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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014

December devotional

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A monthly devotional with daily inspirational messages designed to uplift, enlighten and inspire one in Bible reading. Thus developing a closer walk with God.

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Page 1: December devotional

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014

Page 2: December devotional

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014

© All rights Reserved 2008-2014

Hallelujah To The Lamb

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014

HEAVENLY BREAD MISSION AND GOALS

Heavenly Bread's mission is to provide inspirational devotional reading for all believers in our efforts to uplift the name of Jesus while spreading the gospel message of Christ throughout the world. Our meditation scriptures are designed to encourage more Bible reading, study and meditation as it is our sword used in our spiritual warfare with Satan.

It is our goal to obey Christ's command as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 by going into the entire world beginning in our Jerusalem, proceeding onto Judea, Samaria, and continuing until every man, woman and child have been taught Christ.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014

Introduction

This month's topical discussions are giving praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who was born to die for the sins of the world, and for that we sing hallelujah to the Lamb of God-Jesus Christ. In this month's topical discussions our focus is on names that identify Jesus as Lord and Savior as well as important events that occurred at His birth. He was prophesied many generations before He came and His name was given then. Christ is the Messiah, the Anointed One sent from God as He is God in the flesh-Immanuel. Given the magnitude of Christ's birth and the angelic announcement made by the angels, while acknowledging that Christ was in the beginning with God and He is Alpha and Omega; therefore, we can sing Hallelujah, salvation, glory and honor (Revelation 19:1). The Lamb of God is Jesus Christ

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 1

Immanuel Isaiah 7:14

...The Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Christ had been prophesied many generations before God the Father fulfilled His promise. The prophet Isaiah makes a profound declaration about the coming Savior by giving full details of His birth. He was pre-named and that He would be born of a virgin Mary was the chosen virgin.

The name Immanuel means God with us and He is because Jesus Christ was the final revelation of God the Father. He was with God in the beginning and all things were made by Him that was made (John 1:1, 3). Jesus embodied both God and man; therefore, He performed miracles, signs and wonders because He was God in the flesh. Christ remains with us today through His Spirit the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Christ being both God and man He perfectly kept all God the Father's laws and commandments, fully obey His Father as well as carry out His will, which was to atone man's sins through His death on the cross at Calvary.

That said; God the Father knew the end from the beginning that His only Son would have to reconcile man back to Him by scarifying His life to redeem man. In doing so salvation is provided to all who believe on the name Jesus as this is God the Father's free gift.

Immanuel! Immanuel! Immanuel! The Christ.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 2

Christ The Savior Matthew 16:16

....Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

The setting for today's topical discussion is Jesus having a

conversation with His disciples asking who did people and they said He was (vv13-15). Our scripture text is Peter's answer as this revelation was made to Peter by the Holy Spirit.

Yes Jesus was the Christ who was sent from God the Father to be the Savior of the world, and save all believers He did. The question now becomes would you recognize Jesus as the Christ, the promised Messiah? What would your answer have been? Could you have answered like Peter knowing that God the Father keeps all His promises? He promised a Savior, Jesus came. He promised salvation, Jesus provided to all who believe on Him. God Promised eternal life, again all believers will spend eternity with Him and will participate in the heavenly choir.

Jesus Christ who gave His life to atone the sins of man so that all who accepts Him as his or her personal Savior will have eternal life. It is noteworthy to say, Christ's blood did what earthly priests could not do; it forgave sin.

Through Christ's atonement, all believers are justified, sanctified, regenerated and redeemed from a life of sin to one of righteousness.

Given the works of Christ in the lives of believers, we can say like Peter, thou art the Christ sent from God to save mankind.

Christ our Savior.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 3

The Announcement Luke 2:9-12

And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Christ's birth was such an anticipated event until God the Father sent His angels to make the grand announcement telling the world that "yes My Son Jesus Christ is born as promised." This announcement was made to the shepherds abiding in the field tending their flock. Fear was their normal reaction which probably would have been your and mine to witness such a visitation. God in His infinite wisdom leaves nothing to chance and or fear; the angels calmly calmed the fears of the shepherds and proceeded to inform them of the long awaited arrival of Christ our Lord and Savior.

When Mary was visited by God's messenger fear came upon her, and her fears was immediately calmed as the angel of the Lord proceeded to give Mary her blessed assignment, which was she would be with child after being visited by the Holy Ghost.

