The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah – Matthew 1:1-17
The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:
Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers. Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, and Hezronfathered Ram. Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, and Nahshon fathered Salmon. Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse. Jesse fathered David the king.
David fathered Solomon by Bathsheba, who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon fathered Rehoboam, Rehoboam fathered Abijah, and Abijah fathered Asa. Asa fathered Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, and Joram fathered Uzziah. Uzziah fathered Jotham, Jotham fathered Ahaz, and Ahaz fathered Hezekiah. Hezekiah fathered Manasseh, Manasseh fathered Amon, and Amon fathered Josiah. Josiahfathered Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah fathered Shealtiel, and Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel fathered Abihud, Abihud fathered Eliakim, and Eliakim fathered Azor. Azor fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Achim, and Achim fathered Eliud. Eliud fathered Eleazar, Eleazar fathered Matthan, and Matthan fathered Jacob. Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteengenerations; from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteengenerations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
Have we ever slowed down long enough to investigate the names represented in this lineage of grace? When I was in high school looking into the word of God asking what I should study next, He led me to the lineage. These names, these people, and their stories are not here by accident. They each represent another pillar of grace shown upon all of humanity. When you review the fact that there are men from all walks of life and every journey known to man and they are the foundational rocksof welcoming the Savior of the world. And five women. Five. Five is the number for grace in scripture that can be found all over the Word of God reflecting His grace on our lives, and He chose to give us five women in the lineage that represent each of us.
Tamar: the unwanted.
Rahab: the mistreated.
Ruth: the forgotten.
Bathsheba: the taken.
Mary: the misunderstood.
These women represent all of us. None of us are left out and the Lord cherished them and chose to call them blessed. They experience the Christ in many ways and one of the most powerful being through the birth of their own children. The welcome of holding their own children, was partially welcoming the Christ. And when does the advent season truly being? I challenge that it took place every moment of every day, but especially in these families at the birth of the next generation. The longing for the coming of Christ dictated their very existence and their family purpose – but did they know it? With the creation of every new generation, they were one step closer to the Christ. Could the same be said of us?
And then we have fourteen generations between Abraham and David, David to Babylon deportation, Babylon deportation to Jesus. Is that a coincidence? I say not. The number fourteen represents a double measure of spiritual perfection. But that is an entire study all its own, which I encourage you into more. The linage of Jesus is more than words on a page. It contains the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit in its every motion. The enemy tried in many ways to destroy these people too… but he failed. Just as he will fail in our lives and in our journeys. Our High King has the victory, and we are privileged to walk in that truth and with that banner over us. May we celebrate the birth of each new generation of believers in our midst as that is one more day closer to His second coming. And may we rest in His goodness as we reflect on all He has done inus and for us, even then things that we are unaware of.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
No book on this earth can replace the power of the Word of God. No words on this earth hold a candle to the power find through opening the Holy Word and soaking it in. There is not a book greater than His Book, the love letter written with me in mind. We are what we put in. If I enjoy my cheeseburgers and cheesecake every day of my life, my body will be a reflection of that. The same holds true for the soul. If I neglect the very words that bring life to my soul and mind, I will flounder in the wind.
I’ve been asked many times “what are you reading?” or “is this a good book?” or “what can I do to change my circumstance or be more joyful?” A few weeks ago, I began to really look at my bookshelves and realize the books I have read over the course of my short 37 years have brought great impact to my outlook on life, my perspective on my circumstances on life and what I have chosen to impact my head space. So, this blog is a little unique, as I am sharing the books that have meant something to me – but come highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I do not necessarily agree with all of the authors stance on many things, so please do not use this message as an attempt on anything ugly. I am stating that these specific books pushed me, challenged me, and encouraged me. These books below are never meant to replace the time spent with the Word of God – only to enhance the time spent. Here we go….
The Autobiography of George Muller; Corrie Ten Boom; Prayers that Avail Much by Copeland; The Power of a Praying Wife by Omartian; Praying through the Names of God by Tony Evans; Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge and One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp.
