Thanks God
for Creation
for love
for life
for death
for blessing
For hope
for joy
for YOU
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
November 13, 2025
“There was a chamber and its entrance by the gateposts of the gateway, where they washed the burnt offering.” (Ezekiel 40:38 NKJV)
May my offering be clean
because my heart is clean
May my offering please God
may my heart please God
What has God offered to you today?
What offering does God desire from you?
Monday, September 29, 2025
November 12, 2025
““When I brought them into the land concerning which I had raised My hand in an oath to give them, and they saw all the high hills and all the thick trees, there they offered their sacrifices and provoked Me with their offerings. There they also sent up their sweet aroma and poured out their drink offerings.” (Ezekiel 20:28 NKJV)
Like Cain my offering was refused
I offered without concern for God
My arrogance and pride was refused
The aroma of
pride provoked God
What has God offered to you today?
What offering does God desire from you?
Sunday, September 28, 2025
The Characters of Christmas
By Ronald Ramsey
The Characters of Christmas
Introduction
Christmas has become a time of giving gifts and decorating our homes, businesses and churches. Christmas has become a time of Black Friday and of shopping until you drop, a time of lists and trees, lights and bows.
But Christmas has always been about people. The family we celebrate with and the One whose coming we celebrate. People are at the heart of every part of Christmas both in its beginning and how we celebrate it today.
This study will look at some of the characters who are part of the story of Christmas. To some these people are so familiar as to be boring, while to others they are not known at all.
During these lessons you will be given the opportunity to not only learn about these people, but to share your thoughts on each one. You will be asked to write a short statement about each character and possibly share it with the class.
Read Luke 2:1-40 and as you read list some of the character of Christmas. (Read this passage each week to remember each characters proper place in the story of Christmas.)
Make a list of the people who are part of the Christmas Tale.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Lesson 1
CAESAR
se’-zar (Kaisar): Originally the surname of the Julian gens (thus, Caius Julius Caesar); afterward a name borne by the Roman emperors. In the New Testament the name is definitely applied to Augustus (#Lu 2:1, "Caesar Augustus"), to whom it belonged by adoption, and to Tiberius (#Lu 3:1, "Tiberius Caesar"; compare #Mt 22:17,21). The "Caesar" to whom Paul appealed (#Ac 25:11,12,21) was Nero. The form is perpetuated in "Kaiser" and "Czar."
From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
The common title given to succeeding Roman emperors, adopted from the name of Julius Caesar. #Mt 22:17,21 Mr 12:14,16,17 Lu 2:1 Joh 19:12,15 Ac 25:8,21 Php 4:22; &c. The history of the New Testament fell under the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.
From the Concise Bible Dictionary
QUIRINIUS
Governor of Syria when Jesus was born
#Lu 2:2
From the Concise Bible Dictionary
Why are these political leaders mentioned?
Is the time of the birth of Jesus important?
How would you compare the birth of Jesus to Caesar and Quirinius?
Share your thoughts about Caesar and Quirinius.
Lesson 2
JOSEPH
Husband of Mary the mother of Jesus. He was ‘a just man,’ and was obedient to the instructions he received from God as to his wife, and in protecting the infant Jesus. He was of the house and lineage of David, his genealogy being given in Mat i and perhaps in Luke iii. The visit to Jerusalem, when the Lord was twelve years old, is the last incident recorded of him. He is once called ‘the carpenter,’ #Mt 13:55, as is the Lord also in #Mr 6:3. It was a custom for all Jews to learn a trade. #Mt 1:16-25 2:13,19 Lu 1:27 2:4-43 3:23 4:22 Joh 1:45 6:42.
From the Concise Bible Dictionary
Joseph
2) Husband of Mary
2a) General References to {#Mt 1:16 2:13,19 Lu 2:4 3:23 4:22}
2b) Characteristics of
2b1) Charitableness {#Mt 1:19}
2b2) Faith {#Mt 1:24}
2b3) Obedience {#Mt 2:14}
2b4) Faithfulness to religious duty {#Lu 2:41}
From Themes of the Bible
Define the characteristics of Joseph listed above. Do you agree with them?
Is this the kind of man you would choose to raise your child, or grandchild?
Read Luke 3:21-38. What is the lineage of Jesus?
Why is it so important to list all these people?
Share your thoughts about Joseph.
Lesson 3
MARY In Hebrew MIRIAM,
"The Mother of Jesus," # Ac 1:14. Her amiable and lovely character, and her remarkable history in connection with the wonders relating to the birth of Christ, are recorded in # Mt 1:1-2:23 Lu 1:1-2:52. The genealogy of the Savior through her, in the line of David and Abraham, is preserved in # Lu 3:1-38, to prove that he was born "as concerning the flesh "according to ancient prophecies. After the return from Egypt to Nazareth, she is but five times mentioned in the gospel history: three on the part of Christ, # Mt 12:46-50 Lu 2:49,50 John 2:4; one when he commended her to the care of John, # Joh19:26; and lastly as among the disciples at Jerusalem after his ascension, # Ac 1:14. Thenceforth, throughout the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, and the Revelation, no allusions made to her.
From the Amtract Bible Dictionary
Read Luke 1:26-38. What does this tell you about Mary?
Read Luke 1:39-56. What does Mary understand about the coming birth?
Read Luke 2:41-52. What kind of Mother is Mary?
Share your thoughts about Mary
Lesson 4
Jesus
The Bible is about Jesus, #Luke 24:27,44 John 5:39 Hebrews 10:7 The prophets prophesied about Him. #Ac 10:43 The Father bore witness of Him. #John 5:37 John 8:18 The Holy Spirit bore witness of Him. #John 15:26 The works Jesus did bore witness of Him John; #John 5:36 John 10:25 The multitudes bore witness of Him. #John 12:17 And, Jesus bore witness of Himself. #John 14:6 John 18:6
Jesus is God in flesh. #John 1:1,14 He is fully God and fully man #Col 2:9 thus, He has two natures: God and man. He is not half God and half man. He is 100% God and 100% man. He never lost his divinity. He existed in the form of God and when He became a man, He added human nature {1} to Himself. #Philippians 2:5-11 Therefore, there is a "union in one person of a full human nature and a full divine nature." {2} Right now in heaven there is a man, Jesus, who is Mediator between us and God the Father. #1Timothy 2:5 Jesus is our advocate with the Father. #1 John 2:1 He is our Savior. #Titus 2:13 He is our Lord. #Ro 10:9-10 He is not, as some cults teach, an angel who became a man Jehovah’s Witnesses or the brother of the devil Mormonism. He is wholly God and wholly man, the Creator, the Redeemer. He is Jesus. See also. Jesus
From the Dictionary of Theology
Read Matthew 1:23. What does Emmanual mean TO YOU?
Read Isaiah 53:1-3. What do these verses tell us about Jesus?
Isaiah 53:4-12. What do these verses tell us about the ministry of Jesus?
Share your thought about Jesus
Lesson 5
Shepherd
1) a herdsman, esp. a shepherd
1a) in the parable, he to whose care and control others have committed themselves, and whose precepts they follow
2) Metaphor
2a) the presiding officer, manager, director, of any assembly: so of Christ the Head of the church
2a1) of the overseers of the Christian assemblies
2a2) of kings and princes
++++
The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were: -to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep -to defend the sheep from attackers -to heal the wounded and sick sheep -to find and save lost or trapped sheep -to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.
During World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact.
From Strong’s Dictionary
Why do you think the message about Jesus was given to the Shepherds?
What does this tell us about Jesus?
Share your thoughts about Shepherds.
Lesson 6
Simeon
A ‘just and devout’ man at Jerusalem, to whom it was revealed that he should not die until he had seen ‘the Lord’s Christ.’ When the ‘child Jesus’ was presented in the temple Simeon took Him up in his arms, blessed God and asked that he might depart in peace, for he had seen God’s salvation. #Lu 2:25,34. He was one of those that looked for redemption in Israel.
From the Concise Bible Dictionary
What does it mean to be just and devout?
Describe Simeon’s message about Jesus.
Describe Simeon’s message to Joseph and Mary.
Share your thoughts about Simeon
Lesson 7
ANNA
A daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, early married, but left a widow after seven years, and thenceforth devoted to the service of God. She was constant in attendance at the morning and evening sacrifices at the temple; and there, at the age of eighty- four years, was blessed with a sight of the infant Savior, and inspired to announce the coming of the promised Messiah to many who longed to see him, # Lu 2:36-38.
From the Amtract Bible Dictionary
What does it mean that Anna is called a prophetess?
Who is Phanuel, and what s the tribe of Asher?
How did Anna Serve God?
Why did God choose Anna?
Share your thoughts about Anna.
November 11, 2025
““When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.”” (Jeremiah 14:12 NKJV)
Have I gone too far God
Is there a way back
I repent of my sin God
Do not turn Your back
What has God offered to you today?
What offering does God desire from you?
For good give thanks
For trouble give thanks
For provision give thanks
For want give thanks
For health give thanks
For sickness give thanks
For strength give thanks
For weakness give thanks
For comfort give thanks
For pain give thanks
For life give thanks
For death give thanks
Give thanks in all things
Give thanks in faith
Trust God is blessing
Trust God is sanctifying
Thanks to the redeeming God
Thanks to the loving God
Thank You God for who You are
Thank you God for what You do
November 10, 2025
““For the LORD of hosts, who planted you, has pronounced doom against you for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke Me to anger in offering incense to Baal.”” (Jeremiah 11:17 NKJV)
LORD of hosts
forgive me
I deserve judgment
forgive me
Calm your anger Lord
forgive me
What has God offered to you today?
What offering does God desire from you?
Take time to prepare for Thanksgiving which is coming soon. Give thanks to God for all the blessings you have received. By “Counting our blessings” we can overcome some of our lust and greed.
When we think of Thanksgiving the view of pilgrims and native Americans sitting together for a meal giving thanks for God's provision and protection comes to mind. While this did happen it is not the source of our Thanksgiving celebration.
In the first years of the American Civil War Lincoln faced the possibility the North would lose the war and the nation. President Lincoln also grieved for the battlefield losses and the many families who grieved.
From this grief and suffering Lincoln proclaimed a day of national Thanksgiving.
Transcript for President Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation from October 3, 1863
By the President of the United States
A Proclamation
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and even soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and provoke their aggressions, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peacefulindustry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United Stated States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
Abraham Lincoln
By the President: William H. Seward. Secretary of State.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
November 9, 2025
““Then they shall bring all your brethren for an offering to the LORD out of all nations, on horses and in chariots and in litters, on mules and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the LORD, “as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD.” (Isaiah 66:20 NKJV)
Share your faith
bring them to Jesus
Share your life
so others grow in Jesus
What has God offered to you today?
What offering does God desire from you?
Friday, September 26, 2025
GOD?
How can one believe in God in Auschwitz
How can one believe in God in Sudan
How can one believe in God in a slave ship
How can one believe in God in the Gulag
How can one believe in God in the fiery furnace
How can one believe in God in sexual slavery
How can one believe in God in depressions despair
How can one believe in God in war torn Iraq
How can one believe in God in deaths embrace
How can one believe in God without any hope
To not believe in God doesn’t remove a pain or stain
Believing in God brings hope in the midst of our pain
November 8, 2025
““But you are those who forsake the LORD, Who forget My holy mountain, Who prepare a table for Gad, And who furnish a drink offering for Meni.” (Isaiah 65:11 NKJV)
Do not forsake God to follow the world
Do not forget to worship God for the world
Do not prepare a table for the world
Do not make your offering to the world
What has God offered to you today?
What offering does God desire from you?
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Future
What can the future hold for me
Or for my children all three
What will be for my wife and me
Will we live well and free
Where in this world will we be
What lies beyond what I see
Open my eyes that I may see
All that You want me to see
Knowing You will care for me
Knowing You will guide me
Trusting You will come for me
Trusting Your face I will see. February 25, 2007
November 7, 2025
““For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant.” (Isaiah 61:8 NKJV)
Love justice to please God
Hate robbery to please God
Love truth to please God
Hate lies to please God
What has God offered to you today?
What offering does God desire from you?
November 6, 2025
“Among the smooth stones of the stream Is your portion; They, they, are your lot! Even to them you have poured a drink offering, You have offered a grain offering. Should I receive comfort in these?” (Isaiah 57:6 NKJV)
Jesus is your rock
life won't roll over you
What has God offered to you today?
What offering does God desire from you?
Revelation
I am an angel or so says John
Or so says One shining as the Son
Stars are angels and angel’s pastor
Lamp stands are churches angels’ pastor
Angels speak messages of the Son
Not of their own invention
Lifting the good and showing the bad
Raising us above lives fallen and sad
Calling us to hold onto His good
Living and loving as we should
Hold to good and from sin repent
Is His message by angels sent
“I know your work!” cries God
For this message angels feet shod
Behold I am coming, do not drown
Hold on fast to receive a crown
I will vomit those who are lukewarm
Blind, poor, naked from Me are shorn
Buy gold, garments and salve from Me
And through the Door My face see
Hear the Words My Angels carry
In your sin may you no longer tarry. February 18, 2007
November 5, 2025
“Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.” (Isaiah 53:10 NKJV)
Jesus took my sin
Jesus took my grief
Jesus took my pain
Jesus took my despair
THANK YOU JESUS!!!
What has God offered to you today?
What offering does God desire from you?
“We are a people of the Book” they say
Killing God’s people every day
“All we want is a right to be”
As they drive Israel into the sea
Christian Lebanon they overran
All part of their world-wide plan
The Quran makes it plain to see
At least to those who want to see
They are coming for you and me
For Muslims require us to be
By sword or lie they want us to be
Muslim and we will never be free
November 4, 2025
“You have not brought Me the sheep for your burnt offerings, Nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not caused you to serve with grain offerings, Nor wearied you with incense.” (Isaiah 43:23 NKJV)
I am selfish God
please forgive me
I am self centered
please forgive me
What has God offered to you today?
What offering does God desire from you?
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Return
The Son breaks through clouds so dark
Returning to the earth He does love
Coming for those who failed Him
Yet dwell and bask in His love
The darkness flees before His coming
The light flashes across the sky
From East to the end of the West
Eyes are drawn unto the sky
Fear breaks across many faces
As doom shines forth in bright light
Others Rejoice to see hope dawning
As Jesus walks in heavenly light
Shackles are broken, prisoners freed
Doors thrown open, grace set free
Shackles appear on those in darkness
Loving sin, refusing to be free
Behind Him comes a glorious host
Barely seen behind His face
Like a mighty army they follow Him
But I just want to see His face
Death flees before Your light
Conquered forever to live no more
Life’s victory is now complete
Death will not live any more
So wondrous that all is made new
Heaven and earth created again
The Garden is open for business
Man walks with God once again!
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