Month: December 2024

Emanuel

On By Harvest of Faith ChurchIn church locator southaven msLeave a comment

In Christian theology, incarnation refers to the belief that Jesus Christ, who is fully divine, took on human form and became fully human while remaining fully God. This doctrine is central to the understanding of the birth of Christ, often celebrated at Christmas.

The word incarnation comes from the Latin incarnatio, meaning “becoming flesh.” It signifies that God, in the person of Jesus, entered human history in a tangible, physical way. According to the New Testament, this event is marked by the miraculous birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit (as described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke).

The incarnation underscores two key aspects of Christian belief:

  1. Divine Humility: God’s willingness to become human and experience the limitations, struggles, and sufferings of human existence.
  2. Salvation: By taking on human nature, Jesus could fully represent humanity and offer redemption through his life, death, and resurrection.

Thus, the incarnation is a profound expression of God’s love and the cornerstone of the Christian message of salvation.

The doctrine of Jesus’ incarnation is grounded in several key passages of Scripture. Here are some notable verses that highlight this concept:

Old Testament Prophecies

  1. Isaiah 7:14
    “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
    • Immanuel means “God with us,” foretelling the incarnation.
  2. Micah 5:2
    “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
    • This indicates the eternal nature of Christ entering history.

New Testament Fulfillment

  1. John 1:1, 14
    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
    • Clearly describes Jesus (the Word) becoming human.
  2. Matthew 1:22-23
    “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”
  3. Philippians 2:6-8
    “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
    • Emphasizes both the incarnation and the humility of Christ.
  4. Colossians 1:15-17
    “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”
  5. Hebrews 2:14-17
    “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way.”
  6. 1 Timothy 3:16
    “Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.”

Additional Scriptures

  • Galatians 4:4-5
    “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
  • Romans 8:3
    “For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.”

These passages collectively illustrate the profound truth of the incarnation: that Jesus, fully God, became fully human to bring salvation to the world.

Remember at One Time

On By Harvest of Faith ChurchIn church locator southaven msLeave a comment

11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ,  excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near  by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:11-13 (NASB)

A New Humanity
11-12 So don’t forget that you were not born as Jews and were uncircumcised (circumcision itself is just a work of man’s hands); you had none of the Jewish covenants and laws; you were foreigners to Israel’s incredible heritage; you were without the covenants and prophetic promises of the Messiah, the promised hope, and without God.
13 Yet look at you now! Everything is new! Although you were once distant and far away from God, now you have been brought delightfully close to him through the sacred blood of Jesus—you have actually been united to Christ!
Ephesians 2:11-13 (TPT)

Prayer of Safety at Night

On By Harvest of Faith ChurchIn church locator southaven msLeave a comment

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your loving care and the protection You promise through Your Word. As I prepare to rest, I ask for Your presence to surround me and for Your peace to fill my heart and mind.

Your Word says:

  • “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
  • “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
  • “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7)

Lord, I trust in these promises tonight. Cover me with the blood of Jesus and protect me from all harm. Guard my thoughts, dreams, and my spirit as I sleep. Let no weapon formed against me prosper, as You declared in Isaiah 54:17.

I rebuke and bind any demonic or astral interference in the name of Jesus Christ. I declare that I am sealed by the Holy Spirit, and my home is a sanctuary of Your presence.

  • “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)
  • “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Lord, place a hedge of protection around me, my loved ones, and my home. Fill my dreams with Your peace and truth, and let me awaken refreshed and renewed by Your grace.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray.
Amen.

Morning Prayer

On By Harvest of Faith ChurchIn church locator southaven msLeave a comment

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of a new day. I praise You for watching over me as I slept and for waking me up with Your mercies, which are new every morning.

  • “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I give You thanks for the breath in my lungs, the strength in my body, and the opportunity to walk in Your purposes today.

  • “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

As I rise, I commit my plans to You and ask for Your guidance in all that I do. Direct my steps and lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.

  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Lord, clothe me with Your armor so that I may stand firm against any challenges or trials I may face.

  • “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11)

Let my words, actions, and thoughts glorify You throughout the day.

  • “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

Fill me with Your Spirit and grant me wisdom, strength, and love as I interact with others. May I be a light to those around me, reflecting Your love and grace.

  • “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)

Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness and for the blessings You have prepared for me today. I step forward in confidence, knowing You are with me.

  • “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love, He will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.
Amen.

He Takes Pleasure

On By Harvest of Faith ChurchIn church locator southaven msLeave a comment

Psalm 35:27, which states:

“Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, ‘Let the Lord be magnified, who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.'” (NKJV)+++

Psalm 35:27 offers a profound glimpse into God’s character and His relationship with His people. Let’s explore its deeper meaning:

1. God’s Joy in Blessing His Servants

The phrase “Let the Lord be magnified, who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant” suggests that God delights in the well-being of His followers. The Hebrew word for “prosperity” in this verse is shalom, which encompasses more than material wealth—it includes peace, health, harmony, and wholeness. This shows that God’s concern is holistic; He desires every aspect of our lives to reflect His goodness.

