He Gave Us The Very Best He Had – Give Him The Very Best You Have

 

Once again the Christmas season is upon us. Many people are shopping, preparing to give gifts to friends and loved ones.  It is a good thing to give, for God has said in His word that it is more blessed to give than to receive. 

We know that the greatest gift that was given, was from God. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).  That gift is Jesus the Christ, whose birth we celebrate at this time.

Years ago, I used to play a song for  choirs which we would sing at our church services every year. It was always one of my favorites, as it was a reminder of how God gave us His best, and why we in turn should  always want to give Him our best.  Not just in our church activities, but in the life we live every day. 

This song was penned many years ago by James Dewitt Johnson. It tells the story about the birth of Jesus, and what He did for us, which is why He is the best gift ever given to this world. 

 

                                       “He Gave Us The Very Best He Had”

                                      God gave to the world, His only begotten son 

                                      To bring peace and great tidings, of great joy 

                                      And the star, from the East, shined on this great boy 

                                      God gave us, the very best, He had 

 

                                      The shepherds, they followed the star,  to the east, where Jesus lay 

                                      All wrapped in swaddling clothes, in a manger, filled with hay 

                                      The wise men, they came from afar

                                      Just to see this great child,  that had been sent, by God 

 

                                     The Son went to Calvary, and He hung, on the cross 

                                     Just to save this world,  from sin, and lost 

                                     He hung, on the cross, for it was all He could do 

                                     And to the world, His love, He did prove 

 

                                    God gave us, the very best, He had 

                                    God gave us, His son 

                                    The most precious gift, from anyone 

                                    God gave us, the very best, He had 

 

Jesus Christ is the best gift that has ever been given.  God gave us His best.  That should make us always want to give Him our best.  Not just at Christmas, or just in our local church activities, but in our daily living.   

Give him the best in your walk, in your talk,  and in how you look.  We are children of the most High God, a royal priesthood.  When we come together to worship, remember you are presenting yourself  before the King of Kings, the ultimate royalty.  Therefore, dress your best, walk your best, talk your best, give Him your best praise.  Live your best, and be His true church everyday and everywhere. 

Know that Jesus is coming back, not for a building, but for a church(people) without spot or wrinkle.

God gave us the very best He had. Give Him the very best you have.

 

There is much Hoopla about Valentine’s Day

There is much Hoopla about Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is legendarily known for being the most romantic day of the year. Wow! This is a Day that couples desire to wonderfully express and celebrate life and their love for one another. This day of love is now further extended and expressed in many different ways between friends, families, classmates, teachers, coworkers and many more…

It is a great and marvelous day to annually commemorate your union of “the two becoming one.” Marriage was designed to be a loving, spiritual, committed and pleasurable fulfilling experience.

 

A Little History About Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is said to have originated from amongst the ancient chronicles of ancient Roman history within the early Christian Church. Not all agree; some believe its origin is that of a pagan nature.

 

However, this narrative goes as such.

 

Once upon a time, years ago somewhere in and about the 3rd century AD., many couples who were in love were forbidden to marry. It is said that Emperor Claudius II who was an austere, ambitious and controlling ruler requiring vast armies of men denied them the privilege to marry. He trained his soldiers well yet brutally. He was a hard taskmaster. The soldiers had to be on the road for long extended periods of times and he did not want them engaging in sexual intercourse. This left the lonesome lot of soldiers homesick and half-hearted… Still, the Emperor felt it drained the soldier’s strength and interfered with his goal for them to be victorious on the battlefield. So, he subsequently banned marriages altogether.

 

But one bold, compassionate, defiant priest in Rome named Father Valentine did not agree. He thought that the Emperor Claudius II was unjust and unyielding in this belief. He heroically came to the aid of many couples and secretly married the young lovers anyway. Well, when the furious Emperor got wind of what was happening, he was livid, and he had him beaten with clubs and arrested. It is alleged that the emperor himself began to grow fond of Father Valentine. He came to really like him.

 

Father Valentine eventually tried to no avail to convert the emperor. In turn the emperor wanted and attempted unsuccessfully to make Father Valentine renounce his Faith. They reached an impasse in their relationship. Father Valentine remained incarcerated and was eventually sentenced to death.

 

It is believed that the secretly wedded blissful couples that Father Valentine had married were so very thankful. Filled with elated gratitude they clandestinely visited the imprisoned priest. No doubt that they had pledged their love for one another but for Father Valentine as well. With thankful hearts filled with gratefulness and appreciation they surreptitiously brought him gifts, flowers and notes of gratitude. The couples would secretly pass the notes to him through the bars of his cell.

 

Father Valentine himself being loving, kindhearted, caring and compassionate supposedly too fell in love. How ironic for it was with the jailer’s daughter. Some say she was blind and he healed her… On the day of the condemned Father Valentine’s execution of February 14th around 269, he wrote her a note confessing his love for her and signed it “from your Valentine.” He however was still beheaded and martyred. From here amongst the varied accounts originates our tradition of “Valentine’s Day.”

 

Millions Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Today in this modern 21st century “Valentine’s Day” is one of the most celebrated days on the calendar. It has been festively celebrated by billions of people ever since the days of Father Valentine. This day has become extravagantly and immensely commercialized so be aware that you do not get pulled in. 

 

Yes, do celebrate “LOVE” but be responsible and stay safe!

 

Compare 2012 with 2021

 

This was true in 2012

Here in our beautiful country of America alone over 180,000,000 people celebrate by purchasing and showering roses upon their loved ones. Red is the most often selected color. It is a most prosperous day for retailers! Over 36,000,000 heart-shaped boxes of candy and chocolates as well as thousands of diamonds, dinners, cards and other gifts ranging from extravagant to simple in lavish expenditures collectively totaling billions of dollars are purchased.

 

Hershey the infamous chocolate maker employs 13,000 employees. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania they make over $5,000,000,000 in revenue per year. They use over 600, 000,000 million pounds of chocolate per year as well as using over 200,000,000 million pounds of nuts and 700,000,000 million pounds of milk and an exorbitant ridiculously extravagant amount of sugar! Hershey Inc. vast quantities of chocolate is made from cocoa plants from all around the world.

 

Past Statistics as of 2021 on Valentine’s Day Spending according to Fortunly

Take note of these statistics because it is important to keep them in a balanced perspective.

Spending on Valentine’s Day in the US amounted to roughly $20.7 billion in 2019.