God used a star to announce and guide the wise men to where the baby Jesus was. What an announcement!

Many announcements are made for different reasons, but none is as grand as the announcement made announcing the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 4

The Shepherds Luke 2:8, 15

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

As we continue our look at Christ, the events and participants in His birth; today's focus is the shepherds whom the angels made the grand announcement to as they tended their flock.

These questions come to mind, why did God the Father choose to tell the shepherds who were minding their business, and why use angels to make the announcement? God knows all and He knew the hearts of these men that they would seek the Christ child as they had heard and anticipated His virgin birth. God also knew that these men would depart after seeing the Christ child glorifying God and singing praises to His holy name (vv15, 20).

When Jesus come into your life, what is your reaction? Do you announce to the world that you have joined the faith community and God's holy nation of priests? Do you glorify God and sing praises unto His holy name? He is worthy of all glory, honor, praise and worship.

During this Christmas season will we journey to see the Christ through our worship in our local churches or home churches and our hearts? We are encouraged to have a shepherd-like worship spirit and glorify Christ our Savior.

The shepherds traveled a great distance to worship the Christ child, how far are we willing to travel to commemorate His birth?

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 5

The Wise men Matthew 2:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King behold, there came wise men form the east to Jerusalem.

Who are these men? History records that these men were probably members of a religious group or the well educated class in that day's society. History also records that these men were from the region now known as Iran and were knowledgeable in science and astrology.

Being religious, they worshiped the child and returned to their home country a different way instead of informing King Herod as he had asked. King Herod became angry and sought to kill all boy babies of a certain age, but God the Father protects His own. Christ was no exception.

It is noteworthy to say that regardless of religious affiliations, Christ is worthy of all praises and honor. He was born to die for all humanity regardless of ethnicity, social status, and religious persuasion; just believe on Him.

It is also noteworthy to say that these men were guided by a star and took gifts to worship the Christ child. This question comes to mind, are you being guided by Christ's star? His star is still shinning bright lighting the way for believing travelers. His star is still shinning bright His glory for the world to see. His star is shinning light in a sin-darkened world.

Be wise and follow the star of Jesus as the wise men did.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 6

The Angelic Host Luke 2: 13-14

And suddenly there with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying; Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

As we continue our discussions on singing hallelujah to the Lamb of God Jesus Christ our Savior; today's topical discussion focus on the angelic host singing praises to the Lord Jesus Christ the new born King.

That said, if the angels and other heavenly hosts came down from heaven to offer praises unto Christ why not you and me? He is worthy of all praises, glory and honor. The heavenly host knew the magnitude and significance of Jesus' birth and what His earthly mission was-to redeem mankind from the clutches of sin and restore a broken fellowship with God the Father.

Christ's birth brought peace and blessings to all men as He is the God of peace as His peace surpasses the world's peace. It is neither given nor understood by the world. This is because the world and God are different and have different values. The most significant blessing Christ brought was the gift of salvation and the angelic host knew this and praised God for the gift.

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; let us join the heavenly host in singing praises unto Him by saying Hallelujah to the Lamb Christ the Savior is born. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 7

Guided By A Star Matthew 2:2

...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.

If the question were asked, Who are these men who followed a star to find the newborn King? These were the wise men that were religious men and had heard of the prophecy. They like so many others had waited for the fulfillment of God's promise that He would send a Savior to make a onetime sin atonement. The much anticipated day had come and Christ the King was born.

As stated in a previous writing that God unique methods used to announce the birth of His Son Jesus Christ. He used angels to tell the shepherd abiding in the fields that His Son was born and the heavenly host joined in the celebration of Christ's birth. In this setting God is using a star to lead some religious men to where Christ was.

Christ's star is still shinning bright for the entire world to see; therefore, the question now becomes, Are you following His star? He is the bright and morning star that the world cannot dim with its sinful conditions. All believers represent the star of Jesus as we are the lit candles and the church is the city set high upon a hill shinning brightly in this sin-darkened world.

Therefore, believers, let your Christ star shine for the world to see.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 8

The Virgin Birth Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus 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...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.

Jesus' birth had been prophesied by the prophet Isaiah many years before His birth was fulfilled. God the Father is faithful to His promises and Christ's birth is no exception. His promised birth was fulfilled in its entirety.

There have been many scholars who have tried to discredit Christ's virgin birth, but Matthew and Luke clears any attempts to discredit His birth. See, God the Father had certain requirements that had to be met in order to restore a broken fellowship that sin caused. To make a onetime sin atonement the atoner had to be human and divine; Christ met those requirements.

Therefore, for Christ to be human He had to born of a woman and His divinity came from being conceived by the Holy Ghost who is God in the third person. This makes Christ both human and divine. Humanity and divinity met in Christ. Being God in the second person He could remain sinless where His blood atonement forgave sin.

Thank God for all the participants in the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 9

Cousin Elizabeth Luke 1:5-16

There was in the days of Herod, the King of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias of the course of Abia; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they both was righteous before God, walking in al the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Our scripture texts outline the lineage of Zacharias and Elizabeth as both were righteous and played an important part in the fulfillment of Christ, His birth and ministry. Elizabeth and Mary were cousins and Elizabeth in her old age became pregnant with John the Baptist. She was six months pregnant when Mary conceived and went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Upon Mary's greeting her cousin, the baby John leaped in Elizabeth's stomach which solidified the fact that Mary was to give birth to the Savor of the world. Elizabeth also calmed the fears of Mary, the mother of Jesus our Lord and Savior.

What else we know about Elizabeth and Zacharias other than they both were religious, up in age and Elizabeth was barren? Elizabeth had been praying to God for a child and the Lord answered their prayer when Zacharias least expected. When the angel spoke to Zacharias they told him what the child's name was to be and that the child was to reframe from strong drinks and that John would be filled with the Holy Ghost (v.13).

Elizabeth bore the fore runner of Jesus Christ.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 10

Simenon Luke 2:25-34

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simenon; and the same was just devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Who is Simenon? Simenon was a devout religious man who was filled with the Holy Ghost during the time of Israel's lukewarm spiritual conditions, but Simenon kept his faith in God and was rewarded for doing so. Simenon was another who waited patiently for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as he too had heard and believed prophecy. The Holy Ghost revealed to Simenon that he would not see death until he had seen Christ the Lord (v.26); this was fulfilled.

When Jesus was eight days old after the customs He was presented in the temple (v.21), this is where He was presented to Simenon and Simenon took the Christ child and blessed God (v.28). After seeing the Christ child, Simenon was ready to depart this life as he had seen the Savior of the world-Jesus Christ. It is noteworthy to say that Simenon knew what Jesus' birth meant to the human race; that all who believes on Him would be saved.

Verses 26-35 records the conversation Simenon had with Jesus' parents where he revealed to them the heartaches and pain they would suffer; all was necessary to bring salvation to a dying world.

God speaks to us in different ways. He used Simenon to reveal things to Joseph and Mary.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 11

The Messiah John 1:41

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, we have found the Messiah, which is being interpreted, the Christ.

The setting for today's discussion is during Jesus' ministry and was gathering His disciples while John the Baptist was preaching preparing the way for Jesus. John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God which He was. Two of the disciples had heard Jesus speak and knew something was different about the way and authority in which He spoke. They decided to follow Him and wanted Simon to come see the One they had been waiting for and when Jesus saw Simon Peter, He immediately called him Cephas-a stone.

Jesus being the promised Messiah fulfilled His earthly mission, which included providing salvation to all who believe on Him. He preached salvation; He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and made the lame to walk, raised the dead, and even casted out demons; only the Christ.

Jesus Christ the Messiah and is alive, have you seen Him? He is still preaching repent and be saved as this is the way to salvation. His soul saving spiritual invitation remains open to lost souls. Once you meet Jesus you will say like John the Baptist, behold the Lamb of God. He is the anointed One sent from God as He is God.

Follow Jesus He is the promised Messiah. He came the first time to save souls when He returns the second time will be with saved souls. Will you be with Him?

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 12

The Christ Child Luke 2:40

...The child grew, and waxed strong in the spirit, filled with wisdom; and grace of God was upon Him.

To the natural eye Jesus looked like any other normal child growing up in His native homeland, but on the inside He was quite different in that the grace of God was upon Him as He was God in the flesh.

Therefore, His wisdom would supersede that of other ordinary child. The Bible records how Jesus remained behind His parents and was teaching in the synagogue with such authority that amazed many adults and religious leaders. When His parents realized that He wasn't with them they went back for Him and His response to them was that He had to be about His Father's business.

Jesus even as a child knew His assignment from the beginning of time and was eager to fulfill His Father's earthly mission; fulfill He did.

Jesus Christ is a perfect example of how you and I should react when God calls us to ministry. It matters not when the call comes our response should be the same. It is noteworthy to say that some of God's servants are anointed at an early age and the Spirit of God is upon the person, but they grow as a normal child as Christ did, but at the appointed time they like Christ are about the business of God.

Jesus, the Christ Child was anointed by God as He was sent from God to be the Savior of the World.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 13

The Manger Luke 2:7

...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.

A manger is a feeding trough for animals (Luke 2:7); it was the baby crib where our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ were laid when He was born, because the conditions of that town were such that they had no room for lowly travelers. The citizens were making merry and taking no thought that prophecy were about to be fulfilled the birth of the promised Messiah. Everything about the birth of Christ was fulfilling prophecy and Christ being laid in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes is no exception.

It is noteworthy to say, nothing takes God the Father by surprise because He knew from the beginning of time that His Son would have to be born in a stable with the animals and laid in a feeding trough. This represented humility because Christ had the ability to be born in royalty as it is looked upon from man's point of view, but God counted Him royal because He is God's Son. All believers like Christ are royal priests in the eyes of God. This is because believers are cleansed by the blood of Jesus.

The mother of our Lord and Savior secured her baby as best she could under adverse conditions as she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes for warmth and security.

"Away in a manger our little Lord lay". What a message?

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 14

The Holy City Luke 2:4

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David).

If the question was raised, where is the holy City and what makes it holy? The Holy City is Jerusalem which is the capital city of Israel. The city of Jerusalem is considered a holy city to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. This city holds significant importance to Christians and Jews because of the many important biblical events that are said to have taken place in Jerusalem as recorded in the Old and New Testament. Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior taught His disciples and performed many miracles in the city of Jerusalem. Calvary is the place where Jesus died on the cross, rose from the dead all in the city of Jerusalem.

It is noteworthy to say that many believers make the pilgrimage to the Holy Land each year to pay homage to Christ as many walk the path Christ walked on His way to Calvary's cross.

That said, the Holy city of Jerusalem has a rich history in the lives of all believers and one day will dwell together with Christ when He returns.

The New Jerusalem is that holy city of God.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 15

The Word John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Our scripture text makes a profound statement regarding Christ being God in the second person. This is because He was present with God the Father during creation. God the Father spoke the Word and Christ who is God created everything that was created (v.3). Also, our scripture text presents Jesus as the personal Word of God and is the final revelation of God the Father.

Our scripture verse also makes three important facts, and they are: (a) Christ was preexistent with God the Father and did not come into existence at His virgin birth. Chris is divine even though He has two natures-human and divine. (b) As stated above, God spoke and Christ the Word created all creations. (c) Christ, the Word was made flesh so He would relate to all human conditions.

Words are important as evidenced by scripture; Christ fed five thousand with two fishes and five loaves of bread. He prayed and as He broke each multiplied so much so there were twelve baskets left. Jesus called Lazarus from the grave all with words. Therefore, our words should be pleasing to God. Christ our Lord used words to admonish, encourage, and even heal at times.

Christ is the living Word of God.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 16

The Suffering Servant 1 Peter 1:11

Searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

The phrase "the Spirit of Christ which was in them" speaks to the revelation by the Holy Spirit of the suffering Christ would endure for the sake of all mankind. The Old Testament prophets prophesied that the promised Messiah would suffer many things, but He would be glorified in the end as well as His followers. This prophecy as fulfilled in the New Testament as Christ suffered the crucifixion of the cross in Calvary, but He rose that Sunday morning with all power in His hand both in heaven and earth. Christ Himself stated that He came to fulfill the law of the prophets (Matthew 5:17).

Christ being the suffering servant because He served at the will of His Father even death on the cross. Christ's suffering was so that all who believe may have a right standing with God the Father which restored a broken fellowship. Having a right standing with God believers are made the righteous of His Son, because when God the Father looks at believers He sees the righteousness of Christ. Christ's suffering gave all believers a blood bought right to come boldly to the throne of God; no more going to the priest for him to make intercessions for us.

Christ suffered for us; why not suffer for His sake.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 17

"The Holy One" Mark 1:24

Saying let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou cone to destroy us? I know thee who thou are, the Holy One of God.

The setting for today's topical discussion is Jesus' encounter with the unclean spirits, which are sometimes called demons. Nevertheless they knew who Jesus was and stated that they wanted noting to do with Jesus. This is because they knew Jesus was going to destroy them. These unclean spirits recognized Jesus as the Holy One of God.

Yes, Jesus is the Holy One of God sent from God to bring salvation to all who believe and to destroy all manner of evil. These unclean spirits represented evil as stated in verses 25-26 and was destroyed after being ordered to come out of the man they had tormented.

It is noteworthy to say that unclean spirits/demons obeying Christ give rise to His power over Satan because He is all powerful. Remember Christ is God and was in the beginning with God the Father during the creation process and everything that was created was done by Him.

Christ being the Holy One of God is worthy of all praises, glory and honor; therefore, let us sing praises unto His holy name.

Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty. Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity.(Christian hymn).

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 18

"The Son Of God" John 20:31

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.

The setting for today's topical discussion is after Jesus' resurrection and had visited His disciples. During Jesus' first visit with His disciples Thomas was absent, but was present during the second visit and after seeing the nail prints he believed (vv19-29).

Christ performed many signs and wonders; some were left out of the book, but those written were to give faith to the doubter and or unbeliever. They were to believe that Yes Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and all who believe on His name shall be saved. Believe today and be saved.

If the question was raised, what makes Christ the Son of God? John 1:1-3 presents Christ as the Word of God being that He was in the beginning with God and is the same as God and all things were created by Christ. That said, Christ's virgin birth was no accident or after thought. God the Father knew from the beginning of time that man would need saving from his sins. Christ was the only one found worthy to pay man's sin-debt. Therefore, Christ wrapped Himself in humanity to atone man's sins. He became God the Father's Son by the holy conception of Mary by the Holy Ghost.

God exists in three persons; the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost/Spirit, but One God.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 20

"The Good Shepherd" John 10:11

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.

When we think of the term shepherd, we see that it is one who

cares for sheep regardless of the need. This is what Christ did as He declares Himself the good shepherd and that shepherd who gave His life for all humanity especially believers.

Let's look at what Christ did for His sheep; He left His home in glory and dressed Himself in humanity to be subjected to human limitations, humiliations, pain and suffering. He shed His precious blood in the atonement of man's sins, which means Christ willingly gave His life so that all who believe will have eternal life. He is seen as the living bread and water; rightly so being He is Alpha and Omega who has no beginning or ending. Christ was before there was a beginning. Being God He knows all, can do and sees all.

The above caring acts alone make Him the good shepherd, but He is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercessions for us. His Spirit the Holy Spirit resides in every believer as our spiritual compass as we navigate this Christian journey.

Christ gives under shepherds to lead His church, but He is the head of the church; therefore, Christ is the good shepherd. He cares, provides and supplies all our needs.

Follow the good shepherd.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 21

The Bread Of Life John 6:35

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.

Today's topical discussion setting is Jesus being rejected by the Jews of His claim to be the anointed One sent by God the Father to be the Savior of the world. Many of the Jews failed to recognize or accept Jesus as the promised Messiah; therefore, Jesus uses several I am statements authenticating His deity.

That said, Jesus is telling the Jews and all humanity that He is the bread and water of life as these are the two essentials for living-physical and spiritual. Jesus being the bread and water of eternal life is the greatest gift any man can receive or hope to receive. It is in Jesus Christ that we have our being. It is through Christ that we as believers have eternal life and the hope of eternal glory, which is the result of His shed blood on Calvary's cross.

Jesus is the bread and water of life being He is God the Father's Son because He was present with God in the beginning during the creation process and will be Him in the end-Alpha and Omega.

Thank You Jesus for being the life giving bread and water, which You freely gives. Eat and drink of Jesus' broken body and shed blood.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 22

"The Way, The Truth And The Life" John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

Today's topical discussion is another of Jesus' I am statements as He tells His audience then He is the doorway to God the Father. This is because of His atoning work restoring a broken fellowship caused by sin.

