Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.  Psalm 35:27 AMP

There can be no doubt, from the scripture, that Father God wants to bless and prosper His children. The reason more of them are not blessed is either because of lack of knowledge of God’s word or because of failure to act on the word which they know. Hosea 4:6 AMP says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” and Matthew 7:26 AMP says that, “everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.”  James 1:22-25 NKJV says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

The Lord instructed Joshua to meditate on God’s word and do it and He promised him that EVERYTHING he did would prosper. This promise was not just for Joshua, but for us as well. 

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Joshua 1:5-8 NKJV

Therefore keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may deal wisely and prosper in all that you do.  Deuteronomy 29:9 AMP

Meditate on these promises below, and then set your heart to obey God so that you too may prosper in everything you undertake:

And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in every work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, of your cattle, of your land, for good; for the Lord will again delight in prospering you, as He took delight in your fathers, 10 If you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being.  Deuteronomy 30:9-10 AMP

And the Lord shall make you have a surplus of prosperity, through the fruit of your body, of your livestock, and of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord shall open to you His good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
Deuteronomy 28:11-12 AMP

The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and He lifts up. 8 He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts up the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with nobles and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them.
1 Samuel 2:7-8 AMP

Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hands are power and might; in Your hands it is to make great and to give strength to all.
1 Chronicles 29:12 AMP

For I was ashamed to request of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy along the way, because we had told the king, The hand of our God is upon all them for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.  Ezra 8:22 AMP

If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasantness and joy. 
Job 36:11 AMP

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
Psalms 23:1 KJV

The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.  Psalms 23:1 AMP

O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.  Psalms 34:9-10 KJV

I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread. 26 All day long they are merciful and deal graciously; they lend, and their offspring are blessed. 
Psalms 37:25-26 AMP

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.  Psalms 68:19 KJV

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalms 84:11 KJV

Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord , O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.  Psalms 103:1-5 NKJV

 

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.  Galatians 5:1 KJV

Galatians 4:19-31:

My little children, for whom I am again suffering birth pangs until Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded) within you. Galatians 4:19 AMP

Paul is speaking here about praying for the Galatians – interceding for them in the Holy Ghost – for Christ to be formed in them. That they would come to know Him in his fullness; that they would have a full revelation of what He had done in them and for them; and that they would experience the fullness of the freedom and liberty of the Holy Spirit in their own lives. This is not just a prayer that applies to the Galatians alone – but it applies to each and every one of us. We all need for Christ to be formed in us – we all need to come to know Him in the fullest measure that is possible on this side of heaven – we all need Him to do, and to finish, His work in us, and to bring us progressively into experiencing true freedom.

Would that I were with you now and could coax you vocally, for I am fearful and perplexed about you! 21 Tell me, you who are bent on being under the Law, will you listen to what the Law [really] says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondmaid and one by the free woman. 23 But whereas the child of the slave woman was born according to the flesh and had an ordinary birth, the son of the free woman was born in fulfillment of the promise. Galatians 4:20-23

Hagar represents the slave woman and Sarah the freewoman. Genesis 16:15 says: “And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son whom Hagar bore Ishmael.” And Genesis 21:2-3 says: “For Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time God had told him. Abraham named his son whom Sarah bore to him Isaac [laughter].”

Ishmael, the child of the slave woman, born after the flesh, or the will of man, represents the Law which was given by Moses. It was given because of the sin of the people, to bring correction and to punish wrong-doers. It was born according to the flesh – the efforts of man – and had an ordinary birth. On the other hand, the son of the free woman was born in fulfillment of the promise given by Almighty God.

There was nothing supernatural about Ishmael’s birth, but in the case of Isaac’s birth, it was totally supernatural! Both parents were past the age of childbearing and it was actually impossible in the natural for them to have a baby. Isaac was born ONLY because of the promise and the power and the will of God. Isaac represents the promise which is appropriated by faith and not by works. Isaac represents the freedom of the Gospel of Christ.

Now all this is an allegory; these [two women] represent two covenants. One covenant originated from Mount Sinai [where the Law was given] and bears [children destined] for slavery; this is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is (stands for) Mount Sinai in Arabia and she corresponds to and belongs in the same category with the present Jerusalem, for she is in bondage together with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above (the Messianic kingdom of Christ) is free, and she is our mother. Galatians 4:24-26 AMP

Sarah and Hagar symbolize the Old and New Covenants. Hagar represents the Mosaic Law that produced bondage, and which has been cast out and abolished by the cross. Sarah represents the New Covenant that brings men to God, makes them children of His by the new birth and gives freedom from bondage.

