Why were are the 3 shepherds called the three wise men… When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way...Matthew 2:10-12.   They gave gifts to help a struggling family that a king Herod was trying to kill so they could be provided for and escape the snare. How much value could we learn from this wise move from the three shepherds…gave gifts that would supply a small fortune perhaps enough to raise Jesus…this is why people call them the three wise men which gave gold…frankincense…and myrrh. They also worshipped the young Child and they obeyed the warning of the God in a dream! Wise men indeed.   Father Please meet our soul’s deepest needs so we may prosper and be in health as our soul prospers in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus…   https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend     #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Kindness...   But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful...Luke 6:35-36.   Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love parades not itself, is not puffed up...1 Corinthians 13:4   And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you...Ephesians 4:32.   Kindness is a language anyone can hear…see…and feel. Kindness is love…Kindness is forgiveness. Have you forgiven all those who done you wrong…yes or no? You find healing when you forgive. I found that saying a forgave them helps each time you remember the wrong done you because it puts it in the past instead of burying the hatchet and leaving the handle sticking out. So the next time you remember your brother or sister has done you wrong say to yourself I have forgave them.   Have you sought forgaveness from the ones you have offended… Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother hath ought (reason to accuse) against you; Leave there your gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift....Matthew 5:23-24   Christmas is nearly here and many will see other family members…would it not be a good time to seek forgiveness if you have done someone wrong then why not seek their forgiveness this Christmas?   Prayer Father please forgive us because we have forgiven those who have done us wrong…and please remind us of any we need to seek forgiveness from…and meet our soul’s deepest needs…In Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus…   https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend     #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

To those who have been baptized remember… In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory...Ephesians 1:13-14. And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life...1 John 2:25. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up...2 Peter 3:9-10   What a promise that we have the Holy Spirit to help us as a seal of the covenant with Jesus our Lord and God. We have the promise of eternal life and we know the reason why He has not come in Judgement is because He is giving people space for repentance.  What is repentance…it is a change of mind and direction. It is I will no longer follow my self but whatever you say Jesus a thus it is written vocabulary. A knowing the truth and the truth setting us free from liars and the perdition found through their lies. There are three promises given to those baptized I mentioned above…the seal of the Holy Spirit…Eternal life…and the wicked will be punished one day but God is allowing them a chance at repentance before punishing them in eternal torments.   Prayer Father thank you for all of your promises please consider us the Christian and our ways before our children are taught lies do not matter…we know the truth will set us free…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus…   https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend     #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Fallen men and angels repent and forsake satan and any evil deeds… The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat...2 Peter 3:9-12?   We which have forsook evil and been washed have this promise… According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence (effort) add to your faith virtue (moral excellence); and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance patience (endurance); and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (love). For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ...2 Peter 1:3-8.   We all (angels and men a like) have a promise we can repent before the world is burned up in judgement by God Almighty…even satan could repent if he so chooses…any soul can repent and forsake their evil. Jesus Christ died and was raised from the dead so any soul could choose to do right not wrong…there is a way and His name is Jesus. Jesus will help us grow in faith and virtue and many other areas in our lives but we have to trust in Him and obey His teachings.   Jesus said…And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned...Mark 16:15-16. Have you been washed by the cleansing flood…yes or no?   Prayer Father please help us grow in grace and peace with You and Your Son Jesus Christ…and meet our soul’s deepest needs so we can have increased faith in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus…   https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend     #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

