TO CONTINUE WITH HOW THE LORD WANTS TO SPEAK TO US.

HE WILL ALSO SPEAK TO US BY GIVING US IMPRESSIONS. THE WAY HE DOES THIS IS HE WILL SPEAK INTO OUR MINDS.  I AM GOING TO LIST A FEW DIFFERENT TRANSLATIONS FOR UNDERSTANING...

IN THE BIBLE THE CHAPTER OF JOHN 14:26 THE NEW TESTAMENT SAYS THIS.. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A COMFORTER WHO WANTS TO LEAD US INTO ALL TRUTH, IF WE WILL LET HIM GUIDE US. IT IS LIKE HAVING A LAWYER IN OUR CORNER WHO IS WANTING THE BEST FOR US IN ALL THINGS.

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will teach you everything, and will bring to your memories all that I have said to you.

EXAMPLE OF THIS WOULD BE... LET SAY YOUR WALKING DOWN A STREET TO TO YOUR DESTINATION AND YOUR COMING UP TO AN ALLEY AND STOP! YOU FEEL AND IMPRESSION OF UNEASE SO YOU CROSS OVER TO OTHER SIDE AND WALK A DIFFERENT WAY. IT IS GOOD TO LISTEN TO THAT IMPRESSION FOR THE LORD WAS KEEPING YOU SAFE. HE LOVES US SO MUCH AND WANTS TO TAKE CARE OF.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE I CAN SHARE WITH YOU WAS WHAT HAPPEN TO MY FRIEND. HE WAS INVITED TO A PARTY ONE NIGHT AND WAS OFFERED A RIDE THERE. HE FELT HE SHOULD PASS ON THE RIDE IT MADE HIM UNCOMFORTABBLE AT THE TIME... SO HE SAID NO. WHICH WAS A GOOD THING HE LISTENED TO THE UNCOMFORTABLE IMPRESSION HE FELT. FOR HAD HE GOTTEN IN THE CAR HE WOULD OF BEEN IN THE CAR THAT RAN OFF THE BRIDGE THAT NIGHT.

NOW IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO TEST THE IMPRESSION AT THE TIME AND ASK THE LORD TO BRING COMFORT TO YOUR MIND AND A PEACE. BUT IF THIS IS NOT FELT AT THE TIME YOU THAN HAVE YOUR ANSWER.. AND SHOULD HEED THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AMEN.




THE LORD WILL ALSO TALK TO US WHEN WERE IN PAIN OR GOING THROUGH A PAINFUL TIME IN OUR LIFE.
WHY? THIS IS BECAUSE JUST BECOMING A CHRISTIAN AND KNOWING THE TRUTH AND SEEING THE LIGHT... WE DON'T ALWAYS CHANGE FOR OUR BETTER. IT SEEMS WE HAVE TO REALLY FEEL THE BURNING HEAT... LIKE SITTING ON THE STOVE AND THE WATER IS BEGINNING TO COME TO A BOIL.

PROVERBS 20 :30
EXPLAINS IT THIS WAY...
The open sores of wounds left by the scourge, unclean and foul as they seem, are yet a cleansing, purifying process for evil; so also are the stripes that reach the inward parts of the belly, i. e., the sharp reproofs, the stings of conscience, which penetrate where no scourge can reach, into the inner life of man. Chastisement, whatever be its nature, must be real; the scourge must leave its mark, the reproof must go deep.

I KNOW FOR MYSELF I HAVE HAD A LOT OF SUFFERING IN MY LIFE... BUT I AM THANKFUL FOR IT. THIS BEING SAID IT HELPS ME TO ENTER INTO A SMALL CORNER OF MY LORD'S SUFFERING. WE ARE BEING MOLDED AND SHAPE IN HIS HANDS, FOR WE ARE THE CLAY AND HE IS THE POTTER. WHILE WE ARE ON THE WHEEL THE LORD IS TURNING, HOLDING, MOLDING US, REMOVING SOME CLAY THAT IS NOT NEEDED TO SHAPE US AND MAKE US STRONG.

NOT ALL THE PAIN WE GO THROUGH IS THE LORD SPEAKING TO US, BUT SOME IS.
C.S LEWIS SAYS "GOD WHISPERS TO US IN OUR PLEASURES; SPEAKS IN OUR CONSCIENCES; BUT SHOUTS IN OUR PAINS."---- PSALMS 119:67,71.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray:  but now have I kept thy word.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted;  that I might learn thy statutes.

IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO HEAR WHEN THE LORD SPEAKS...
THIS SHOWS US WE ARE HIS CHILDREN AND IN THE FAMILY OF GOD----JOHN 10:14 & 16
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.   15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep.  16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice;  and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

New International Version (NIV)

   14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also.

WHEN WE HEAR GOD'S VOICE IT WILL KEEP US FROM MAKING SEROIUS MISTAKES...JOB 33:14-18

New American Standard (NAS)

14 "Indeed God speaks once, Or twice, yet no one notices it.  14 For God does speak--now one way, now another-- though man may not perceive it.
15 "In a dream, a vision of the night, When sound sleep falls on men, While they slumber in their beds,  15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds,
16 Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction,  16 he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings,
17 That He may turn man aside from his conduct, And keep man from pride ;  17 to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride,
18 He keeps back his soul from the pit, And his life from passing over into Sheol.


THE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

14 For God does speak--now one way, now another-- though man may not perceive it. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds, 16 he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, 17 to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride, 18 to preserve his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword.

THIS WILL HELP US AND GUIDE US, TO LIVE A LIFE PRODUCING GOOD THINGS...JOHN 15:5
New International Version (NIV)

   5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5
Amplified Bible (AMP)

5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

SO TO SUM UP ALL THAT WE TALKED ABOUT IS...

THE LORD IS NOT DEAD BUT VERY MUCH ALIVE
THE LORD CONTINUES TO TALK TO US THROUGH THE BIBLE, OTHER PEOPLE HE PLACES IN OUR LIFE, AND IMPRESSIONS IN OUR MINDS, THROUGH PAIN.

PRAYER TIME
LORD JESUS THANK YOU FOR COMFORT AND LEADING US INTO ALL TRUTH, HELP US TO ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR VOICE AND KNOW THAT YOU LOVE US AMEN.

***********************************************
THE LINK FOR MY NEW VALENTINE PENDANT JUST CLICK OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER. I HAVE ALSO INCLUDED  TREASURIES TO LOOK AT. VALENTINES IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER...

Thank you to JosiesBoutique for including my Rosalyn necklace in this sweet Valentine collection. Stop by and check out all of the beautiful items showcased there - there's something for everyone!

For Valentines Day by Josie on Etsy

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Victorian Rose Necklace w Pink Faux Pearls on Brass-Rosalyn

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http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQ2NTQ3MDF8MTk3MTAyNTY2Mg/valentine-hearts-of-love

Mercy - Christ showed us the way

With a dead end before us, Christ showed us the way;
When we walked in the nighttime, Christ brought us the day.
With our faces all hidden, Christ carried our shame;
When we felt so unwanted, Christ called out our name.
With a cup that was empty, Christ brought us His well;
When facing destruction, Christ saved us from Hell.
With our fate like a leper, Christ reached out to heal;
When we lived like a phony, Christ brought what was real.
With our fists in defiance; Christ stretched out His hand;
When our footsteps were sinking, Christ helped us to stand.
With no hope of heaven, Christ came from above;
When our hearts were so empty, Christ poured out His love.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 NKJV

ENJOY THE DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE :)

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/radio_player.aspx?id=651

BLESSINGS

PEACE
PROSPERITY TO ALL >>)))>

THE LORD GAVE US FREE WILL

BLESSINGS TO ALL :)