There are all kinds of ways to be in bondage, but only one way to be free. You can be in the bondage of sin and deception, or you can be stuck in the bondage of a religious works program. They are both works of the flesh and require no faith. The “Jerusalem” – God’s Kingdom – which is above, is free and she is our mother. It is only the Kingdom of God – with its way in, which is faith in Jesus Christ – that brings true freedom. True freedom comes only by faith in God through Jesus Christ.

For it is written in the Scriptures, Rejoice, O barren woman, who has not given birth to children; break forth into a joyful shout, you who are not feeling birth pangs, for the desolate woman has many more children than she who has a husband. 28 But we, brethren, are children [not by physical descent, as was Ishmael, but] like Isaac, born in virtue of promise. Galatians 4:27-28 AMP

Just as Isaac was a child of promise, we, who are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, are children of promise. God promised beforehand that YOU would be born into His Kingdom and into His life and His freedom – and you ARE when you believe on Jesus Christ.

Yet [just] as at that time the child [of ordinary birth] born according to the flesh despised and persecuted him [who was born remarkably] according to [the promise and the working of] the [Holy] Spirit, so it is now also. 30 But what does the Scripture say? Cast out and send away the slave woman and her son, for never shall the son of the slave woman be heir and share the inheritance with the son of the free woman. 31 So, brethren, we [who are born again] are not children of a slave woman [the natural], but of the free [the supernatural]. Galatians 4:29-31 AMP

Genesis 21:9-10 AMP says, “Now Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking [Isaac]. 10 Therefore she said to Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son, for the son of this bondwoman shall not be an heir with my son Isaac.” We, like Isaac, are children of promise. We do not fear death or hell or judgment, because the blood of Jesus keeps us safe and keeps us pure. We walk in freedom and liberty, safe in the knowledge that we are in right-standing with the Father. We stand firm in this liberty of Christ and we refuse to allow the bondage of sin OR of religious tradition to bind us up again!

 

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had made ready. 2 And they found the stone rolled back from the tomb, 3 But when they went inside, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And while they were perplexed and wondering what to do about this, behold, two men in dazzling raiment suddenly stood beside them. 5 And as [the women] were frightened and were bowing their faces to the ground, the men said to them, Why do you look for the living among [those who are] dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee 7 That the Son of Man must be given over into the hands of sinful men (men whose way or nature is to act in opposition to God) and be crucified and on the third day rise [from death].  Luke 24:1-7 AMP

See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself! Feel and handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see that I have. 40 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.  41 And while [since] they still could not believe it for sheer joy and marveled, He said to them, Have you anything here to eat? 42 They gave Him a piece of broiled fish, 43 And He took [it] and ate [it] before them.  Luke 24:39-43 AMP

1.      Jesus showed them His hands and feet (Luke 24:39).
2. Jesus said: It is I Myself, not another (different) person (Luke 24:39).
3. Jesus told them to touch Him and prove that He was alive (Luke 24:39).
4. Jesus told them: a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have (Luke 24:39).
5. He showed them His hands and His feet (Luke 24:40; John 20:20).

John 20:20 NIV – After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

6. He took fish and honeycomb and ate it before them (Luke 24:41-43).
7. He is risen (Matthew 28:6-7; Mark 16:6).

Matthew 28:6-7 AMP – He is not here; He has risen, as He said [He would do]. Come, see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, He has risen from the dead, and behold, He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.

Mark 16:6 AMP – And he said to them, Do not be amazed and terrified; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.

What is risen?  It could not be His soul and spirit for they did not die. They went into hell to preach and carry on work (Psalm 16:10; Luke 23:43; Ephes. 4:8-10; 1 Peter 3:9; Hebrews 2:14-15).

Psalms 16:10 AMP – For You will not abandon me to Sheol (the place of the dead), neither will You suffer Your holy one [Holy One] to see corruption.

Ephesians 4:8-10 AMP – Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive [He led a train of vanquished foes] and He bestowed gifts on men. 9 [But He ascended?] Now what can this, He ascended, mean but that He had previously descended from [the heights of] heaven into [the depths], the lower parts of the earth? 10 He Who descended is the [very] same as He Who also has ascended high above all the heavens, that He [His presence] might fill all things (the whole universe, from the lowest to the highest).

