Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you and you have only to be silent.
Jeremiah 31:15 Thus says the LORD; “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”
Hosea 11:1 When I was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
Matthew 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:7-8 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
Matthew 2:9-12 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream nt to return to Herold, they departed to their own country be another way.
Matthew 2:13-23
Luke 2:8-20 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the LORD appeared to them, and the glory of the LORD shone around them, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them, and the glory of the LORD shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be fore all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly three was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made knows unto us.” And they went with hasted and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made know the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her hear. And the shepherds returned, and glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Luke 2:22-35 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the LORD (as it is written in the Law of the Lord. “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, ” a [air of turtledoves or two young pigeons. “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27
Luke 2:41-52 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival at the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning hoe, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been urgently searching for you.”
At the birth of Jesus, only two or four people knew how the pregnancy came about. Mary and Joseph knew–each receiving a visit from the angel Gabriel, God’s chief messenger angel at the time. Mary was told she would become pregnant with the Messiah. And Joseph was reassured that Mary had not deceived him and lying with another man. He was reassured Mary was pure and had agreed to be in an untenable position when she could be mocked, scorned, or even stoned to death. But the angel was sent to inform them both that they had been chosen to do the will of God the Creator.
But Mary was went to see her cousin Elizabeth, whom she had learned was also pregnant, a few months further along than Mary. I always wondered if she had a special relationship with Elizabeth, or if her own mother was dead and not around to instruct the young Mary. There is no mention of siblings or other special women in the young girl’s life, so I have assumed that Elizabeth was a close female confidant to Mary. I do believe Mary would have confided to Elizabeth and Zechariah about the nature of her pregnancy and how it had come about–without her lying with a man. And why would they doubt her? Zechariah had been visited by an angel when he was serving in the Holy of Holies and told he and Elizabeth would soon be having a son. When he had doubted, he became mute. But there is no reason to me that Mary would not have confided in Elizabeth and Zechariah, even though the Word does not specifically say that.
The first Roman emperor, Claudius Augustus, ordered the census that brought Joseph and Mary to the little town of Bethlehem, known as the town of David. How absolutely awesome I have always found it that prophets said something, and sometimes it was hundred of years later, but all came true. Jesus was born 700 years after Isaiah spoke and lived. I find it amazing and unquestionable that all these prophesies came true. The town of His birth–and how his family came to be traveling there at that time–all meshed together, to make it THE town where the Savior would be born. God told the prophets what he planned, and they repeated to the Jews–many of whom were being hard-headed and stubborn, and following their own desires–usually sinful desires.
It is amazing to me to read the Bible and see his predictions, and then see how they came through, came to pass. How can there be any doubt? Jesus could NOT have planned his birth in Bethlehem–that came about because of the census which forced his parents to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. There was the prediction from Isaiah that the mother of the Savior would be a virgin. God had told the prophets that there would be a Savior who would care for the people, have the government on his shoulders, and would
And at the right time, God, the Father sent His Savior to a virgin, and to the admirable human man descendant of David who was honorable, caring and loved God; and the Creator Father had chosen Joseph. Obedient, patient, loving Joseph to marry and care for Mary, and to raise the Son.
Angels appeared to the shepherds who were guarding the sheep in the fields. Imagine the awe, the overwhelming fear, surprise and joy. ‘Is this true? The Messiah has been born? There, look, there, look at that star! I have never seen a star like that! Do you think…can it be true? Are these real angels? Is this really happening? Did you SEE these angels, all these angels? Were we dreaming?’
Several of them hurried to the town of Bethlehem. There were men who worked outside in all kinds of weather–hot, cold, rain, and whatever–it was a dirty, nasty vocation, but they lived in the fields with the sheep, guarding them, and sleeping with them each day. They converged on the place where the star shone, shining special and bright, the special star indicating where the baby Messiah was lying.
Forty days after His birth, both Mary and Joseph took the baby to the temple for the dedication. While in the temple, and elderly gentleman, Simeon, who had received a promise from God that he would see the Savior before his death. God showed him the babe, and told him that this was indeed that Savior, the promised Messiah. Simeon promised his parents that this was indeed the promised Messiah. How strange and comforting it must have been to be told by this elderly gentleman that this was indeed the Messiah.