THE LORD GAVE US FREE WILL SO WE ALL OF A CHOICE. IF WE WANT TO CHOOSE TO HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS OR NOT. HE DID NOT MAKE US ROBOTS AND DEMAND THIS FROM US BUT GAVE EACH ONE OF US FREE WILL. HE IS A LOVING FATHER THAT WANTS US TO COME... BECAUSE WE WANT TO. WHEN WE DO COME TO TO THE LORD THROUGH JESUS WHO IS THE BRIDGE BACK TO GOD HE DESIRES FOR US TO GET TO KNOW HIS HEART WHO HE IS.

AFTER READING THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER IN THE BIBLE WE SEE FOUR THINGS WE NEED TO DO IF WE WANT TO HEAR THE LORD.



FIRST, BE OPEN TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE LORD WANTS TO TALK TO US.

SECOND, SET ASIDE SOME TIME TO HEAR THE LORD SPEAK.

THIRD, TURN OFF DISTRACTIONS IN OUR QUIET TIME.

FOURTH, SAY YES TO THE LORD TO SPEAK BEFORE WE HEAR IT.

THE BIBLE WAS GIVEN TO US AND CONFIRMS THAT THE LORD IS NOT DEAD AND HE DOES TALK TO US IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.

14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.   15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;  16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
Job 33:14.

JUST HOW DOES GOD TALK TO US?

THE LORD DOES NOT SPEAK IN JUST ONE WAY ONLY BUT MANY WAYS TO US. THE BIBLE REVEALS TO US SOME AWESOME, SUPERNATURAL WAYS....

1. HE SPOKE FROM A BURNING BUSH. YOU FIND THE PASSAGE IN EXODUS 3:1 YOU READ ALL ABOUT IT.
1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian:  and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.   2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush:  and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.   3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

WHEN WE SPEAK WE TO ALSO HAVE DIFFERENT WAYS IN DOING THIS. THERE IS OUIR VERBAL COMMUNICATION AND WE ALSO SPEAK WITH OUR HANDS THROUGH TOUCH TO SOOTHE A SICK CHILD OR HOLD A LOVED ONE CLOSE. WE USE OUR EYES AND  SPEAK AND DON'T EVEN UTTER A WORD. WE ALSO SPEAK WITH OUR BODY LANGUAGE AND YES EVEN AT TIMES THROUGH OUR SILENCE. AND LET US NOT FORGET SOMETIMES THROUGH HAND JESTERS THAT ARE RUDE.
THE LORD DID USE A BUSH TO GET THE ATTENTION OF MOSES. HE CAN USE ANYTHING FOR HE IS GOD. HE MIGHT USE A FRIEND OR A PARENT, MUSIC, TO SPEAK TO US... IN OUR LIFE FOR HE KNOWS OUR HEARTS.

2. THROUGH A CLOUD. MATTHEW 17:1-8
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them:  and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.   3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.   4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here:  if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles;  one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.   5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud over******ed them:  and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased;  hear ye him.   6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.   7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.   8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

WHAT WE MUST REMEMBER IS OUR ENEMY THE DEVIL THE ONE WHO WORKS AGAINST US AND PRINCIPALITIES. HE ALWAYS WANTS TO KEEP US SO BUSY WE NEVER TAKE OUR QUIET TIME WITH THE LORD TO BE STILL AND LISTEN. TO TAKE TIME WITH LORD HELPS US TO REFOCUS NOT ON OURSELVES BUT HIM THEREFORE BRINGING US AND OUR DAY INTO THER RIGHT PERSPECTIVE.

3. USES ANGELS THAT ARE HIS MESSENGERS. MATTHEW 2:13


13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word:  for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
SO THE LORD SPOKE THROUGH AN ANGEL TO INSTRUCT JOSEPH TO FLEE TO EGYPT TO BE SAFE.

