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BIBLE STUDY THE UPLIFTING WORD December 2024 A Monthly Publication of the “Word” to live life each day. The Lessons are from Bible notes since the 1960s, life experiences, and studying the Bible. The purpose of Bible Study is to give you faith, hope, and inspiration. We hope it will encourage prayer to bring peace and tranquility into your life. The Bible is a reminder of God's love, guidance, and many blessings. Bible studies compare “What was” with "What is" and tips on becoming a better Christian. ■■ Bible Scripture searches the King James Version on the Bible Gateway website Public Domain in the United States https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/King-James-Version-KJV-Bible/ Presented by Brown Crayon Copyright © 2024 - All Rights Reserved

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10 ■■ Have you ever wondered why God wanted to reveal His Son's birth to lowly shepherds instead of the leaders of Israel and be born in a stable? Since the Lord never does anything haphazardly, both choices are significant. These men were the first to hear about Jesus, the Good Shepherd who “lays down His life for the sheep.” There was perhaps no fitting birthplace for the Lamb of God who takes away the sin in the world than a shelter built for livestock. To help you understand how astounding this encounter was, consider what you would do if an angel appeared in your church and announced Jesus was coming back tomorrow. How would you feel? Could you brush it off and go to sleep that night, or would you be like the shepherds who immediately searched for the Messiah and told everyone what they’d experienced?

That was good news and great joy for all the people. The angels proclaimed that God would provide salvation for mankind through a tiny baby lying in a manger. The entire life of Christ—His conception by the Holy Spirit, birth to the Virgin Mary, death on the cross for our sins, resurrection from the dead, and ascension to the Father, as well as His promise to come again—can be summed up in the New Testament. *** All the Bible Scripture in the publication was taken from the King James Version for referring to the “Word” only. The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, widely known throughout the English-speaking world was commissioned in 1604 by King James of England and was first printed in 1611.

BIBLE STUDY WEEK 1 When Jesus walked this earth, a vast multitude followed Him. They came for many reasons—some noble and some selfish. The same is true today. What motivates people to come to Christ since all who seek Him are not His followers? We should analyze our Christian walk by asking ourselves what we want from Jesus. How committed are we to being His disciples? Many of the people who followed Jesus did so because they had urgent needs that He alone could meet. Everywhere He went, the sick and demon-possessed came to Him. That is one of the ways God draws us to Himself. Those who can solve all their problems never need a Savior. Other folks came for sensationalism. They wanted to see the signs and miracles of the excitement. Some people come to the church or conferences to get pumped up with mountaintop experiences followed by the valleys. When hardships or challenges come, some people will abandon the Lord. Jesus' disciples followed Him because they genuinely believed He was the Messiah, the very Son of God. Their commitment went beyond emotions or needs. They wanted to know Christ and walk closely with Him. Are you more interested in what Jesus can do for you than just being with Him? Do you find it hard to stay committed without an emotional experience to sustain you? Our physical and emotional needs can draw us to the Lord, but they should never be the foundation for our walk with Him. Bible Reading Matthew 16 John 6

Search Scripture KJV – BibleGateway Public Domain: https://www.biblegateway.com/

BIBLE TAKEAWAY Expect God in all His varied forms. He is a master of disguise. He is a guiding star in the night, a lily growing in the valley. God is an answered prayer sent by the breath of an angel. We must learn to thank God for who we are. ***

BIBLE STUDY WEEK 2 Jesus Christ is the source of our joy. The most exciting announcements bring immediate happiness. Afterward, the emotional high evaporates, leaving us unchanged. Accepting Jesus as our Savior, the joy is lasting and transformative. We can be content because His Holy Spirit is always with us. As we abide in Him like a branch in a vine, His life flows through us, and the Spirit produces fruit. The New Testament gives us many reasons to celebrate. John spoke of the mutual happiness that comes from being with fellow believers. Titus was thrilled because of the Corinthians' obedience. The churches in Macedonia discovered the satisfaction of sacrificial giving. Jesus spoke of the fullness of joy that comes from hearing His words and receiving answers to prayers offered in His name. We can rejoice because of suffering. Jesus said to be glad when we are insulted and persecuted for His sake. Our reward is great in heaven. Paul recommended exulting in tribulation because it produces perseverance, character, and hope. Peter says tests in our faith result in praise and glory when the Lord returns. The joy Jesus Christ gives us is unique. We do not like hardship but will praise God's good purposes for allowing it. Our delight is in Christ—what He has done for us. He is working in us and what He promises in eternity. That is so contrary to our human tendencies. Where are you looking for joy? Happiness is not something you can create. Jesus is the only one who can give lasting gladness in every situation, good or bad. Jesus is the source of our strength. A joyful life is the most appealing witness you and I will ever display to a lost and hurting world. People are searching for joy in all the wrong places, so when they see us going through pain, trouble, and conflict with calm contentment and peace of mind, the door opens for us to share the message of a Savior who came to give us new life.

