Closer 2 Jesus Purpose

The purpose of this blog is to inform readers of the love message of The Lord Jesus Christ, to cover some Biblical History, and have fun in the process with inspiration on the side.

Bible verses inform, photos inspire, quotes enlighten, and sometimes we add our own ideas and thoughts about a topic. We are not preachers, pastors, or clergy, only people who want to share the Good News of the Gospel and Holy Bible with others.

The video below is from the early 2000's, is blurry from an old school cell phone, but holds the voices of our children. More of a listening instead of a watching video. Our son on stage left and our daughter filming shakily =)

Matthew 2 The Magi

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless =)

Joshua 1

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1 NIV

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun

2 Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them the Israelite's

3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses

4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates, all the Hittite country to the Mediterranean Sea in the west

5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you

6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them

7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you, do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go

8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go

10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people

11 Go through the camp and tell the people, Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own

12 But to the Reubenite's, the Gadite's and the half tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13 Remember the command that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you after he said, The Lord your God will give you rest by giving you this land

14 Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelite's. You are to help them

15 until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the Lord your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise

16 Then they answered Joshua, Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go

17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses

18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless =)

Psalm 27 7-14

Psalm 27 7-14 KJV

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice. have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8 When thou said, Seek ye my face, my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

9 Hide not thy face far from me, put not thy servant away in anger. thou hast been my help, leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies. for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

Here Daniel writes of a request concerning himself to the Lord God. Daniel asks God to not forget or  leave him. To continue to guide Daniels ways and teach him God's way.

13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

14 Wait on the Lord. be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart. wait, I say, on the Lord.

Also in Isaiah 40:31 does the Holy Bible speak of waiting on the Lord. 

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless =)

Psalm 27 1-6

NIV 27:3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear, though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

KJV 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion. in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me, he shall set me up upon a rock.

6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me. therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy, I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

Do Not Fear ... If the Lord God be for me, who can stand against me ... Give the fear to God. Keep the Praise to God during trials when it seems all are against you. He will turn it to good for you.

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless =)

Closer 2 Jesus Build Your House On The Rock Luke 6

If you have a solid foundation, and protection like a Rock, and a storm comes, no worries.

Well, Jesus is the Rock! He is the foundation that strengthens us, keeping us ready when the "Storms" come (challenges in life).

Luke 6:47 "Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like:

Luke 6:48 "He is like a man which built an house, and dug deep, and laid the foundation on a rock and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it for it was founded upon a rock."

Luke 6:49 "But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great."

Build Your Foundation with Jesus

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless =)

Happy New Year Luke 7

Holy Bible New International Version (All Bible verses below)

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

FECSF

Luke 7:47 

47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.

Matthew 18:21-22

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?

22 Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy seven times (King James version says seventy times seven)

Luke 7 36-47

36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table

37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume

38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping she began to wet his feet with her tears, Then she wiped them with her hair kissed them and poured perfume on them

39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said, If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is that she is a sinner

40 Jesus answered him, Simon, I have something to tell you, Tell me, teacher he said

41 Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarius,and the other fifty

42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?

43 Simon replied, I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven, You have judged correctly Jesus said

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, Do you see this woman? I came into your house you did not give me any water for my feet but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair

45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet

46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet

47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little

48 Then Jesus said to her Your sins are forgiven

49 The other guests began to say among themselves, Who is this who even forgives sins

50 Jesus said to the woman Your faith has saved you go in peace

Luke 7

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless =)

Footprints No Worries Philippians 4:6-7

Many people will walk in and out of your life. But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

To handle yourself, use your head;

To handle others, use your heart.

Anger is only one letter short of danger.

If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;

If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.

Great minds discuss ideas;

Average minds discuss events;

Small minds discuss people.

He, who loses money, loses much;

He, who loses a friend, loses much more;

He, who loses faith, loses all.

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature.

Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

Friends, you and me......

You brought another friend ....

And then there were 3 .

We started our group .

Our circle of friends....

There is no beginning or end .. ..

Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is mystery.

Today is a gift.

God says "No Worries" too!

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.

7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 By Grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God 9 not as a result of works, that so no one should boast".

Revelation 3:20

We receive Christ by His personal invitation, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any hears MY voice and opens the door I will come into him."

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless =)

Special Hymn Closer 2 Jesus

Special Hymn

Many years ago, while watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years...... He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.

After a warm welcome and introduction of this speaker, as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak......

"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me......the only thing that would comfort was this verse...

"Jesus loves me this I know.

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to him belong,

They are weak but he is strong.....

Yes, Jesus loves me...

The Bible tells me so."

When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it.

A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best."

Senior version of "Jesus Loves Me".

Here is a new version just for us who have white hair, or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of "Jesus Loves Me". It is quite good, so read, sing and enjoy:"

"JESUS LOVES ME"

Jesus loves me, this I know,

Though my hair is white as snow.

