Month: December 2019

Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals, Redemption

No Fishing!

Pam Ford Davis

photo credit: Au Kirk <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/64441474@N06/28028288265″>No Fishing Sign on a Pier Dock</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/”>(license)</a> 

Discovering areas are off limits to us; we are restricted or refused entrance in certain places.

‘Keep off the grass.’

‘Keep out’

Land owners set property boundaries.

‘Posted: No Hunting or Fishing’

Authorities and private property owners make the point very clear; we are not welcome there.

If we choose to ignore the warnings the law is on their side; we could be arrested.

Does God post an invisible ‘No Fishing’ sign?

As His children, we might decide to disobey His restrictions.

Our confession of sins is followed by His generous forgiveness.

The merciful Father removes sins and the weight of guilt.

“He will again have compassion on us,
And will subdue our iniquities.

You will cast all our sins
Into the depths of the sea {Micah 7:19 NKJV).”

Deep sea fishing is outlawed.

I refuse to take the bait of Satan’s accusations.

No fishing!

 

Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Christmas, Devotionals, Redemption, Salvation

Son of the Highest

Pam Ford Davis

photo credit: Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/34128007@N04/32513795737″>(25 March ) The Annunciation of the Lord</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a&gt; <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/”>(license)</a&gt;

God sent…

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women (Luke 1:26-28 KJV).”

Troubled…

“And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be (Luke 1:29 KJV).”

Favored…

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God (Luke 1:30 KJV).”

Conception…

“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus (Luke 1:31 KJV).”

Son of the Highest…

“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:32-33 KJV).”

How?

“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man (Luke 1:34 KJV)?”

The Holy Ghost…

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35 KJV).”

 

 

Christian Growth, Christmas

Christmas Bells

Pam Ford Davis

photo credit: chris.alcoran <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/65912092@N08/11629760965″>Community Bell Ringers | Buena Vista Street</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>(license)</a>  

 

Shh, I think I hear Christmas bells…

Someone is ringing out the story of Jesus’ birth.

Bells come in a large variety of shapes and sizes. Many churches often include a hand bells group in their music ministry. Bell-ringers stand together with a large assortment of bells on a table before them. Patiently they wait for their turn to ring out notes. Each carefully grasps a bell in white gloved hands; gently, they play their bell. Their note, when joined with others, creates a beautiful Christmas Carol.

Each year, I eagerly wait for my chance to wear Christmas clothing and jewelry. I’ve even worn a jingle bell necklace and matching jingle bell earrings. Friends heard me coming and going! Do you have a pet companion? This is the perfect time of year to add jingle bells to your pet’s collar. Include them in your holiday fun.

We can turn the ringing of bells into Christmas blessings. Salvation Army buckets are located at many shopping areas. Listen for the sound of ringers bells as pocket change jingles among other donations. Their collections will be used to bring the miracles of Christmas to needy people in your vicinity.  

“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7 NASB).”

photo credit: SchuminWeb <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/64873675@N00/10163953713″>Salvation Army bell ringer</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a&gt; <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/”>(license)</a&gt;

 

 

 

 

Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Christmas, Devotionals, Redemption, Salvation

I’m Yours!

Pam Ford Davis

photo credit: Steve Snodgrass <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/10710442@N08/3150758883″>Joseph & Mary sitting in a tree…</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/”>(license)</a> 

Most mothers immediately bond with their newborn child.

Both the mom and baby become deeply involved in a parent child relationship.

The infant is totally dependent on the mother; while the mother is at the baby’s beckoned call.

The mom may get weary, but she has a desire to meet every need of her babe.

As the infant’s caregiver, she wants the baby to feel secure in every way.

Mary knew baby Jesus would be no ordinary child.

He would not only be her son, but also her Lord.

She could not contain her joy!

She was at his disposal.

“And Mary said:

‘My soul exalts the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
‘For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
‘For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
‘And His mercy is upon generation after generation
Toward those who fear Him.
‘He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
‘He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
‘He has filled the hungry with good things;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
‘He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever (Luke 1:46-55 NASB).”

Mary bonded; Lord Jesus, I’m yours!