They continued forward and met Anna, an elderly widow who lived in the temple and she too recognized the Messiah. Se had served in the temple most of her life, being widowed when she about 21 years of age. But she too, recognized the babe was the Messiah, the long predicted Messiah.
Joseph and Mary settled in Bethlehem. Then one night when the child, Jesus, was about a year or two several Magi came to worship the Messiah. They knew enough about the writings of the prophets to know that God had ordered a Messiah to save the Israelites as they were his chosen people. On the way to the Christ child, they had stopped and visited with King Herod and told him about the birth of the child-King. Herod acted interested and asked that they return and let him know where the child was living so he too, could go and honor him. But they realized or the Lord told them that Herod was being deceptive. They chose NOT to return to Herod; and when Herod realized they were not returning, he ordered the deaths of all male children two and younger. Blood shed over babies because of his fear, arrogance and selfishness–and of course being evil.
God warned Joseph that King Herod wanted to kill the child. God told Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt. Arising the next morning, he packed Mary and Jesus and they fled to Egypt, and lived there a couple of years until after the death of King Herod. The family then returned to Nazareth, and Joseph set up his carpentry business. The family lived a quiet life, traveling to Jerusalem for the yearly festival. And their family expanded with four sons and two daughters.
How wonderful that God chose twelve men to walk, live and learn with Jesus, and several of these chose to write much of what happened while they learned from him. And we also benefit. There followers–men and women–loved Jesus, chose to follow Him and to continue to teach what He had taught. And thus, the Old Testament and the New Testament became out bible–our education to how to live with others, for others, and to grow His harvest since He wants no one to perish in hell. I am so grateful and blessed that He chose me, and although I am a continuous WORK in progress, I know He loves me, and the Holy Spirit guides me. Thank you, God, for all you have blessings you have bestowed on me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Genesis 3:15 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 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people
2 Samuel 7 God established an everlasting dynasty from the line of David, saying one of David’s descendants would always rule…Jesus Christ, the eternal King from David’s line will always rule.
1 Kings 9:5 I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’
Psalm 2:7 The LORD said to me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.
Psalm 22:16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.
Isaiah 7:14 The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. . . and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 11:1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
Isaiah 42:1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.
Isaiah 53:3-5-6 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned–everyone– to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Jeremiah 23:5-6 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.
Jeremiah 33:15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
Ezekiel 34:23-24 I will set over them one shepherd. My servant David, and he shall feed them. . .and My servant David shall be prince among them; I, the LORD have spoken
Daniel 7:13-14 I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! . . . To Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away.
Hosea 13:4 But I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and besides me there is no savior.
Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient days.
Malachi 3:1 See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the One you are looking for will come to his temple.
Matthew 16:15-26 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Luke 2:1-5 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town and Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of Davide, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2;25-35 (paraphrased) Samuel was a devout man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah, the Son of God before his death. He met the babe when Jesus’ parents brought his to the temple for dedication. Samuel recognized this was the Messiah and knew he could now die with the reassurance he had met, held and knew the chosen of God to save.
Luke 2:36-38 “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped day and night, fasting and praying. Coming to that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
John 4:25-26 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things. ” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
Hebrews 7:25 Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them
Have you ever imagined how Mary must have felt seeing the Angel Gabriel come and tell her she would become pregnant with the Messiah. They had been waiting about 4000 years for the Messiah to come. And now, this young girl was being told by an angel who stood before her and reassured her that SHE would be the mother of the Savior, and she would name Him Immanuel. She was betrothed–oh goodness, what would Joseph say? Would he leave her, divorce her? What would become of her? What would become of the Child when it was discovered? But this young girl responded in a willing manner, unsure of how this pregnancy could occur since she had lain with no man, but she was willing. The angel reassured her she would conceive by the Holy Spirit, not by lying with a man. The maiden accepted this, accepted the responsibility.