Though my sight is growing dim,

Still He bids me trust in Him.

(CHORUS)

YES, JESUS LOVES ME..YES, JESUS LOVES ME...

YES, JESUS LOVES ME, THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow

With my hand in His I'll go

On through life, let come what may,

He'll be there to lead the way.

(CHORUS)

Though I am no longer young,

I have much which He's begun.

Let me serve Christ with a smile,

Go with others the extra mile.

(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,

In my heart He puts a song.

Telling me in words so clear,

"Have no fear, for I am near."

(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,

And life's victories have been won.

He will take me home above,

Then I'll understand His love.

(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?

Have I ever told Him so?

Jesus loves to hear me say,

That I love Him every day.

He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. - Isaiah 50:4

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless ;)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter 

Matthew 2:1-12 The Magi Closer 2 Jesus

Matthew 2:1-12 The Magi

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem

2 saying Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet (Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans or rulers 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.)

6  And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah, for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Matthew was the only of the four gospels of Jesus to tell of the Magi or Wise Men or Kings that traveled to visit the newborn Jesus. Although, Mark, Luke, and John offer perspective Matthew does not. Each Gospel or telling of the life of Jesus includes a special something geared toward the individual. Each reader generally having a favorite (if they have to choose), much like one's choice of novels, fiction, or non-fiction books. Each author has a style and each individual has a preference. The telling of the Life of Jesus is such a mighty learning tool that more than these have written of it.

The Magi are also mentioned in verse Matthew 2:16 when Herod realizes the Magi will not be returning and get's extremely angry as if Herod had been slighted to the maximum.

Matthew 2:13-23 accounts a very dark deed that God saved Joseph, Mary, and Jesus through an angels warning in a dream. The history is sad, dark, and despicable. The link is below to read that part.

King James version Matthew 2:1-23

While Matthew does not tell specifics about the Magi, it is thought these men were Balthazar (Babylonian king or scholar), Gaspar or Caspar (Indian king or scholar), and Melchior (Persian king or scholar). There are also teachings that believe one of the Magi was from China.

Where did they come from? Matthew only says from the east and why? To follow the star of the King of the Jews. To see if the prophecy was fulfilled.

The Adoration of the Magi

Just one of the many photos found on Wikipedia under The Adoration of the Magi. This comes from 14th century Flemish miniature found in the National Library of Wales (unknown artist).

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. If you would like a very logical view of learning life lessons through Bible Stories, the video below is a good start. This video shows the Holy Bible having 73,779 hyper-links or back-links or cross-references and just how deep the Bible is.

The Angel, God, and the Flaw

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless =)

God is Like

A fifth

grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV
commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate
ideas about God. 

God is like......

BAYER ASPIRIN 
He works miracles. 

God is like 
a FORD 
He's got a better idea.

God is like 
COKE 
He's the real thing. 

God is like
HALLMARK CARDS
He cares enough to send His very best. 

God is like 
TIDE 
He gets the stains out that others leave behind. 

God is like 
GENERAL ELECTRIC
He brings good things to life. 

God is like 
SEARS
He has everything. 

God is like
ALKA-SELTZER
Try Him, you'll like Him 

God is like 
SCOTCH TAPE 
You can't see Him, but you know He's there.

God is like 
DELTA
He's ready when you are. 

God is like 
ALLSTATE 
You're in good hands with Him. 

God is like 
VO-5 Hair Spray 
He holds through all kinds of weather.. 

God is like
DIAL SOAP 
Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did? 


God is like 
the U.S. POST OFFICE 
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination. 

God is like 
Chevrolet. . . .the heart beat of America 

God is like 

Maxwell house. . . 
Good to the last drop 

God is like 
B o u n t y . . . .

He is the quicker picker upper. .
can handle the tough jobs. . .

and He won't fall apart on you

Closer 2 Jesus
God Bless =)

I Saw Three Ships

This famous Christmas Carol's earliest known publishing was the 17th Century, but the author is unknown. Of the meanings found listed on Internet sites, this one is the description that seems most likely to us (found on Wikipedia and other sites): Camels are often called "Ships of the Desert". The reference to the three ships may be the Three Wise Men , Kings, or Magi that traveled to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. Tomorrow's post will be on Matthew 2:1-12 The Magi, the only one of the four Gospels of Jesus that mentions them.

I Saw Three Ships

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Christmas day, on Christmas day

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Christmas day in the morning

And what was in those ships all three?

On Christmas day, on Christmas day

And what was in those ships all three?

On Christmas day in the morning

Our Savior, Christ, and His Lady

On Christmas day, on Christmas day

Our Savior, Christ, and His Lady

On Christmas day in the morning

Pray, whither sailed those ships all three?

On Christmas day, on Christmas day

Pray, whither sailed those ships all three?

