
O Come All Ye Faithful (chorus) by C. Frederick Oakeley, John Francis Wade or
Wake Up! It’s Christmas Morning by B.J. Thomas

Thursday Christmas Eve – One Baby Changed the World

Christmas Eve Candlelight services are a favorite worship experience for millions in the body of Christ. Near the end of almost all of these services (including ours), the sanctuary is totally dark, except for the light of the Advent candles. In this peaceful setting as the final candle is lit, that light is passed by the pastor to others in the sanctuary, and soon the room is brightly illuminated and darkness is dispelled. It is an awesome moment, and we will experience that in our own candlelight service. It will remind us what it says in Isaiah 9:1-2 that, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light, and on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” Life changed dramatically from the moment Jesus hit the scene. He would bring hope, love, peace and joy to a world that was hopeless, sad, lonely and filled with strife. We probably all know people who still feel that way. Maybe this isn’t yet a day of joy for you. Jesus came as a baby to change the world for all of us. It all started because God the Father believed that Jesus was the answer to every one of the world’s ills. His Son arrived on that holy night. He arrived in our hearts the day we were born again, and every day, we get to show His hope, His love, His peace, and His joy to those around us. We believe that those who haven’t met Him yet can come to know Jesus too! All because of that beautiful, holy night, when Joy came to our world.

O Holy Night by Adolphe Charles Adam, John Sullivan Dwight, Placide Cappeau
Verse 1
O holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Chorus 1
Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night O holy night
O night divine

Verse 2
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here came the wise men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our Friend

Chorus 2
He knows our need
To our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King
Before Him lowly bend
Behold your King
Before Him lowly bend

Verse 3
Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name

Chorus 3
Christ is the Lord
O praise His name forever
His power and glory
Evermore proclaim
His power and glory
Evermore proclaim
Word of the Day: Luke 2:1-15
Song of the Day: O Holy Night by Adolphe Charles Adam, John Sullivan Dwight, Placide Cappeau

Wednesday Dec 23 – Joy in His Presence

To me there is not a more welcoming, joy filled place than to be than in the presence of God. From the time I was young, I have always loved being in church, loved being with God’s people and loved serving God in any way. Sunday is my favorite day of the week, because it is church day! My encouragement to you is to make God feel welcome in your life everyday! Even though the song says that Santa knows when you are sleeping and knows when you are awake, God is the one who really knows everything about you. He counts the numbers on your head, and knows the thoughts and intents of your heart. Nothing escapes Him. So we should put out the welcome mat to God permanently. The welcome mat for baby Jesus wasn’t at the Inn where they were told there was no room. He wants to be welcome in your life moment by moment. I hope that during this season of joy, your heart gets expanded to really know how much God wants you to experience fullness of joy. Getting to know God up close and personal brings greater joy, because in His presence is where we experience joy overflowing. Knowing that God wants that for us, and was determined enough to make it happen through a baby in a stable, makes the nativity story come to life. Not just a story, but an unfolding of God’s breath of life, manifested in humanity, wrapped in divinity, so that we can know Him, and then live for Him because in His Presence is fullness of joy.

O Come All Ye Faithful by C. Frederick Oakeley, John Francis Wade

Verse 1
O come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye O come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of angels

Chorus
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

Verse 2
Sing choirs of angels
Sing in exultation
O sing all ye bright
Hosts of heav’n above
Glory to God all
Glory in the highest

Verse 3
Yea Lord we greet Thee
Born this happy morning
Jesus to Thee be all glory giv’n
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing

Word of the Day: Ps 16:11
Song of the Day: O Come All Ye Faithful by C. Frederick Oakeley, John Francis Wade