How old was this young girl? We are never told, but since the marriageable age was fairly young during this time frame–once a girl was menstruating she was able to bear children and that was one of the goals of marriage–to produce children. I wonder if she still had a mother available to answer any of her young questions. Such a lot for a young girl to have to deal with–a pregnancy, marriage to a man–and how well did she know him, how much older was he than her, how soon was the marriage to take place, and what was she to do and say about this pregnancy? So many questions. Sha had to be frightened or nervous. She could be stoned for not being a virgin–even though she was. But how could that be proven? What would Joseph say? How would he react to this news? She could be ousted from the community. She could be killed, stoned for her “actions.”
But she chose to go to “her cousin” Elizabeth. Was her mother deceased? I think so. I think, with a prompting from the angel Gabriel, that she needed to get an older woman’s input, and since her mother was not available, she fled to Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, who was high priest that year. It is my belief, that since Elizabeth was also from the tribe of Aaron, that perhaps Mary was also. And with genealogy, her babe was covered under the “house of David” and also under the priests, the house of Aaron. To me, the choice for Mary to flee to Elizabeth was because she did not have a mother available, or an elder sister she was comfortable confiding in–but she did have a favored cousin, and she hustled to her. Did Elizabeth reassure her, knowing because of her own pregnancy that May held the Messiah in her womb? Did she tell her all would be all right when she returned to her community, her father’s home, to the betrothal with Joseph?
We know that Joseph was also visited and told that the child Mary carried was from the Holy Spirit–she had not lain with a man; she was indeed a virgin, and it was safe for Joseph to marry the girl. I believe that Joseph was a wonderful, warm, stand up guy and he stood beside and with her, and did all that was honorable. Of course, God had chosen well! He is God! But I believe Joseph loved the babe, Jesus and his mother, and he did the best he could to train the child, and his subsequent sons and he loved his daughters, and raised them as good Jewish children, teaching them all whatever he knew of the Torah. God had chosen wisely–choosing Jesus’s earthly parents.
But the couple KNEW–they had been chosen to raise the Messiah, the child borne of a human mother, and the Holy Spirit, and raised by a man from the line and genealogy of David. Joseph took care of the Mary. He knew and believed that the child Mary carried was the Messiah. Did he feel honored to be the human parent to this babe? I believe he did. And I believe he gave his best for teaching this eldest child of his family. He taught him all he knew–Torah, carpentry, love, generosity, and praise. He was the best human father God could have chosen for Mary and Jesus. Thank You, God for all your omniscience.
I am so thankful for the parents you chose to raise your Son with the two humans you chose to bring Him into the world. God, I sincerely thank You for all the blessings–most especially Your Son, my Savior and how He has blessed me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Deuteronomy 5:16 ‘Honor your father and mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits win the seat of the scornful: but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment.-, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. But the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 127:3-5 Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
Proverbs 1:7-8 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of your father, and so not forsake the law of your mother. . .
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart
Romans 12:17-19 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, ” says the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents, in the LORS, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the LORD.
Colossians 3:18-21 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the LORD. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the LORD. Fathers, do not provoke your children lest they become discouraged.
Jesus said before He died that we would have troubles, anxieties and stresses in this world. Somehow, at least in our country, we will often say “that’s just so not fair.” But there is nothing that says fairness is due to any Because we have a country that has been blessed with so much, and have been considered the wealthiest country in the world for a while, we tend to be more impatient, spoiled, and demanding. I have contact with a child in Kenya, and they have very little. She goes to school but her education is so far behind our children who are 11 years old. Writing looks more like a child of five years old in our country.
Years ago, disciplined classes were to teach arithmetic, spelling, reading, history, and children of all different ages were together in a one room school. The original prime readers consisted of bible verses. The teacher was responsible for educating all ages, helping them to become proficient at reading, understanding and processing the meaning of what they had read, and doing math problems, understanding fractions and so forth. After all, if was the cost was $0.89 for a pound of sugar, how much was it if you only wanted a 1/3 of a pound? People had to be able to do the arithmetic to prevent themselves from being over-charged, to know they were getting a fair deal and not being over-charged. to spend with his son and family–the son is too busy. deal.
Years ago, most children were much more respectful. They could be disciplined by the grocer, by anyone whom they had treated a little snippy or had misbehaved toward. The townsfolk all know one another, and although it was primarily the parents who handled most of the discipline, it was welcome for one neighbor to tell of a problem they had had, so the parents could discipline properly. In our neighborhood, we knew all the mothers were on the lookout for misbehaving, and if one of their children was caught doing something wrong with another neighbor child–the parents were notified. It kept us accountable and respectful in how we talked with all adults. I think many are not raised that way unless they have some church and biblical teaching.