(MarketingCharts)

Valentine’s Day statistics show that around 61% of Americans planned to buy Valentine’s Day gifts for their partner in 2018.

(Statista)

American consumers spent $886 million on gifts for their pets on Valentine’s Day.

(MarketWatch)

A quarter of all Americans will go Valentine’s Day shopping for their loved ones.

(National Retail Federation)

Valentine’s stats show that 28% of American adults purchased flowers or plants as gifts for the occasion. 37% of those were men and 19% were women.

(The Society of American Florists)

According to Valentine’s Day sales statistics, Americans spent $1.8 billion on candy for this holiday.

(CNBC)

Red roses account for 69% of all flowers bought on St. Valentine’s Day.

(The Society of American Florists)

Some $5 billion is spent on jewelry for Valentine’s Day in the US.

(National Retail Federation)

Men spend up to five times more than women on gifts for Valentine’s Day.

(Bankrate)

Valentine’s Day sales statistics reveal that 85% of all Valentine’s cards are bought by women.

(Greeting Card Association)

Valentine’s Day retail data shows that more than 135 million Americans went shopping for the occasion in 2019.

(Finder)

US citizens are expected to spend $27.4 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2020. That equates to $196.31 per person.

(National Retail Foundation)

 

 

Valentine’s Day Is A Time To Celebrate Love!

 

When couples are in love it is both emotional and physical. The brain produces a neurotransmitter called dopamine. It is a natural stimulant that carries messages from nerve cells to other nerve cell muscles. It is sent to many brain regions creating intense feelings often associated with romantic love. There are also physiological responses that occur by another closely related neurotransmitter called norepinephrine that often creates and intense craving… This explains why kissing for some can be intense because the hormone testosterone is passed between the two when kissing. Hopefully this explains why some can tend to be a bit irrational initially when in love. Love is wonderful when properly and lovingly expressed.

 

There is much more to Love than the physical. In a good nurturing healthy marriage, respect, care, loyalty and concern are evident components. Many are committed to many other things and their marriage is secondary. You want to take time to really get to know this person who you have committed to love. You both made not only a commitment to your spouse but you both made a vow to the LORD, or did you? Remember this all throughout the year and not only on Valentine’s Day.

 

The Beauty of Marital Love Expressed in Song of Solomon 

 

“HOW beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince’s daughter? The joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman. Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor, thy belly is like a heap of wheat set about with lilies.  thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.

Thy neck is like a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fish pools in Hesbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim, Thy nose is as the tower or Lebanon which leadeth towards Damascus. Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like Purple, the King is held in the galleries. How fair and pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!  This thy stature is like a palm tree, and thy breasts shall be as clusters of grapes…” SONG OF SOLOMON 7   Example of: I and my beloved.

 

The WORD of GOD speaks quite candidly here and transparently reveals pure marital love in the form of poetic scripture.

 

MARRIAGE IS SACRED IN THE EYES OF GOD

 

When you truly embrace His principles of Love within your marriage you both will experience an ever-increasing fulfilling union.  (Together you have the freedom to privately express your love to one another in a physical manner.)   God is Omnipresent meaning; He is absolutely everywhere. Invite Him into every area of your marriage and everyday life. God is Omniscient meaning; He is totally cognizant of all things and knows everything. Remember it is He that has created us. He is the creator and originator and knows what is necessary to have a great marriage. It is always your choice to allow Him His place within your life.  It is important to keep GOD in the Center of your marriage. If you have not it is never too late to start… I assure you, you both will be or become a lot happier.

 

 

Suggestions To Celebrate VALENTINE’S DAY

There are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a couple. Here are a few suggestions:

Start the day off with a nice hug

A relaxing bubble bath or soothing shower is a good way to start your day.

Slip a romantic expression of love note in his pocket or her purse

Compose or read poetry to one another, for starters try, The “Song of Solomon” it is a fabulous book of inspiration and love

Plan a nice Candlelight dinner and or a romantic picnic lunch

Treats of: Cakes, Cookies, Cupcakes, Chocolates, Popcorn and assorted candies

Flowers & Cards

Fruit Baskets

Take in a matinée or evening movie

Select in advance a great movie you are excited about sharing at home

Plan a spa couple visit for the mud baths, mineral springs and for massages

Play nice enjoyable music to relax

Before retiring take a nice temperate, peaceful, tranquil candle light bubble bath

A nice added touch is a scented comfy and pillow puffy rose petaled bed…

All the above are simply suggestions. Each couple is quite different. You might even have some better suitable suggestions. So do what personally works for you.

Everyday  all throughout the year it is always good to Kiss your spouse whenever you part. You never know what a day may bring.

 

Genuine LOVE continues to refine and flourish 

A suggested gift to one another that continues the celebration throughout the year.  Remember to be creative! Do keep love alive in your marriage. Make life healthy safe & exciting for one another.  Simply write colorful to do “IOU’S “on note cards…  Fold and place them in a nicely decorated jar or basket. Pick from them all throughout the year.  

 

Here are a few suggestions; This is your day to do as you wish; An Impromptu no questions asked date, A together Car Wash, No arguing today, Dancing, A no spending date, Golf Pass, Couple shopping fling, Back rub & neck massage, Foot massage, Manicure & or Pedicure, Night on the town, Walk in the park, Let’s exercise together, A picnic, Event of choice or a lovely Evening of Elegance…

The intent is to learn how to enjoy your life together, and be thoughtful and considerate of one another as well as others…  Time is precious. After a while it becomes a part of who you are. And yes, do always take time to study the Word of God together for it is our necessary essential spiritual food for our mind, body & soul! 

When you do begin to partake in some of the above consistently, they will occur naturally….

 

~ “GOD IS LOVE” ~

GOD Defines LOVE in HIS WORD

 

When you SAY that you LOVE someone here are some things to KEEP in mind. Here the TRUE meaning of LOVE is defined.

LOVE is best described herein I Corinthians 13: “LOVE is patient, Love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. LOVE does not delight in evil, but REJOICES in TRUTH. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. LOVE NEVER FAILS…”

Remember this; “GOD IS LOVE!” and His Love lasts through eternity! Father God Bless You Both. ENJOY & CELEBRATE the one you Love! Seek out ways to encourage more and complain less.  Stay committed to your vows you made to God and to one another.  Keep God in the Center of your marriage.

Always remember; “Love is patient, Love is kind, Love is felt most when it is GENUINE!”