Tuesday Dec 22- Joy To You and Me

The familiar Christmas carol, Joy to the World, reminds us to, “Let every heart prepare Him room”. Is your heart prepared to receive the King? In today’s reading, we will focus on being prepared for and making Jesus welcome in our heart, in our homes, and in our world. Mary was making preparations and anticipating her baby’s arrival. The little One that Mary was expecting came at an inconvenient time. This pregnancy had some interruptions. Taxes needed to be paid, and not just by mail, it had to be done in person. They had to make an unexpected trek to Bethlehem when Mary was not just with child, but ready to give birth. Her doctor probably wouldn’t have advised it. They had to travel on the back of a donkey from the hills of Galilee to the town of Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, Joseph found that there were no more rooms available. Each inn where they stopped had the no vacancy sign. They were without options. At last they found an innkeeper who had compassion on them and told them they had stable facilities behind the inn that could serve as a makeshift hotel room. That night, without much grandeur, the “Expected One,” unexpectedly was born. As we prepare for the blessed event of Christmas this year, how are you preparing room in your heart for the Expected One? How much attention are you giving your relationship with Him? Is He welcome in your celebrations? Are you giving Him the priority and importance that He deserves? He wants you to welcome Him into your life everyday of the year. Jesus wants to be Lord of all the rooms in our heart. Let’s give Him the honor He deserves!

Joy to the World, Joy (Unspeakable Joy) by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, George Frideric Handel, Isaac Watts, Matt Gilder

Verse 1
Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven and nature sing

Verse 2
Joy to the world the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods rocks hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy

Chorus
Joy unspeakable joy
An overflowing well
No tongue can tell
Joy unspeakable joy
It rises in my soul
Never lets me go

Verse 3
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders of His love

Word of the Day: Luke 2:7
Song of the Day: Joy to the World, Joy (Unspeakable Joy) by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, George Frideric Handel, Isaac Watts, Matt Gilder

Monday Dec 21 – Giver of Immortal Gladness

I love to hear the song Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Ode to Joy) this time of year. As we celebrate the season of Advent, it seems to be a fitting song for this week’s focus on joy. The flowery words, paint a beautiful picture of the celebration of mortals at the birth of the Son of love. The phrases that creatively tell of Jesus’ greatness are beautifully descriptive. They include, God of glory, Lord of love, Giver of immortal gladness, Center of unbroken praise, Wellspring of the joy of living, Ocean depth of happy rest, and brotherly love. When this music was written by Ludwig van Beethoven, the beautiful melody was certainly inspired by God. It was then arranged by Edward Hodges in 1824, so it has been around for a while! It is a timeless musical treasure, and when we think of joy during the advent season, it is such an appropriate song to sing and meditate on its words. Here they are:

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Ode to Joy) by Edward Hodges, Henry Van Dyke, Ludwig van Beethoven

Verse 1
Joyful, joyful we adore Thee
God of glory Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee
Opening to the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light of day

Verse 2
All Thy works with joy surround Thee
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays
Stars and angels sing around Thee
Center of unbroken praise
Field and forest vale and mountain
Flowery meadow flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee

Verse 3
Thou art giving and forgiving
Ever blessing ever blest
Wellspring of the joy of living
Ocean depth of happy rest
Thou our Father Christ our Brother
All who live in love are Thine
Teach us how to love each other
Lift us to the joy divine

Verse 4
Mortals join the mighty chorus
Which the morning stars began
Father love is reigning o’er us
Brother love binds man to man
Ever singing march we onward
Victors in the midst of strife
Joyful music lifts us sunward
In the triumph song of life

I hope you enjoy the words and experience joy as we adore the newborn King.
Word for the Day: Ps 71:23
Song of the Day: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Ode to Joy) by Edward Hodges, Henry Van Dyke, Ludwig van Beethoven

Sunday Dec 20 – In the Circle of Joy

We are beginning the last week of Advent, and this week is all about joy. There is joy attached to the season Advent, because the Baby who we celebrate, was about to save the world. We BELIEVE that because of Jesus, even in a fallen world, with a curse on the earth, we can have joy in our world. Where there was darkness now there is light. Those who were lost can be found. Where there was sadness, now there is joy. Here is your dailyeword about joy.

One thing that I have noticed as I study the nativity story each Christmas is that it becomes more meaningful each year. It really isn’t about the trappings that we associate with Christmas, although I love every part of Christmas. What it is really about is the gift of God, bringing joy to the world. We believe that God so loved that He gave a precious gift, who became an offering, a seed that would reap a tremendous harvest in each of us. He was a gift of love wrapped in flesh, clothed with humanity, and destined for greatness. The story itself is breath taking, unbelievable, even inconceivable! How wonderful that we can know this beautiful Savior. Then, if knowing Him weren’t enough, He wants us in His family, and has made us joint heirs with Him. We get full benefits and privileges of being a son or daughter of the King of kings because Jesus made the way from outside of time into our space and time through a manger. And it still gets better; He also calls us His friends. You and I are friends of God! What joy! Royal blood flows through our veins, because we’re part of the family! We get the right to use His Name, and to be His friend. I hope that during this season of Advent, your heart gets expanded to really know how much God want to know you. He places great value on you and wants you in His close circle of friends. He wants you in His circle of joy. Getting to know God up close and personal makes life rewarding. Knowing that God wants that for us, and was determined enough to make it happen through a baby in a stable, makes the Nativity story come to life. Not just a story, but an unfolding of God’s breath of life, manifested in humanity, wrapped in divinity, so that we can know Him, and then live joyfully for Him.

How Great Our Joy by Theodore Baker

Verse 1
While by the sheep we watched at night
Glad tidings brought an angel bright
How great our joy (great our joy)
Joy, joy, joy (joy, joy, joy)
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high
(Praise we the Lord in heaven on high)

Verse 2
There shall be born so he did say
In Bethlehem a Child today
How great our joy (great our joy)
Joy, joy, joy (joy, joy, joy)
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high
(Praise we the Lord in heaven on high)

Verse 3
There shall the Child lie in a stall
This Child who shall redeem us all
How great our joy (great our joy)
Joy, joy, joy (joy, joy, joy)
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high
(Praise we the Lord in heaven on high)

Verse 4
This gift of God we’ll cherish well
That ever joy our hearts shall fill
How great our joy (great our joy)
Joy, joy, joy (joy, joy, joy)
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high
(Praise we the Lord in heaven on high)

Word of the Day: John 15:15
Song of the Day: How Great Our Joy by Theodore Baker

Saturday Dec 19 Peace is Yours

Phil 4:7 God’s peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace, which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount a guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. How can we experience that tranquil state of soul, that peace that passes understanding in a world that is stressed out? One of the best things to do, during the holiday and really anytime is to speak peace to your soul. Jesus spoke to the storm, and He speaks peace to us through His Word. We can remind ourselves of his words and speak peace to our inner man, to silence the turmoil, or even the feeling that things are out of control. Doesn’t it do your heart good to know that everything is going to be ok? Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of that fact. God is our provider, protector and promoter. He is taking care of us. We know that even if the enemy attacks us, what the devil intends for evil, God can still turn it around for our good. So say to yourself, soul, be still. Speak peace to your inner man, and live fearlessly and victoriously. God has a great plan for your life and it is full of the peace that only he can give.
Word of the day Phil 4:7
Song of the Day: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Friday Dec 18 – The Great Commission

Have you ever been so excited about something that you just can’t keep it to yourself? That happened to the disciples in the book of Acts. They obeyed the Great Commission. That also happened to some shepherds who were the first to hear the message from the angels that a Baby was born in the town of Bethlehem. The angels gave the shepherds great directions and precise details of what to look for. They immediately went to the Baby and as they did, they found the little Baby, lying in a manger. After they saw baby Jesus, the Bible says that they went and made it known abroad what they had heard about this Child. The Bible doesn’t say that they were told to go tell, they just went. They were so excited about what had happened, they couldn’t keep it to themselves. The angels told them that the Baby was to bring comfort and joy to all people. No one should be left out. Everyone should know. The angels also said that this Baby would bring peace on earth and good for all men. Everyone should know that too! Everyone longs for their hearts to be at peace, and it is so wonderful to know that God brings GOOD to all men. He is the one who gives a hope and a future. This season is a great time to get excited about the good news that a Baby in a manger brought to this world. Don’t keep it to yourself. Go and tell somebody!
Go Tell it on the Mountain by John W. Work Jr.

Chorus
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and ev’rywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
Verse 1
While shepherds kept their watching
O’er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light
Verse 2
The shepherds feared and trembled
When lo above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed the Savior’s birth
Verse 3
Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvatio
That blessed Christmas morn
Word of the Day: Mark 16:15-20
Song of the Day: Go Tell it on the Mountain by John W. Work Jr.