The question now becomes, what makes Jesus the truth and the life? Being God in the second person He is truth and cannot lie because He changes not. As stated in several other writings that Jesus is God and authenticated in John 1:1 as well as being revealed to Peter by the Holy Spirit that yes Jesus is the Christ send from by to be the Savior of the world. Redeeming the world from sin would be accomplished through Christ sacrificial death on the cross at Calvary. It is worth noting that Christ willingly gave His life in the redeeming process, no one took His life. The events that occurred during the crucifixion were prophecy being fulfilled.

Jesus gave His life so that all who believe can live and have life everlasting. This was true then and will be for generations to come.

Want to see the Father, then walk through the open of Jesus Christ; eat and drink of Christ's life saving food as well as rejoice in His glory while wearing the righteous garment of God's salvation.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 23

Alpha And Omega Revelation 21:5-6

And He that sat upon the throne said; Behold, I make all things new; and He said unto me, write; for these words are true and faithful. And He said unto me, it is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

The scene of today's lesson fast-forward to the time when John was marooned on the isle of Patmos and during one of his conversation with the Lord who was showing John what was to come in the end time.

The Lord had shown John the new heaven and new earth as well as being shown the new Jerusalem dressed in her finery (vv 1-2). Our lesson verse is where the Lord let John know that yes I was there in the beginning and will be in the end because I am Alpha and Omega. In today's language interpretation; the phrase, "write, these words for they are true and faithful" is saying don't forget it, because they are the gospel truth. Well, we know that God cannot lie and whatever He says is truth and can be relied upon (faithful) to come to pass.

There is also an invitation to come and join God's family and thirst no more. This authenticates God's desire for all to be saved. Believers who are left on earth after the church has been taken out of the earth will continue preaching Christ.

Join God's family and serve a God who is Alpha and Omega.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 24

Our High Priest Hebrews 9:11; 10:21

..Christ being come a high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building. And having a high priest over the house of God.

As we continue our praise discussions of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; today's focus is Christ as our high priest and how He became our high priest. Christ became our high priest being that He is God who became humanity so that He could redeem man from the bondage of sin and Satan to a life of righteousness where His Spirit lives in every believer. Christ being God who has no beginning nor ending, then His body is the tabernacle not made by hands.

Christ's indestructible tabernacle far supersedes that of man made tabernacles where worship takes place. Our earthly bodies are also looked upon as earthly tabernacles that are decaying daily. The spirit man will live forever as believers will dwell eternally with Christ in the new Jerusalem.

Christ being the high priest residing over God's house, He makes intercessions on the behalf of believers as He is seated at the right hand of the Father. When God the Father looks at man He sees the righteousness of His Son, because Christ bore man's sins.

Through Christ's death He opened the door for all believers to come boldly to God's throne of grace where there is help when needed, grace and mercy as all is done in the authority of Jesus' name. Christ encouraged all to pray in the authority in His name.

What a high priest we have in Jesus Christ.

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Our Lord Luke 2:11

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

It was during the angelic announcement that they informed the shepherds of what was happening and where the event was occurring-the city of David, which is considered the holy city of Jerusalem. As stated in an earlier writing, God leaves nothing to doubt, fear or even misunderstand His messages; this is no exception.

Christ as our Lord came to earth to save mankind from the demonic powers of Satan and his destructive forces. In doing so Christ became our Savior as man lacked the ability pay his sin-debt or free himself from the bondage of sin. This was due in part because man was sinful and what was required was a sacrificial lamb who was sinless. The sacrificial lamb's blood had to be free of sin and have the ability to forgive sin instead of covering over sin; Christ met all those requirements. The earthly priests lacked the ability to forgive sin as they had to atone for their sins before making atonements for the people's sins. This ritual was repeated yearly whereas Christ's atonement was a onetime event.

Yes, Christ is our Lord and Savior as He is the prophesied Messiah anointed by God as the chief cornerstone of His church. Christ is worthy to be praised, worshiped and honored.

Is Christ the head of your life? He is our Lord.

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Our Savior Luke 1:47; John 4:42

And my spirit rejoice in God my Savior. And said unto the woman; now we believe; not because of thy saying; for we have heard Him ourselves and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.

We have two settings where personal testimonies being given identifying Christ as Lord and Savior of the world. In the first setting, we have Mary the mother of Jesus recognizing that she like all humanity needed saving and without Christ as her Savior she like all mankind were lost. Needless to say, of all our righteousness is as filthy rags before God as all have sinned and come short of His glory (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:24).

Scriptures tells us that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus (Romans 6:23). That said, who wants to live in a sinful world out of Christ and then die and go to hell to spend eternity in agony? Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and be saved.

Our second setting is Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman whose life was less than impeccable, but after talking with Jesus she ran into town inviting all to come see a man, a man from Galilee. From the woman's testimony, the entire town came to see and hear Jesus; the results the town was saved.

What is your testimony after meeting Jesus? Do you recognize Him as Lord and Savior?

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 27

My Redeemer Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength, and my Redeemer.

The term redeemer means one who buys back or purchases something or someone; in our discussion our focus is Jesus Christ as our redeemer because He purchased man's freedom from Satan and his sin bondage. In redeeming man from sin He gave all who accepts His atoning works a life of righteousness.

That said, our scripture text is a thankful expression of gratitude that we as believers are encouraged to offer Christ for His work of salvation on our behalf. The above scripture also says that our words and meditation come from the heart as believers sincerely thank God for what He has done in our lives and continues to do. The heart is the epicenter of all our actions, emotions, thoughts and words. That said; let them be pleasing to God.

Pleasing God are believers focus as He is our creator, sustainer and Savior. That said, we can do nothing in and of ourselves. It is noteworthy to say, I see this as a praise and worship expression to God as He is worthy of all praise and honor.

Believers, we are to be God focused and Christ centers as He is our Redeemer and He lives forever.

My Redeemer liveth (Job 19:25).

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Rejoice In The Lord Psalm 33:1

Rejoice in the Lord, O Ye righteous; for praise is comely for the upright.

If the question was raised, why rejoice in the Lord? There are a plethora of reasons to rejoice in the Lord. One would be because He is the God of all creation who sustains and provides for all creations. He is Alpha and Omega who has no beginning or ending. He is all powerful, sovereign, knows all, see all and can do all. Who would fail to rejoice in an all sovereign God?

God exist as one God, but in three distinct offices, God the Father, God the Son-Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit each active in the lives of all humanity especially in the lives of believers. God the Son Jesus Christ disrobed of His glory in heaven came to earth to pay man's sin-debt so that all who believe and accept His works will spend eternity as sons and daughters in the God family.

That said, the Psalmist is encouraging all to rejoice in the Lord, but mainly the righteous/upright. He is worthy of all glory and honor even from unbelievers, because they too are being sustained by God's mighty hand and He sends the sunshine, wind and all other elements on unbelievers the same as on believers.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord all nations. Give Him His rightful place in your lives.

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Shout For Joy Psalm 63:5

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.

The Psalmist is expressing the joyfulness felt and expressed by all believers and rightly so being that Christ is the Savior of the world who bled suffered and died redeeming man from sin. It is worth noting that the Psalmist's expression give rise to believers rejoicing in Christ. He is the joy of our salvation and the blessings it brings. When complete joy and gladness is felt from the soul tells me that Christ is the head and center of the believer's life, and then the believer shouts for joy in total praise.

How do you praise the Lord? Is it with a joyful noise praising Him for His goodness, grace, love and mercy? Do we say thank You God for sending Your Son Jesus to die for my sins so that I may spend eternity with You? Don't forget to thank Jesus for His willingness to leave His heavenly home and put on humanity to pay our sin-debt.

As we celebrate Christ's birth which is set aside as Christmas, this is a joyful time of the year. All nations celebrate the birth of Christ and the joy and gladness from His birth. Christ is Christmas; without His birth there would be no Christmas to celebrate; therefore, don't X Christ out of Christmas.

Shout for joy Christ our Savior is born.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 30

The Author Of Our Salvation Hebrews 5:9

And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.

Our scripture makes a profound statement authenticating that all believers' salvation is in Jesus Christ. This is because it was Christ who was found worthy as the lamb of God being that He was in the beginning with God and was with God as He is God in the second person. Therefore, He is perfect being that He is God who has no beginning or ending.

It is noteworthy to say, Christ sought no reputation for Himself as He took on humanity and performed many miracles, signs and wonders. Christ knew who He was, but served His Father in total obedience and devotion to completing His earthly mission; providing salvation to all who believe.