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Jesus Christ is “More Than A Story”

Recently I’ve been spending quite a bit of time pondering what the world thinks of Jesus Christ. Just who does the world think he is ? At Christmas and Easter we see the world celebrate these days if they are just “social activities”. Parties, giving gifts, drinking etc. Some may even take a moment to think about the stories that surround these days, although often mixing Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny with the story about the birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Santa Claus and the Easter bunny are just kid stories. However, Jesus Christ is a way of life, everyday, every heart must hear.

It’s important to realize not everyone knows who Jesus Christ really is. The world doesn’t know why He came, why He died, and why He arose from the grave. The following lyrics to a song recorded by Donnie Harper and The New Jersey Mass Choir says it well. Take some time and ponder over these words, then tell the world that He is “More Than A Story“.

“More Than A Story”

People talk of a good man
Came to earth so long ago
In a manger he did lay
It’s the Christmas story they say
But it means more to me
Cause He set my life free
And he came to do the same for you
Cause He’s,
More than a story
That the world thinks of just one time a year
He’s more than a story
He’s a way of life, every day, every heart must hear.

Some have heard of a good man
Lived a life, did no one no harm
On a cross they killed him
It’s the Easter story again
But it means more to me
Cause he set my life free
And he came to do the same for you
Cause He’s
More than a story
That the world thinks of just one time a year
He’s more than a story
He’s a way of life, every day, every heart must hear

We’ve got to show the world
There’s so much more they must read
With every passing day
There’s less time for all to believe.

He’s more than a story
That the world thinks of just one time a year
He’s a way of life, every day, every heart must hear.
He’s more than a story
So much more!

Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas!

Today I was reminded of a story about a family on the East Coast who held a party to celebrate Christmas. As the guests arrived, they all threw their coats on a bed, and proceeded to celebrate, eating, drinking, opening gifts, etc. It was later discovered that the guests had actually thrown their coats on top of a baby, who was asleep on the bed, smothering the baby who died. They overlooked, or didn’t see the baby, as they had gotten caught up in their partying.

This was a very sad situation, but is also an eye opener as to how Jesus can get “smothered” during Christmas celebrations, ignorantly or deliberately. Our world is moving more and more in the direction of trying to remove Him from being the center of this holiday. Have you noticed that many, particularly in our work places, are afraid or will hesitate in saying have a “Merry Christmas?”  Instead they will say “Happy Holidays.” Some will call Christmas trees “holiday trees.” In some of our neighborhoods, instead of Nativity Scenes on front lawns of houses, we see Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and other cartoon or fictitious characters.

 

Christmas seems to be the only holiday where many don’t want to call it by it’s name, particularly in our work places. In the United States, we seem to have no problem saying any other holiday’s name, like Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, President’s Day, etc. But when it comes to saying have a “Merry Christmas,” some of us stutter.

 

Jesus is the reason for this season, and every other season. For all things were made by HIM and for HIM. This holiday is a Christian holiday, set aside to acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ. “FOR unto us a CHILD is born, unto us a SON is given: and the government shall be upon HIS shoulder: and HIS name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9

Read the following articles and be sure you Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas!!

JESUS CHRIST – EMMANUEL “GOD WITH US”.
The Greatest Gift That Was Ever Given – JESUS CHRIST.

JESUS CHRIST – EMMANUEL “GOD WITH US”

EMMANUEL “GOD WITH US!”

“GLORY to GOD in the HIGHEST, and on earth Peace, Goodwill toward men!” Luke 2.

If there was ever a time to PRAISE the LORD the time is NOW!

Notice that whenever you read, watch or hear the news it is not usually very good. There is an overabundance of things going on all over the world. There are many natural disasters all about us the results are devastating… The economy was really down as well as unemployment a few years ago. Now they have begun to gradually climb as well as continuously fluctuate going up and down… The lives of many have again been drastically impacted. Many loved ones have passed on making their transition to eternity! Many corporations have closed, many have lost businesses, careers, jobs, estates, homes, stocks, possessions and yet… Immorality has become acceptable?

 

Notice how scandalous the Political Campaign for the office of President of the United States has become!

 

Don’t fear because GOD is OMNIPOTENT! HE IS The ONE TRUE GOD of Restoration. In HIM nothing is really ever lost. GOD IS FAITHFUL HE will & can RESTORE! There is ALWAYS HOPE in the LORD!

 

Marriage & family is ordained by God! The powers that be and principalities yield much spiritual warfare that seeks to break up many families and put in place a different way of living. Redefining the marital roles according to the world’s demands… Who would have ever thought a few years ago that the US Supreme Court would vote against the WORD of GOD in favor of “same sex unions?”

 

 

LORD open our Spiritual Eyes!!!

 

 

Disloyalty and manipulation, justified, along with works of the flesh and deception slowly but surely intertwining itself in many relationships… Children tossed to and fro within unstable environments. This is not God’s Way! Seemingly harmless it has opened the door for much chaos… Stress levels are constantly being elevated… No wonder; Suicide, divorce, sicknesses, diseases and depression are abounding!

 

“The WHEAT and the tares continue to grow together in the midst of HIS CHURCH! Again no need for fear.  Know that in the end ALMIGHTY GOD will do the separating…  Yes, The WORD of GOD continues to be fulfilled in these “Last Days.” Just learn to; “BE STILL & KNOW!” PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT!

 

There is also a resurgence of discrimination in many shapes and forms and on a multitude of levels. There is an enormous amount of oppression and loss of freedom as well as invasion of privacy & racial profiling; all due to the overwhelming threat of foreign and domestic terrorism as well as suppression & oppression…

 

A host of false teachers controlling and leading many astray… Many are living in fear… But look at GOD! “The LORD is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Strength of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27.

 

It is important to know who you are through Jesus Christ! In HIM you can have the VICTORY!

 

We are living in a time that just about anything goes! What God has said is wrong and what is wrong is accepted as right. What is Good is called evil & evil is called good! Many are trying to make what is right in the eyes of the majority rule and become accepted as the norm… Lord help us!

 

Many seek to make others comfortable in sin. Instead of saying thus said the Lord worldly affections dominate rather than the TRUE LOVE of GOD HE clearly defines in I Corinthians 13. GOD’S LOVE never fails! “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres… ” For many it is hard to discern what true love really is.

 

Yes indeed! The Word of God is being fulfilled! Truly we are in the last days. “No one knows the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man…” Matthew 24. So it is today!

 

Begin to prepare each day as though you were to see the Lord face to face! There is ALWAYS HOPE in the LORD!

 

When Noah was building the ark there were millions and millions of people here on earth. The world had become a place where “anything goes” it was no longer the paradise that God had intended for His people. They allowed themselves to become caught up in the ways of the world. Fewer and fewer listened to the Lord! The spiritual warfare was rampart and satan continued to deceive many! It is a little frightening to see just how quickly God’s principles were laid aside… Imagine it had never even rained! It may be hard to fathom or comprehend but in the whole entire world there was only one man and his family that was listening to the Lord. This man was Noah; he was a righteous obedient man and obeyed the Lord in spite of what was going on in the world.

 

“The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that He had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. So the Lord said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth – men and animals, and creature that move along the ground, and the birds of the air- for I am grieved that I have made them.” Genesis 6.

 

 

The world had become flooded with evil and this brought a greater flood upon them that destroyed the world. What God had said not to do had become the norm! Does any of this sound familiar? Look at what is going on today? There is much to learn and ponder in the Word of God! It is Powerful and “ALIVE” it is All True! The Gospel is going forth all throughout the world. Time is winding up! From this magnificent illustration we can learn the importance of listening to the Lord rather than compromising His Word in order to be accepted by the masses. God will Never direct you to do anything that goes against His WORD!

 

EMMANUEL GOD IS WITH US!

 

Jesus told us “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples of ALL nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED you. And surely, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28.

 

Know God’s Word for yourself! There is only ONE TRUE CHURCH! We the collective body of believers all around this world that was created through HIM are His Church! We are the Body of Jesus Christ!   We are also the Bride of Jesus Christ. HALLLELLLUJAH PRAISE GOD!

 

God is so gracious, loving, kind and Sovereign! He has provided a way back to Him. He has given us a path by which we must travel and Jesus has paved that way! “He is the Way The TRUTH and the LIFE.” It is the Narrow Way that is His way!

 

Today it is important for us to fully embrace the Truth of His Word! He has given us many examples as to what happens when we ignore, disobey or lay aside His Word! Know just like in the time of Noah many will not understand you. Had you ever thought about where were all those multitudes of people that Jesus healed, fed and saved when He was being crucified? How many sat on the sidelines and said absolutely nothing! Just like then many did not really expect the outcome…

 

We too can expect not to be welcomed, maligned, mistreated, persecuted, misunderstood… But do not become disheartened. Become aware and continue to look to the Lord. Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment to properly apply His Word to your life! “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In All your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3.

 

We must learn to honor and esteem God’s Word above the ways of the world. Remember this; No person, judge, king, queen, prophet, prophetess, pastor, or priest was able to overcome sin in the flesh. Therefore, God sent His only Begotten Son to come in the form of sinless flesh and overcome sin in the flesh for us! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That whosoever BELIEVES in Him shall not perish but have Eternal Life.” John 3. It within this verse one can gain spiritual acuity and focus upon the Power of The Gospel of Jesus Christ! Jesus accepted the punishment for our sins and humbled Himself and was obedient through His death on the Cross! He took back what was lost and redeemed us and He arose with ALL Power! To believe means that you begin to take action and step out on Faith. You are a believer because you have given your life to the Lord and Believe, Trust and Embrace the full Gospel of Jesus Christ! Or do you really?

 

As you Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ; Know that Emmanuel means God with us! Know without doubt that as a believer He abides in your heart! We must continually ask Him to fill us with His presence daily if and whenever necessary…

 

The GOOD NEWS!

 

JESUS CHRIST makes all the difference in the world! It is a wonderful, thoughtful, kind, loving gesture to give to others… So, ENJOY this season of giving…  There are many ways to give. You can partake in giving all throughout the year. However, make it a point to take time and spend some time with the Lord reflecting on ALL He has done for you! He TRULY is the GREATEST GIFT of ALL! We can ALWAYS find something to be THANKFUL for! REJOICE in HIM! We all continue to exist because of GOD! “For in HIM we live and move and have our being…” Act 17. Christmas is REALLY about JESUS CHRIST and not just the presents; but about HIS PRESENCE in your life! HE is our “KING of kings and LORD of lords! He is our PRINCE of PEACE! No matter what you can ALWAYS FIND LOVE, COMFORT and PEACE in HIM! “Be STILL & KNOW!” EMMANUEL “GOD IS WITH US!”

 

As we examine the life of Jesus Christ we can see that He encountered an enormous amount of spiritual warfare during His pure sinless life. We learn that He suffered much! Many of those he helped turned their backs on Him… The birth of Jesus Christ born to The Virgin Mary was a marvelous astonishing miraculous miracle! This glorious occasion changed the world forever! Jesus was dispatched from Heaven to defeat the enemy for us! His spectacular Victory was felt on earth and in Heaven!

 

We can offer Praise; because of Jesus Christ we can learn to “Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth!”  Know God is omniscient and totally aware of exactly where each of us are in Him. It is because of Jesus Christ being born in the flesh, living a sinless life, being crucified, then He died and was buried we have the opportunity to come to the Lord!  Jesus is the only Mediator between us and God the Father. He  atoned for the sins of the whole world. He became the Holy, Pure, Sacrificial, Consecrated Lamb of God! He redeemed us through His precious blood. There is POWER in the BLOOD of JESUS! He shed His blood as the ultimate sacrifice so we might have life and have it, more abundantly. Not only on earth, on this side of heaven but through eternity! How amazing!  HALLLELLLUJAH PRAISE GOD!!!

 

The GOOD NEWS!!

 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in HIM before the creation of the world to be HOLY and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons (daughters) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will – to the praise of His glorious Grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have the redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s Grace that He lavished on us with all Wisdom and Understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment to bring ALL things in heaven and on earth together under One Head, even, Christ…” Ephesians 1.

 

 

The GOOD NEWS!!!

There is a wealth of godly spiritual knowledge and security within the depths of the Holy Scriptures. JESUS was the WORD wrapped in sinless flesh! Jesus was born during one of the most difficult eras in history! Much political turmoil and unrest was going on… From the very beginning there were those who avidly sought to destroy Him! How interesting, they were so intimidated by His extraordinary birth.  As time passed He was treated atrociously, His integrity undermined, His character constantly questioned, He was beaten, maligned and yet; Jesus still magnificently fulfilled His earthly mission. This is why we ALL need Him as Savior & Lord! Through Him we are “more than conquerors!” Romans 8. He has provided us with precious His Holy Spirit the Comforter to lead, guide, direct and protect us! We can always & forever TRUST GOD!

