Christ is Coming, Prepare the Way!!! Preparing for & Celebrating Advent.... (11.30.18)

Advent Devotional Guide:
Preparing for the Coming of Christ

by Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts *

Copyright © 2011 by Mark D. Roberts and Patheos.com

Go to the Advent Devotional Guide, in it's entirety

* This version has been shortened & slightly
edited from the original version.

Introduction

Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. Beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve, Advent helps us prepare for the coming, or “advent” of the Christ child at Christmas. (The word “advent” comes from the Latin word that means “coming.”)

For hundreds of years, Christians have used an Advent wreath to inspire their hopes for the coming of Christ. By lighting candles and reading Bible verses, we are reminded about the meaning of Christ’s birth and become more excited about his coming in the past, in the future, and in our own lives. Some profess that the wreath itself, with it's perfect circular shape, has no beginning and no end - reminding us of Christ's eternal presence. The evergreen of the wreath symbolizes life.  The evergreen stays alive & green - all year round.  In more modern times, wreaths are not always evergreen.

There is no set meaning for the candles of the Advent wreath (except for the middle candle, which always signifies the birth of Jesus the Christ and is often called the Christ Candle). Some Christian faiths symbolize the candles to represent hope (week one), peace (week two), joy (week 3), and love (week four). In other houses of worship, the candles are identified with key figures in the stories of the birth of Jesus, such as the shepherds, the angels, Joseph, and Mary.  And some denominations represent the purple candles to represent "prayer, penance and preparatory sacrifice"and the pink candle to represent "rejoicing."  In this article, the main theme of waiting is used to give structure and meaning to the Advent candles, with each candle focused on different aspects of our waiting.

Advent wreath candles, depending on your denomination and/or world location, can come in a variety of colors, and typically there are 2 types of Advent wreaths.  Most wreaths will use 3 purple and one pink candle; or 3 purple, one pink and one white candle.  Some wreaths use all white candles; others may use blue candles (instead of purple); and others may even use red candles.   Sharing an understanding of the Advent wreath with many U.S. Christians, for whom the purple candles remind us of how serious and solemn God’s people have been in waiting for the Messiah. The pink signifies the joy of our waiting. The white (sometimes used) is triumphant and celebratory because Christ is born. (If your wreath has blue candles, then when “Light a purple candle” is mentioned, light your blue candle.)  Learn more about the Advent Wreath.

Finally, as we light each candle on the wreath - the light symbolizes "The Light of the World" also known as Jesus Christ.  What follows is a helpful guide that lends to a deeper understanding of the season of Advent, Advent traditions & symbolism for your faith communities, family and especially children - who may be "caught up" and focused on Christmas, but have very little understanding or knowledge of the season of Advent.

Speaking of children, they have great expectations and hopes during Advent – usually associated with Christmas presents, Santa Claus, holiday celebrations, and so forth. Rather than discouraging these hopes, this guide offers explanation, instruction, exposure and understanding that parents can share with their children.  Helping their children get the “feel” of Advent by relating their hopes to biblical Advent themes.

Lastly, some prefer to bless their Advent wreaths on the first Sunday of Advent or to have their church minister bless the wreath.   Some even have a the Blessing of the Wreath ceremony immediately prior to the lighting of the first candle.  There are many resources available, for a variety of denominations, including The Family Advent Wreath: Blessings & Prayers, The Book of Household Blessings, and more.

The Lighting of the First Candle: Waiting for the Shepherd

The First Sunday of Advent

We Remember the Meaning of Advent

Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”. In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the “advent” of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:

• We remember Israel’s hope for the coming of God’s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.

• We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.

• We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.

• We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.

By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves get ready for the birth of Jesus. The candles have different meanings, each based upon the Bible. These meanings help us understand how special the birth of Jesus is for us.

Today we focus on the coming of Christ as our Shepherd.

Prayer for God’s Help **

Dear God,
Thank You for this season of Advent that helps us prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ’s coming burn in our hearts.
Amen

Scripture Readings

• Psalm 80:1-7 -In this Psalm, we join the people of Israel as they invite God their Shepherd to save and to restore them.
• Isaiah 40:1-11 - This passage looks ahead to the coming of the Lord, who will care for his people like a shepherd.
• Revelation 7:9-17 - Like God’s people before the coming of Christ, we also look ahead to the time when Christ, who is both the Lamb and our Shepherd, will finish his work and “God will wipe away every tear” from our eyes.

Lighting of the Candle **

We light this candle - Light the first (purple) candle - because, like God’s people centuries ago, we also look forward with hope to the coming of the Shepherd. The purple color of the candle reminds us of the seriousness of our hope. 

Prayer of Hope **

Dear God,
As we light this candle, we hope for Your coming as our Good Shepherd. Please gather us in Your arms, feed us with spiritual food, wipe away every tear from our eyes, and “let Your face shine, that we may be saved.”
Come, our Shepherd!
Amen

Closing Song

[To be sung to the tune of “O come let us adore him” from “O Come All Ye Faithful.”]
O come to us, our Shepherd,
O come to us, our Shepherd,
O come to us, our Shepherd,
Christ the Lord!

** These recitations may be paraphrased.  Your church may have alternative prayers, as well.

The Lighting of the Second Candle: Waiting for Forgiveness

The Second Sunday of Advent
Action: Re-light the first candle.

We Remember the Meaning of Advent

Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit.” In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the “advent” of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:

• We remember Israel’s hope for the coming of God’s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.

• We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.

• We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.

• We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.

By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. Last week we lit a candle that signified our waiting for God our Shepherd.

Today, as we light the second candle, we focus on the coming of Christ who brings forgiveness from our sins.

Prayer for God’s Help **

Dear God,
Thank You for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ’s coming burn in our hearts.
Amen.

Scripture Readings

• Psalm 130:1-8 -In this psalm, we join the psalmist in crying out for God’s forgiveness.
• Jeremiah 31:31-34 - God promises to make a new covenant with us, in which our sins will be forgiven and forgotten.
• Luke 1:68-79 - When an angel appears to Zechariah in the temple and tells him that his wife will give birth to a son, the old man doesn’t believe the angel. As a result, Zechariah is unable to speak for many months, until immediately after the birth of his son John (the Baptist). Right after the birth, Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks the prophecy that we will read.

Lighting of the Candle **

We light this candle - Light the second (purple) candle - because, like God’s people centuries ago, we also need a Savior who will forgive our sins. The purple color reminds us of the seriousness of our sin and our great need for God’s forgiveness.  

Prayer of Hope **

Dear God,
As we light this candle, we recognize our sin and our need for a savior. We wait for your forgiveness in Christ. We long to be purified so that we might present ourselves to you in righteousness.
Come, Our Savior!
Amen!

Closing Song

[To be sung to the tune of “O come let us adore him” from “O Come All Ye Faithful.”]
O come to us, forgive us,
O come to us, forgive us,
O come to us, forgive us,
Christ the Lord!

** These recitations may be paraphrased.  Your church may have alternative prayers, as well.

The Lighting of the Third Candle: Waiting with Joy

The Third Sunday of Advent (known as Gaudate Sunday)
Action: Re-light the first two purple candles.

We Remember the Meaning of Advent

Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”.
In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the “advent” of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:

• We remember Israel's hope for the coming of God's Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.
• We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.

• We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.

• We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.

By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. So far we have lit two candles. The first helped us to hope for God our Shepherd; with the second we asked God to come and forgive our sins.

Today we remember the joy of waiting, because we know how the story ends!

Prayer for God’s Help **

Dear God,
Thank You for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ’s coming burn in our hearts.
Amen

Scripture Readings

• Psalm 126:1-6 - This psalm celebrates God’s restoration of Israel — and it cries out to God for future restoration.
• Zephaniah 3:14-20 - Through the prophet Zephaniah God looks ahead to the time when he will renew and heal his people. It will be a day of great rejoicing, both for them and for God!
• Philippians 4:4-7 - We also rejoice in the Lord, in part because we know that “the Lord is near.” This means, not only that God is with us right now, but that Christ is coming soon.

Lighting of the Candle **

We light this candle - Light the third (pink) candle - because, like God’s people centuries ago, we know that God has come in Christ and that Christ will come again. We rejoice in God’s work in history and in the future. The pink color means joy!  

Prayer of Hope **

Dear God,
As we light this candle, we rejoice. We know how the first act of the story ended – with the birth of Your Son, Jesus the Messiah. And we know that he will come again in glory. So even though the story isn’t over, we rejoice in our hope.
We wait for you, rejoicing!
Amen!

Closing Song

[To be sung to the tune of “O come let us adore him” from “O Come All Ye Faithful.”]
We wait for you, rejoicing,
We wait for you, rejoicing,
We wait for you, rejoicing,
Christ the Lord!

** These recitations may be paraphrased.  Your church may have alternative prayers, as well.

The Lighting of the Fourth Candle: Waiting for the Son

The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Action: Re-light the first two purple & pink candles.

We Remember the Meaning of Advent

Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit.”

In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the “advent” of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:

• We remember Israel’s hope for the coming of God’s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.

• We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.

• We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.

• We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.

By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. So far we have lit three candles. The first reminded us to wait for God our Shepherd. With the second we asked the Lord to come and forgive our sins. The third, pink, candle signified our joy as we wait.

Today we focus on the coming of the Son – the son of Mary, the Son of God!

Prayer for God’s Help **

Dear God,
Thank You for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ’s coming burn in our hearts.
Amen

Scripture Readings

• Psalm 89:1-4, 19-37, 46-52 - This psalm celebrates God’s covenant with David and with the descendants of David. He even calls God “my Father” (vs. 26). But the psalmist composed this psalm at a time when God’s blessing upon Israel seemed very far away. He calls upon the Lord to remember his covenant to David. 
• Isaiah 9:1-7 -Deliverance will come for God’s people through the “son” who is given to them. He will sit on the throne of David and his kingdom will last forever.
• Luke 1:26-38 - The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is pregnant and will give birth to a son. Her son will also be “the Son of the Most High” and will sit on the throne of David. He will be the reigning Son of David and the divine Son of God!

Lighting of the Candle **

We light this candle - Light the fourth (final purple) candle - because we look forward with eagerness to the birth of a child, the son of Mary and the Son of God! The purple color reminds us of how serious we are in looking forward to the Son’s birth. 

Prayer of Hope **

Dear God,
As we light this candle, we look ahead with hope to the birth of your Son — the Son of David, the son of Mary. May we be prepared to welcome him with open arms and open hearts. O come now, Son of David!
Amen!

Closing Song

[To be sung to the tune of “O come let us adore him” from “O Come All Ye Faithful.”]
O come now, Son of David,
O come now, Son of David,
O come now, Son of David,
Christ the Lord!

** These recitations may be paraphrased.  Your church may have alternative prayers, as well.

The Lighting of the Christ Candle: Our Waiting is Over!

Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
Action: Re-light all the purple & pink candles.  Note: Some Advent wreath's will not have a 5th center white candle.  If your wreath does not have a 5th candle, simply light all the candles and proceed below.

We Celebrate the Birth of Christ

In the season of Advent we have used the Advent wreath and its candles to help us get ready for this great celebration of the birth of Christ.

When we lit the first purple candle, we asked God to come and be our Good Shepherd. God our Shepherd has come in Jesus Christ!

When we lit the second purple candle, we asked God to come and forgive our sins. God has come in Jesus Christ to take our sins and die upon the cross so that we might be forgiven!

When we lit the third, pink candle, we felt joyful even in our longing for Christ to come. Christ, who has been born in a manger, will come again in glory to wipe away every tear from our eyes!

When we lit the fourth candle, we remembered that Christ would come as a son – the son of Mary, the Son of David, and the Son of God! This Son has been born! He is Immanuel – God with us!

Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Jesus who forgives our sins, Jesus who will come again, Jesus the son of Mary, the Son of David, and the very Son of God!

Prayer for God’s Help **

Dear God,
As we light the center candle today, may we celebrate with full joy the birth of your Son, Jesus the Christ.
Amen!

Scripture Readings

• Micah 5:1-5 - God promises through the prophet Micah that his future rule will come from Bethlehem, even though this town is, indeed, a “little town” and quite insignificant.
• Luke 2:1-20 - Jesus the Messiah is born in Bethlehem!
• Psalm 145 - Let us join the psalmist in offering praise to God for his mighty works!

Lighting of the Candle **

We light this candle - Light the fifth, white candle (if your wreath has one) - with great joy and celebration, because Christ is born in Bethlehem. God’s Son has come into the world to be our Savior! And He will come again in glory.

Prayer of Joy and Adoration **

Dear God,
As we light this candle, we rejoice in the birth of your Son. May we worship him, welcome him, and make room for him in our hearts. O come, let us adore him!
Amen!

Closing Song

O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!

** These recitations may be paraphrased.  Your church may have alternative prayers, as well.

Merry Christmas!

*See below for additional pictures of various Advent wreaths
and a link for more ideas/information.

---

---

              

Download awesome Advent ideas (including the children's paper advent wreath above) on Pintrest. - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/381117187201029840

Merry Christmas!

#ScriptureReflection - Jeremiah 33:14-16 (11.29.18)

The days are coming, says the LORD,

when I will fulfill the promise
I made to the house of Israel and Judah.

In those days, in that time,
I will raise up for David a just shoot ;
he shall do what is right and just in the land.

In those days Judah shall be safe
and Jerusalem shall dwell secure;
this is what they shall call her:
“The LORD our justice.”

But God.... But God.... (11.28.18)

Faith Believers,
There will come a time in all our lives, when we have done all that we can, and fought as hard as we could; and now we stand helpless in the sight of a situation that we cannot change. 

It is at this point in our walk that we must not allow the enemy to make us believe that our prayers have fallen on deaf ears. Do not stop standing on GOD’s Word while professing, “What’s the use of praying?” and give up. Giving up will not accomplish anything, except push you further into despair.

The first thing I want you to remember is this:  when the opposition comes on strong, it is because the enemy is trying your faith. he’s trying to put thoughts of despair into your mind, so that you will give up; because he knows you are so close to Victory. We must close our minds to his tricks of intimidation, and STAND on our faith. We must persevere in prayer and not allow the enemy to steal the Word of GOD, which has been planted in our hearts.

The second thing is: BUT GOD… GOD and GOD alone will bring you out of your difficulties.  BUT ONLY if you keep believing and standing on His Word, regardless of what you see with your natural eyes.
  -  Marilyn Chaney

On this day, GOD wants you to know:

My Child,
I want you to come boldly to the throne of grace to seek mercy and find the grace to help you during your time of need. And having done all that you can, stand and never stop praying.

Do not waver when you pray. Do not waver in your faith. Be strong and of good courage, knowing that I Am your Father, and I always hear you when you pray.  Never forget that I Can do great things in your life when you have complete trust and faith in Me.

Do not allow the enemy to touch your soul, to tempt you to give up. You must live by faith, for it does not bring pleasure to Me when you doubt My Word. Have faith in Me to bring to pass My Word in your life.

Persevere in praying. 

My Child, you have battled storms before and won; why is this one so different?  Is it because it’s lasting longer than expected?  Well, let Me tell you this, when you see your Blessing, you will understand.

So continue to pray and believe in Me.

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word:

Luke 18:1 - And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Colossians 3:6-7 - I have planted, Apollos watered; but GOD gave the increase.  So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth, but GOD that giveth the increase.

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 10:38 - Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Cease Struggling & Striving... and Surrender, Relinquish, Release All to God (11.27.18)

My Child,
I know you have been feeling stuck where you are,
     and at times you struggle with being overwhelmed.

You occasionally have moments when you believe your world is crumbling down upon you. You feel that way because of your striving. Cease striving and surrender all to Me. Do not be afraid to release all to Me. Take several deep breaths and relinquish your difficulties into My Control. 

How can you get to where I need you to be,
     if you are afraid to surrender and trust in Me?

Do not allow your frustrations to cause you to turn away from Me and lead you to seek another solution. Do you not know by now that I AM the only solution? Even if you drift away, I Will always be here; waiting for your return. I Will never stop watching over you. Not even your mistakes can keep Me away from you.

My Eyes and My Heart are always towards you,
     and My Mercy is made new for you each day.

My Child, it is crucial that you learn to trust Me; because I Want to take you to places you have never been. And in these new places, you won’t be able to rely on your knowledge and experiences from the past; because I Am doing a new thing in your life. 

You Will have to allow the Holy Spirit to teach you; therefore, absolute surrender is required. 

Just as I Led the children of Israel, I Will Lead you to where you need to be. Now, surrender the reign's you've held so tightly and watch Me Smooth the pathways along your journey.

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Psalm 37:5 - Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am GOD: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth

Proverbs 20:3 - It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Lamentations 3:22-23 - It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 

Miracles Still Happen..... (11.26.18)

My Child,
I Am at work on your behalf, I've never stopped working. You have chosen to believe in Me again. You are believing Me for things you do not understand. You’re believing Me for the things you have read in My Word, and you want to see them happen just as they did with the Apostles.  

That is good. Because miracles still happen.

Miracles have been waiting for you to stop doubting and start believing that they still exist.  They’ve been waiting for someone to saturate themselves in My Word, to seek My Presence and seek My Son's Face.  Miracles have been waiting for you to stop saying what you “cannot do” and “it is impossible," and believe that nothing is too hard for GOD.  That with Me, all things are possible. 

I Tell you, miracles still happen.

In past times, you experienced what seemed to be the impossible happening right before your eyes.  Now, you are hungry to see miracles happen again. It pleases Me to see that your hope has been revived, and you have faith to believe in the impossible again. 

Be ready Beloved, at all times. 

Speak My Word, the Word of GOD, and rebuke anything that is not of Me. Go where I Say; be obedient to My Holy Spirit, and do what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

Miracles still happen, and once again you have the super natural faith to believe every Word I speak is true. Stretch forth your hand and expect to see the impossible happen. 

I Am with you. 
Feed on My Word and do not allow
     your faith to die down again....

For
Miracles
Still
Happen.

 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD

Jeremiah 32:27 - Behold, I am the LORD, the GOD of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?

Luke 1:37 - For with GOD nothing shall be impossible.

Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

#ScriptureReflection - John 6:1-15 (11.25.18)

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

6 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), ² and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. ³ Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. ⁴ The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

⁵ When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” ⁶ He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
⁷ Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

⁸ Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, ⁹ “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

¹⁰ Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). ¹¹ Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

¹² When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” ¹³ So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
 
¹⁴ After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” ¹⁵ Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

Today, Rest Your Mind & Spend Time with God (11.24.18)

My Child, 
Let go of the cares and burdens of the world and spend some time with Me. Come into My Embrace and rest your head on My Shoulder. 

There are too many things running through your mind, and it’s time to rest your mind today. Come away by yourself to a secluded place and just rest. Stop feeling that you have to be busy all the time.  How can you pour into others if you are empty?  Come and allow Me to refresh you and pour Fresh Oil into you. 

There is a time to be a warrior and to fight the battles of the world; however, there is also a time to rest and to let Me comfort and encourage you.  There is much to be learned from a little solitude, and if you spend some time with Me today, I Will teach you. Oh, just visit with Me for a while, and feel My Strong Arms enveloping you and keeping you safe.
 
As you rest today, take time to remember and rejoice in the many blessings that I Have showered upon you, and appreciate the life that you have.  I Know things may not be the way you want them to be right now; however, there are blessings in your life for which you should give thanks. 

If you spend time today reflecting, it will
     ignite your faith and cause you to
     believe that the best is yet to come.
 
Rest with Me today and allow My Love to flow into every part of your life. If you rest in My Love, it will reassure you that I Have all of your plans - and your situation - in the Palm of My Hand. 

Now, rest your mind and abide in My Presence,
     the Presence of the Most High God.

Read and Meditate on God's Word:

Psalm 23:1-3 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
 
Psalm 91:1 - He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 
 
Mark 6:31-32 - And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. 

#ScriptureReflection - Revelations 10:8-11 (11.23.18)

I, John, heard a voice from heaven speak to me.
Then the voice spoke to me and said:
"Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel
who is standing on the sea and on the land."
So I went up to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll.
He said to me, "Take and swallow it.
It will turn your stomach sour,
but in your mouth it will taste as sweet as honey."
I took the small scroll from the angel's hand and swallowed it.
In my mouth it was like sweet honey,
but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.
Then someone said to me, "You must prophesy again
about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings."

A 2018 Thanksgiving Prayer (11.22.18)

~ Prayer ~

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for allowing me and my loved ones to see another Thanksgiving day. Lord, so much evil is happening in this world, every minute of the day. Thank You for blessing me and my family; and keeping us safe from all harm.

As we gather today and enjoy the festivities that Thanksgiving will bring, I pray You will continue to bless us and watch over us. Bless those who are not able to celebrate Thanksgiving with their loved ones - for what ever the reason(s) - but assure them that all things are done according to Your Will.

Lord, we all have so much to be thankful for; because it is Your Grace and Mercy that woke us up this morning. 

 

As this day unfolds, Lord send your Angels to bless and heal families that are hurting and broken. Mend those relationships Father, as we already know that any confusion or hatred is the work of the enemy. 

 

I pray that everyday will be a day of Thanksgiving, as You bless us with Your Presence and Favor. I give all praise and honor to you Lord forever and ever.

I pray this prayer in the Name
     of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen

 

======

Thank God for what you have.

Trust God for what you need.

Happy Holidays!!

  -  Marilyn Chaney

#ScriptureReflection - Revelations 4:1-11 (11.21.18)

I, John, had a vision of an open door to heaven,
and I heard the trumpetlike voice
that had spoken to me before, saying,
"Come up here and I will show you what must happen afterwards."
At once I was caught up in spirit.
A throne was there in heaven, and on the throne sat one
whose appearance sparkled like jasper and carnelian.
Around the throne was a halo as brilliant as an emerald.
Surrounding the throne I saw twenty-four other thrones
on which twenty-four elders sat,
dressed in white garments and with gold crowns on their heads.
From the throne came flashes of lightning,
rumblings, and peals of thunder.
Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne,
which are the seven spirits of God.
In front of the throne was something that resembled
a sea of glass like crystal.

In the center and around the throne,
there were four living creatures
covered with eyes in front and in back.
The first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf,
the third had a face like that of a man,
and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight.
The four living creatures, each of them with six wings,
were covered with eyes inside and out.
Day and night they do not stop exclaiming:
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty,
who was, and who is, and who is to come."
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks
to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
the twenty-four elders fall down
before the one who sits on the throne
and worship him, who lives forever and ever.
They throw down their crowns before the throne, exclaiming:

"Worthy are you, Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things;
because of your will they came to be and were created."

Ask.... And God Will Give You Wisdom & Direct Your Steps.... (11.20.18)

My Child,

Once again, I Say to you "Be still." 
You are restless and sometimes even moody.

The situations you are facing have caused you to become unsettled, anxious and impulsiveness.  But I Say to you, "Wait on Me."  I Will most certainly bring you through this troubling time; and I Will strengthen, establish and settle you, according to My Will, as you yield to My Guidance. 

Be at peace My Child, for you can trust Me absolutely. 
I Am calling on you to get to know Me more intimately than ever before.

Ask, and I Will give you wisdom and direct your steps.  Do not step out in your flesh , nor by the power of your own good ideas to try to bring a resolution to your problems. 

Take the time, and make an effort, to become more intimate with Me; so that you can be elevated into a place you have never been. 

Rise up in the Spirit and seek Me with your whole heart.

Seek Me and ye shall find Me.
Have faith in Me, for I Am the Lord your God.

I Shall send the Holy Spirit to order your steps,
     when you trust and believe in Me.

 
  

 

Read and Meditate on My Word

Psalm 51:6 - Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 

Proverbs 2:6-7 - For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 

James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of GOD, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

A Crisis of Your Faith (11.19.18)

My Doubtful Child,
I Know you are going through a crisis of your faith, and your circumstances have caused you to doubt if you ever heard My Voice. You are allowing your circumstances to speak louder than your faith.

I want you to stop right now and recognize who I AM.
I Am the GOD who created Heaven and Earth, and all
      that is therein.
I Am the GOD who created you and knows all about you,
     there is nothing too difficult for Me.

I Know you may not feel like it, but I Want you to strengthen yourself in My Word. 

 

Reading My Word will help you to remember that I Am your stronghold, your fortress, your high tower. Be strong and immovable in the faith of My Word. Resolve to rise above the doubt that plagues your mind, and truly believe Me for complete deliverance in this particular situation. Refuse to allow fear to have any place or control in your life. Let faith in Me "rule and reign" in your circumstance.

I know, deep within your spirit, you believe in My Word.
However, doubt has starved your faith. 

 

It is time for you to feed your faith with My Word,
     and starve out the enemy.

Stand on My Word and your prayers will be answered.

 

 
 

 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD
Jeremiah 32:17 - O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!

Psalm 41:24 - So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!

Psalm 107:19-22 - Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions.  Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!   Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing.

 

 

 

Problems, Prayers, Purpose & God's Miraculous, Creative Power (11.18.18)

And the peace of GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:7

Faith Believers,

Pray according to GOD’s Will, His Purposes and His Ways; but know that He Will answer according to His Will.

Our Father will never forsake His Purpose to answer your prayers.   Let me say that again...  Our Father will never forsake His Purpose to answer your prayers. Too often we focus our prayers on either our problems, or our perceived solutions. GOD wants us to focus on Him! And when we focus on Him, our hearts are kept in perfect peace - as promised in Philippians 4:7.

Our focus on GOD is evidence that we are walking by faith;
     leaving both the problem and the solution to Him.

What problem are you facing today?
Rather than pray frantically, pray for a solution.
Better yet, why not release your problem to
     GOD's Will, through prayer?

GOD wants to do more than simply solve your problem; He wants to demonstrate His Miraculous, Creative Power for His Glory.....  So thank Him in advance for doing this!

  -  Marilyn

~ Prayer ~
Awesome Father,

Your Will is beyond my comprehension, and yet,
     I long to be a part of all You are doing
     in the midst of Your People.

I desire to walk by faith, and to trust in Your Ability
     to do abundantly beyond anything I could ever
     think or imagine.

May my eyes be fixed upon You, allowing You to deal
     with all of the situations and problems in my life!

Help me to lay aside my agendas and plans, in favor
     of Your own; for I know that it is not by my own
     might or power, but by Your Holy Spirit that my
     prayers are aligned with Your Kingdom Purposes!

Amen

Quiet Lives [from "God Calling"] - (11.17.18)

---

November 17
Quiet Lives

"Well done,
thou good and faithful servant...
enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

Matthew 25:21

These words are whispered in the ears of many whom the world would pass by unrecognizing.  Not to the great, and the world-famed, are these words said so often, but to the quiet followers who serve Me unobtrusively, yet faithfully, who bear their cross bravely, with a smiling face to the world.  Thank Me for the quiet lives.

  These words speak not only of the passing into that fuller Spirit Life.  Duty faithfully done for Me does mean entrance into a Life of Joy - My Joy, the Joy of your Lord.  The world may never see it; the humble, patient, quiet service, but I see it, and My reward is not Earth's fame, Earth's wealth, Earth's pleasures, but the Joy Divine.

  Whether here, or there, in the earth-world, or in the Spirit-world, this is My reward.  Joy.  The Joy that carries an exquisite thrill in the midst of pain and poverty and suffering.  That Joy of which I said no man could take it from you. Earth has no pleasure, no reward, that can give man that Joy.  It is known only to My lovers and My friends.

  This Joy may come, not as the reward of activity in My service.  It may be the reward of patient suffering, bravely borne.

  Suffering, borne with Me, must in time bring Joy, as does all real contact with Me.

---

Daily reflections from the book "God Calling"  by A.J. Russell,
published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Used by Permission.

#Throwback: The Ten Most Popular Messages of the Day for December 26, 2013 (11.16.18)

Enjoy the 10 most popular messages of the day on December 26, 2013.  #Throwback  #FourYearsElevenMonthsAgo  #Timeless

~~~~~~~~~~

**  Today's Ten Most Popular Messages (12.26.13)  **

1. Delays are Tools to Perfect our Faith (7.4.13)
2. There is Strength in Focusing on Things of Spiritual Substance (7.10.13)
3. Look not to Your Circumstances, Look to the Lord (10.30.13)
4. Spend More Time in Prayer with Me (8.8.13)
5. My Child, Speak to It! In My Name (6.25.13)
6. A Repentant Heart (6.9.13)
7. Take the Victory through the Words you Speak (6.24.13)
8. When You Pray.... (12.4.13)
9. God is a Master Planner! (11.25.13)
10. Do Not Allow Fear to Invade Your Spirit (10.31.13)

The top ten most popular messages of all time are always on the right hand side.

What's your favorite message?
Comments, testimonies, thoughts or shares are always welcome!! 

#Enjoy     #BlessAndBeABlessing

God's Rebuilding & Bringing You into Your New Life (11.15.18)

My Child,
I’ve been stripping everything old from you,
     and I Know it’s been painful. 

However, this was done so that I Could impart the new things that I Am doing in your life.  It wouldn’t be wise of Me to pour new blessings into an old foundation that is falling apart; for the old foundation would not be able to contain the new blessings, and they would perish.

My Child, this is what I Am doing with you. 
I Am working on your building. 
I Am preparing you to receive the new things
     I Am bringing into your life. 

I Have seen what the storms have done to you.  That is why I Am rebuilding and bringing new life in those damaged areas.  I am taking away the hurtful things, the infirmities and the pain the storms have left behind; and I Am pouring healing and restoration into your life.

When people see My Finished Work, they will not recognize you.  For you will be made Brand New, and your countenance will have changed.  

The once shattered, torn, and broken shell that was
     holding you together will only be a memory.  

You WILL BE made whole again and
     crowned in My Glory. 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD

Isaiah 43:18-19 - Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. 

Luke 5:37-38 - And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.  But new wine must be put into new bottles, and both are preserved.

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Philippians 3:13-14 - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD in Christ Jesus. 

Revelations 21:5 - 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. 

The Supernatural Holy Spirit Power Inside of You (11.14.18)

My Child,
You have within you the same spirit that raised Christ
      from the dead.
That very same power that brought about this miracle
     inside of you.

My child, take that power and stand strong in who you are in Me. 

I Want you to rise up above those storms in your life.
I Want you to rise up above the strongholds the enemy
     has launched against you. 

For you are My Child, and I Have given you everything you need,
     through My Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you.

So take this conviction and stand in who I Made you to be.

Take the time to seek My Spirit, which dwells inside of you. 
Take My Spirit and rise up with a conviction to stand strong. 

You were created to be a blessing. 
I Called you and set you apart from the world.
I Called you to walk in good health, to prosper
     in all you do. 

I have made you different. 

Now is the time for you to embrace that difference,
     and shine so the world will see the power of life
     that lives in you.   

 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD

John 14:17 - Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Romans 8:9-11 - But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of GOD dwells in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 

Philippians 2:5 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

3 John 1:2 - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

1 John 4:4 - Ye are of GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Focus.... (11.13.18)

My Child,
Focus, you must remain focused on Me.
Now is not the time to allow the whispers
     of the enemy to get through to you.

Why are you even holding a conversation with the enemy? he is not worthy of your time. Yes, some may appear to prosper in their walk, but I Say unto you, many will be cast aside, for they have not truly been with Me, as you have.

I Need you to focus on Me.
Keep your eye on the prize.
Look unto ME, the Author and Finisher of
     your faith, and have confidence that
     I Have everything under control.

Although though you cannot see the answers right now, have faith in Me.  I Will bring the promises to pass. You must continue to walk by faith, not by sight.

Do not allow worry or anxiety to rob you of what I Am doing in your life. There is nothing to fear, for I Am working in your midst.

I AM IN YOUR MIDST!

Have faith in Me, and trust My Word and DO NOT doubt My Promise. You have My Word, My Power and you have My Promises. Some of you think you need to work somehow to achieve this. All you have to do is believe My Word, have faith, and let My Word do the work in your life.

I AM, the One, who is moving you forward and beyond.  

The enemy is using worldly distractions, adverse problems - even people you love - to distract you and take you off course. 

Have your face set like flint and remain focused on ME.

There is no other recourse for you, you have to remain focused on ME. Remember, wait on Me, keep My Ways, and I Will exalt you to inherit the land; and when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. 

Therefore, do not allow anything to steal your focus.
You must not worry, for you will emerge triumphantly.

I Say unto you again, Focus on Me!

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Psalm 25:15 - Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Psalm 37:1-4 - Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.  Delight thyself also in the LORD, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalm 121:1 - I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Psalm 123:1 - Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

Psalm 141:8 - But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

Isaiah 50:7 - For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

Hebrews 12:2 - Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD.

God is Preparing to Bless You (11.12.18)

My Child,

You are expecting a breakthrough.
You have prayed about this situation
      over a long period of time.
You are finally beginning to believe in My Word
      and what I have promised you.

Beloved, I Am not man that I should lie, what I Have promised you I Will deliver according to My Will for your life. It pleases Me that you are walking in "all things work together for good for those who love Me and who are called according to My purposes."

My Child, look forward to the breakthrough I Am about to bring into your life. I Want you to have the faith of Abraham and Joseph.   Abraham and Joseph both stood strong in faith and was fully persuaded that I was able to perform what I promised. This breakthrough might not come in the way you are expecting or what seems logical to you. 

Stand, believe and know that I Have all power to bless and bring about breakthrough in your life. I do not share this power with anything or anyone.

All things are possible to those who believe in Me.
Believe, Believe and Believe in the power of GOD!!!!

I Will deliver and I Am always on time!!

  

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD:

Mar 9:23  Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth

Rom 4:18-21  Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of GOD through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to GOD; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 

Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

#ScriptureReflection - Ezekiel 34 (11.11.18)

A Prophecy Against False Shepherds

34 The word of the Lord came to me: ² “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them—to the shepherds: ‘This is what the sovereign Lord says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not shepherds feed the flock? ³ You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the choice animals, but you do not feed the sheep! ⁴ You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled over them. ⁵ They were scattered because they had no shepherd, and they became food for every wild beast. ⁶ My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over the entire face of the earth with no one looking or searching for them.

⁷ “‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: ⁸ As surely as I live, declares the sovereign Lord, my sheep have become prey and have become food for all the wild beasts. There was no shepherd, and my shepherds did not search for my flock, but fed themselves and did not feed my sheep, ⁹ Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: ¹⁰ This is what the sovereign Lord says: Look, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand my sheep from their hand. I will no longer let them be shepherds; the shepherds will not feed themselves anymore. I will rescue my sheep from their mouth, so that they will no longer be food for them.

¹¹ “‘For this is what the sovereign Lord says: Look, I myself will search for my sheep and seek them out. ¹² As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will seek out my flock. I will rescue them from all the places where they have been scattered on a cloudy, dark day. ¹³ I will bring them out from among the peoples and gather them from foreign countries; I will bring them to their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams and all the inhabited places of the land. ¹⁴ In a good pasture I will feed them; the mountain heights of Israel will be their pasture. There they will lie down in a lush pasture, and they will feed on rich grass on the mountains of Israel. ¹⁵ I myself will feed my sheep and I myself will make them lie down, declares the sovereign Lord. ¹⁶ I will seek the lost and bring back the strays; I will bandage the injured and strengthen the sick, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them—with judgment!

¹⁷ “‘As for you, my sheep, this is what the sovereign Lord says: Look, I am about to judge between one sheep and another, between rams and goats. ¹⁸ Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture, that you must trample the rest of your pastures with your feet? When you drink clean water, must you muddy the rest of the water by trampling it with your feet? ¹⁹ As for my sheep, they must eat what you trampled with your feet, and drink what you have muddied with your feet!

²⁰ “‘Therefore, this is what the sovereign Lord says to them: Look, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. ²¹ Because you push with your side and your shoulder, and thrust your horns at all the weak sheep until you scatter them abroad, ²² I will save my sheep; they will no longer be prey. I will judge between one sheep and another.

²³ I will set one shepherd over them, and he will feed them—namely, my servant David. He will feed them and will be their shepherd. ²⁴ I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken!

²⁵ “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and will rid the land of wild beasts, so that they can live securely in the wilderness and even sleep in the woods. ²⁶ I will turn them and the regions around my hill into a blessing. I will make showers come down in their season; they will be showers that bring blessing. ²⁷ The trees of the field will yield their fruit and the earth will yield its crops. They will live securely on their land; they will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hand of those who enslaved them. ²⁸ They will no longer be prey for the nations and the wild beasts will not devour them. They will live securely and no one will make them afraid. ²⁹ I will prepare for them a healthy planting. They will no longer be victims of famine in the land and will no longer bear the insults of the nations. ³⁰ Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them, and that they are my people, the house of Israel, declares the sovereign Lord. ³¹ And you, my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are my people, and I am your God, declares the sovereign Lord.’”

#ScriptureReflection - Zechariah 9:1 - 10:2 (11.10.18)

Zion’s salvation is promised

The Lord has passed

through the land of Hadrach

and Damascus is his dwelling-place;

for the cities of Aram belong to the Lord

no less than all the tribes of Israel;

Hamath too, which borders on it,

(Tyre) and Sidon also, despite her acumen.

Tyre has built herself a rampart,

has heaped up silver like dust

and gold like the dirt of the streets.

And now the Lord is going to take possession of her;

he will topple her power into the sea;

she herself will be consumed by fire.

Seeing this, Ashkelon will be terrified,

and Gaza be seized with trembling,

so will Ekron, at the ruin of her prospects;

the king will vanish from Gaza

and Ashkelon remain unpeopled,

but the bastard will live in Ashdod!

I mean to destroy the arrogance of the Philistine;

I intend to take his blood out of his mouth

and his abomination from between his teeth.

He too will become a remnant for our God

and be like a family in Judah.

Ekron shall be like the Jebusite.

Near my house I will take my stand

like a watchman on guard against prowlers;

the tyrant shall pass their way no more,

because I have now taken notice of its distress.

 

Rejoice heart and soul, daughter of Zion!

Shout with gladness, daughter of Jerusalem!

See now, your king comes to you;

he is victorious, he is triumphant,

humble and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

He will banish chariots from Ephraim

and horses from Jerusalem;

the bow of war will be banished.

He will proclaim peace for the nations.

His empire shall stretch from sea to sea,

from the River to the ends of the earth.

 

As for you, because of the blood of your covenant

I am sending back your prisoners from the pit

(in which there is no water).

To you, daughter of Zion,

the hopeful captives will return.

In compensation for your days of banishment

I will give you back double.

For I bend my bow; it is Judah;

I make Ephraim its arrow.

I am going to brandish your children, Zion,

(against your children, Javan);

I mean to make you like the sword of a hero.

The Lord will appear above them

and his arrow will flash out like lightning.

The Lord will sound the trumpet

and advance in the storms of the south.

The Lord (of Hosts) will protect them!

They will trample sling stones underfoot,

they will drink blood like wine,

they will be soaked in it like the horns of an altar.

The Lord their God will give them victory

when that day comes;

he will pasture his people like a flock

(like the flashing jewels of a diadem)

on his land.

What joy and what beauty shall be theirs!

Corn will make the young men flourish,

and sweet wine the maidens.

Ask the Lord for rain

at the time of the spring rains.

For it is the Lord who sends the lightning

and gives the showers of rain;

he gives bread to man,

and grass to the cattle.

Because the teraphim utter futile words

and the diviners have lying visions

and publish empty dreams

and voice misleading nonsense,

naturally the people stray like sheep;

they wander because they have no shepherd.