These books are some of the books I have owned and read for more than twenty years and some I just added within the last five. These books keep me grounded in my faith as they are foundational reminders to the scriptures that are so dear to my soul and give the life that continues to keep me moving in my darkest moments. They are tools in guiding me to the quiet stillness moments with my Lord. They are the constant visuals of continued mission. Our days are difficult – my life is full of uphill climbs, and I am sure so is yours… but these are core foundational reminders to keep the faith and stay connected to the only Life Giving Vine we know.
Two of these are daily prayer books that can be utilized to assist in daily prayer time [#3&4]. Two of these are stories of people you cannot find in existence anymore – they walked so closely with God the earth shook when they awoke [#1&2]. The other three are made up of helpful reminders of the importance of time alone with God [#6], time of gratitude during every day darkness [#7] and a reminder that every jot and tittle are not wasted in God’s word [#5].
Praying Circles Around Your Children by Mark Batterson; My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers; Upside Down Prayers for Parents by Bergren; Raising Kingdom Kids by Tony Evans; Kingdom Marriage by Tony Evans; Parenting by Tripp; New Morning Mercies by Tripp
These incredible books tell stories over my life. My Utmost for His Highest was first published in 1924 by Chambers’ widow [#2]. I can remember opening this devotional book for the first time in high school – I stole my mom’s book – and thinking about how timeless it was for our lives even today. These words ring loudly with wisdom and truths that are very uncommon to our culture, but dripping with the Spirit of God. Also, New Morning Mercies [#7], is a beautiful daily devotional read that was gifted to me by a very dear friend. They are full of powerful reminders a daily truths for today.
Praying Circles Around Your Children and Upside Down Prayers for Parents [#1&3] are also full of unique and counter-culture reminders and prayers applicable to the little humans you may be raising. Raising children is one of the most crucial positions and mission I hold and I cannot tell you how ill-equipped I often feel. These little reads are great reminders on how to stay focused on what truly matters and dismiss the rest. Numbers 4, 5 & 6 will give you great hope while dismantling all of the ugly found within your own selfish soul. I have a love and hate relationship with all three of these books because they enlighten me to many of my own character flaws which brings great pain, but it is the much needed, good pain. They have helped me grow more than so many other books I have touched.
The Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson; Grave Robber by Mark Batterson; You and Me Forever by Francis & Lisa Chan; Crazy Love by Francis Chan; You Were Made for More by Jim Cymbala; Spirit Rising by Jim Cymbala; Fresh Faith and Fresh Power by Jim Cymbala; Not Forsaken by Louis Giglio; For the Love by Jen Hatmaker; Seven by Jen Hatmaker; Here, Now by Kate Merrick; Adopted for Life by Moore; Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurst; The Broken Way by Ann Voscamp.
WOW – each of these books I can tell you were I sat and what season of life I was in while I was reading them. The Fresh Faith and Fresh Power Cymbala books take me all the way back to high school reading. I know I was a nerd and not the normal high school student, just ask my youth pastor who was charged with dealing with me and my constant push for more! And the Batterson books which helped my not long after the death of my sister with navigating who my God says He is. And of course the Hatmaker books which lightened my up from religion and thrusted me into more of relationship and laughter with my God. And the timely book that I had read many years ago, The Broken Way by Ann Voscamp, which taught me foundational truths before I knew I would really need them.
Here, Now – a wake up call to all who cannot seem to stop letting life control them. And Adopted for Life – the awesomeness about how we are all adopted in Christ and how that parallels for those littles among us adopted into our family home. Crazy Love by Chan will challenge you – if you think you love God, read this. It will make you think twice about what love really is. You Were Made for More by Cymbala – I remember reading all of NYC when me and my husband Clif went on a couples only weekend trip to hear from God and photograph the city. It was a powerful weekend of renewal and goodness for us both and this was my book of choice. Never would I dream our family and home would look the way it does now. Every day I am blessed.
And of course, You and Me Forever a great marriage book and tool to be the guideposts on this journey. And Forgiving What You Cannot Forget – speaks for itself. A Powerful Read to stop the victim card being played in your life. And Not Forsaken by Giglio – exactly that… all are must go to’s. And reminder books for life.
Prayers that Avail Much for Women, Copeland; How Successful People Lead, Maxwell; Minute Motivators for Leaders; Slow Down by Nordeman; Simple Truths of Service; Go-Giver; Rainmaker; The 12 Week Year; The Sensational Salesman, Cummings; Live Love Lead by Houston; Spiritual Leadership by Blackaby; FISH; Inside the Magic Kingdom – Disney’s Success; Customer Satisfaction is Worthless Customer Loyalty is Priceless.
Each of these are business, sales, leadership, customer service, good human books. I could go into detail, but honestly, each of these have nuggets of goodness and best practices for all. If you are in business at all – read them all. If you are a leader at all, read them all.
CS Lewis; Francine Rivers; Karen Kingsbury – best fiction authors with purpose
These are some of the best fiction books and series I have ever read with a greater purpose. The Magicians Nephew by CS Lewis is the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia Series – A MUST READ. The Screwtape Letters is a book written by the demons who are trying to destroy a human’s life. It gives great perspective on our days of living today, even though written many years ago. Rejoice is in the first series of the 20+ book series of the Baxter Family books by Karen Kingsbury. I couldn’t find my first book, Redemption, I am sure I loaned it out – but these are a powerful fiction read of a family living life with problems growing their faith. I believe many of us can relate.
Angels Walking series is another set of books by Karen Kingsbury that speaks to how the angels walk among us – such a great fiction by bound in truth read! Francine Rivers is one of the most historical fiction authors I’ve ever read – she will create stories within a biblical era and do great things with not being against scripture, but building the stories out. Sons of Encouragement and Lineage of Grace are great examples of this. Also, my favorite series of ALL Time is the Mark of the Lion Series which begins with Voice in the Wind. Redeeming Love – read it the first time in 24 hours. I am thankful there is one who passionately pursues my soul in this way. Even after I leave and flee so very often. I highly recommend each of these great literary marvels!
Multiply by Francis Chan; Walking with God in Every Season- Ecclesiastes/SongofSolomon/Lamentations, Arthur/Delacy; Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther by Arthur/Delacy; 40 minute studies by Arthur/Delacy; Waymaker by Ann Voscamp; No Other Gods by Minter; Gideon by Priscilla Shirer; Radical by David Platt, The Broken Way by Ann Voscamp; Breathe by Priscilla Shirer; Covenant by Kay Arthur; not listed: PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT by Kay Arthur
Discipleship Books – each and every one of these have unlocked a powerful truth about my God. If you are looking for core foundational truths that challenge you and encourage you in your relationship with God, these are great studies that will grow you and take you deeper in fellowship with the Lord. Each of these will guide you in the Truth of the Word and the hope of tomorrow. The bible study of Gideon, for example, Priscilla Shirer unpacks the story of Gideon. The powerful truth of how our God looks at a scared man fearing for his life and calls him a “Valiant Warrior.” Even when our actions don’t line up, our God still speaks truth over us. A great place to start bible studies is on precept.org – they have studies for all walks of life and all ages.
I know this is a lot to share on this amazing Christmas Eve – but today is the day to start to read. Reading changes an atmosphere. What we are putting in is either bringing death or life. Choose to turn the TV and the Facebook off today and pick up a book that will bring life! Make the most of 2023 – make it different than the last.
From the day of our 20 week ultrasound, we knew this journey was going to be difficult. Our amazing, beautiful, incredibly awesome baby girl, whom we had prayed for more than five years was about to breathe the air of this world for the first time. During that forever life-altering ultrasound visit, which was really only supposed to tell us what the color of balloons to have at our gender reveal party, forever changed me. Forever changed us. When life turns sideways.
On June 26, 2013, we were given news that our sweet Miss Georgia was going to be born with a moderately impaired cleft lip, cleft palate and it would also effect the nose. Looking back on this day, I am reminded of how quickly the world can get dark. Cold. The feelings of unfairness, comparison, and discontentment can quickly move in to demand your every thought, every word and your every fear. When life turns sideways.