 

God has already BLESSED us with every spiritual blessing! The blessings of God go far and exceed far beyond just material or temporal they are eternal! Before we were ever born God chose us! God does not want us to be unaware or ignorant of the TRUTH of His WORD nor live in denial! He does not want His Word to be a secret! We must warn the people! He wants us to boldly proclaim “The GOOD NEWS!” The GOSPEL of Jesus Christ! The Word of God is His story. God is Sovereign! When we truly belong to Him we are to represent Him! We are to live out the principles of His Word in spite of what is happening in this world. Jesus is coming soon! How soon is soon?  Only God the Father knows!

 

As we prepare to CELEBRATE the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ it is spiritually beneficial to keep in mind the many wonderful Blessings of the Lord!  Yes indeed, Every day is a day to thank God. Jesus Christ is the most precious “GIFT” ever given by our Creator, Father and Lord! We can REJOICE in this Through eternity!

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given: and the government shall be on His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9. HALLELUJAH!

 

When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord we have something to shout about! I assure you in every and any situation God will see you through! “God will never leave nor forsake you!”   He is Omnipresent! We can Praise Him throughout the year and forever more knowing that JESUS CHRIST is not only the “Reason for the Season” but the reason for LIFE and living through eternity!

 

GOD BLESS YOU! ~ MERRY CHRISTMAS & Have a Wonderfully Blessed HAPPY NEW YEAR ~

 

Nail Scarred Hands

Should have been my footsteps
Trailing to Calvary
Should have been me instead of you
But you went any way
Now it seems as if my own hands
Were two of the hands that killed this man
Now every time I think of doing wrong
I think of His nail scarred hands

Now here was a man that knew no sin
There I was sin to the core
He didn’t care where I had been
He loved me anyway
Then he stretched out his sweet hands
Then he died for all the sins of the world
Now every time I think of doing wrong
I think of His nail scarred hands

Nail scarred hands
Nail scarred hands
Every time I feel like I just can’t win
I think of his nail scarred hands
Nail scarred hands
Every time I feel like I can’t go on
I think of his nail scarred hands
Now every time I feel like giving up
I think of His nail scarred hands

Should have been me suffering
Wondering where all my friends had gone
Hanging there all alone, Hanging all day long
Even your Father had to look away
Cause you were carrying all the sins of the world
Now every time I think of doing wrong
I think of his nail scarred hands

Nail scarred hands
Nail scarred hands
Every time I feel like I just can’t win
I think of his nail scarred hands
Nail scarred hands
Every time I feel like I can’t go on
I think of his nail scarred hands
Now every time I feel like giving up
I think of His nail scarred hands

THANKSGIVING Means Much More Than Turkey!

Did you know that Thanksgiving means so much more than Turkey & Dressing? Yes, it is a time to come together and enjoy a plenteous wonderful meal that has been prepared with lots of love. Yes, it is a time to come to gather together with family, friends and loved ones and give thanks. Yes, you can even remember that Christopher Columbus an Italian Explorer discovered the Indians in America. It has been recorded in history that he actually sailed across the Atlantic in order to find spices in India.

What Christopher Columbus Really Discovered!

He sailed for King Ferdinand II and Queen Esabella of Spain. He had a fleet of three ships, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria with an approximate crew of 90 from Palos Spain. He landed in a new world of the Americas. Many do not realize that Columbus initially had a twofold mission. He wanted to open trade routes and bring in the Word of Jesus Christ. He was named the “Admiral of the Sea” by the King and Queen. He is known for the man that discovered America. That is only partially true? Yes, he too did get sidetracked. He allowed himself to get distracted and became very cruel at times to the natives. He did not keep his original commitments.

 

However, if the Truth be told he actually discovered the Indians that were already living in America quite contently!

 

A Nation of Thriving Indians

As the settlers trickled in the atmosphere began to change. It has been said that a group of religious radicals called “Puritans” were pilgrim settlers that had been driven out of England. In 1614, explorers landed in an area called Massachusetts Bay. They actually eventually settled and built a colony called “Plymouth Plantation.” They were actually taught by Squanto the Indian how to survive by using corn in a plethora of ways for food. They were taught how to fish and use the herbs of the land by the natives.

 

Plymouth was surrounded by the Wampanoag who were a large thriving  Nation of Indians. Eventually Squanto negotiated a peace treaty between the Indians and the settlers. They lived peaceable for about fifteen (15) years. It was at the end of the first year that a large feast was given. Squanto, their friends and the Indians were honored. The feast lasted for over three (3) days. It is here originates why we here in America celebrate Thanksgiving. How all too soon all was forgotten. The good that the Natives did for the foreigners became overshadowed throughout history.

 

As word got back to England of the prosperity and peacefulness that they were experiencing in Plymouth, many people came by the boatloads. As there numbers increased the tension increased. There began to be a debate as to who possessed the land? The original agreement was cast aside. Since there were no fences, boundaries, land markers etc. (fences etc. are customs that originated in England.) The incoming settlers declared the land as “public domain.” This meant it was their’s for the taking. With absolutely no respect for the current treaty between the Indians and the Puritans.

 

The newcomers began to seize and destroy the existing peace that had been established. All for the sake of becoming prosperous. Rather than share in the prosperity that had already been established they sought to destroy it and become prosperous themselves. They exiled the current Puritans and with scriptures in tow they overthrew the existing peace agreement. The used the scriptures to manipulate rather than to bring peace. Then along with the use of British soldiers they captured and made many of the Indians slaves… The rest is history…

 

 

Christopher Columbus discovered that there were  Indians already living in America!

I said this all to shed some light on a story that as a child I was taught in grammar school  that in 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America? I always thought this odd, because it was evident that the Indians were already there? In fact if you search the chronicles of history you will find that they confirm he actually, really discovered the Indians that were already there. We in America originally began to celebrate Thanksgiving because of the peace treaty that was made between the Puritans and the Indians. Who collectively managed to come together and celebrate their treaty and new life together.

 

If you are a Christian you should know that spiritually speaking Thanksgiving goes even further back than that! The scriptures are full of passages to tell us how we should work, love, live and be thankful for all that God has given us. He even gave us His only Begotten Son Christ Jesus that we might have a right to the tree of life. But just like the story of Christopher Columbus what was originally intended all too often gets set aside. The principles of this story has constantly repeated itself throughout history in so many ways. All too often what really happened is set aside and replaced with the partial truth.