But we are now not always respectful, and our stresses have increased as work pressures increase as many have come to believe that we are entitled to what we want, when we want it, we are entitled to money, and tend to work and work for success. Even young college kids graduating from college believe they are entitled to big bucks in their jobs. They do not seem to realize that you still have to prove yourself. And just proving yourself in school does not mean you will work well with clients; and certainly not that you should deserve the same rate of pay that someone who has been with the company for a number of years is receiving.
In this day and age people work long and sometimes longer hours. This is its own burden–spousal complaints, your children growing up as strangers. You were working so much you missed their accomplishments at 2 years old, 4, and then being out on the soccer field or the baseball field and making some sports accomplishments. Hearing about them later is NOT the same as being there, praising them then and there. And scholastics, you need to see the pride and satisfaction of reaching an accomplishment. Missing out on these times and moments have a cost. And once the moment has passed, all your “Wish I could have been there to see that, but I had to work.” Just like the Cat Stevens song of the son begging for some of Dad’s time and attention, and then when father is elderly and having the time to spend with his son and the son’s family. All this work and stress and little involvement with family is NOT God’s plan.
God created family–children should be taught respect, should be taught God’s Laws, and for children honoring parents, no stealing, no lying, and no coveting and so forth. But much of this has been apparently been thrown aside, sadly. Even in my own family, I see the grandkids not involved in a church, and sports are the religion they diligently work at–with the parents encouragement and praise. And sports are great–but not to the exclusion of learning who Jesus is, about the creation and God’s plan, and so forth. When the subject is brought up, there is a shrug all around, and the response is, “We will get involved later.” And each Sunday you were in a pew and listening to a sermon. But they have all lost that priority of church involvement. It breaks my heart. What is something horrific happens? An accident that may be life threatening? What if there is a death? You cannot have the assurance that your loved one–spouse, child is spending eternity in heaven and with Jesus instead of perishing daily in hell.
A woman in Texas, in 1963, politicked to have the Lord’s Prayer removed from schools. And things seemed to get more chaotic and disrespectfulness seemed to sprout forth. Entitlement, impatience, and bullying seemed to grow more rampant–yes, there had been always been some who always were brutish, but it seemed to me that after this removal of the Lord’s Prayer, things became more violent and disrespectful.
There has been an increase in violence, self-centered bullying, stealing from others for selfish reasons, hurting others in many different manners–physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and mental abuse, and now how common although still sickening, is it to hear of another school massacre? For me, things began worsening while I was still in school, third grade, to be exact. I remember most young people I went to school with — although, not all, were polite and respectful when adults addressed them. It is not uncommon, although certainly not all children, but common enough to hear fresh talk from a young child, or brash, anger comes spewing forth–which I am sure they are hearing from a parent or caregiver. But what are we doing to our children.
Murderers have been around for a long time–Jack the Ripper, Boston Strangler, Baton Rouge Serial Killer, and many more. The US leads the world in serial killers–some estimates the US have over 3600 since 1900. A 2020 analysis showed the US with 3613 serial killers, while Great Britain had 196. What has happened in our country that we have such an idea of entitlement, that we can take what we want (steal) from others, and can so easily take lives. Lives. The life is in the blood–and it is spilled so callously here. It’s sad and appalling.
Our country was founded on many people fleeing their countries of origin to be able to learn more about Christ, to express their religion, to delve further in to the bible and reading for themselves the Bible. Obviously, that is not how all people came here–some were convicts and sent from their country to Australia, the New World and several others. They were put on ships and sent away–but it was those looking for a new start, a better life, and again, convicts–often one who had gotten caught stealing a bit of food–bread, fruit, or something small to help their family. But our country offered new hope; and IF one survived the journey, they had a new start.
It offered new hope for most who traveled here. And as areas were settled, schools were built, the earliest reading primers were from the Bible–verses to teach them how to read, to sound out words, to learn meanings of what they read, as well as helping parents with the command that parents teach their children. This is one of God’s Laws for us to follow. Teach the children who He is, the Creator of the world and all this is in it–including stars, sun, moon, mountains, trees, oceans, lakes and all the beauty throughout the world. Most of the people who transported here had hopes, dreams, and were willing to work for them. There was no sense of entitlement, but there was the knowledge there would be hard work, but success seemed like it could be a reality.
I would love to see a country-wide revival. I would love to see my family learn who He is and fall to their knees in repentance and gratitude. We are promised no next day–and only God knows our last. I want to be right with Him when my last arrives. God, I thank you for all you have done for me, for my family, and I pray for their selfishness and arrogance, and living in the moment of “fame” changes and they all come to realize You are the Way, the Truth, the Light, and the Life. Thank You, Lord, that You chose, and I followed–and will continue for all who do not yet know You. Thank You for all you have done for me and’mybellaviews.’
Lord, You chose me–still a sinner, but I can turn to You, confess, and ask the Holy Spirit to not give up and help–once again–control my sins. I am so blessed You have always had Your loving Hands on my and ‘mybellaviews.’
Joshua 2 The story of Rahab, although she did not know God, she believed in him and wanted to know
Joshua 24:14-15 Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for your selves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Ruth 1:16-17 But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.”
Isaiah 41:8-10 “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:44-45 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven: for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Luke 6:31 And just as you want men do to you, you also do to them likewise.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Romans 8:28 – 29 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God
Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
2 Corinthians 13:4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Hebrews 11:31 By faith Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
About eight years ago, my sister in law retired from her high pressure job. She had been the prime bread winner, and she enabled my brother to work in Alaska in the summers, initially as a fishing guide for one of the many fishing lodges, but he eventually he had enough certifications to become a pilot. And he loved it.
In the meantime, my sister in law managed any issues that arose during the summers when he was gone–from end May to early October–hurricanes, taking care of pets, bringing to vet as needed, having to replace the roof after an “unnamed storm threw two branches through their roof. And continued to work 10-12 hour days, usually 6 days a week. God bless her; she is one of my biggest blessings. Anyway, when she retired, they decided to rent at NTB since they had enjoyed my neighborhood for the many years they had come down–knew many of my neighbors, knew the area, and would explore options from there. I think my brother felt, he would be nearby for some things he could help with for minor repairs.
Anyway, I was in my glory! We have a real neighborhood feel to my block in this beach town,-and certainly not all beach communities do. But neighbors care for one another, get together, spend time with one another, laugh, and we survived COVID by getting together in a neighbor’s driveway, having a bonfire, and chatting for several hours. There was no separation for this community–what a God blessing! We got to be together through highs and lows–neighbors getting critically ill–and we got together and prayed for recovery. It is a true neighborhood.
My brother is a proud agnostic, believes he and his precious wife are responsible for everything they have and all that they are–kind, loving, helpful, and upright people. They love their neighbors, and are open, gracious, generous, and just exude love–all the qualities of Jesus. Yet, state they do not believe Jesus is God.
In 2023, he was in a mid-air collision when a helicopter pilot who did know where he was located, rose up and clipped the tail end of the Beaver plane my brother was piloting. One guest on the flight saw the helicopter but not in enough time to give an early warning. The blades of the top of the helicopter caught the tail end of the plane, the helicopter when into a spin and down. The pilot of the helicopter was thankfully an experienced pilot, and did what they do when they are in a spin with not all of their blades and working equipment. He landed the copter, and the guests and one guide had a rough idea of where. My brother radioed a mayday, told approximate location of helicopter, but was still unaware of how much damage to his aircraft. It was running rough, but he still believed he could land it if he could find enough area, and get fairly close to land to safely get the guides and clients off.
There are a lot of pilots in Alaska–and many fishing lodges getting ready to pick up their guides and customers at that time of today, so hearing the mayday, they all flew to the area Jim had announced. The other plane pilots flew over the location it was reported the helicopter had gone down– all expecting it would be a retrieval. not a rescue. Meanwhile, Jim had to find a place to land his aircraft and get his guests and guides to safety. He had to fly the sputtering aircraft eight miles away, but landed it on the water in a safe and shallow area and all his passengers were safely removed. He stayed on his aircraft, trying to determine the outcome of the helicopter. Mid-air collisions are rarely without a death; but soon pilots were reporting being able to see the pilot waving he was ok outside his burning vehicle. He was transferred to the hospital in Anchorage and later released that day, all ok.