The concern with clefts is not just on the exterior, but while in the womb, it may be difficult to tell if the major internal organs are also effected. Many times, I am unsure of the statistics, when a child has a cleft it is an exterior deformity that has some major challenges within their body. At our 20 week ultrasound, our physician team was unclear of the road we were facing. They immediately scheduled a visit with the high risk team at UT Medical Center to take some 3D ultrasound views and more intimately look at each organ with some of the best physicians in the country in high risk deliveries of God’s gift to mankind. During this time, the highly experience team agreed that Miss Georgia’s cleft was only facial. And for that, we are still on our knees giving thanks.
But then the roller coaster began. Could God heal our baby girl before she was born? Yes, He always could…. He created her. Would God heal our baby girl before she was born? Only delivery would tell. And if healing did not take place, what did that say about our God? Or better yet, what would that say about me? When life turns sideways.
As many of you know, healing did not take place within the womb. Our precious baby girl was born with the most incredibly beautiful face, which also had a moderate cleft lip, cleft palate and they both effected the nose and gum line. But we loved it. We loved that little face so very much. The sassiness that came out in a newborn child is unparalleled. And the love that one person could feel for someone unregistered before. We loved her little face so much that before her first surgery (at two months old), we were kind of sad to see the sweet little lip be closed up. We had truly grown to love every single kiss from those little lips!
When life goes sideways. What do we do? Does it change who our God is? Does it change us?
Today, we are embarking on our third surgery. The second surgery was the largest one today date in that it completely rebuilt the her palate so that she could eat “normal”. This surgery, while just a one day, outpatient surgery to repair her nasal cavity, building up the walls of her nose and trimming down the excess skin from her lip, is the first she knows about.
Before now, she did not realize she had a cleft lip or cleft palate when she was born. She did not realize that she was different than anyone else. Before this month, she in her three year old mind had never known surgery or hospitals. She only knew fun! Life has now gone sideways.
If you know Miss Georgia, you know that her smile is radiant. Her sparkle is contagious. Her joy is unparalleled and her love is big! She understands. She feels. She grasps far more than a three year old should.
Today, we ask that our friends and family will intercede in prayer for our family today as my daughter, for the first time, becomes aware of pain through surgery. We ask that you will intercede on our family’s behalf that the enemy, who desires to steal, kill and destroy, has no power over the physicians, nurses, surgeon and hospital where we will be. We ask that you join us in praying for Miss Georgia’s beautiful purpose to be completely fulfilled and that through this experience she falls more and more in love with our Saviour. We thank you for all of your love and support!
Today is a big day for our home. And we pray that today our Father is glorified above all else.
Polish on toes. What is that about? Who decided it would be a good idea and that you cannot dare wear sandals without them being polished? Who made this declaration? Who put these chains on me?!?
Polished toenails are beautiful, don’t get me wrong. But when did they turn from being a fun thing to do, to a down right chore that keeps me from showing them bare?
As of late, I have purposely kept my toes unpolished. Wanna know why? A few reasons: 1. I couldn’t stand the thought of doing it. Why does it bother me so much? Not having my toenails polished? What is at the root of this? 2. If I struggled with having my toes bare, who else might? Is there something deeper with this than just the fact that my toes aren’t polished? 3.The idea that this could be really interesting to see what people have to say about it, will they notice? Duh, they’ll notice, but will they actual say anything… Or just think weird things about me? LOL! 4. I’m just weird and think about polishing my toenails way too much. So much, I am now writing about it.
So, I am still left with the same thought… Why does this matter? What does polished toenails represent? They say- you’ve made time to take care of your toes; you make good money so you can even pay someone to take care of your toes; you’re fashionable; you like to have everything put together at all times; everything is always good when the toes are polished; a woman who has all of the plates in the air spinning in perfect harmony…. These may not be what they say to you, but sometimes these can/are true. Well, at least to me.
Why is it that I feel like I need to make an excuse to all mankind about why my toes aren’t polished? Why does anyone care? Why do I care? Maybe because I feel like I am showing weakness in myself if my toes aren’t polished…. Maybe it means I am not super woman and that maybe, just maybe, I might not have it altogether. Maybe it means that I really am too busy for taking care of myself and that some of these things in life that demand so much out of me really do need to stop. Maybe it signifies that I AM NOT PERFECT!
Maybe, naked toes are just the ticket to remind me and everyone around me that God never called us to be perfect…. He called us to be Holy. Maybe, I will keep naked toes until they can find their proper place in my life and in the scheme of eternity.
Everything we do, whether in word or deed, is to give glory to the One who made us. May my toes bring You the glory You deserve. Thank You for teaching through my naked toes.
PS. My toes are polished in this pic. 😑 The struggle is real.
Guest Post: Amanda Day shares her personal story on fitness
Why do I work out?
My whole life into my early twenties, I was bullied for being over weight. I was bullied to the point of wanting to drop out of school, never return, go home, and curl up in a ball away from the world. I had to learn health and nutrition on my own as a young adult. At the age of twenty-two, I began to run and my desires of food began to change. Long story short, this became a huge part of my life, and I lost 63 pounds in a just over a year. So needless to say, my life changed tremendously. Sadly, more people became my friend.
The scars of my bullies will always be there, but today, I know and believe with all of my heart and soul where my identity is. I am a daughter of the King, child of God, chosen one, beautiful in His sight, fearfully and wonderfully made. I am God’s Temple where His Spirit dwells!
I was introduced to Zumba, four years ago and at first, I’ll be honest, I thought,”huh,no way, I can’t move like that!” Well, I kept going simply because I LOVE music and I LOVE to dance! One class led to another and I became quickly addicted to it, in a good way! Zumba changed my life in many ways. From physical form to inner confidence.
Zumba was the only workout I found that I never got tired of.
Then a dear friend came to me about a year ago and suggested I become an instructor for Refit. Refit is similar to Zumba, but I said right away that there was no way I could ever get up in front of everyone and teach. Obviously, I still struggled with thinking I couldn’t achieve anything. I became nauseous just thinking about it! Then she asked me again, several several months later, and I began to pray about it, asking God to show me the way. HE knew fitness was a passion for me and HE also gave me the spiritual gift of exhortation. So I prayed, “Lord, if this is what I am supposed to do for You, please give me the courage and confidence to do it.” Without a doubt, the Lord orchestrated this for my life. So stepping out in faith, believing He would take away my fears and insecurities of teaching in front of a crowd, I registered for training and off I went. I became certified April 20th, 2016, as a Refit Instructor. Even as my training began, the enemy came and said, “you know that you can’t do this, your too insecure, you don’t have enough talent…..” I became very anxious and almost felt that I needed to walk out and come home. But I serve a mighty God that told me to stay right where I was and with Him, I can do all things who gives me strength. And that is exactly what He did! I would not be standing in front of my class teaching Refit if it wasn’t for the Lord Jesus Christ working completely through me and my dear friend’s encouragement and belief in me. You see I’m not capable of it at all. It is only Jesus working through me to give me that confidence that I need to teach other women to be the same way: to overcome their fears, their insecurities, the negative feelings they have about themselves, that they aren’t good enough, pretty enough, fit enough or look a certain way or can’t move like the instructor can, etc….
It is my great passion to help them to believe in themelves, to love themselves and see themselves through HIS eyes and not their own. As long as we view ourselves through our eyes we will never measure up. I never ever thought I would do what I do now but isn’t that how our amazing the Father works?! He works in us in ways we never thought possible! I have been set free from the bondage of insecurity and self doubt! Do I struggle from time to time? Sure I do. It’s our human nature and the enemy’s desperation trying to creep in. But as long as I have my armor on daily and seek HIS face with all I have, I am able to defeat the enemy.
So…I workout to have a strong temple for Jesus Christ, to do His work as He calls me to do it. To honor my body as He desires us to do (our bodies are the dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, you know), to encourage other women, make new relationships to share God’s love with them, because I love to dance, I love music, it is my 100% stress release therapy, and to be healthy for myself and my family!
