Luke 6:27-28

 

John 17:3

 

Hosea 2:18

 

2 Kings 6:16

 

Merry Christmas

 Luke 2:1-14 KJV

[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. [2] ( And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) [3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. [4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the 

city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) [5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. [6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. [7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. [8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. [10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. [12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, [14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Isaiah 53:5

 

Psalm 34:4

 

Romans 12:2

 

Proverbs 15:13

 

1 Timothy 2:1-4

 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

[1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

The word for supplications is a general word for prayer and according to Heibert, suggests that the prayer "springs from the feeling of want".  The prayer should carry the weight of the need and not be a mere distracted mumbling of niceties.   The word translated from generally as prayers, is a word that denotes reverence.  It is to remember that God is in heaven and we are on earth.  In the way that Jesus teaches us to pray, Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Next, the greek word for intercessions here suggests childlike confidence.  It is familiar prayer that is prayed in childlike expectation of an answer on behalf of others.  Finally the Giving of thanks indicates that all prayer should be offered in the attitude of gratitude to God for all of His blessings.  Appreciative of the blessings already received and prepared to receive the answer to the prayer currently being said.  It includes thankfulness for his Graciousness.  For all men, reminds us to pray for our enemies as well as our friends and simulataniously reminds us to focus outward.  This is very important as so many of our prayers if not infused with this command, tend to focus on self, which is one of the very things we are to fight against as Christians.

Exodus 23:20

 

John 15:12

 

John 14:6b

 

Proverbs 16:32

 

Proverbs 16:33

The Hebrew states “the lot is cast into the lap but from the LORD (Yahweh) is it’s every decision.”

Lots were similar to dice and were used to determine decisions when there wasn’t a clear cut answer.  (Remember the story of Jonah, also dividing  of the land of Israel, and replacement for Judas.) Modern folks would call it chance.  What this verse identifies is that instead of chance or  luck, it is God who determines the outcome.  In other words there is no such thing as chance or luck.  We would be best to remove such language from our vocabulary and learn that all things are under the ultimate control of our Awesome and Powerful God!  The reason for removing from your vocabulary is because we think using words.  Change the words and you change your thoughts.  That’s another reason it’s important to read and study the Word of God so we can get a spiritual vocabulary and begin to train our minds with the help of the Holy Spirit to think more like God would think.

Luke 13:34

 

Acts 28:28

 

2 Corinthians 4:16-17

 

2 Timothy 3:16

 

Psalm 36:5