Three Questions

Earlier today, my talented blog-friend Shug from Shug-Steps of Faith shared a thoughtful personal narrative titled "Lessons from the Fig Tree." She concluded with three reflective questions that encouraged us to reflect on our own lives. Instead of responding in her comments, I decided to explore these questions in a post on my blog.

Questions we need to ask ourselves:

1. Is there something in my life that I've been tempted to give up on too soon?

I've given up hope that my son and his wife will welcome a child. At 40 and 45, they’ve faced two miscarriages and have decided against artificial conception and adoption. I'm ashamed to admit, I no longer pray about it. It was more a matter of self-preservation on my part - I needed to come to terms with it. I needed to not fixate on it. Okay, I need to start praying again...and trusting God. Then there is Genesis 18:14 that reminds us, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?”

2. Where might I need more light?

Ephesians 5:8, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."

This equips me to walk in God's truth...

Where might I need more truth?

"I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6), emphasizing the importance of truth in our identity and daily lives.

3. How has God been preparing me in ways I didn't even notice?

God's work in my life is subtle, continually shaping me according to His perfect plan by:

1. He renews my mind, aligning my thoughts with His truth, enabling me to see the world from His perspective.
2. He uses my circumstances to build character and strengthen my faith even in challenges.

I trust that God is always at work in ways we may not see, and rest assured, that His plans for us are always good and perfect.

Debby

God incarnate, Jesus Christ

 

John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." 

Prophesies of Jesus in the Hebrew Scriptures

Last summer, during my ladies' Bible study at church, I delivered a presentation on Jesus as depicted in the Old Testament prophecies. To enhance the attendees' learning experience, I prepared a handout summarizing key points and insights related to this topic.

OVERVIEW

The Hebrew scriptures feature between 200 and 400 prophecies that are believed to be fulfilled by Jesus. While scholars have varying opinions on the exact number of these prophecies, the improbability of one individual fulfilling so many of them supports the claim that Jesus is the true Jewish Messiah.

THE FIRST PROPHECY – THE FIRST GOSPEL - PROPHECIES ON THE BIRTH OF JESUS 

And I will put enmity
    between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and hers;
He will crush your head,
    and you will strike his heel.”

Genesis 3:15

• Genesis 22:18 – All the nations would be blessed through Abraham’s offspring

• Numbers 24:17 – Jesus would be from the line of Jacob

• Isaiah 11:1 – Jesus would be from the line of Jesse

• Jeremiah 23:5-6 – Jesus would be from the line of David

• Micah 5:2 – Jesus would be born in Bethlehem

• Isaiah 7:14 – Jesus would be born of a virgin

• Isaiah 9:6-7 – A child would be born, and the government would be on his shoulders

• Psalm 72:10 – Jesus would be worshipped and given gifts at his birth

• Jeremiah 31:15 – King Herod would murder children in an attempt to kill Jesus

• Hosea 11:1 – Joseph would be warned to take Jesus

to Egypt for a time to protect him.

PROPHECIES ON THE LIFE OF JESUS

• Psalm 40:6-8 – Jesus would be the perfect sacrifice

• Psalm 78:1-2 – Jesus would teach using parables

• 1 Samuel 2:35 – God would raise up a faithful priest

• 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – Jesus’ Kingdom would be eternal

• Isaiah 6:9-10 – Those who heard Jesus’ parables would not understand

• Isaiah 9:1-2 – The ministry of Jesus would begin in Galilee

• Isaiah 40:3-4 – Jesus’ ministry would be preceded by a voice calling in the desert

• Isaiah 42:1-4 – Jesus’ message of salvation would also extend to the Gentiles

• Isaiah 53:3 – Jesus would be despised and rejected  

• Isaiah 61:1 – Jesus would be the anointed on to proclaim good news to the poor

• Zechariah 9:9 – The King would come riding on a donkey

• Zechariah 11:13 – Jesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver

PROPHECIES ON THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS

• Exodus 12:21-23 – Jesus would be the Passover Lamb

• Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12 – None of Jesus’ bones would be broken

• Leviticus 17:11 – Jesus would die and pour out his blood for the atonement of sins

• Numbers 21:9 – Jesus would be lifted up

• Psalm 16:10 – Jesus would not be abandoned to the dead

• Psalm 22:1 – Jesus would be forsaken

• Psalm 22:8 – Jesus would be mocked

• Psalm 22:15 – Jesus’ mouth would be dry

• Psalm 22:16 – Jesus’ hands and feet would be pierced

• Psalm 22:18 – Lots would be cast for Jesus’ clothes

• Psalm 31:5 – Jesus would commit his spirit to God

• Psalm 68:18 – Jesus would ascend to heaven

• Psalm 69:21 – Jesus would be given vinegar for his thirst

Jesus Christ fulfilled numerous prophecies about His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. These remarkable fulfillments could only have occurred through the one sovereign over all creation from the very beginning of creation. God incarnate, Jesus Christ. These prophecies inspire trust, hope, security, assurance, faith, encouragement, and joy in all who read and understand them. May these prophecies fulfilled by Jesus fill you with hope and life as you trust Him.

God Hears Your Prayers

 

Countless prayers ascending to God’s ears…ever ponder the journey those prayers take?

In Revelation chapter 6, John witnesses the Lamb revealing the power of the first six seals on the scroll. In Revelation 8, he observes the opening of the seventh seal, where a profound silence envelops heaven for thirty minutes, creating a sacred pause before the seven trumpet judgments are unleashed. Following this moment of stillness, one of God's angels offers incense on the golden altar, as the smoke rises to God, carrying the heartfelt prayers of His people.

  

God hears His people when they pray, as our prayers rise like a sweet fragrance to Him. Prayer is our personal conversation with God, reflecting our faith and dependence on Him. Heartfelt prayer encompasses four essential elements: adoration (praise), confession, thanksgiving, and petition (or requests).

Through prayer, we embrace a profound connection with the Creator of heaven and earth.

Consider this for a moment... what an incredible privilege!

God has graciously welcomed us into a profound covenant relationship with Him through the person and work of Christ. With Jesus' sacrifice having removed the barrier of sin, we are empowered to communicate freely with God the Father in prayer.

As we lift our prayers for the LA fires, global conflicts, loved ones who are ill, grief, and the injustices many endure, let us find comfort in knowing that God hears every prayer and cherishes them in His heavenly storage.

_______________

“Be still, and know that I am God" 

Psalm 46;10

Clouds, Clouds and more Clouds

Source: X

Little did we know, but yesterday, my son texted me and said we had a tornado warning in Shasta and Tehama County. 

What? 

We don't typically experience tornadoes in this area, but it seems we did yesterday!  I guess the unusual combination of conditions sparked a breathtaking display of nature's power. Dark, billowing clouds roll in ominously, swirling overhead while brilliant flashes of lightning illuminate the insides of the clouds, creating a stunning contrast against the darkening sky. The air is charged with electricity, and the rumble of thunder echoes in the distance, adding an eerie symphony to the unfolding spectacle.

I missed it all.

By the time he sent me a text, it was already five minutes past the alert.  There were no sirens like they have in Alabama. A few people managed to capture images of the funnel cloud on the fire cameras, which I make a point to check regularly, but somehow, I missed it entirely! Most people found out afterward! 

Source: X

So, the beauty of these clouds got me thinking - The return of Jesus is a significant event in Christianity, and since I am currently studying the Book of Revelation, my thoughts went there immediately.

It will be spectacular! 

The imagery of clouds holds significance in both the (being caught up)  rapture and the second coming of Jesus. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, believers are beautifully depicted as being caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This moment highlights the glorious gathering of believers in Christ. The presence of clouds in this context reflects the majesty and divine essence of His return, where Jesus will come again, raising those who have passed and uniting them with the living to meet the Lord in the air. 

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 

Revelation 1:7 powerfully conveys the image of Jesus returning with the clouds, ensuring that every eye will see Him. This event is not shrouded in secrecy; it will be Christ's visible and glorious return. This majestic portrayal highlights the visibility and divine essence of His return, affirming the fulfillment of His promises and the ultimate restoration of all things.

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,
    and “every eye will see him."

No matter one's eschatology - despite the many beliefs and interpretations - what we can be sure of is the glorious coming of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ 

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13

Last night, as I was in bed, inspiration struck me so intensely that I couldn't fall back asleep, especially after reading and viewing the photos on X. 

I couldn't wait to piece it together - 

for a post. 

I often find that these powerful acts of God or nature not only affirm our Creator's existence but it also signals His return. Much like the rainbow symbolizes His promise, the clouds stand as a reminder that He is and will come back for us.

I hope you found some interest in this as I did -  I can say that I hope I never view a passing cloud with indifference again! Each cloud now carries a sense of wonder and significance that I hadn't appreciated before.

Keep Looking up!  👀

Debby

 

Count it all Joy

Today is the first of twelve months, a moment when I eagerly turn the page to embrace the promise that a new month always brings. 

I picked up this calendar at Dollar Tree. My husband ordered his calendar, but it still hasn’t arrived. We need one in our kitchen to keep track of appointments and upcoming events. I use a calendar app on my phone with alerts, but I still find it nice to have a physical calendar to view the entire month. Although I have another calendar, this one really stood out to me and will be the one I will focus on this month.

So here goes...

James 1:2-4:

 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

When I became a new believer, the idea of accepting life's trials was difficult for me to understand. Someone told me that once I accepted Christ, I wouldn't face any problems and that God would keep me safe from harm. Then the unthinkable happened: from divorce to financial problems—and then the worst of the worst, when my son unexpectedly died at the age of 25. Every year after that, there was another monumental death after another: my father, my mother's suicide, my youngest sister, my two best friends, my niece succumbing to a fentanyl overdose, and my brother.  One could quickly lose their faith if they believe that God does not allow suffering in this life.

Feeling joy while in pain can be difficult. James  instruction to "count it all joy" doesn't mean we should ignore our pain, force a fake smile, and claim that "everything is fine." Instead, it emphasizes that God is still at work in our lives, even during difficult times.

God is with us in our suffering, providing comfort and strength. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). We can bring our pain to Him, as He cares deeply for us (1 Peter 5:7).

I know. I have experienced perpetual grief for years. 

Trials can foster growth and maturity. While the process is painful, God uses these experiences to strengthen faith and develop perseverance (James 1:3-4). This doesn’t mean the pain is good, but rather that God can bring good from difficult situations (Romans 8:28). Who knows? One day, God may use that pain to help someone through what we just came through. He's already used my pain of divorce in helping other Christian women navigate that hurdle, as well as single mothers and those who grieve their adult children's untimely death. 

When we focus on an eternal perspective, our present sufferings pale in comparison to the glory ahead (Romans 8:18). By keeping our eyes on Jesus and the hope of eternity, we can find the strength to endure (Hebrews 12:2). It's normal to feel hurt and grieve; joy comes from a deep trust in God’s goodness, even in tough times. It's also important to "share one another's burdens." God helps us by using other people to help carry our burdens. 

James 1:2-4 encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth. Testing our faith through challenges builds perseverance, fostering spiritual maturity and completeness. This passage highlights how God uses our tough circumstances to strengthen our faith and shape our character.

A wise pastor once told me during a counseling session, "Your life is not about you; it's about God." That really puts everything into that eternal perspective, doesn't it?

One never knows what a new year will bring. I'm excited about what lessons God will teach me, but I don't walk this path, expecting nothing but lollipops and candy canes. I expect trials and tribulations because I am a follower of Christ. In John 15:18-20, Jesus says, 

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also."

This January, let’s commit to walking in biblical truths -  embracing an eternal perspective in our hearts every day. Together, we can inspire each other to stay focused on what truly matters.

Until Next Time,

Debby