The Kingdom of God comes not with observation…but by doing the will of God from the heart. …And He said unto them, You are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail...Luke 16:15-17. And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, He answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you...Luke 17:20-21.   Jesus said He would come quickly…as quickly as possible. Are we shortening the time by knocking out the prophecy in Revelation…Have you ever read the book of Revelation as a to do list. Jesus said the Kingdom of God comes not by observing but within us meaning we have to fulfill what is written from the heart and  a prophecy not fulfilled is the book of Revelation. Look at the messages to the seven churches as it applies to you then accomplish what the warnings are made to prevent from happening or to do what is needed to fulfill the prophecy.   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches...Revelation 3:22.   There are many exhortations to the different scenarios Jesus warned the churches about…which ones apply to you that hath an ear?   Prayer Father please reveal to us the truth we need to change and practice the warnings found in Revelation and meet our souls’ deepest needs to perform them…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus…   https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend     #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Increase our faith… And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you… …But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do...Luke 17:5-10. How do you develop faith to move a tree into the sea? Jesus said the tree would obey if they had enough faith to do so. Then uses an illustration of being a servant. Jesus has said in other places that the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven is the servant. How can a servant develop great faith? Have you ever prayed down a miracle…a blessing? These apostles were given power to heal and do miracles in Luke 10…then asked after doing miracles to have their faith increased. Jesus said as concerning servants when you done all you can think of say we are unprofitable servants…because we are in a Monarchy in the Kingdom of Heaven where God is Supreme…the greatest you and I could be is a servant to the King of Kings. We can never tell God what to do…but perhaps we can learn to tell a tree to plant itself into the sea and will obey us. Jesus was talking to the Apostles which had been miracle workers then tells them the best they could ever be is to be a servant. Even the creation will obey your faith in me…as you serve the King of Kings. Prayer Father thank you for our faith in You and Your Son, please meet our deepest needs concerning faith and our soul…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Is Jesus pleased when we do what is right in our own eyes? Jesus said…Blessed are the meek (obedient): for they shall inherit the earth...Matthew 5:5. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works...Titus 2:14. What determines right in our own eyes verses being obedient to Jesus and His teaching? We have to have a what did Jesus do or say for everything we do. A thus it is written in the New Testament of Christ…or a Jesus said it…so I did it for everything I do. Then and only then can we be sure we are obeying Jesus and not our own hearts and minds. We can lead ourselves astray if we do not keep the words of Jesus in our hearts and minds. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth...2 Timothy 2:15. We can only divide or apply the word of truth if we know the word of truth then by having a thus it is written vocabulary and teaching performing or obeying the truth by rightly applying the truth to our lives and in works the lives of others. Prayer Father please help us know and do the teaching of Jesus and remember the promise for the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us forever…so we can rightly apply Your truth in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Who is the source of the light which is in you… for where thy treasure is, there will your heart be also. The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye be single, your whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is the darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon...Matthew 6:21-24 What do you seek…the kingdom of heaven…or comfort, pleasure, easy street…etc. Are you fully converted and seeking only the kingdom of God? Are listening to Buddha…Mohamad…other religions…or is Jesus your only source?   If Jesus is not your source of truth, then you are full of darkness masquerading as light… Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stands not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own (mind and will): for he is a liar, and the father thereof. (the first liar)..John 8:44.   There is a false prophet coming to deceive you into thinking you abide in the truth but his fruits are not Holy… even he, whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness...2 Thessalonians 2:9-12   We have to love the truth…seek the truth…and the truth will set us free from the darkness of the liars…and lies   Prayer Father please reveal the truth to us so we can walk in the light of Your Son…doing what is right with man and You…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend   #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God...Matthew 5:8… How many people you know are pure in heart…We do not know the heart only God does and he makes His presence known to those who see the world like He does. Many adults could benefit from the advice of the play ground of children. How many adults are quick to say sorry like a child or Hi my name is Ben want to be friends and play? Jesus said we can know the truth and the more truth we are faithful with the more truth will be given…listen… For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. Mat 13:12-13. The truth is like riding a bike…if you do not use the truth then you are shaky when you begin to ride again. When is the last time you thought it is in the bible but I do not know how it is said or where I read it. We have got to become sharper like a sword and have a book chapter and verse for the words we say are from the Bible. A thus it is written. When is the last time you have read the New Agreement between God and mankind called the New Testament of Jesus Christ? Jesus said… Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free...John 8:31-32. How can you be pure in heart without the truth from Jesus who is the source of all virtue and purity? Will you re-read or perhaps read the New Testament for the first time…many in todays generations