CHALLENGE FOR 2018 - PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14 (J.B. PHILLIPS)

CHALLENGE FOR 2018

PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14 (J.B. PHILLIPS)

Yet, my brothers, I do not consider myself 

to have “arrived”, spiritually, 

nor do I consider myself already perfect. 

But I keep going on, grasping ever more firmly

 that purpose for which Christ grasped me. 

My brothers, I do not consider myself 

to have fully grasped it even now. 

But I do concentrate on this: I leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead 

I go straight for the goal—my reward 

the honour of being called by God in Christ.

The year 2017 saw many sad days for Susan and Susie. We each saw loved ones graduate to Heaven seemingly too soon. Susie’s great-niece was only thirty and Susan’s second cousin only thirty-five. A friend’s daughter who had cerebral palsy was freed from her earth-suit on December 2nd at the age of only eighteen. Susan’s Grannie Slade went to be with her Lord on December 1^st. Her granddad spent Christmas Eve morning in the emergency room, and her aunt is in the ER as we write this.  One of Susie’s relatives broke her hip on Christmas Eve. Susan had her own ER visit in early December. Yes, we had sorrow in 2017. However, we also had great joy as we completed Susan’s first book, A Life’s Symphony of Joy, and received a donation of the first 100 copies printed at no charge to us! We celebrated one year of being a non-profit corporation in the state of Texas and had our first group of people committed to make monthly donations to Precious Jewels Ministries. We had the opportunity to speak at Freedom Church in Bedford in the Spring. Thanks to a dear friend at our church who has a van equipped to take the power chair, Susan has been able to attend church without going in an ambulance on a gurney for the first time since 2011. Yes, the Lord richly blessed us in 2017.

Now we are on the cusp of a brand-new year, 52 weeks, 365¼ days. Our past sorrows need to be laid aside, and we cannot sit back and bask in our past joys. We must move forward as the Lord leads us. He has called us to minister and to serve. Those of us who know the Lord must continually be moving forward to fulfill the purposes for which He chose us. We are on this earth to bring glory to the name of Jesus by loving and serving one another and spreading the Good News of salvation purchased on the cross by Jesus and by the grace of God. Each day of this new year is another opportunity to “press on” toward the goal of serving Jesus here and eventually forever in the place He is preparing for us (John 14). May our “New Year’s Resolution” be to live each day to the fullest by serving the Lord completely, not only making a difference in a specific incidence but by being a difference in the lives of others. 

INCARNATION IN A NUTSHELL

INCARNATION IN A NUTSHELL

By Susie Hale

Precious Jewels Ministries, Inc.

The virgin Mary conceived God’s Son

Angel told Joseph her baby’s the One,

Messiah, Anointed,

By God appointed

Salvation for men with this Babe begun.

There were no rooms in Bethlehem

A stable was the best to be found for them

Mary gave birth

God came to earth

Shepherds came from the fields to worship Him.

The Baby Jesus was circumcised and redeemed

Simeon’s eyes with tears of joy gleamed.

Simeon prophesied.

Anna evangelized.

The Spirit revealed this Babe was not as He seemed.

For this poor Baby Boy who had laid in a manger

Who had been King in Heaven was on earth a stranger.

Deity wrapped

in Baby who napped.

But soon His earthly life would be in danger.

Magi from the east entered Herod’s court

A strange phenomenon they had to report.

Glory shining as a star

Led the wise men from afar

to see a newborn King, so they came to consort.

Herod’s advisors said Bethlehem was the place

Where their Messiah was foretold to show His face

Wise men went

Where they were sent

Herod plotted to avoid being replaced.

The Magi found Mary in a house with the Babe

They opened their packs, and gifts they gave.

Gifts of great expense—

Gold, myrrh, frankincense.

They did not report to Herod, the Baby to save.

Joseph was warned by an angel to flee

To Egypt that night to protect his family.

Soldiers ravaged

As if they were savage

Killing all baby boys by King Herod’s decree.

From the beginning, Satan tried to prevent

Jesus from the purpose of His advent.

Jesus survived

God kept Him alive

Until the time had come for which He was sent.

Jesus performed many miraculous signs,

Asserted His deity numerous ways and times

Sinners revealed

People were healed

When the timing was right, to Jerusalem He climbed.

There He was arrested, they yelled “Crucify.”

The Babe in the manger had come here to die.

The perfect Lamb

The Great “I AM”

His mission on earth to be our sacrifice.

He died on the cross, paid the ransom for sin

To redeem lost sinners who would trust in Him.

Three days in the tomb

Then life He resumed.

Arose to Father, promised we’ll be with them. 

LUKE 2:28-32 - THE LIGHT

The Light

Simeon had waited a lifetime

To see the Messiah with his own eyes.

The Lord had told him this would happen

Before the day that he died.

The Spirit led him into the temple

At the precise time of day

That his parents were dedicating

The Babe who had laid on the hay.

Simeon recognized his Savior

And his heart was filled with joy.

He immediately sang prophecy

Concerning this baby Boy.

This Child would bring glory to Israel

But was not for the Jews alone.

He was the Light to guide the Gentiles,

For all believers’ sins to atone.

The star that would guide the Magi

Would continue to shine through the Christ.

He would die on a cross to redeem us,

But nothing could hold back His life.

Since the Father resurrected Jesus,

We, like Simeon, can have complete peace;

For His Light that shines in the darkness

Assures us of joy that will never cease.

LUKE 2:15-20 - SHEPHERDS HERALD GOOD SHEPHERD'S ARRIVAL

SHEPHERDS HERALD GOOD SHEPHERD’S ARRIVAL

By Susie Hale & Susan Slade, Precious Jewels Ministries

An angel appeared to a group of mere shepherds, made the astonishing announcement that the Messiah had been born in Bethlehem, and gave them the even more surprising news that this Holy Baby would be found sleeping in a feeding trough for animals wrapped up like a baby lamb! Then as quickly as the host of angels had appeared in glorious light, they vanished, and the shepherds were once again alone in the dark. The shepherds, like excited children on Christmas morning, ran to see God’s gift to the world. They found everything exactly like the angel had said. Afterward they did the same thing we did as children – they told the entire neighborhood the best gift they had received – a baby born to be the Messiah. They went back to the drudgery of guarding their sheep but with a newfound awe of the Lord. They praised and glorified God as they returned. I wonder if the sheep could sense the change in their shepherds or if even they were aware that the best Shepherd of all was now living among men? Just as we share about our “best Christmas ever,” I am certain those shepherds passed down the story of the night they found their Savior lying in a manger. I imagine their children and grandchildren, eyes bright with wonder, saying, “Tell it again! Tell about the angels and the Baby!” May the wide-eyed wonder of the Christmas story fill our hearts throughout this New Year!

Luke 2:7 - AS A BABE, HE CAME

A long time ago in Bethlehem a tiny Babe was born,

The King of kings and Lord of lords on earth in mortal form.

What did it mean for Christ to come to walk on earth as man?

And what is the significance of this part of God’s plan?

I’ve often thought it interesting that Christ came as a child,

A little, tiny baby, helpless, meek, and mild.

But since He came in just that way, I know He understands

Every small frustration of living as a man.

He understands the growing pains of our own little ones,

Although when He was twelve years old, He knew He was God’s Son.

He knows just how it feels to go through difficult teen years.

He knows the loss of friends through death. He knew pain, and He cried tears.

My Jesus knew temptation and yet remained sin-free.

He was the perfect sacrifice who died for you and me.

So, we celebrate the coming of our King.

Because He came with love for us, His praises we will sing.

By Susie Hale, Precious Jewels Ministries, written February 10, 1983

A Single SOCK

A Single SOCK

By Karen Sue Hale

            That single sock left over when all the clothes are folded and put in the proper drawers has been a problem for anyone who has done laundry more than twice.  Its mate may have fallen behind the washer or dryer where it will stay until I move again.  Perhaps the appliances were hungry and ate it.  I’ve entertained thoughts that there might be a mysterious, one-footed, sock-swiping monster.  What do you do with that sock that no longer has a mate?  Personally, I’m not rich enough to just toss it out, so I find uses for the “one-socks” as I call them.

When I need a dust cloth, I can always grab an orphaned sock.  It does a nice job as a polish cloth for copper or silver.  With a few additional scraps of material, it can become a puppet.  Several coins can be put in the toe and the top tied shut to keep them from getting lost.  Use your imagination, and that single sock has many uses.

            Sometimes as a divorced single I feel like a lone sock and, therefore, label myself “useless.”  I have never-married friends who feel society expects them to become part of a couple someday, so they feel like a purple and green argyle sock waiting for another to show up.  Life seems to be on hold.

Recently I have made an encouraging realization.  To me the prettiest socks are sold individually, come in a variety of sizes, and can be plain or fancy.  They all are intended to be vessels of blessing for their owners.  They are Christmas stockings and are perfectly content to be one of a kind.  We fill them with delightful things, and children’s faces shine with joy.
            God wants me to be his SOCK: a Slave Of Christ the King.  I do not need a mate in order to serve him, but I must be willing to be filled with not just good things but the best, the Holy Spirit.  Just as a sock is limp and lifeless until you put your foot in it, the Bible tells me that I can do nothing apart from Christ living in me (John 15:5).  Just as Christ called individuals, I can serve him as a single.  I need only to empty myself and allow his Spirit free reign inside this SOCK.

            Even Christmas stockings become worn with use.  I have one saved from my childhood days that has been overstuffed so many times the decorations are tattered, and the seams are unraveling.  As a SOCK, I may become worn with use.  It is then that I am urged not to become “weary of well-doing” (Gal. 6:9).  Also, if the wearer injures his foot, his sock may become torn or stained with blood.  As a SOCK, I have been told I will be identified with the Master (Mat. 10:25, John 15:20) and suffer with Him.  When I stand before the Lord at the Judgment, I long to hear him say, “Well done, you good and faithful servant” (Mat. 25:21, 23).  Then as one who has become torn and stained in serving him, Jesus will wash me, and I will be a clean, white SOCK in Heaven (Rev. 3:5, I John 1:9).

            This brief article does not exhaust the subject of being a SOCK.  I hope to continue to learn about being Christ’s slave by becoming a “living sacrifice unto God” (Rom. 12:1) and allowing God to “renew my mind” (Rom. 12:2) through his Word.  I will daily follow the advice Eli gave to Samuel and pray, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening” (I Sam. 3:9).  For, in this way, I can learn what it truly means to be a SOCK. 

            The next time you do laundry, hang a Christmas stocking, or rearrange your sock drawer, remember that you can be a SOCK, a Slave of Christ the King.  You are not a useless one-sock.  You were specially created to hold delightful treasures.  Allow God to fill you with the Holy Spirit so your Owner may use you to bless those who come into contact with one of his single SOCKs.

LUKE 1:78-79 - MAY THE SON RISE IN YOU

May the Son Rise in You

Luke 1:78-79 (Complete Jewish Bible)

. . . through our God’s most tender mercy,

    which causes the Sunrise to visit us from Heaven,

 to shine on those in darkness, living in the shadow of death,

    and to guide our feet into the paths of peace.

Zacharias had doubted Gabriel’s word when told her that he and Elizabeth would have a son, and the Lord literally rendered him speechless. However, as soon as he named the newborn “John” as the angel had commanded him, his tongue was free to speak again, and God used the priest as a prophet. In his magnificent poem, he spoke of his own son being the forerunner of the Messiah as the prophets had foretold. Then he spoke of the Anointed One to come, the Deliverer, the Savior. The Sunrise, the Dayspring was coming down from heaven. This is not a reference to each day’s dawn but to the beginning of a new day, a new era ushered in by the Son of God dwelling among men (John 1:14). This light would shine in the darkness of our world and would not be quenched (John 1:5). Jesus would bring light to our world (John 1:12). He would shine the light on our depravity, and we would see our sinfulness and our deep need of a Savior because we are unable to perfectly keep God’s law. He would shine a light on the only path leading to peace with God (Psalm 119:105, John 14:6) which is surrendering all that I have and all that I am to Jesus. Then once we have that relationship with our Lord, we become lesser lights. As the moon reflects the sun, we reflect the Son; and Jesus tells us, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matthew 5:14-15). We do not shine and sparkle as precious jewels to draw attention to ourselves but to magnify God’s glory and point others to Him.

Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

LUKE 1:46-48 - HUMBLE SERVANTS MAGNIFY THE LORD

HUMBLE SERVANTS

MAGNIFY THE LORD

LUKE 1:46-48 (AMP)

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord,

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

“For He has looked [with loving care]

on the humble state of His maidservant;

For behold, from now on all generations

will count me blessed and happy and favored

 by God!

Mary, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, burst into poetic song. Baby John was not the only one who was jumping for joy. Every fiber of Mary’s being declared the greatness of her God who had transformed her into the mother of her own Savior. One of no special significance was carrying the One of supreme significance. John the Baptist would later declare, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” (John 3:30); and Mary understood this concept well. She sang, not to draw attention to herself but to lift high the praises of God. She realized that God had chosen her despite the fact that she was a humble but devout Jewish girl from a town known for no-goods. God chose a lowly servant to be the mother of His only begotten Son because He was sending His Son to serve rather than to be served (Matthew 20:28). All generations to recognize the blessing God bestowed upon Mary, but those who read the gospels know that she endured much sorrow along with experiencing great joy. Mary is a prime example of how God chooses those men would not necessarily choose. He chooses the weak to confound the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27). Do not say to yourself that our omnipotent God cannot use you in mighty ways because you are weak, not very bright, or too bad. None of us can have any worthwhile effect until we are in His hands, but the humblest life when fully committed and submitted to the Lord will be used to help turn the world upside down!

A CHRISTMAS EXHORTATION from Susan R. Slade

LUKE 1:42b-44 - JOHN JUMPS FOR JOY

John Jumps for Joy

by Susie Hale, Precious Jewels Ministries

Unborn baby in the womb, at Mary’s greeting, John jumped for joy.

Filled with the Spirit from conception, he knew Messiah’s mother’s voice.

The Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth’s heart and enabled her to know

the presence of her Lord and Savior in a holy Embryo.

Yet today’s society justifies the murder of an unborn baby,

debating when embryo becomes a person, with no thought that maybe

since children are a gift from God and the fruit of the womb a reward,

A fertilized egg, an embryo, is declared a human soul by the Lord.

If you have already had an abortion, you will find no judgment here.

Mary’s baby was born to redeem you. Forgiveness is yours - draw near

to Jesus who bore our sins on the cross, the Lamb of God, our sacrifice.

Raised to life, He conquered the grave and offers you paradise!

LUKE 1:38 - TENDER SURRENDER

Tender Surrender

       

  Mary had been overwhelmed by the appearance of an angel. Her heart must have been pounding in her chest; she could probably hear it in her ears. She was probably filled with awe and wonder and some understandable fears. Would anyone believe her? Would Joseph stand by her side? Who was she to raise the Son of the Most- High? Would the Spirit that overcame her abide?

    As the thoughts raced through her mind, Mary became determined. She had faith in Jehovah God and would submit to all He asked of her. She referred to herself as His servant, His handmaiden, His slave. In humility, she surrendered to God’s will for her rather than running away.

      As we trust Jesus as our Savior, He may call us to unusual tasks. Surrender in humility to Him. Do whatever He asks. You may feel trepidations pounding in your chest, but His Spirit empowers you; for your Father always knows best.

LUKE 1:15B - SPEECHLESS

Speechless

Luke 1:15b (AMP)

. . . he will be filled with and empowered to act by the Holy Spirit

while still in his mother’s womb.

A once in a life-time honor

Zachariah burned incense before the Lord.

As he performed this duty, an angel appeared,

and Zachariah couldn’t take in His words.

His wife would have a baby boy

When she way past childbearing age?

His son would be filled with the Spirit

And the people he would engage

In the spirit and power of Elijah

That mighty prophet of old?

His boy would become the forerunner

Of the Messiah Isaiah foretold?

Zachariah just couldn’t believe his ears

And questioned the angel’s words.

Then Gabriel said he’d be speechless

Because he didn’t trust what he’d heard.

The crowd asked what had delayed him,

Why he’d stayed at the altar so long.

Zachariah had to make signs to them

For the angel had not been wrong.

He went back to his wife, Elizabeth,

And God made a believer of him.

Immediately Elizabeth was pregnant

As promised, God had blessed them.

MICAH 5:2 - BORN IN BETHLEHEM

BORN IN BETHLEHEM

Micah 5:2 (TLB)

“O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

you are but a small Judean village,

yet you will be the birthplace of my King

who is alive from everlasting ages past!”

People may have thought the King of all Israel

Would be born in the capitol, Jerusalem.

But the prophet Micah had predicted

He’d be born in the village of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem was known as the hometown of David,

From whom the Messiah would descend.

David was a mighty king of Israel,

But the One to come would upend

Not only the Jews but every nation

For He was born to be King of Kings.

The Magi from the East bowed in worship

And brought Him precious things.

For Jesus fulfilled this prophecy,

Born in tiny, obscure Bethlehem.

However, when He returns to this world

All people will bow low before Him;

For then it will be obvious

That He is the Lord of all.

Not only those who love Him

But evildoers before Him will fall.

The baby laid in the manger

When there were no rooms to be found

Will return with the fanfare of trumpets

Which throughout the world will resound.

All those who refused to believe Him,

Will lie prostrate on their faces

And from their unwilling mouths

Will proclaim the King of king’s praises.

Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess

That Jesus Christ is Lord—

That Baby born in Bethlehem

In fulfillment of God’s word. 

PHILIPPIANS 2:9-11 - AT THE NAME OFJESUS

AT THE NAME OF JESUS

By Susie Hale & Susan Slade

From Philippians 2:9-11

Jesus Christ is Lord,

In Hebrew, Adonai.

This title is significant;

Do not let it pass you by.

Adonai means master,

Owner by all rights.

In those who bow before Him now,

Lord Jesus takes delight.

Jesus Christ is Sovereign,

King of kings and Lord of lords.

Wise men understand this

And live according to His word.

When Christ returns triumphant

All will be compelled to bow,

But the joy of abiding with Him

is given to all who worship now. 

MATTHEW 17:5 - JESUS, SON OF GOD

LUKE 1:30-33 - ACCORDING TO THY WORD

ACCORDING TO THY WORD

Luke 1:30-33

Let me set the scene: Mary was a young, devout, Jewish girl going about her daily chores. She was pledged to marry a man named Joseph, but they were not even to the point of setting the wedding date. An angel suddenly appeared out of nowhere—not the norm in the obscure village of Nazareth or anywhere else for that matter. Mary shivered with fear because, in reality, angels are scary. The angel’s opening line is that of most angels when they appear to mere humans, “Fear not.” Just when she is feeling a little bit better about the situation, he drops a bombshell on her. You’re going to be pregnant! And this is going to be no ordinary baby. Gabriel made it abundantly clear that she was to bear the Messiah. First, Mary was to name her baby “Jesus” meaning “Jehovah is generous. Jehovah saves.” Then he said that Jesus would be called “Son of the Highest” meaning He would be God’s Son as foretold in Psalm 2:7. He tops it off by declaring that her son would reign on David’s throne forever and ever fulfilling the prophecies of Jeremiah 23:5 and Isaiah 9:6-7.  If you read on a few verses in Luke chapter one, you will see that Mary was too overwhelmed to take all this in. She asked how this could happen since she was a virgin—a logical question from a human standpoint—but this was a mighty angel of God she was talking to. Gabriel patiently explained that God’s Holy Spirit would accomplish placing the embryo in her womb and that with God nothing is impossible. Then in Luke 1:38, we have Mary’s beautiful response to this unsettling announcement, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

God reveals His purposes for believers in His word, through godly preaching, and by the prompting of His Holy Spirit within. Mary was asked to risk her reputation and her relationship with Joseph and even give up her rights to her own body in order to carry God’s Son in her womb. None of us will be asked to sacrifice in that same way. However, whatever God is calling us to do, I pray we will humbly reply, “Be it done unto me according to thy word.” Mary did not achieve fame or fortune in her lifetime but has been remembered with reverence throughout history. We may receive no recognition for our obedience to God while we reside on this ball called earth. However, in Heaven, may we hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

REVELATION 22:16 - BRIGHT MORNING STAR

COLOSSIANS 3:15 - LET PEACE RULE AND BE THANKFUL

LET PEACE RULE AND BE THANKFUL

Paul wrote to the Colossians because they were being led astray by various heresies. The church, which was composed of both Jews and Gentiles, was being fractured by those who were Judaizers, who thought it necessary for Gentiles to be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses before becoming Christians and then, on the other hand, those who were denying the deity of Jesus and claiming to have a higher knowledge and mystical experiences. Paul reminded the believers at Colossae what the pure truth of the Gospel was, that no works were effective or necessary and that salvation comes through faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross alone. Peace—wholeness, nothing missing, nothing broken—comes only by the power of the presence of Jesus in one’s life through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Ritual, whether legalism, asceticism, or mysticism, in and of itself will never bring peace with God. That peace can only be found in the gift of God, His Son Jesus Christ.   We can rest in God’s peace because Jesus is trustworthy. If we are anxious, we are not allowing peace to rule (Philippians 4:6-7). We cannot be at peace with others except and until you are at peace with God within yourself. Once God has healed your fractured life (saved you), He can mend the brokenness in your relationships.

If today, you are anxious or feeling broken, read the following scriptures and allow God’s peace to rule.

• ·        Proverbs 3:5-6
• ·        Isaiah 26:3
• ·        John 14:27
• ·        Philippians 4:6-7

Spend time in prayer thanking the Lord for restoring your peace.