That said, we can say like Paul, we have no boast in our salvation because it is the work of the Triune God; God the Father gave the Son; the Son gave His life and the God the Holy Spirit takes up residence in every believer as our guide. It is the convicting work of the Holy Spirit that convicts the heart of every believer so the person can and will give his or her life to Christ. Christ died for you.

Christ being the author of our salvation; He established a better covenant where there is a one-to-one relationship with God as His laws are written in the hearts of believers.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014 Dec 31

Hallelujah, Glory and Honor Revelation 19:1

And after these things, I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power unto the Lord our God;

As we conclude this month's topical discussions glorifying the Lamb of God, it is only fitting that we close by singing praises to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who is the Lamb of God. Christ is the lamb of God because He was slain from the foundation of the world as the sacrificial lamb who would atone the world's sins.

Even though this scene is set in heaven He is worthy of all earthly praises, glory and honor. Christ is our all in all. Christ was the only one found worthy to do what He did and still doing on man's behalf.

If Christ had not died, there would be no glorious event in heaven for all mankind to sing praises unto His holy name because all nations/people would be lost, but thank God for His love, grace and mercy for knowing the end from the beginning that man would need a Savior. Mercy took the place of justice. Grace is spelled God's Righteousness At Christ's Expense. All believers owe their all to Jesus our redeemer.

Therefore, join me in singing hallelujah to the Lamb of God-Jesus Christ our Savior for He is worthy of all praises and worship.

Glory! Glory hallelujah and honor in the highest.

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Thank you for allowing me to share God’s Word with you.

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I am available for workshops, seminars, speaking engagements, and book signings.

Visit website at

http://willie-writing.blogspot.com www.goodshpeherdwritingandpublishing.com

[email protected] All books, articles, devotionals and coming DVD’s are available through Amazon.com, www.createspace.com, www.kindle.com

All Christian bookstores, or by writing to 31275 Portside Dr. #17109 Novi MI 48377

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014

The True Meaning Of Christmas

This book outlines Christ means Christmas. Available for $12.00 from, www.Amazon.con www.createspaces.com, www.kindle.com.

A yearly devotional with daily inspirational reading. Price $25.00 Advanced orders are being accepted by writing to Good Shepherd Writing

and Publishing 31275 Portside Dr. #17109 Novi, MI 48377 or from www.amazon.com. www.Createspace.com and www.Kindle.com

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014

An Expose' Of The Holy Spirit

This book takes an in-depth look at the person of the Holy Spirit; His works, His emblems and His names. Book $16.00 with corresponding study guide $22.00. Available www.amazon.com, www.createspaces.com, and all major bookstores.

The Lord Is My Shepherd

This book takes a panoramic view of Psalm 23, which is one of trust. $22.00 www.amazon.com, www.createspaces.com

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014

A Prayer Study Guide

This booklet looks at prayer from its history, its practice, its phenomenon, its philosophy, the frequency of prayer some prayers make to God. This booklet also discusses the ACTS of prayers as well as specialty prayers that are made for certain occasions. Price is $16.00. www.amazon.com, www.createspaces.com, and www.kindle.com.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 6 Issue 12 2014

Gems From Heaven

A Yearly devotional for daily inspirational reading This devotional is designed to inspire Christians the world over and point the way to Christ for non-believers. This is accomplished by the reader being uplifted, enlighten and a desire to know God better. Price $35.00. Available through www.amazon.com, www.creatspace.com, and www.kindle.com

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Bio Dr. WILLIE B. WHITE holds two Masters of Arts degree in Adult education (MA Ed, MA SED and an Honorary Doctorate). Ms. White is a certified Dean and instructor in Christian Education, a college professor and special education teacher K-12. Ms. White frequently publishes articles in The Informer magazine of the SSPB. First book, “The Lord is My Shepherd”, (2007) PublishAmerica. “An Expose Of The Holy Spirit”, released June 2009, “Heavenly Bread”, released July 2009, a monthly devotional. Ms. White publish Bi-weekly Blog discussions Uplifting Insight- http://willie-writing.blogspot.com. www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com Works in progress, DVD Who is God? An inspirational video, next books, God’s Moral laws: The Ten Commandments, and My Faith Journey with Jesus. Yearly devotionals, Seasons Of Inspirational For Spiritual Growth and Gems From Heaven release dates 2015. All material is available through www.amazon.com, www.createspace.com and www.kindle.com and wherever books are sold.

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