Not one day passes I don’t thank my heavenly Father for what He is doing in my life through the fitness world. It has become my ministry for Him….who knew?….HE knew!
I’m humbled and thankful that He believed in me and had this plan for me.
So the battle is real. What happens to the moms that the Lord clearly ordains to have a career? How does a woman deal with that? What does His Word say about it? What do His people say about it? Why is there such guilt and frustration? What is the actual truth about this?
I am finding that a few years back my world shifted. I was always focused on education and career, but at no point did I ever slow down long enough to ask the Lord about what I do with all of this when babies come! (Plus I had a few extra years to think about it because baby did not come very easily, well at least not in my timeframe). Then she did come. Precious baby girl, Miss Georgia Ruth. I was now called mommy. This was a new title. One I was unfamiliar with. One that had more honor than all others… Except one, wife.
What do I do with this? How do I manage my time? My thoughts? My heart? My focus?
I was somewhat angry when I had to go back to work and take her to her new daytime sitters- her Gigi and her Mamaw and Papaw. I know, I’m a brat, how do you complain when you are blessed to have grandparents watch your precious girl??? Eh, anyone can complain about anything at anytime. It comes with our bag of bones… Somewhat natural.
Anyway, the struggle was real. Since I was young, I would daily ask the Father to give wisdom. I knew early, only by the grace of God, that I clearly did not know or understand A LOT and that I was going to need His wisdom in all things. I wondered why He didn’t tell me “hey dear, you might want to save your money so you can take a few years off when you have children…..” Or I wondered why didn’t some honest, amazing women tell me that. I regretted not planning well.
And then I went into a season where I was seeking wholeheartedly what the Lord wanted me to do for a career. My prayer was that He would tell me to quit my job and completely live by faith on where each meal was coming from. But He didn’t. My prayer was that He would tell me and Clif to pack up and move to some big adventure on mission with Him- Southeast Asia, NYC, Washington DC, anywhere really! But He didn’t. My prayer was that He would quadruple Clif’s salary and then I would just quit and do mommy stuff all day. But He didn’t.
He chose to increase my salary and give me a new mission in my career. He chose to give me great opportunity for advancement and great traveling opportunities. He chose to do the one thing I didn’t pray or ask for, but He made it clear where He wanted me to go, what He wanted me to do and where He wanted me to do it.
So what now? What happens to the dreams of having lunch on a Tuesday with baby girl? What happens to the ideas and desires of having a garden and growing our food and making beautiful flower beds? What happens to being around every time she is sick, every time she does something funny and every time you think she may become a homeschooled child?
And today was no different. Asking the same ole questions, but today He answered. Today, He spoke words that penetrated to my heart. Stop complaining and be thankful. Stop comparing and be thankful. Stop being so self-centered and BE THANKFUL. Joy cannot be where complaining, comparing and self-centeredness are. Be joyful. Stop looking twenty years ahead and live today. Be in today. Be thankful for today.
Stop viewing my circumstances as bad and start being thankful for each and every one.
Enjoy today. Have gratitude today.
Father, forgive me for my lack of thankfulness for my amazing husband, amazing daughter AND amazing career. Father, did you not make both the career mom and the stay at home mom? Did you not speak to both and give each of them their mission? Will you not supply all of our needs? Do you not take care of the birds, so you will also take care of me? Father, have you not told me that I will face trials of many kinds, but through them all, have joy!?! Lord Jesus, forgive me for all of my failures to say thank you. Father, help me to see every day as a new day and a new set of joy to be walked in. I pray that I never participate in the things You don’t want me to. I pray each day is lived as YOU perfectly planned it to be. Thank you for Your grace.
ous baby girl was born with the most incredibly beautiful face, which also had a moderate cleft lip, cleft palate and they both effected the nose and gum line. But we loved it. We loved that little face so very much. The sassiness that came out in a newborn child is unparalleled. And the love that one person could feel for someone unregistered before. We loved her little face so much that before her first surgery (at two months old), we were kind of sad to see the sweet little lip be closed up. We had truly grown to love every single kiss from those little lips!
The Journey 