1 Peter 3:18-19 NKJV – For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison

His body is the only thing that died (James 2:26) and the only thing that could have been resurrected (Luke 24:39; Zech.13:6; Acts 1:11).

James 2:26 NKJV – For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Acts 1:11 NKJV – Who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

8. They held Him by the feet (Matthew 28:9; Luke 24:39-40).

Matthew 28:9 NKJV – And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.

9. They saw Him (Matthew 28:17; John 20:19-20).

Matthew 28:17 NKJV – When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

John 20:19-20 NIV – On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

10. They did not find the body (Luke 24:3; 23) because it was resurrected (Luke 24:39-43).

Luke 24:23-24 AMP – But did not find His body; and they returned saying that they had [even] seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive! 24 So some of those [who were] with us went to the tomb and they found it just as the women had said, but Him they did not see.

11. They went to the tomb to embalm Jesus’ body, but it wasn’t there, because Jesus’ body was raised up. The angel asked: Why do you seek the living (body) among the dead bodies (Luke 24:5-6; James 2:26)?
12.   Jesus Himself came to them. He sat and ate with them and they knew Him (Luke 24:15; 30-31).

Luke 24:15 AMP – And while they were conversing and discussing together, Jesus Himself caught up with them and was already accompanying them.

 

13. Angels said He was alive (Luke 24:23; Matthew 28:6-7; Mark 16:6).

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.”  John 12:27 NKJV

Jesus came for this purpose:

16. To save the world, not condemn it:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  John 3:16-18 NKJV

17. To send fire on earth:

I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I if it be already kindled?  Luke 12:49 KJV

18. To be salvation:

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.  1 Timothy1:15 NKJV

19. To baptize in the Holy Spirit:

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.  Matthew 3:11 KJV

I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.” 32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’  John 1:31-33 NKJV

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)  John 7:37-39 KJV

20. To deliver from evil:

Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.  Galatians 1:3-4 KJV

21. To bring judgment:

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. John 9:39 KJV

22. To give abundant life:

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  John 10:10 KJV

23. To bear sickness:

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.”  Matthew8:17 NKJV

Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed.  1 Peter 2:24 NKJV

Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 NKJV

24. To be a light to the world:

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.  John 12:46 NKJV

25. To give eternal life:

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.  John 17:3 NKJV

26. To minister to people:

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.  Matthew 20:28 NKJV

27. To bring grace and truth:

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  John 1:17 NKJV

28. To do God’s will:

For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.  John 6:38 NKJV

29. To destroy Satan’s work:

He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.  1 John 3:8 NKJV

30. To be an example:

Who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.  1 Peter 1:21NKJV

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.  1 Peter 2:21 NKJV

31. To die for sins:

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.  1 Corinthians 15:3 NKJV

Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.  Galatians 1:3-5 NKJV

32. To purify unto Himself a peculiar people:

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  Titus2:14 KJV

And it occurred that when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud cry, and then exclaimed, Blessed (favored of God) above all other women are you! And blessed (favored of God) is the Fruit of your womb! 43 And how [have I deserved that this honor should] be granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, the instant the sound of your salutation reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed (happy, to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord.  Luke 1:41-45 AMP

 

The moment Elizabeth saw Mary, her baby (John) leaped in her womb and she knew that Mary was carrying the Messiah in her womb. She called Jesus, her Lord.

 

And Mary said, My soul magnifies and extols the Lord, 47 And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.  Luke 1:46-47 AMP

 

This prophetic song of Mary is referred to as the Magnificat, which is the first word in the Latin translation of this passage. Mary glorified God for what He was going to do for the world through her, just like Hannah, the mother of Samuel did in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. In both songs, as the Holy Spirit prophesies through each of these two women, God is magnified as a champion of the poor, the oppressed, and the despised. Mary calls God her Savior. Mary, like any other person on earth, needed God as Savior. She was not holy and perfect – she was an ordinary girl – but because she was willing and obedient, God was able to use her to bring forth the Savior of all mankind – and now we call her blessed, just as she said.