THE LORD USES ANGELS MANY TIMES THROUGH OUT THE BIBLE JUST IN THE BOOK ACTS NEW TESTAMENT 23 TIMES WE READ ABOUT ANGELS.

4. A PILLAR OF FIRE. EXODUS 13:20-22
20 And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.   21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way;  and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light;  to go by day and night:  22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

5. EVEN THROUGH A DONKEY NUMBERS 22:23-35

23 And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand:  and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field:  and Balaam smote the donkey, to turn her into the way.   24 But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.   25 And when the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall:  and he smote her again.   26 And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.   27 And when the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam:  and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.   28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?  29 And Balaam said unto the donkey, Because thou hast mocked me:  I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.   30 And the donkey said unto Balaam, Am not I thine donkey, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day?  was I ever wont to do so unto thee?  And he said, Nay.   31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand:  and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.   32 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times?  behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:  33 And the donkey saw me, and turned from me these three times:  unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.   34 And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned;  for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me:  now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.   35 And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men:  but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak.   So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.  
WOW! SO COOL THE LORD USED A DONKEY TO GET THE ATTENTION OF BALAAM.

THIS IS THE WAY THE LORD WANTS TO SPEAK TO US  THIS VERY DAY, THROUGH THE BIBLE. THE LORD SPEAKS, THIS IS HOW HE WANTS TO REACH OUR HEARTS. HE TALKS ABOUT IT IN 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17


16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
MY SUGGESTION FOR YOU IS TO GET A BIBLE TRANSLATION YOU ARE COMFORTABLE IN READING AND START IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.   2 The same was in the beginning with God.   3 All things were made by him;  and without him was not any thing made that was made.   4 In him was life;  and the life was the light of men.  
5 And the light shineth in darkness;  and the darkness comprehended it not.


THE BEST PLACE IS THE GOSPEL OF JOHN, IT TALKS ABOUT ABOUT WHO JESUS IS WHY HE CAME TO BE WITH US. I ALSO LIKE LISTENING TO THE BIBLE AT NIGHT ON MY PC WHILE I FALL ASLEEP. IT WILL GIVE YOU SWEET DREAMS AND A PEACEFUL RESTORATIVE SLEEP.


PRAYER TIME
LORD JESUS THANK YOU FOR WANTING TO TALK WITH US AND COMMUNICATE YOUR HEART TO US, FOR THE BIBLE AND FOR ALL YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR US AMEN.

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PEACE
PROSPERITY TO ALL
>>)))>

LAUGHTER IS GOOD FOR YOU

BLESSINGS TO ALL :)

I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE NICE TO START WITH A LAUGH SO ENJOY THIS FUNNY VIDEO...I KNOW JUST HOW THEY FEEL.
http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/advent2/calendar_day.aspx?day=12&tid=email_edevo