 

 

God wants us to know the Truth of His Word.

 

Life for the believer or child of God really should go much deeper. But all too often one settles for what is partially true. All too often the original agreement is forgotten and laid aside. This is why it is so very important to know the Lord and His Word for yourself. Ephesians 4 tells us; “not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, to the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head-Christ from whom the whole body joined and knit together by what every joint supplies…”

 

Knowing the Word of God has its spiritual benefits. When truly taken to heart it motivates, grows and spiritually matures you, convicts, and encourages you to do and want to do things His way. Neither do you just settle for the partial truth or believe just any and everything. But you seek, desire to live and study His Word, apply the principles therein and live your life to please Him! To give thanks to Him each and every day!

 

 

God’s ways are far better.

 

But all too often they are laid aside. Many are given and accept a partial story. Many are pressured by the need to be accepted by the majority, to suppress the truth, as well as their desire to dominate and control and have things done their way. One must earnestly seek the truth rather than settle for a partial truth or to be misled by how things appear. As God’s children we are encouraged to “seek Him first and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”  Matthew 6  What things? Whatever things you need to fulfill His plan in your life will be provided.   You however must diligently seek His will & His way…

 

God did not say that this would be easy. Yet, we can and should be thankful for each and every day. You know regardless of what happens that He has everything under His control. Know that He is a Spirit of Truth! We can be thankful because you know without a doubt that all of HIS WORD is true! We then can truly celebrate Thanksgiving knowing that His Son Jesus Christ sacrificed His life for us. That we have been redeemed and purchased and belong to Him. That we are saved completely by His marvelous grace alone!  We cannot SAVE ourselves. Without CHRIST JESUS there is no SALVATION! The TRUTH really does set you free! When you know that regardless of how things appear God always knows who belongs to HIM!

 

As I said earlier as a child I was taught that Christopher Columbus discovered America. But as I matured, I inquired and studied independently as well. I found out that that was only partially true. It was in fact the Indians he discovered. (For additional information read the history about the Wampanoag Indians.) The Truth will always stand the test of time. As God’s ever growing child I know that God has so much more for us in store. Keep in mind in the eyes of GOD we are all children.  We must be willing to humble ourselves to Him. He does not want us to settle for less than the Truth. He wants us to study His Word and rightly apply the principles therein. He has promised to bring what has happened in the dark out to the Light.

 

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world.

 

God’s Word will be a “Lamp unto your feet and a Light unto your path…” Do not be sidetracked or derailed by what you hear or how things appear. Know the Truth and His Word for yourself! Embrace it within your heart and  never allow no one make you doubt God or His Word.   If you don’t understand parts of HIS WORD ask Him to open your heart and keep studying and praying…  Carefully seek out a Bible based  place of worship.

 

Let it be your desire and goal to want the things in life that the Lord wants you to have. To know what God wants you to know, to commit to His will and way and trust He will lead, guide and protect you.

 

Know that nothing that happens in life gets by God. This is why He says in the first Psalms “Do not walk in the council of ungodly people. Do not stand in the way of sinners. Nor sit in the seat of the scornful. But to delight yourself in the law of the Lord and in HIS Word meditate day and night.” As a child of God you can rest assured as said in Romans; that in His time He will work out everything for your good, if you love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Too often what is right is laid aside. Man made institutions waiver. Since we live in an ever changing world your Faith and Trust must be in Him!

 

 

All God’s Word is true. It is His desire that we grow in the grace and knowledge of His Word. To know Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection! That we are to be steadfast unmovable always abounding in His Word. Not only giving thanks when we eat or on Thanksgiving or Sunday. But each and everyday of our lives. We are told in Colossians 4; “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving, meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the world, to speak the mystery of Christ, which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak, Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one…”

 

GOD can and will make a way out of no way!

 

GOD truly is the DAY MAKER! Who else can make a DAY? HE is also the WAY MAKER! For HE can make a WAY out of no way. True ministry goes beyond the walls! In these “LATTER DAYS” there is much going on, in this world and in and about GOD’S CHURCH which is NOT of HIM! PLEASE take some time with the LORD in HIS WORD and really get to know HIM for Yourself! CHRIST JESUS came so we could live full well balanced healthy spiritually enriched lives. His plan of salvation has been offered to all. Those who truly accept Him will believe in their heart and accept Him as Lord of their life.

 

We are to worship and praise the Lord each and every day. We are to live a life of worship. This is why we should live lives of thankfulness. To focus and set our eyes on Him regardless of what happens, has happened or will happen. To give thanks and know that He will give us today our daily bread…… Psalms 107 says; Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…” Not only on Thanksgiving but each and every day. Yes it is a good thing to celebrate and give thanks!

 

If you don’t know the Lord know is a great time to get to know Him. “Draw nigh to God an He will draw nigh to you.” Spend some time each day with the lord in His Word! 

 

IT REALLY IS IMPORTANT TO WELCOME THE LORD IN ALL AREAS & ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE.

Everyday should be a day of Thanksgiving & Worship! Know that Thanksgiving really does mean so much more than Turkey & Dressing. As a Believer whenever or wherever You worship the Lord be thankful & sincere. You should “WORSHIP THE LORD IN SPIRIT & IN TRUTH!” We who are the Lord’s must do as Psalm 100 tells us to enter into “His gates with thanksgiving. And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting. And His Truth endures to all generations. 

 

 

” LIVE OUT LOUD THE GOSPEL! “

 

God wants us as believing  Christians to;  “Church Be God’s Church Everyday & Everywhere! ” 

There are  a lot of ways to worship and praise the Lord! But always remember that the true worshippers must: ” WORSHIP  GOD in SPIRIT and in TRUTH! ” 

Yes, Celebrate and Enjoy your family, friends and love ones on Thanksgiving but most importantly be safe, wise and forever Thankful & Grateful to the Lord…

Live Everyday; To God be the Glory & Bless His Holy Name!

The GREATEST GIFT That Was Ever Given – His Name Is Jesus

Over 2,000 years ago God sent His Son into the world that we might be saved and not condemned. On the profession of our FAITH we are accepted into His Family and become children of God. The Child in the manger has been recognized as TheTraditional Christmas scene down through the ages. It is much more than a tradition it is a True story! As you Celebrate CHRISTMAS with your family, friends and loved ones with your plethora of family Traditions; I would like to take a few minutes to share “The Chronicle of Our Lord and Savior!”

“FOR unto us a CHILD is born, unto us a SON is given: and the government shall be upon HIS shoulder: and HIS name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice highly favored one, the Lord is with you; BLESSED are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her. “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His Father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob FOREVER. And of His kingdom there will be no end…….

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David. Which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to registered with Mary his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there was in the same country shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, and angel of the Lord said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is CHRIST the LORD. And this will be the sign to you : You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths in a manger. And suddenly there was an angel a multitude of the heavenly host PRAISING GOD and saying; GLORY to God in the highest, And on earth PEACE , GOODWILL toward men!

So it was when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when then they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning the child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and PRAISING GOD for ALL the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb…

This is the greatest event that ever happened in the history of the world! So much so that a choir of Angels sang and the sky was lit with a brilliant STAR! “JESUS is the Bright and Morning Star” He wants to Light your heart and give you purpose and meaning in your life! CHRISTMAS IS WHEN WE CELEBRATE “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” TO JESUS! Jesus lived an amazing sinless life to conquer sin in the flesh for us! So we would not be condemned but saved. He was crucified a shameful death on the CROSS, died for us and then after three days in the grave HE arose victoriously with ALL POWER! When you accept Him into your heart you become God’s child and The COMFORTER His precious HOLY SPIRIT comes to live within your heart and your body becomes a Temple! You are then given the gift of ETERNAL LIFE!!! Jesus then becomes your Messiah, Savior and Lord! Jesus is the GREATEST GIFT that was ever given! JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! JESUS is the reason for every season. He is your reason for living in Him you will find the true meaning of life! Have a wonderfully, MARVELOUSLY Blessed MERRY CHRISTMAS and a JOYFULLY Blessed NEW YEAR!!! “GLORY TO GOD in the HIGHEST and on earth PEACE to men on whom HIS FAVOR rests….” (St. Luke }

A Prayer to My Father

JESUS CHRIST the HOPE of GLORY!

Abba Father God, we come in the name of Jesus to thank You for this glorious and wonderful day that You have made! We thank You Lord for Your Word that You have given us as a guide as to how we should live. We acknowledge You as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last and Everything in Between. Above You there is no other.  We Thank You Lord God that the Word of the Old Testament was fulfilled through Jesus Christ our LORD & SAVIOR.

 

Father, Your Word is timeless it is alive and powerful! We thank You Lord for Your Holy Spirit that You have given us to be with us and guide us to all TRUTH! Father we thank You that You allowed Your Son Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect sinless life, to die on the cross for us in our place. He overcame sin, death and the grave and rose with ALL POWER!!! He was also Your Word wrapped in sinless flesh in its purest form. We know that everything was spoken into existence by Him and everything consists for Him and by Him. Yet for us He left Heaven then; He humbled Himself to victoriously live out and earthly existence in pure holiness.  For this we THANK YOU!

 

He overcame and conquered sin in the flesh so He could be the only perfect example to each and every one of us both SAVED as well as the unsaved! “To be born of the virgin Mary.”  He lived a miraculous marvelous life.  So we could strive and thrive to have a perfect life ever growing in Your grace as we become complete  in You.  Then He suffered under Pontius Pilate, who was then crucified died and was buried. On the third day He arose from the dead. He then arose with ALL POWER.  Father for this we THANK YOU!

 

We realize Father it is because of Your Love, Grace and Mercy we exist. That we as Your children are supposed to be “in the world but not of the world.” Father, I/ we thank You for Your Living Word You have given us to govern our lives by. Not in a legalistic rigid manner, but in a way that pleases You. We Thank you Lord, for salvation by Your grace and that You have already blessed us with every spiritual blessing through CHRIST JESUS. We know that You disburse to us as You see fit. We pray Lord that we continuously learn to live our lives in a way that Your light is able to shine through us!

 

Lord, convict us all of any and bring sincere repentance whenever necessary…

Abba Father God, we will rise everyday to bless, praise, thank & worship Your  Name.

 

Help us Lord to look to You from which our help comes from as we overcome evil with good. Daily cleanse us from all unrighteousness through Your Word.   Lord, You are our Light and our salvation, because of this we have no one to fear.  Thank You for Your omnipresence.  We realize that You are ALWAYS with us to lead, guide, direct  and protect us from seen and unseen dangers.  Father we need you in a world that continues to put Your principles for daily living on the back burner. We realize Father that You can return at any moment.  Help us to prepare for your return by living each day  as though You were to come at anytime.  Again Father we thank You for all your  precious blessings, past,  present and future!

 

In the name of JESUS we ask that You daily  fill us with the presence of Your precious HOLY SPIRT. Lead us in the path of  righteousness for Your namesake. Thank You Father God,  for the “security & significance” we have in You. For it is in You “We live and move and have our being.” We ask these and all Blessings in the mighty Name of  our Lord & Savior Christ Jesus! Amen, AMEN & HALLLELLLUJAH AMEN!!!

 

YES LORD!!!

STRIVE & THRIVE EVERYDAY TO LIVE: “TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!”

Good News !

Good News! Good News! Did you know that before you were knitted together in your Mother’s womb that God knew who you were? Did you know that there is absolutely nothing that God does not know? When you know who you are in Christ you will experience much joy! When your faith and trust are in the Lord He will give you an inexpressible inner peace. The joy and peace God provides is not contingent on your circumstance. God does not want you to live your life as a yoyo experience. You cannot change anything that has already happened in your life. But you can start by reaching out to Him right now, anywhere and anytime! God is, can be, and wants to be your constant companion. Don’t wait until something unpleasant happens. Begin today to really get to know God. God wants you to walk with Him. He has left us His Comforter, His precious Holy Spirit to teach, lead, guide and direct us. Begin if you don’t already to take time each day to thank and praise God for who He is. He is worthy of our praise! We really do have a reason to be thankful!

When ever life presents a test or a trial, it is an excellent opportunity for you to strengthen your relationship with the Lord. To be still and know! God wants to be a part of all of your life. God is able to keep you from falling! I Peter says the trials that we experience in life are to test our faith? God wants to refine you. Your faith will be tested in the fire. Fire purifies gold. Gold is refined under fire. A prospector who discovers a rock that bears gold will send it to an assayer for evaluation. The fire will melt the impurities away and eventually yield pure gold. Our faith in God is far more precious than gold. I Peter even tells us that our faith will bring us honor on the day of Jesus Christ return. Trusting in God will bring Salvation to your soul. The power of Jesus’ Christ resurrection is Good News! It has been preached to us by the power of His heaven sent Holy Spirit. We can even look forward soberly and patiently to more of God’s kindness when Jesus returns.