As we celebrate Christmas, remember Nehemiah's words to the people of Israel: “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” When they heard the Scriptures read to them, they wept and mourned because of their sin. Nehemiah told them not to grieve but to celebrate, give gifts, and rejoice because the day was holy. Christmas is our holy day—a time to rejoice in the Lord with great festivity, presents, and the fellowship of loved ones. God wants us to enjoy this day by honoring Jesus Christ and celebrating with one another. Even if your circumstances are not perfect this Christmas, do not give up your joy. Christ wants you to have His precious gift this day and every day. Christmas is just a preview of what awaits us in heaven—uninterrupted and uninhibited delight in the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Bible Reading Nehemiah 8 Matthew 5 John 15-17 II Corinthians 7-8 Galatians 5 Search Scripture KJV – BibleGateway Public Domain: https://www.biblegateway.com/

BIBLE TAKEAWAY When God delivers you, He wants you delivered from the environment in which you were cooped up and chained. Go where you can be refreshed in the Lord and stay there. There is a sanctity of your spirit that comes through the blood of Jesus Christ and sanctifies the innermost part of your being. Once you get cleaned up in your spirit, it will reflect your character and conduct. ***

BIBLE STUDY WEEK 3 Amid all the preparations, decorations, and celebrations of the Christmas season, we need to set aside some quiet time to reflect upon the divine gifts that forever changed the course of human destiny. When that tiny baby entered our world in Bethlehem, the first of never-ending blessings was unleashed from heaven. We generally focus on the Father's gift: His Son, the Savior of the world. We do not often realize that all three members of the Trinity have a part in this divine display of generosity, which continues into eternity. Jesus came to offer His life as a ransom for many. After His death and resurrection, He and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to live inside believers forever. The Spirit gives spiritual gifts to all believers and produces His marvelous fruit in their lives. The divine presence does not end on earth. It continues in heaven, where the Lord judges Christians and grants rewards for good works. That could have never been accomplished without His strength. All the credit and glory belong to Him. He graciously showers praise on His followers. We serve a caring, generous God. Think about the nonstop outpouring of blessings from His throne. Consider the many gifts He has freely given you and your loved ones. He needs nothing from you but wants every part of you—not to control but to show you the “surpassing riches of His grace in kindness.” Bible Reading Mark 10 John 14-16 Romans 11 I Corinthians 3-12 Ephesians 2 I John 4

Search Scripture KJV – BibleGateway Public Domain: https://www.biblegateway.com/

BIBLE TAKEAWAY Although the problem may be rooted in the past, the prescription is a present word from God. The Word is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. Allow new meditations to dwell in your heart by faith, for your life will ultimately take on the direction of your thinking. Many weaknesses, such as procrastination and laziness, are draperies that cover up poor self-esteem and lack of motivation. ***

BIBLE STUDY WEEK 4 Chapter One of Revelation gives a compact description of the Lord. John condenses the wonder of Jesus Christ to the bare but beautiful essentials of who He is. Jesus Christ is the faithful witness. Jesus came to earth to more fully reveal the character and ways of the Father. The miracles He performed validated His claim to be the Son of God. Jesus Christ is the firstborn from the dead. The Savior bore our sins and died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day. His resurrection proved that eternal life is possible for us, too, as Jesus taught in John 11:25: “he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” Jesus Christ is the ruler over the kings of the earth. It is the Lord who raises men to power, just as He removes them. Believers have access to a higher authority. In God's throne room, we can beseech Him on behalf of our nations and lay claim to His promises. Jesus Christ loves us and, by His blood, released us from our sins. Note the change of tense in John's writing. The Lord's love is ever present, but He has freed believers from their past. Both the penalty and power of sin have been broken. When people ask you about Jesus, introduce Him by guiding them through this mini-biography. John describes Christ's character, divinity, and authority. The disciple was not timid about proclaiming the Lord. We should not be shy when we serve so great a Savior. Bible Reading

John 11-19 Romans 13 Revelation 1 Search Scripture KJV – BibleGateway Public Domain: https://www.biblegateway.com/

BIBLE TAKEAWAY By God’s rich grace, you have the power to see a miracle. Do not forfeit or forsake it. You can change your situation whenever you get ready. The harvest that God wants to plant is in your head. Hold on to your field of dreams. God will sustain you if you water your field when others are trying to command a drought within your life. ***

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