Sunday, December 25, 2011
It's His Birthday, Not Ours!
Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, let us hold close one day, remembering its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again." Grace Noll Crowell
Scripture:
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Recently, a very good friend of mine sent me a story called the "Birthday Party". As I read the story, it really hit me. What started out as a celebration for the birth of our Lord and Savior has turned in to one big celebration where for the most part, he is not invited.
It's so very sad to realize that Santa Claus gets more glory than our Lord and Savior. It very sad to realize that he can go into the schools, into the courthouse and just about everywhere else, but Jesus can't.
It's so very sad to realize that we Christians who celebrate Christmas buy gifts for our loved ones with nary a thought to those less fortunate then ourselves. A few years ago, I along with several other friends pooled our resources and went out and prepared gift baskets and bought toys for a women’s shelter.
Some of us also took our children along so that they could see just how blessed we truly are. I tell this story not to glorify what we did, but to challenge you this Christmas season.
It is our duty and responsibility to do something for others who are less fortunate than us. It is our duty to give back just a portion that has been given to us.
Besides, we already received the best gift anyone could ever give us. Our Lord, Our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, help us to always be mindful of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We recognize that life is a struggle, but as long as You are with us, we can make it through. You have said in Your word that the righteous will not be forsaken or their children begging bread. We thank You Lord that we do not have to beg for bread. But Lord we recognize that there are children out there whose bellies and empty. We realize that there are women out there who are too scared to leave their situations. We realize that there are men out there who got lost along the way and don't know what it's like to be a child in the kingdom of God. Have mercy on them today, Lord Jesus. I pray that someone's heart would be touched as they read these words. I pray that Your saints would go out and do a good work in Your name. I pray that Your saints would realize just how awesome and powerful Your word is. Thank You Lord. Bless Your name. Thank You for loving me despite the world around me. Bless his holy name, saints of God. And all the saints submit this prayer in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Recently, a very good friend of mine sent me a story called the "Birthday Party". As I read the story, it really hit me. What started out as a celebration for the birth of our Lord and Savior has turned in to one big celebration where for the most part, he is not invited.
It's so very sad to realize that Santa Claus gets more glory than our Lord and Savior. It very sad to realize that he can go into the schools, into the courthouse and just about everywhere else, but Jesus can't.
It's so very sad to realize that we Christians who celebrate Christmas buy gifts for our loved ones with nary a thought to those less fortunate then ourselves. A few years ago, I along with several other friends pooled our resources and went out and prepared gift baskets and bought toys for a women’s shelter.
Some of us also took our children along so that they could see just how blessed we truly are. I tell this story not to glorify what we did, but to challenge you this Christmas season.
It is our duty and responsibility to do something for others who are less fortunate than us. It is our duty to give back just a portion that has been given to us.
Besides, we already received the best gift anyone could ever give us. Our Lord, Our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, help us to always be mindful of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We recognize that life is a struggle, but as long as You are with us, we can make it through. You have said in Your word that the righteous will not be forsaken or their children begging bread. We thank You Lord that we do not have to beg for bread. But Lord we recognize that there are children out there whose bellies and empty. We realize that there are women out there who are too scared to leave their situations. We realize that there are men out there who got lost along the way and don't know what it's like to be a child in the kingdom of God. Have mercy on them today, Lord Jesus. I pray that someone's heart would be touched as they read these words. I pray that Your saints would go out and do a good work in Your name. I pray that Your saints would realize just how awesome and powerful Your word is. Thank You Lord. Bless Your name. Thank You for loving me despite the world around me. Bless his holy name, saints of God. And all the saints submit this prayer in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
God's Treasure
Remember, Treasure your relationships, not your possessions. ~ Anthony J. DeAngelo
Scripture:
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. Matthew 6:20-22
Recently a friend, sent me a story about a little girl who treasured a strand of dime store pearls. This little girl thought the pearls were wonderful and they where her most prized possession.
Well the story goes on to tell how her father, knowing how much this little girl loved these pearls, asked her if she loved him too. Of course her response was yes. But when he asked if he could have the pearls, the little girl would response, oh no, but you can have one of my other treasures. This went on for awhile, until one day with tears in her eyes, the little girl gave her daddy the cheap pearls.
Her father who loved her very much reached into his pocket and pulled out a real set of pearls that he been waiting to give his daughter when she was ready to give up the cheap ones that she treasured so deeply.
The moral of the story is this; How often do we covet something that only looks good? How often do we hold on to a relationship that only looks good to the world, but we know in our hearts, that it is not all it appears to be? How often do we say we love our heavenly Father, but are unwilling to give up those things in our lives, that are cheap, gaudy, and superficial? How often must He ask us do we love him enough to give up what we treasure the most to follow him?
How long does he have to wait to give you the purest treasure of all? His love.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, forgive us for loving things more than You. Forgive us not listening to Your cries. Forgive us Lord for not seeing our own selfishness. Father, help us to develop a discerning spirit that would help us to recognize those things in our lives that You yearn for us to give up. Help us to be still, be quiet, listen for Your voice that tells us how much You love us, when the world around us tries to tell us otherwise. Father, may we always seek You face, Your wisdom, and Your mercy. For we are weak and need Your strength. Thank You Lord, for the new revelations we discover in Your word each day. Continue to touch, bless, and anoint all who come seeking Your word today. Help each of us find that path that You have chosen for us. Order our steps Holy Spirit, so that we may always walks in right relation with You. Keep each and every family that is represented here safe under the wings of Your salvation. As we as these and all things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. Matthew 6:20-22
Recently a friend, sent me a story about a little girl who treasured a strand of dime store pearls. This little girl thought the pearls were wonderful and they where her most prized possession.
Well the story goes on to tell how her father, knowing how much this little girl loved these pearls, asked her if she loved him too. Of course her response was yes. But when he asked if he could have the pearls, the little girl would response, oh no, but you can have one of my other treasures. This went on for awhile, until one day with tears in her eyes, the little girl gave her daddy the cheap pearls.
Her father who loved her very much reached into his pocket and pulled out a real set of pearls that he been waiting to give his daughter when she was ready to give up the cheap ones that she treasured so deeply.
The moral of the story is this; How often do we covet something that only looks good? How often do we hold on to a relationship that only looks good to the world, but we know in our hearts, that it is not all it appears to be? How often do we say we love our heavenly Father, but are unwilling to give up those things in our lives, that are cheap, gaudy, and superficial? How often must He ask us do we love him enough to give up what we treasure the most to follow him?
How long does he have to wait to give you the purest treasure of all? His love.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, forgive us for loving things more than You. Forgive us not listening to Your cries. Forgive us Lord for not seeing our own selfishness. Father, help us to develop a discerning spirit that would help us to recognize those things in our lives that You yearn for us to give up. Help us to be still, be quiet, listen for Your voice that tells us how much You love us, when the world around us tries to tell us otherwise. Father, may we always seek You face, Your wisdom, and Your mercy. For we are weak and need Your strength. Thank You Lord, for the new revelations we discover in Your word each day. Continue to touch, bless, and anoint all who come seeking Your word today. Help each of us find that path that You have chosen for us. Order our steps Holy Spirit, so that we may always walks in right relation with You. Keep each and every family that is represented here safe under the wings of Your salvation. As we as these and all things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
When Your Soul Feels Empty
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering you own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew. ~ Saint Francis de Sales
Scripture:
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39 (New International Version)
Depression is never easy, but it's especially hard during the holidays. The holiday season for most people is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations, and social gatherings with family and friends. But for many people, it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety. And unfortunately, with our faltering economy and massive layoffs, this year is even worse.
We have allowed one of the holiest times of the year to become one of the most commercialized times as well. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed for fear of being sued. Far too often we look to those materialistic things of this world to fill the void in our empty souls. We find ourselves wandering about in the desert like the children of Israel unable to find our way home.
However, I want you to know, there is something that can make you feel whole again; the undeniable, indisputable, everlasting word of God. When we begin to feel our souls being emptied out by the world around us, all we have to do is go before the throne of grace and drink from a fountain that never runs dry.
"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace to intercede for one another. We come asking for blessings and breakthroughs, not for ourselves but for our family members, friends, co-workers, on-line family members and brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, we don't know the needs of Your children, but You do Lord. We ask that You would lift and bind the spirits of depression, despair, loneliness, anger, resentment, hurt, poverty and all others that are not of You. Lord, we ask that You would bless us and deliver us as only You can. Place Your hedge of protection securely around every person and all families that are represented here today. Allow this season of Your son to be filled with blessings and joy that have been given with the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39 (New International Version)
Depression is never easy, but it's especially hard during the holidays. The holiday season for most people is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations, and social gatherings with family and friends. But for many people, it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety. And unfortunately, with our faltering economy and massive layoffs, this year is even worse.
We have allowed one of the holiest times of the year to become one of the most commercialized times as well. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed for fear of being sued. Far too often we look to those materialistic things of this world to fill the void in our empty souls. We find ourselves wandering about in the desert like the children of Israel unable to find our way home.
However, I want you to know, there is something that can make you feel whole again; the undeniable, indisputable, everlasting word of God. When we begin to feel our souls being emptied out by the world around us, all we have to do is go before the throne of grace and drink from a fountain that never runs dry.
"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace to intercede for one another. We come asking for blessings and breakthroughs, not for ourselves but for our family members, friends, co-workers, on-line family members and brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, we don't know the needs of Your children, but You do Lord. We ask that You would lift and bind the spirits of depression, despair, loneliness, anger, resentment, hurt, poverty and all others that are not of You. Lord, we ask that You would bless us and deliver us as only You can. Place Your hedge of protection securely around every person and all families that are represented here today. Allow this season of Your son to be filled with blessings and joy that have been given with the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Monday, December 05, 2011
What is Life?
Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.
Scripture:
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 King James Version (KJV)
Life is an Adventure ... Dare it
Life is a Beauty ... Praise it
Life is a Challenge ... Meet it
Life is a Duty ... Perform it
Life is a Love ... Enjoy it
Life is a Tragedy ... Face it
Life is a Struggle ... Fight it
Life is a Promise ... Fulfill it
Life is a Game ... Play it
Life is a Gift ... Accept it
Life is a Journey ... Complete it
Life is a Mystery ... Unfold it
Life is a Goal ... Achieve it
Life is an Opportunity ... Take it
Life is a Puzzle ... Solve it
Life is a Song ... Sing it
Life is a Sorrow ... Overcome it
Life is a Spirit ... Realize it
Scripture:
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 King James Version (KJV)
Life is an Adventure ... Dare it
Life is a Beauty ... Praise it
Life is a Challenge ... Meet it
Life is a Duty ... Perform it
Life is a Love ... Enjoy it
Life is a Tragedy ... Face it
Life is a Struggle ... Fight it
Life is a Promise ... Fulfill it
Life is a Game ... Play it
Life is a Gift ... Accept it
Life is a Journey ... Complete it
Life is a Mystery ... Unfold it
Life is a Goal ... Achieve it
Life is an Opportunity ... Take it
Life is a Puzzle ... Solve it
Life is a Song ... Sing it
Life is a Sorrow ... Overcome it
Life is a Spirit ... Realize it