Good News! Good News! Many people all over the world are still waiting for the Messiah to come. We as Christians know that He has already come. We know through faith that Jesus comes in and sets up residence in our hearts when you truly accept Him as your personal Savior. Matthew traces Jesus roots all the way back to Abraham. Abraham was the first to receive the promise. Matthew goes on to record the story of Jesus life on earth. He tells how His Mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph. Many unexplainable things took place surrounding Jesus’ birth. There was a lot of spiritual warfare on the horizon. Before they were even able to come together as husband and wife Mary was found to be with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. God allowed an angel to appear to Joseph who assured Him that he was not to be afraid. He was told that she would give birth to a Son and to name Him Jesus and that this child Jesus would save the world from their sins. Imagine the faith and trust this took. Please take time to read this entire historical event again. Mary and Joseph were obedient to God. We now all benefit from their obedience.

As a child of God He wants us to obey Him as well. He does not want you to slip back and forth into your old ways. God has called us to Holiness. Jesus paved the way back to Him! Holiness is not wearing no makeup, dresses to your ankles, running all over the place and falling out, wearing white or……… Now do not go there. There is nothing wrong with wearing white. I happen to really like white. Yes, and certainly there is nothing wrong with shouting and praising God. We certainly have many reasons to praise Him! The point is spiritual purity goes much deeper than the surface. Yes, white is symbolic of purity. But remember the KKK wore white too. They also ran around and shouted. (A bit of humor is always good) They just wore white to cover up who they really were. God knows who His children really are. He knows everything. The story of Jesus birth is an excellent example that displays just that! God’s Word is so powerful!

Did you know that your body is the temple of God? It was designed as a place for His Holy Spirit to reside. It is as my granddaughter says; an earth suit. Jesus actually lived in His Mother Mary’s body. He came from heaven and humbled Himself to our existence and bore a body of flesh. He lived a sinless life. He conquered sin in the flesh for us! The scriptures tells us that His earthly body did not decay. Jesus restored to us what Adam and Eve relinquished because of their disobedience. God has created a marvelous wonderful thing when He created mankind. We are His workmanship. But we are responsible for what we do with our lives and our bodies. This is why we need a Savior. God wants us to walk in the light of His Word. His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. The Apostle John wrote to people who were already Christians. He wanted to remind them of how one’s faith affects a person’s life. God wants us to walk in the Light not in darkness. Notice how he says if we claim to be……. Well, there should be a difference in your life when you claim to walk with the Lord. Have you ever thought about some of the things you say and do? Have you ever heard the song “Walk in the Light? God knows when and if you are walking with Him!

Although John was thought to be somewhere between 80 and 90 when He wrote the epistles bearing His name, he was still vigorously urging the Church to walk in the light of God’s Word. To have true fellowship with Him. You can have banquets and shake hands all day long. But in order to have true fellowship with Him you must walk in the light! I enjoy taking a relaxing bubble bath each day. But, looking at a tub of bubbles will not clean you. God’s true Church is supposed to be a pillar of Truth. Guess what? When everything but the Truth is allowed to prevail God knows. Living for God is serious business. You must really get into God’s Word. So His Word can really get in you. Getting into His Word will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Guess what your faith will also be strengthened. The Word of God can and will convict you of any wrongdoing. It will bring any impurities to the surface and allow you to truly repent. Let’s not get repeating confused with repentance. Remember that purifying process I talked about?

The Good News is God is the reason for not only the season. But for life! Jesus Christ is the only atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only our sins but the sins of the world. Jesus is the Light of the world. God has given us so much. “Our lives are a gift from Him. What we do with our lives is our gift to Him.” Are you happy with your life? Do you need to give more of your life to Him? Let’s make it personal. Are you really obedient to Him? True fellowship is having a relationship with God. God is the ultimate Father. He gave His only Begotten Son to redeem us! The Good News is there is power in the name Jesus. He has given us the precious gift of eternal life. God is not only there for you; He is everywhere! There is freedom in Christ. Please, remember as I said earlier that your trials come to purify you and make you strong. God is not a surface God. God is really and truly deep. He wants to take us to deeper depths and higher heights. Jesus paid a ransom to save us from the broad road that leads to destruction. This narrow road leads to heaven. The Good News is He paid for our lives and sins with the precious life and blood of His sinless life. It is because of this our trust can be in God who raised Christ from the dead! Now our faith, trust and hope can rest in Him alone.

The Word of God tells us that, “All honor belongs to God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: for it is His boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again, so that we are now members of God’s own family. The good News is we live in eternal hope because we know without a doubt that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. And God Himself has reserved for His children the priceless gift of eternal life. Hallelujah! It is kept in heaven for us, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. Now do you see how very important it is to know who Jesus is! How very important to know what God has done for us! God is powerful. He will and can make sure that whenever that time comes that we will safely get to heaven to receive and continue on in His precious gift of eternal life.

It is very important that you get to know God for who He is and not for just who people say He is. Get to know Him for yourself! Then you will not be tossed to and fro by every different kind of doctrine. Remember that inexpressible joy and peace I talked about? Always remember even when the going gets tuff down here for a while or season; God is always there. All you need to do is keep your focus on the Lord! After all He is the author and finisher of your faith. When you make it a goal in your life to please God you will not have to have a yoyo experience. God can keep you in perfect peace if your mind is stayed on Him! Delight yourself in God’s Word! He will not only give you the desires of your heart but, He will also give you a sound mind! You can be like that tree in Psalms that is planted by the rivers of water. This type of tree roots goes deep! Far beyond what the human eye can see. When your faith is in God He will see to it that any fruit is brought forth in His time. All the Glory belongs to Him. Remember God. is always just a prayer away. Remember that without faith it is impossible to please God.

Good News! Good News! This is the time of the year we set aside to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Joy to the world the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing! We give gifts to our love ones, friends and neighbors. Let’s remember that every good and perfect Gift comes from God! Let’s remember each and everyday that God gave us the Greatest Gift of all! Let’s remember now and throughout the year to praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above thee heavenly hosts. Praise, Father Son and Holy Ghost!

We’ve Come To Bow Down And Worship HIM!