are practicing what is right in their own eyes justifying themselves by themselves. Many are turning to Jesus for the truth and learning how to be pure in heart. Do you want to be pure in heart? Then take Jesus teaching and let that be your eyes….take each verse and store them in your heart and live by them…you will become more pure in heart by doing so and see more of God and His will for you in this life. Prayer Father please give us more virtue and purity so we can see You and learn how to behave in Your sight. Please meet our soul’s deepest needs so we may prosper and be in health as our soul prospers in Your Kingdom…IN Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light...Matthew 11:30… Is it hard to tell the truth and do what is right by your neighbor and God…yes or no? There are promises for the faithful to Jesus…we never hunger or thirst… Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall not hunger, and he that believes on me shall never thirst...John 6:35. We know the truth which sets us free from a lie… Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed Him, If ye abide in my word, then are you truly my disciples; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free...John 8:31-32. We have eternal life… Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinks of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life...John 4:13-14. We have the Holy Spirit… And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto Him...Acts 2:38-39. We have answered prayer… These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the boldness which we have toward Him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, He hears us: and if we know that He hears us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of Him...1 John 5:13-15. Prayer Father please meet our soul’s deepest needs and heal us physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally free us from the lies which destroy our lives…so we can be whole and prosper as our soul prospers in the truth in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

How to get the truth and rest for your soul... Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are you truly my disciples; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free...John 8:31-32. I am not a Jew but this is true for me and for you…if we abide in the teachings of Jesus we will know the truth and the truth will set us free from the lies or false teachings. Jesus teachings lead us to life eternal and heaven our home… Jesus said…All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knows the Son, save the Father; neither does any know the Father, save the Son, and He to whomsoever the Son wills to reveal Him. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light...Matthew 11:27-30. Do you want a light and easy burden…a yoke from Jesus yes or no? A yoke makes two oxen work together as one…Jesus is saying if you take His teaching on you He will come along side of you and help you to work as one with Him. If you do then you find rest for your soul. Do you want to have rest for your soul…free from evil…yes or no? …What commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these...Mark 12:28-31. Jesus burden is not hard to be born…the first thing to get right is to love God with all of your heart (feelings), mind (decisions), soul (your eternal life), spirit (the part of you not flesh), and your strength (your giving it your full effort). The second is treating fellow man just as yourself. We can always love God more and always love our neighbors more we can work on these two for the rest of eternity. Prayer Father we ask you would yoke us together with Jesus so we can learn the truth and practice what is right by You and our fellow man. Please meet our soul’s deepest needs and heal us from our past in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

When is the last time you have read the Ten Commandments and asked yourself to change for the better? Here are the Ten Commandments   Thou shalt have no other gods before Me…Exodus 20:3 (No other religions) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…Exodus 20:4 (no lucky charms or idols) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain…Exodus 20:7 (Only use Jesus or God’s name in prayer or teaching) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy Exodus 20:8 (keep yourself Holy so you can worship God) Honor thy father and thy mother…Exodus 20:12 (do not disrespect your mom or your dad) Thou shalt not kill…Exodus 20:13 (do not murder) Thou shalt not commit adultery…Exodus 20:14 (be faithful to your marriage) Thou shalt not steal…Exodus 20:15 (Do not steal) Thou shalt not bear false witness…Exodus 20:16 (Do not lie) Thou shalt not covet …Exodus 20:17 (Do not want what your neighbors have but want what God has given you)   If you practice loving your neighbor as your own self…then you will be practicing these…especially if you love God above all as your Supreme Neighbor. Never say God and not be praying or teaching.(you do want someone to say your name and then be like I did not mean to say it) Never look to a good luck charm or an idol for a blessing. Never disrespect your mom or your dad. (You gain respect by giving respect) Never murder someone. (you do not want to die so do not kill) Never cheat on your spouse. (you do not want your spouse to cheat so do not cheat) Never steal. You do not want it stolen from you so do not steal) Never lie. (you do not want to be lied to so do not lie) Never want someone else’s stuff (you do not want someone eyeing your stuff so do not want other peoples stuff but be content with what you have)   So are you truly loving God and your neighbor…yes or no?   Prayer Father help us keep Your commandments and love our neighbors as ourself and especially You so we can worship you in spirit and truth any day…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus…   https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend     #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography