The Name of Jesus

Every parent takes time to contemplate what to name their child. This is usually a big deal! 

     I was reminded in my reading today that neither Mary nor Joseph got to name Jesus. This was God’s Son, so God, Himself, named Jesus. In the first Book of Matthew, God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream saying, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife for that which is conceived on her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.”

     Jesus is a special name, meaning Savior. I looked up other names used to refer to Jesus. Christ from the Greek word means anointed one. Messiah from Hebrew means anointed one or chosen one. Immanuel from Hebrew means God with us. 

     I could describe Jesus from A to Z, among them; Wonderful, Counselor, Lord, Teacher, etc. but my point is that Jesus’s name is special. His name is to be revered, respected, and honored and never used in any other way. 

     Jesus is my Savior and He was named by God to save me from my sins!

 

 

Sweet Tea and Jesus

I’m a southern girl, so I like the quote” 

    “Raised on Sweet Tea 

         And Jesus”

I also like the summary given in my Sunday School lesson today which stated, “Christians possess confidence, light, love, and Jesus.” 

     What does this statement mean to me? It means that I have confidence that I belong to God because I believe in my Jesus. It means even as a sinner, I strive to walk in the Light, because God is Light. By walking in the Light, I strive to keep God’s laws in such a way that others see Him in me, and I love God and my fellow-man. 

     So, give me a whole lot of Jesus!

Never Alone

It is always a comfort knowing I am never alone because I know I have the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit always with me. 

Jesus is There 

 

No matter what…

When I cannot see ahead

Or where I must tread,

Jesus is there!

 

When I simply cannot conform

And must weather the storm,

Jesus is there!

 

When I stand alone

And groan,

Jesus is there!

 

When I am in grief,  

I find relief.

Jesus is there!

 

No matter what…

 When I walk through the day, 

I find a way.

‘Cause Jesus is there!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 6/6/2025  

 

“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.” Romans 8:28 

The Birth of My Savior

Imagine, if you will in the world today, your daughter, unmarried and pregnant. It surely would not cause the embarrassment now as in the days of long ago, but I would still be concerned. 

     Perhaps the daughter wanted the child, then perhaps she did not. There are alternatives, some of which I would not agree upon. Here we have a living child inside, hopefully, a loving mother's womb. The child deserves a chance at life, a life planned by God. The daughter needs much courage to carry the child and raise it alone, but the rewards of motherhood far out-weight her difficulties along the way. 

     What would have happened in days of old had Mary chosen not to have the child that God placed in her womb? We would not have a Savior.

     Tonight, on Christmas Eve, I look forward to celebrating my Savior’s birth, and I am so glad and thankful Mary was a brave woman. She was a woman who deeply loved her child and never once thought of putting away the great blessing God gave her.  Jesus was planned, He had a purpose; He fulfilled that purpose not only to me but to everyone. 

     Jesus came to die for my sins. Alone the way as He grew and walked the land, He taught, healed, and witnessed. When the time was right He died and took on my sins, and then came to life again. His purpose was to save! My purpose is to believe and share the Good News!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Christmas Hassle

Christmas Hassle

 

It seems like only yesterday I was storing away my Christmas tree,

And, now putting it back in its place with a happy, cheerful glee.

As I began to decorate, I found some garland had begun to shed.

I used it anyway, for to buy new I would really dread.

Some of my Christmas balls have gotten broken through the years,

But I re-fluffed a spot or two, not letting it bring me to tears.

A Santa pillow had gotten a little frayed,

But it can be patched with just a little aid.

Christmas is a time for joy and delight

Not for struggling with a spending plight

Or making the budget tight.

Christmas is to enjoy the Savior’s birth;

Let the home be filled with laughter and mirth.

It’s not for stressing through the Holiday season,

But for Jesus, who is the reason!

Christmas is a time to reflect upon the Cross; 

More so than decking the table with dressing, and cranberry sauce.

Christmas is a time for Jesus; 

A time to praise Him for loving us!

It’s not a time for hurry and stress 

But, rather, a time to know we are blessed.

It’s a time to envision the wise men seeking the new-born child,

Although it took a while. 

Christmas is not, so much, presents under the tree

But worshiping Jesus, who was born to die and set us free.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/8/2024

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV 

 

 

"Mary" Christmas

Since my name is Mary, I found the article by Judy Wallace in the Baptist Trumpet interesting. It was titled, A “Mary” Christmas. She talked about three Marys who had their lives turned around because of Jesus’ birth. The following all comes from Judy Wallace’s article briefly summarized: 

 

“Mary, the mother of Jesus found herself pregnant while she was engaged to be married. Subject to Old Testament law, she should have been stoned. Then there was her fiancée whose trust she had shattered. However, Mary believed in God’s promise, His power, and His purpose, and she lived faithfully.

     Mary Magdalene was a woman who had 7 demons and was totally bound, chained, and tormented by these evil oppressors. Jesus saved her, forgave her, and released her. Mary never forgot what she had been and what Jesus had done for her. She lived faithfully. She was with Christ as He ministered to others. She was with Christ when He suffered on the cross. She was with Christ when it came time to anoint His body. She was the first to be with Christ after His glorious resurrection. Her life was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ. 

     Mary, the sister of Martha had intentional discipline and dedication. Mary was more concerned about how her heart looked than about the cleanliness of her house. Mary had a molded mind, an anointing spirit, a humble attitude, and a responsive heart. She was totally attuned to Jesus and drawn to His teachings. When she is seen in Scripture, she is sitting at the feet of Jesus.” 

 

Because of Jesus’ birth, I (Mary) have had my life turned around and changed. I am looking forward to having a “Mary” Christmas with Jesus as the center of it all. The greatest gift I could give back is to follow the example of the Marys in Scripture who worshiped and followed Him with faithful and devoted hearts. 

Oh, God! Where are you?

     In the same way Jesus quieted the storm-tossed sea, He can remove this current virus that is rapidly spreading across the nations.  This Coronavirus can disappear in an instant by His spoken voice. 

     Yet, oh God where are you?  Why are you not answering our prayers?  Could it be He is waiting for people to unite.  Could it be that people are not yet looking to Him, changing their ways, and asking forgiveness. 

     In Texas Rep. Randy Weber’s prayer he stated that “We have sinned.  We have endeavored to kick God’s Word out of public schools.  We have taken the Bible out of classrooms.  We have removed the Ten Commandments off walls.  We have trampled on God’s institution of holy matrimony and called it an alternate lifestyle.  We have gone to killing the most innocent among us, who are our descendants, and called it a choice.  Our nation is 20 trillion in debt thus ignoring your Word that 'the borrower will be slave to the lender.' ”

     How can we glorify God and continue to ask for His mercy when His laws are being rewritten to satisfy mankind?  

     However, rest assured that God has a plan, and in answer to my question, "Oh, God! Where are you?'  He is in my heart.  He is with us, for His Word says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." 

No Room

NO ROOM!

There was "no room" in the inn for Jesus, yet, even today, do we have room for Him?

No room!

No room within the dimly lite heart.

No room to halt pride's rising, steaming fume,

  stealing, robbing the soul of what makes whole.

No room for forgiveness;

No room for bearing Christ-filled witness.

No room within the cluttered, busy mind

  to seek angelic finds.

No room for thanksgiving or healthful living;

  only a hundred forms of fearful gloom,

  expectant doom.

No room except restless yearnings; desires churning, 

  leaving emptiness within life's journey.

No room for admiring simple pleasures;

  the flowers that bloom,

  the scent of fragrance or perfume,

  the blessings of God-given treasures.

No room!

No room to let life bloom

  or seek rewards from heaven's womb.

No room! No room!

There is no room for Jesus.

No room to be grateful He sees us,

  He hears us,

  He receives us,

  He frees us.

No room! No room!

The Christ

     For some, like myself, names are hard to remember, yet others remember the names of everyone they meet.   Remembering names is important.  It makes people feel special when they walk up to someone they casually know and hear themselves called by name. 
     As hard as it is for me remember names, there is one name which I can and always will remember.  And, that is the name of Jesus Christ.  Yet, this is not just anyone with a first and last name.  This is Jesus the Christ.  He is the One and only Christ.  He is the Christ who died for me.  He is the Son of God.  His name nor God's name should ever be used in vain.  These names are holy.     
     Jesus the Christ intercedes daily for my sin, and it is God who created and cares for me. 
     
   
   

I've Got Jesus!

     I've Got JESUS!

     When singing, "I've got Jesus! How could I want more?"  this morning, I thought about some of the actions in my youth and even now - those terrible actions which did not represent the character of God.  My guilt and shame would be a burden to bear if I did not Jesus.  Knowing that I am "wonderfully" created by God, even created in His own image, I am ashamed of my past deeds.  However, because I have Jesus, those sinful and embarrassing actions have been laid at the very feet of Jesus.
     My question to myself is what will prevent me from further sinful acts because of my weak human desires?  It will only be by the grace of God and a daily walk with Him.
     Let me shout it to the world, "I've got Jesus!  How could I want more?"

Psalm 86:5  For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Give Me Jesus

     On my morning walk, I thought about Jesus and what He has done for me.  I couldn't help but sing to myself.  Trust me.  That is the only way anyone would ever want me to sing, except to myself.  But, no matter how badly my singing is, Jesus can change it to an instrumental note to His ears.  At least, I hope He does!  

     I started off with "Give me Jesus" and added to it during the day; as follows: 

                     Give Me Jesus 

Give me Jesus in the morning through the bright and sunny day.

Give me Jesus through the damp and misty dew.

Let me place my hand in His;

Let my troubles pass on through.

  Ohhh-- yes! Give me Jesus every hour of every day.

  May He open up the doors;

  Giving blessings by the scores.

  Ohhh--yes!  Give me Jesus every hour of every day.

Give me Jesus in the noontime through the rain or troubling storm.

Give me Jesus through the warmth or cold of life. 

Let me follow in His footsteps;

Let our time not slip away.

  Ohhh-- yes!  Give me Jesus every hour of every day.

  May He direct my path;

  A refuge from His wrath.

  Ohhh--yes!  Give me Jesus every hour of every day. 

Give me Jesus in the dusty dark of night.

Give me Jesus through the calm of evening shade.

Let me listen for His voice;

Let my soul be not dismayed.

  Ohhh-- yes!  Give me Jesus every hour of every day.

  May my life not be in vain;

  Causing others undue pain.

  Ohhh--yes!  Give me Jesus every hour of every  day. 

Ohhh-yes!  Give me Jesus every hour.   

Calming Anxiety

     Mark 4:39  "And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became calm."
     What do you do when you have anxious moments?  It does not matter whether it is a physical, financial, relational, or any simple issue in life.  We all have anxious moments.  As Christians, we have a Holy Spirit living inside of us.  We have the power to use that force to quiet the soul.
     "Hush, be still."  God, the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three in one protecting, leading, sheltering.  Seek Him first.   He can calm the waves, the sea, and the storm building within us.
    

'Tis So Sweet

     One of my favorite songs is 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.   This song is a timeless piece of art which was sang often at my little country church when I was growing up.  It was interesting to search and find that this song, still being sang today, was written as far back as 1882 by Louisa M.R. Stead.

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!” 

• Refrain:
  Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
  How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
  Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
  Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

    When I think of the sweet, sweet name of Jesus and associate His mighty, wonderful name to what He has done for me, I stand in awe, yet feel ashamed when my faith slips. 

J -ust as I am is how He accepts me.
E -ternal life is what He offered by His death.
S -avior of the world is who He is. 
U -nited with Him is what He provides when we believe and accept.
S -taying by my side is my Jesus -Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend, so sweet and so near.

 

Mary, Did You Know?

     With Christmas just around the corner, I thought about Mary, the mother of Jesus, and just what she knew about the life her newborn child would live.  There is no way to really know the measure of Mary's thoughts.   
     The one thing I do know, from my own experience, is that I loved the child I was carrying.  I prayed daily for her to be healthy.  I did not know what a wonderful, precious blessing she would really become.  I did not know what her successes would be.  I did not know she would become my best friend.  I did not know, and still do not know, what her future holds.  The one thing I know is that she has Jesus and His love in her heart, and that is the most important thing in this life.  Without Him, we will not have life eternal. 
    The authors of the song, "Mary, Did You Know?"  give us much food for thought:

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God
Mary did you know, Mary did you know, Mary did you know
The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am
Mary did you know, Mary did you know, Mary did you know?

17 Days Until Thanksgiving

     With Thanksgiving just 17 days away, I must say, I am thankful for my friends; the friends I made during school which I still have, the friends on Facebook, the friends from my workplace, and the friends in my church and community.  I will admit, some are more casual acquaintances than others, but they are all willing to be prayer warriors when the need arises.
     My closest friend is Jesus.  I am so thankful that Jesus is with me at all times.  I can call upon Him at any moment of the day.  I do not know what I would do or how I would handle life situations if I did not have Him in my life.  As Proverbs 18:24 says, "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." 
     To sum up my friendship with Jesus, nothing says it better than the lyrics to the song, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."
    

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer

Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

 

Happiness...continued

     Yesterday I talked about the "Ten Things To Let Go Of To Be Happy" which I had found on a Facebook posting.  Today, I would like to share ten more things which I believe will help people find happiness, with number one taking priority.

1.  Accept Jesus as your Savior:  John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

2.  Pray daily:  1 Thessalonians 5:17-18  "Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

3.  Read the Bible daily:  Psalms 18:30 "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

4.  Show love to God and to one another: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.   Love never fails."

5. Watch your words and also do not gossip:  Let your speech be kind:  Proverbs 15:23 "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"  Proverbs 18:8 "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts." Proverbs 20:19 "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much."

6.  Seek righteous behavior above worldly actions:  Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

7.  Avoid the ways of unbelievers: Psalms 1:1-2 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord.

8.  Let go of fear and worry:   Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."   Matthew 6:24-35 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?  “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

9.  Trust God with all things:  Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

10. Let your treasure be found in your heart, in God, not in earthly possessions:  Matthew 6:23 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

There is so much that can be found in the Bible regarding ways to be happy and joyful.  My next blog will continue with The Be Happy Attitudes ....  



  

 







 
    



















  


 
 















































































































 

  







   

Star of Bethlehem

     When I think of Christmas, uppermost in my mind, is the birth of Jesus laying in a manager.  However one Christmas carol, "We Three Kings," reminded me of the significance of the star that led the wise men to the baby boy.  There are many who believe the star was an astronomical event while others believe it to be a supernatural, miraculous occurrence.  Regardless, I tend to regard the star as a wonderful, bright experience, a holy star, that was planned by God, and I love the refrain of the  song: 
                O star of wonder, star of night,
                Star with royal beauty bright,
                Westward leading, still proceeding,
                Guide us to they perfect light. 
    
     Here are my own thoughts about the star:

HOLY STAR

Oh holy star,

so near, yet so far.

Shining in all your radiant glory

sharing in the Messiah's story.

Oh holy star, lighting the way

with your lovely ray;

Stunning! Illuminating bright!

Spectacular in the night!

Sending out a visual declaration

as wise men gazed in excited adoration.

Oh holy star,

so near, yet so far.

Hovering over the manager scene;

Casting down your joyous diamond beam.

Oh, star of light, star of wonder

to those down under.

Oh, star from the East - an astronomical mystery;

Puzzling all throughout history.

Out of the night, shining forth,

leading, guiding, proclaiming the Savior's birth. 

                                                          Mary Crisp Jameson