 

For He has looked upon the low station and humiliation of His handmaiden. For behold, from now on all generations [of all ages] will call me blessed and declare me happy and to be envied!  49 For He Who is almighty has done great things for me — and holy is His name [to be venerated in His purity, majesty and glory]!  Luke 1:48-49 AMP

 

Mary celebrates how good God has been to her – not because she deserved it – but because of His goodness. We can only really understand what grace is when we are humble enough to realize that we have not deserved what God has given us. Mary was not being proud when she said, “From now on all generations will call me blessed.” She was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given her. When God calls you, realize that you CAN fulfill His plans for your life, with HIS help. Firstly, you should not say, “No.” Secondly, you should do it, acknowledging that you cannot do it without Him. Pride is refusing to accept God’s gifts and call or taking credit for what God has done. Humility is accepting God’s gifts and using them to serve and bring praise to Him. Do not deny your gifts, or belittle, or ignore them. Thank God for them and use them to His glory.

 

And His mercy (His compassion and kindness toward the miserable and afflicted) is on those who fear Him with godly reverence, from generation to generation and age to age.   Luke 1:50 AMP

 

God always keeps His promises. Mary praises God because the promises of the Old Testament are finally coming to pass. He has always kept His promises in the past and He will continue to keep the promises that He has made, to subsequent generations.

 

But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children.  Psalms 103:17 AMP

 

He has shown strength and made might with His arm; He has scattered the proud and haughty in and by the imagination and purpose and designs of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree. 53 He has filled and satisfied the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty-handed [without a gift]. 54 He has laid hold on His servant Israel [to help him, to espouse his cause], in remembrance of His mercy, 55 Even as He promised to our forefathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.  Luke 1:41-55 AMP

 

Mary declares that God will turn everything around. He will deal with the proud, the rulers and the rich – He will scatter them and humble them – they will have to acknowledge that He is King. On the other hand, He will exalt the humble and lift up those of low degree. He will fill and satisfy the hungry with good things. At long last, justice is going to be done.

 

God kept his promise to Abraham to be merciful to God’s people forever. Christ’s birth fulfilled the promise, and Mary knew and understood this.

 

In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies, 18 And in your Seed [Christ] shall all the nations of the earth be blessed and [by Him] bless themselves, because you have heard and obeyed My voice.  Genesis 22:17-18 AMP

 

You will show Your faithfulness and perform the sure promise to Jacob and loving-kindness and mercy to Abraham, as You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.  Micah 7:20 AMP

 

Thank God, for Mary, a young, humble girl, who knew her God and trusted His word. She trusted the words she read in the written Word of God and she trusted the words He spoke personally to her. Because of her implicit faith and her surrender to the will of God for her life, she has a place in history as the mother of our Lord Jesus and a woman of great faith and worthy of our respect.

 

Foundation scripture:

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:12-17 KJV

 

1. God is a loving heavenly Father:
2. John 3:16-18 KJV – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
3. Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV – “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
4. All the good in the world is from God and the bad is because of the devil.
5. God wants us to choose life; to choose blessing; to choose Him.

Galatians 3:13-14 KJV – “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

1. Galatians 3:29 KJV – “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
2. We are redeemed from poverty, sickness, and death.
3. Psalms 37:25 KJV – “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

 

2. In order to be effective in your Christian life, you need to have a revelation of these three things:

 

1. Who your Father is – Abba – a loving Father.
2. Who you are – the righteousness of God in Christ.
3. Who your enemy is – the destroyer – a defeated foe.
4. John 10:10 KJV – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

 

3. Faith begins where the will of God is known:

 

1. How can you believe God or trust in Him, when you think He is against you?
2. You have to spend time in His Word.
3. Joshua 1:8 KJV – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
4. Psalms 1:1-3 KJV – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of  the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of  water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

iii. Psalms 37:4 KJV – “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

1. John 15:7-8 KJV – “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”

 

4. God is on your side – He is for you:

 

1. Romans 8:31 KJV – “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
2. 2 Corinthians 6:18 KJV – “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
3. 1 John 4:4 KJV – “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
4. Psalms 55:16 KJV – “As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.”
5. Psalms 56:9 KJV – “When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.”
6. Psalms 57:2 KJV – “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.”
7. Psalms 126:3 KJV – “The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”

 

5. One thing I know is that God is with me:

 

1. That changes everything.
2. He has made His home in you and me.
3. You and I are the temple of the Living God.
4. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

 

6. Believe today and walk in the light:

 

1. Confess:

God is my Father

He loves me

He is on my side

He cares for me

His Word strengthens me

His Spirit empowers me.