Other pilots flew in and landed and picked up the customers and guides from his plane, while my brother stayed with the plane, which of course, sunk. My sister in law, who worked at the same lodge as Jim for the summers, met the guests who had been on that flight, and they grabbed her, hugged her and said that God had saved them through Jim and his actions, that Jim was a god-send. Most were crying, two brothers in their 60’s could not stop crying and telling her how Jim was an incredible pilot and saved their lives. And still Jim did not get there. She truly needed to see her husband.
And finally, he came up the path and hugged her and said, “No one died today.” I was positive, positive that Jesus was with him as he piloted that plane after the hit. I still believe that, and although he never confided in me about that, I think he knew he was not alone managing that unstable plane to land in a river in a manner that could get all his passengers to safety. I think he had a lot of moments that he wondered. I pray that’s his first encounter that he cannot shake as God comes racing after him. He works and loves and what a soldier he would be in he kingdom. He has never been cocky about his ability to land that severely damaged aircraft–which sunk 47 minutes after he had all guests and guides disembarked. He had no rear propellers, and his left pontoon was totally blown out and sucking water. I think he was vacillating about “another presence with him”, but as time has passed, he feels it was more education, experience, and “luck,” but that is not what I believe. So, I believe God will do his pursuing, and Jim will make his free choice.
I do get so impatient with the free choice option. Hurry up! Choose now! But God reminds me all I can do is continue with prayers. Things happen in God’s timing, and God will do everything He can to ensure these wonderful people make the right choice–but He respects everyone’s free choice. It may grieve Him when someone continues to refuse His offer, but He respects it. And His Word clearly says that one must accept Jesus as Savior and the knowledge that He took on all sins–but one has to believe in Him, has to repent for their wrong-doing each time they find themselves sinning, and He wants the closeness–the friendship, the worship and reading of the Word to become more like the Savior.
Thank God, I can pray to You and believe You will answer. Thank You, God for all my family, friends, and all you have blessed “me and my bellaviews,”
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set berfore you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.
Joshua 24;15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Isaiah 41:9-10 You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 6:37, 44 All the the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. . . . No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
John 15: 16, 19 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. . . . If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
John 17:15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
Romans 8:28-30 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of HIs Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren. More over whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Ephesians 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
I always believed I had chosen God. I didn’t realize I had received an invitation–nothing in the mail with an RSVP, no whisper or voice calling me forward that Sunday morning in April of 1973. There was just a compulsion to get up and go forward. For those who know me, they know this is NOT my normal behavior. I earned the name of wall-flower by staying in the back of the crowd, and unless comfortable, find it difficult to initiate anything that might put the spot light on me. Always I have gotten nervous with new people–which cheats me, and as I have learned over the years, also cheats them. Until recently I have not known that; but have been assured that my opinion matters, I share humor and lighten things up — but I cannot do this with folks I don’t know well. This is an area I discuss with God, it is certainly not Christ-like to not reach out in kindness, friendliness, and acting like a wall-flower comes out like a snob. YIKES!
One of the other reasons, I began reaching out was that in one of the Bible App’s devotionals I was studying it specifically said, “Shyness is a quality of being selfish.” My immediate, and still occasional thought to this is, “do you realize how difficult it can be for me to reach out? What if I am judged and found severely wanting?” (Ugh, yeah, I think this sounds like selfish It’s a struggle, but I know I have moved forward–I am not confident, still quiet, still prefer being the observer, but I try, and must admit that 98% of the time, get a receptive response back–frequently with a smile and nice comment. “Well, thank You, God, again it was a success.”
So years ago on that Sunday morning, my fiancé at the time and his family were astonished to see me get up to move forward. So was I. And had all sorts of whispers (all Satanic) of ‘You can’t go up there in front of all those people. And it’s bad enough they have all seen you start to get up, but you are at the back of the church, so not everyone has seen you. That is an ugly outfit you have on, and you look so fat, and your curly hair is ridiculous–so long and unruly… ‘ I did consider turning and sitting back down–but then everyone would see that and judge that too. Besides–compulsion. It didn’t feel as though I could do anything but go forward.
There was such a feeling of acceptance and love–and I was very accustomed to being loved. My parents showed love to the three of us all the time. There was no question in our minds of that. I was the oldest–not PERFECT BY ANY MEANS . But certainly knew I was loved, respected in my neighborhood–babysat for multiple families, did well in school, had good friendships, mostly in the neighborhood, but a couple of close friends in school. There was never a reason I could find for the shyness and hesitation to put myself out there and be noticed. But that morning was a different, deeper feeling than I had with my parents, grandparents and other family. I should have had confidence and self-assurance. Yet, God’s urging gave me the confidence and the love was overwhelming. A new birth.
I can recognize I have grown. The nerves and anxieties still well up, and I can still look about and admire the confidence and self-assurance I see in others. I recognize we all have our strengths; and I do have them, but confidence in front of a group is not one of them. But I do know God chose me for a reason and a purpose–maybe just to be a background worker–LOL, my comfort zone. But, part of my calling and reason to pass Your message to those who do not know You.
My family and non-believing friends know that my church is family and very important to me. But it still leaves me with siblings who truly believe they alone are responsible for their success and failures, and they have disgusted opinions when they recount much of the OT — all the killing that the Jews did trying to get to the Promised Land. When I was first challenged with this, the OT was a definite mystery to me also. So, I couldn’t answer properly–much to my regret. I, too, was at that time, overwhelmed by the war and annihilation of many peoples that God encouraged the Jews to wipe out. My knowledge had not gotten to the fact that these people were sinners–worshiping other gods, many of which “demanded” they sacrifice their own children. And, that remains where they are stuck–no matter how much I share or the knowledge and understanding I have gained over the years. I know God has patience, love, kindness, gentleness, and mercy toward His children–us–who are wicked sinners. LOL, and probably because my siblings know all those ratty, bratty, miserable things I did as a child–they do not get the changes. And maybe do not believe them. But I have seen the two siblings roll their eyes when I try to tell them of His salvation and release and peace. I actually have a magnet on my fridge which reads “Did I just roll my eyes out loud?” I certainly did a lot of eye rolling growing up! But recognize when they both huff out a sigh and roll their eyes.
I wonder if more people do not come to church and to kneel before Jesus because they are more concerned about “public opinion” And maybe that is still my hesitation to be at the front of the crowd. Keep me hidden, will gladly do the work assigned, but do not want the spotlight. And maybe that is them since they have so adamantly opposed giving up their belief that they are in charge.
But I pray for them all daily. I have a son and daughter in law who have worked for the government for close to twenty years and with the confusion, tensions and immediate government building closures, it has caused nerves to be on edge. My son believes, but still “is there anything I can do? I know God is there–but does He really care about me? About us?” They have a few short years, and they can retire from their government jobs. But, now they left unsure. And they are not at the place where they have put all their chips in like the poker players do on TV to believe that God is totally there for them. I hate the hesitation, but so far, they are not full in, to believe God really has them. One of my continuous prayers that will change.
Thankfully, I have the comfort of knowing that He has chosen me, and I believe He also has my family. He DOES NOT want anyone to perish–none, no one. So with me praying for their salvation, them helping with the good and kind acts to others, God’s Word promises that IF His will, prayers will be answered, and He wants a grateful and believing heart. I have all those, but my confidence wanes knowing the stubbornness of my siblings, and the fact they also have been given the gift of making a choice. Yet, it is not just me that may lead them to Jesus. I know, with no doubt that God hears my prayers, He knows I believe He is able to bring them to their knees, and He answers prayers with full belief in what we ask for. My hesitation, not 100% in is the fact He also granted us all free will….. Yes, I know it is necessary, but it makes me a tad uncertain that they will be stupid and stubborn and refuse. (Sigh)
But, Lord, my Creator, You are in charge, You have chosen–and why me with all my ICK’s–but I thank You. I have Your Word, I can grow daily in that, and I have assurance for me, and I believe that even if not in my time, my family will choose You. But thank You, Lord, for all. You have so blessed ‘me and my bellaviews.’
Hi, I'm Kathy. Welcome to my website!