CHORUS  Come we shepherds, whose blest sight Hath met love's noon in nature's night; Come lift up our loftier song And wake the sun that lies too long. To all the world of well-stol'n joy He slept; and dreamt of no such thing. While we found out Heaven's fairer eye And kissed the cradle of our King. Tell him he rises now, too late To show us aught worth looking at. Tell him we now can show him more Than he e'er showed to mortal sight; Than he himself e'er saw before; Which to be seen needs not his light. Tell him, Tityrus, where thou hast been, Tell him, Tityrus, what thou hast seen. [TITYRUS] Gloomy night embraced the place Where the noble Infant lay. The Babe looked up and showed His face; In spite of darkness, it was day. It was Thy day, Sweet! and did rise Not from the East, but from Thine eyes. [CHORUS] It was Thy day, Sweet! and did rise Not from the East, but from Thine eyes. [THYRSIS] Winter chid aloud; and sent The angry North to wage his wars. The North forgot his fierce intent, And left perfumes instead of scars. By those sweet eyes' persuasive powers, Where he meant frost, he scattered flowers. [CHORUS] By those sweet eyes' persuasive powers, Where he meant frost, he scattered flowers. [BOTH] We saw Thee in Thy balmy nest, Young Dawn of our eternal day! We saw Thine eyes break from Their East And chase the trembling shades away. We saw Thee; and we blessed the sight, We saw Thee by Thine own sweet light. [TITYRUS] Poor world (said I), what wilt thou do To entertain this starry Stranger? Is this the best thou canst bestow? A cold, and not too cleanly, manger? Contend, ye powers of heaven and earth To fit a bed for this huge birth. [CHORUS] Contend, ye powers of heaven and earth To fit a bed for this huge birth. [THYRSIS] Proud world, said I; cease your contest And let the mighty Babe alone. The phoenix builds the phoenix' nest, Love's architecture is his own. The Babe whose birth embraves this morn, Made His own bed ere He was born. [CHORUS] The Babe whose birth embraves this morn, Made His own bed ere He was born. [TITYRUS] I saw the curled drops, soft and slow, Come hovering o'er the place's head; Offering their whitest sheets of snow To furnish the fair Infant's bed: Forbear, said I; be not too bold: Your fleece is white, but 'tis too cold. [CHORUS] Forbear, said we; be not too bold: Your fleece is white, but 'tis too cold. [THYRSIS] I saw the obsequious seraphims Their rosy fleece of fire bestow. For well they now can spare their wings, Since heaven itself lies here below. Well done, said I: but are you sure Your down, so warm, will pass for pure? [CHORUS] Well done, said we: but are you sure Your down, so warm, will pass for pure? [TITYRUS] No, no, your King's not yet to seek Where to repose His royal head. See, see, how soon His bloomed cheek Twixt 's mother's breasts is gone to bed. Sweet choice, said I! no way but so: Not to lie cold, yet sleep in snow. [CHORUS] Sweet choice, said we! no way but so: Not to lie cold, yet sleep in snow. [BOTH] We saw Thee in Thy balmy nest, Young Dawn of our eternal day! We saw Thine eyes break from Their East And chase the trembling shades away. We saw Thee; and we blessed the sight, We saw Thee by Thine own sweet light. [CHORUS] We saw Thee; and we blessed the sight, We saw Thee by Thine own sweet light. [FULL CHORUS] Welcome, all Wonders in one sight! Eternity shut in a span. Summer to winter, day in night, Heaven in earth, and God in man. Great little One! Whose all-embracing birth Lifts earth to heaven, stoops heaven to earth. Welcome, though nor to gold nor silk, To more than Caesar's birthright is; Twin sister-seas of virgin-milk, With many rarely-tempered kiss That breathes at once both maid and mother, Warms in the one, cools in the other. Welcome, though not to those gay flies, Gilded in the beams of earthly kings, Slippery souls in smiling eyes; But to poor shepherds, home-spun things, Whose wealth's their flock, whose wit, to be Well read in their simplicity. Yet when April's husband showers Shall bless the fruitful Maia's bed, We'll bring the first-born of her flowers To kiss Thy feet and crown Thy head. To Thee, dread Lamb! whose love must keep The shepherds, more than they their sheep. To Thee, meek Majesty! soft King Of simple graces and sweet loves. Each of us his lamb will bring, Each his pair of silver doves; Till burnt at last in fire of Thy fair eyes, Ourselves become our own best sacrifice.

In the Holy Nativity of our Lord a Christmas poem by Richard Crashaw

In the Holy Nativity of our Lord a Christmas poem by Richard Crashaw ******************************************************************** http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/radio.aspx?tid=email_listenedevo REMEMBER EVERY DAY IN THE WORD IS A GOOD DAY:) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU THE GIFTS THAT WERE BROUGHT TO BABY JESUS AND WHY THESE GIFTS. COME WITH ME WHILE THE INFORMATION UNFOLDS TO WHAT THESE GIFTS REPRESENTED. Before I begin to talk about the gifts that the wise men gave Jesus, I think it’s important to first set the stage. I’m going to read from Matthew, Chapter 2. Matt. 2:1-13 So we know that King Herod wants to have Jesus killed and Herod has asked that the wise men let him know where Jesus is so he can “worship” him…we know he just wants to know his location so he can kill him. Of course the wise men are too “wise” for that and never return to King Herod to tell him where Jesus is. After following the star the wise men find Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. It’s interesting in verse 11 that as soon as the wise men find Mary and Joseph they enter the stable and immediately begin to worship Jesus. As soon as they saw the baby they wanted to worship Him. Why? Because they knew that he was the King of Kings… and the gifts they then gave him was further credit to that. It’s interesting to note that we never find out what the names of the wise men were. Although they were giving Jesus these rare and expensive gifts they had no desire to be known, they just wanted to be sure that he received them. So why did they give these 3 gifts? I mean frankincense and myrrh is not one of those gifts that you would say “Oh, I got frankincense and myrrh for Christmas!…Yes!” These type of gifts were typical back in those days to give to kings. In 1 Kings when the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon she brought him Gold and spices. Gold, Frankincense were rare, valuable and precious items and many wanted to give their best for their king. The wise men…recognizing Jesus as King of Kings wanted to give their best as well. Each of the three gifts given had both a symbolic meaning and a practical use. Let’s start with the easy one first…Gold Gold Gold, as it is today was very valuable. To find gold you have to dig underground and find which was very difficult back in Bible times because you didn’t have the tools you have today. Gold has always been a means of exchange…something that for Mary & Joseph would come in handy as they would soon travel to Egypt and would need food, clothing and shelter. Symbolically Gold represents kingship. The King that Christ is for us. It also represents the purification process we go through in our trials as a Christian. Gold is one of the only metals that when heated with fire will not lose anything of it’s nature, weight, color, or any other property. Genuine faith is the same way. Gold is used in scripture when talking about the strength of someone’s faith. Job refers to gold after he has been through all his trials. Job 23:10 Jobs says, “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure gold.” Frankincense Frankincense is made by cutting a tree named “Arbor Thurisfrom” found Persia, Arabia and India. It’s like a sap that is gathered and then dried for 3 months and becomes a like a hardened resin or gum. Frankincense is used as a perfume but mostly it was burned as a sweet incense during worship. During the Exodus Aaron would burn Frankincense at the alter as a sweet offering to the Lord. Practically Frankincense would be a familiar smell to baby Jesus as this was the same God that was worshiped in the Old Testament. It would also help it getting the stable smelling better with all those animals in there with them. You could say that Frankincense was kinda of the Yankee Candle of that time. Symbolically Frankincense represented the divinity of Christ because as mentioned Frankincense was burnt as an offering to God. Myrrh Myrrh, like Frankincense, also is the sap from a tree that is hardened and then used. However, unlike, Frankincense which is sweet…Myrrh has a bitter taste to it. Myrrh was mostly used to embalm the dead because it had the property to preserve. It was also used as a perfume, an ingredient of holy ointments mentioned in Exodus but it’s most practical use for Mary & Joseph would be it’s medical uses. Today Myrrh is used today in toothpaste, mouthwash and make-up. Lastly, Myrrh represents the bitter cup that Christ had to drink in suffering for our sins and the healing for us that his death brings. BUT IT DOES NOT END THERE THE STORY FOR JESUS DIED AND ROSE AGAIN ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES. WE LOVE AND SERVE A LIVING KING AMEN. ********************************************************* PRAISE YOU JESUS FOR YOU ARE THE BEST GIFT OF ALL WE NEVER HAVE TO HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PURCHASE FOR YOU WERE GIVEN AS A FREE GIFT TO ALL. LORD BLESS YOUR PEOPLE AND PROTECT AND KEEP THEM SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS AMEN. BLESSINGS  PEACE PROSPERITY TO ALL >>)))>