2. The Connection Between Righteousness and Favor

The preceding part of the verse, “Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause,” implies that those who align themselves with God’s will and purposes can rejoice because they share in His blessings. This verse reminds us that walking in righteousness and supporting God’s mission leads to divine favor.

3. Faith and Thanksgiving

The call to continually say, “Let the Lord be magnified,” reflects an attitude of perpetual gratitude and praise. Trusting in God’s provision fosters a spirit of joy and thanksgiving, even before the blessings are fully realized.

4. Broader Scriptural Connections

  • Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” This reinforces the idea of God’s benevolent intentions toward His people.
  • 3 John 1:2: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” This echoes the holistic nature of the prosperity God desires for us.
  • Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” This emphasizes that prosperity is a byproduct of prioritizing God and His purposes.

5. Practical Application

  • Trust in God’s Provision: Understand that God is not distant or indifferent; He actively seeks your good. Cultivate faith in His timing and methods.
  • Align with His Will: Embrace His “righteous cause” by living according to His principles and supporting His work on earth.
  • Celebrate His Goodness: Like the psalmist, make praise a daily practice. Thank God not only for material blessings but also for spiritual growth, peace, and the promise of His eternal care.

Psalm91

On By Harvest of Faith ChurchIn church locator southaven msLeave a comment

Psalm 91 is one of the most beloved chapters in the Bible, celebrated for its themes of divine protection, comfort, and trust in God. Its history reflects its deep theological, literary, and spiritual significance over centuries.

Authorship and Context

The exact author of Psalm 91 is unknown. While many psalms are attributed to King David, this psalm lacks a direct attribution in the text. Some Jewish traditions suggest that it may have been written by Moses, linking it to the themes and language of Deuteronomy. This connection is partly due to its placement near Psalm 90, which is explicitly attributed to Moses. Others maintain it may have been written later during or after the reign of King David.

The psalm likely emerged during a time of national or personal distress, reflecting ancient Israelite reliance on God’s protection amid threats like war, illness, or natural disasters.

Themes and Structure

Psalm 91 is structured into three main parts:

  1. Assurance of God’s Protection (Verses 1-4): It begins with an intimate depiction of God as a refuge and fortress, promising safety to those who dwell in His presence.
  2. Promises of Deliverance (Verses 5-13): These verses describe the threats from which God protects the faithful, including plagues, terror, and enemies. The imagery is vivid, including references to angels guarding the faithful.
  3. Divine Affirmation (Verses 14-16): The voice shifts to God, who personally affirms His protection, deliverance, and salvation for those who love Him.

Historical Usage

  • In Jewish Tradition: Psalm 91 has been recited as a prayer for protection, especially during times of danger or illness. It is part of Jewish morning prayers and is traditionally recited before sleep to invoke divine protection during the night.
  • In Christian Tradition: Christians have similarly valued Psalm 91 as a source of comfort and assurance. It has been used in liturgical prayers, personal devotion, and during times of crisis. During the Middle Ages, it was considered a protective text against plague and other dangers.
  • In Modern Times: The psalm remains a cornerstone of both Jewish and Christian spirituality, often recited during times of fear or uncertainty, such as wars or pandemics.

Literary Significance

Psalm 91 is a masterpiece of Hebrew poetry, employing parallelism, vivid metaphors, and imagery. The “shelter of the Most High” and the image of God covering His people with His “wings” evoke a sense of divine intimacy and care.

Influence on Culture

The psalm has inspired countless works of art, music, and literature. It is quoted in the New Testament, where Satan uses verses 11-12 to tempt Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11). Jesus’ response underscores the broader message of trust in God’s will rather than testing His protection.

In modern culture, Psalm 91 has been referenced in hymns, spiritual songs, and even in military contexts as a “Soldier’s Psalm” for its emphasis on God’s shield and protection.

Enduring Legacy

The universal appeal of Psalm 91 lies in its timeless message: God is a refuge in times of trouble, offering peace, safety, and reassurance to those who trust in Him.

1 SAFE AND SECURE
1 When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai,
you are hidden in the strength of God Most High.
2 He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me,
the only God for me, and my great confidence.
3 He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy,
and he will protect you from false accusation
and any deadly curse.
4 His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you.
You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.
His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.
5 You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night
nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.
6 Don’t fear a thing!
Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you,
nor will the powers of evil launched against you.
7 Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed,
you will remain unscathed and unharmed.
8 You will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment,
for they will be paid back for what they have done!
9-10 When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High,
our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm.
How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?
11 God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go,
defending you from all harm.
12 If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you
and keep you from stumbling.
13 You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness,
trampling every one of them beneath your feet!
14 For here is what the Lord has spoken to me:
“Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name,
I will greatly protect you.
15 I will answer your cry for help every time you pray,
and you will feel my presence
in your time of trouble.
I will deliver you and bring you honor.
16 I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you.
For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!”
Psalms 91 (TPT)