He loves me

Foundation Scriptures:

Matthew 1:18-24 KJV – “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife.”

1. We are coming into the season of remembering and celebrating the birth of Jesus.
   a. Jesus was not born on December 25th.
   d. Verse 18 – the birth of Jesus Christ, not Santa Claus.
   c. The birth of Jesus is a historical fact.
   •  He is 100% God and man.
   • God manifest in His flesh.
   d. John 3:16-17 KJV – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
   • May Christ be born in you today.
   • John 1:12 KJV – “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
2. He is the Word Who became flesh.
   a. Remember this: if no manger, no cross. If no cross, no resurrection. If no resurrection, there would be no salvation.
   b. This is where the plan of salvation was put into action.
   c. Emmanuel, God with us.
   • Today, He is not here as the babe in the manger.
   • He is not Jesus hanging on the cross.
   d. He is the resurrected King of kings and the Lord of lords.
3. Four things Emmanuel did for us.
   1. He restored what was lost in the Garden of Eden.
   •He restored: relationship, fellowship, dominion, and authority.
   • He restored what Adam lost because of sin.
   b. Emmanuel brought peace.
   • Luke 2:7 KJV – “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
   • The Prince of Peace.
   • Philippians 4:6-9 KJV – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
   • John 14:27 KJV – “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
   c. He introduced the Holy Spirit into the Earth.
   • John 14:16 KJV – “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.”
   • John 14:26 KJV – “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, 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.”
   • Acts 1:8 KJV – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
   • Acts 2
   d. He brought joy.
   • The joy of the Lord is your strength.
   • I bring you glad tidings of great joy.
   • Joy to the world the Lord is come.
   • The fruit of the Spirit.
4. This morning, we can experience:
   • What was lost in the Garden.
   • Peace.
   • Holy Spirit.
   • Joy.
5. It’s time to celebrate.

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. Acts 3:13-15 KJV

Jesus is the Prince (Author) of life. This word “Prince” is the Greek word “archegos”, which means: a chief leader; author; captain; prince; one who stands at the head or at the beginning of a list or rank. “Prince” is capitalized, denoting that He is the Head or Chief Prince.

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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

Jesus is the Prince of peace. The Hebrew word for “Prince” used here is “sar” means: a head person (of any rank or class); captain (that had rule); chief (captain); general; governor; keeper; Lord; ([-taskmaster, prince (-ipal), ruler; steward.

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Daniel 8:25 KJV

Jesus is the Prince of all princes. No one can prevail against Him. He is the ultimate Ruler. It is better to be for God than against Him. God’s power and justice will always prevail; therefore, no matter how powerful His enemies may seem, we should never lose hope or give up our faith. No one can prevail against Almighty God.

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. Daniel 9:25 KJV

Jesus is the Messiah, the (Anointed) Prince. The Hebrew word for Prince, used here, is “nagiyd” meaning: a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural); captain; chief; excellent thing; (chief) governor; leader; noble; prince; (chief) ruler. Messiah – “mashiyach” – means: anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the Messiah.

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31 KJV

Jesus is a Prince and a Savior. Only He has the power to forgive sins.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:9-10 KJV

Jesus is our Captain (Prince, Author) of Salvation. Jesus came to earth, not for His own glory, but to serve and to suffer and to lay His life down for others. He did not suffer for His own salvation, but for ours. Through perfect obedience, He was made a complete sacrifice for us. He is the author of our salvation and the Captain, or Prince, of it. He brought it into being and He is in charge and control of it now. He gives it to all those who believe in Him.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV

Author (Prince) and Finisher of our faith. There is a great cloud of witnesses – heroes of faith that we could look up to, but the Bible tells us to look to JESUS, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5-6 KJV

Jesus is the Prince (Leader or Ruler) of the kings of the earth. The Greek word here for Prince is “archon” meaning: a first (in rank or power); chief (ruler); magistrate; prince; ruler. Jesus is the first to rise from the dead. Other people had risen from the dead – brought back to life through the ministries of the prophets, Jesus and the apostles – but they all died again later. Jesus was the first one who rose from the dead in an immortal (imperishable) body, never to die again. His resurrection makes Him the Prince and Ruler of the kings of the earth with the power to make us kings and priests under His authority.