On Christmas day in the morning

O, they sailed into Bethlehem

On Christmas day, on Christmas day

O, they sailed into Bethlehem

On Christmas day in the morning

And all the bells on earth shall ring

On Christmas day, on Christmas day

And all the bells on earth shall ring

On Christmas day in the morning

And all the angels in heaven shall sing

On Christmas day, on Christmas day

And all the angels in heaven shall sing

On Christmas day in the morning

And all the souls on earth shall sing

On Christmas day, on Christmas day

And all the souls on earth shall sing

On Christmas day in the morning

Then let us all rejoice and sing

On Christmas day, on Christmas day

Then let us all rejoice and sing

On Christmas day in the morning

The Purpose of Closer 2 Jesus

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless =)

Be Prepared Keep Looking Up

- Keep Looking Up! - 

Be prepared! 

Do not be ignorant of what is happening and is about to happen in this World. Open the Holy 

Bible and let the LORD JESUS show you the way and the truth.

Just scroll down and read and enjoy the Awesomeness of it all. 

This is the most powerful message I think I have read in a long time.

~He Is God~ 

He is the First and Last,

The Beginning and the End! 

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!

He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.

He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...

unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone! 

He was bruised and brought healing!

He was pierced and eased pain!

He was persecuted and brought freedom!

He was dead and brought life!

He is risen and brings power!

He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can't understand him,

The armies can't defeat Him,

The schools can't explain Him, 

and The leaders can't ignore Him.

Herod couldn't kill Him, 

The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, 

and The people couldn't hold Him!

Nero couldn't crush Him, 

Hitler couldn't silence Him,

The New Age can't replace Him, 

and "Oprah" can't explain Him away! 

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.

He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.

He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure. 

His ways are right,

His word is eternal,

His will is unchanging, 

and His mind is on me.

He is my Savior,

He is my guide, and He is my peace!

He is my Joy,

He is my comfort,

He is my Lord, and He rules my life! 

I serve Him because His bond is love,

His burden is light, 

and His goal for me is abundant life. 

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,

the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, 

the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, 

the overseer of the over-comers, and is to come. 

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size. 

His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me,

never forsake me,

never mislead me,

never forget me,

never overlook me and

never cancel my appointment 

in His appointment book! 

When I fall, He lifts me up!

When I fail, He forgives!

When I am weak, He is strong!

When I am lost, He is the way!

When I am afraid, He is my courage!

When I stumble, He steadies me!

When I am hurt, He heals me!

When I am broken, He mends me!

When I am blind, He leads me!

When I am hungry, He feeds me!

When I face trials, He is with me!

When I face persecution, He shields me!

When I face problems, He comforts me!

When I face loss, He provides for me!

When I face Death, He carries me Home! 

He is everything for everybody everywhere, 

every time, and every way. 

He is God, He is faithful. 

I am His, and He is mine! 

My Father in heaven 

can whip the evil of this world.

So, if you're wondering why I feel 

so secure, understand this... 

He said it, I believe it and that settles it.

God is in control, I am on His side,

and that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is! 

Love the Lord 

and thank Him for all that He has done

I Saw Three Ships

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless =)

Salvation Prayer Prayer to be Saved

Salvation Prayer Prayer to be Saved

“For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” Romans 10:13. “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” Romans 10:9.

Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father but by me" John 14:6. One way. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. How to do this knowing that good deeds can't save you? Know that faith in Jesus can save you.

"For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

First know that "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. So, everyone is in the same boat. 

Lord God in Jesus name (we pray to God in the name of his son Jesus) I need you because I have fallen short and am a sinner. I am sorry for my sins, I will do my best to sin no more (we all fall short) and know that Only You can take the sin away. I know your son Jesus Christ died in payment of my sin and rose again. 

"If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

I invite You Lord Jesus into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. You are now Saved. Born Again is deeper than this. 

John 3:14-17

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believe in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believe 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.

Jesus speaks of Baptism in John 3:5 

5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." Letting the "old you" die off and replace with a walk with Jesus.

Accept the Holy Spirit and give your life to God "letting Jesus take the wheel" through prayer,  reading the Bible, and following through with the instruction found therein.

If you are led to read Jesus words first, choose one of the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. These all tell the timeline of Jesus by different authors. I liked Luke best but each have different inclusions, so read one, then read another until all four are read. Or just read Luke and then Acts to get a bigger picture.

Luke was a Gentile and physician who focused on the reader.

Mark conveyed the power of the messiah Jesus.

Matthew was a tax collector (kind of like the stigma of a pushy salesman today or lower) who focused on historical and prophetic Jesus.

John represented the Spiritual Jesus.

Even though Luke is a favorite there are many verses from the others of great importance. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Proverbs is a listing of evident instruction from the Old Testament.

Keep Looking Up

Closer 2 Jesus

God Bless =)