“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’

The LORD promised to Israel (and through Israel to us) a Redeemer. Isaiah continued the theme of light and darkness by announcing that the darkness and despair will not be upon her who is as distressed, as when at first. The Redeemer will come and bring the dawning of a new day to the world!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Hayes

FLSB | TWSB (Is.9:6-7; Mat. 1:18-25; Mat 2:1-12 NIV)

The Prophet Isaiah 9:6 KJV: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

God so loved the world, that He gave His only son that we might have a chance at the Tree of Eternal Life.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TFLSB

Outlook determines the outcome, and attitude determines action. God tells us to expect trials. It is not "if you fall into trials," but "when you fall into trials."

Satan fights us, and the world opposes us, resulting in a life of battle. Thus, we must prepare ourselves for the trip of life here on earth!

Blessings to listeners of His Word. Amen.

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

The Wiersbe Study Bible

One Thing Have I Desired: It is the most treasured thing in his life, and David prays for it with singleness of purpose that is to be found in the House of the LORD. His greatest desire was to live in God's presence each day.

We should all have this hope, to "Seek the LORD, to be in His Presence". Those who desire to live in God's presence each day can enjoy that relationship forever.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

LAB | WSB | FLSB

IMPORTANCE OF PRAISE. The Scriptures often encourage God's people to praise the LORD.

The call to praise God reverberates throughout the N.T. Jesus Himself praised His Father in heaven. Paul expects all nations to glorify God (Rom. 15:9-11; Eph. 1:3,6,12) and James calls us to praise the LORD (Jas. 3:9; 5:13).

And in the end, the picture in Revelation is of a vast throng of both saints and angels praising God continually (Rev. 4:9-11).

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

FLSB

Liberation through Christ: A New Kind of Freedom. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ." Eph. 1:7—10 Blessings,

Elder Barbara Hayes

ML | WSB

Think about it, Moses reflected the Glory of God, but you and I may radiate the Glory of God.

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as a mirror the glory of the LORD, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the LORD." 2 Cor. 3:18

Glory!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWSB

We All Need The Same Grace! Our approach confirms or denies it for us: the Pharisee's pride, and the Tax Collector's humility. One's pride condemned him, and the other's humble faith saved him. Luke 18:13

Prayer is much more than the words of our lips; it is the desires of our hearts, and our hearts are constantly "desiring" before Him, even if we never speak a word.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | TWSB