Saturday, December 31, 2011

Escape


The Escape to Egypt

    13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
   14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”   16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” - Matthew 2:13-18

Life is full of pain, but sometimes it can be avoided. Obedience to God’s law, and willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit can save us a lot of anguish. So, as we get ready for another year let’s decide to do it God’s way and not our way. See what happens. It will change your life.

Be wise. Have a good Godly day.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Just Believe


The Magi Visit the Messiah

    1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:  6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’    
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
   9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. - Matthew 2:1-12

I love this story. It is about trusting God and having faith in Him even when it doesn’t make sense. Guess what? It led them right to Jesus!

Belief in God and obeying His will might not make sense to us today, We’re taught to question everything, and only trust what we can do or understand.

Jesus said, Blessed are those who believe but do not see.

Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.

Have a good, Godly, and trusting day.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Redemption


In Luke 2:36-40 we meet another person at the Temple, a woman named Anna. She had served the Lord all the days of her life, and now she was old. She loved the Lord worshiping, fasting, and praying to Him. 
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. 

I think because of her intimate relationship with God she was able to recognize the Messiah. I love this part of her reaction; she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Anna praised God and couldn’t help but to tell everyone about her encounter with Jesus. She knew He had come to redeem the world, and make a way to the Lord.

The same is true today. Have you accepted His redemption from your sins?

Ask for His forgiveness and believe He is Lord.

Have a good Godly day.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Recognizing the Savior


In Luke 2:25-35 we meet a man named Simeon who had been longing for Messiah. The Lord promised that he would not die until he had seen Him.

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
   29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
   33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Not everyone recognized Jesus as the Son of God. It says that Simeon was righteous, devout, waiting, and watching for the Savior. Today those attributes are necessary for recognition of Jesus in our presence as well.

Allow God’s Spirit to lead you and fill you in knowing Jesus even more intimately.

Have a good Godly day.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Your Temple


We see in Luke 2:22-24 the baby Jesus being presented in the Temple.

    22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

The example being set here is one of wisdom. We are told throughout the Bible to fear the Lord and be obedient. Out of respect and willingness to do things God’s way Mary and Joseph went to the temple with their firstborn.

We need to approach the Lord with pure hearts and sacrificial lives. 1 Corinthians tells us to present our bodies as living sacrifices.  Christmas may be over, but we still need to let others see Christ in us.

Amen?

Have a good Godly day.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Go Tell It!


The Good news about Jesus' birth is something to be shared!

We need to Go tell it!

Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night,
Behold, throughout the heavens, There shone a holy light

The shepherds feared and trembled, When lo! above the earth,
Rang out the angels chorus, That hailed our Savior's birth.

Down in a lowly manger, The humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation, That blessed Christmas morn.

What do we need to do?

Tell our story of how Jesus saved us, and God’s story that salvation is available to everyone who calls on His name!

It’s the best after Christmas gift you could ever give.

Have a good Godly and Christ sharing day.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

The Real Christmas Story- Luke 2


1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ£ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14  “Glory to God in the highest,
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Merry Christmas!

Have a good, Godly, and Christ honoring day.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

One Solitary Life


This has been around for a long time, and I don’t know who wrote it. It always makes me think about Jesus’ impact on the world. Enjoy!

He was born in an obscure village,
Earthly riches were not important to Him
He did not travel extensively, only once did
He crossed the boundary of the country in which He lived,
In infancy He startled a King, in childhood He amazed Jewish leaders,
He worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty.
He then became an itinerant preacher.
He never held office.
He never had a family or owned a house.
He didn’t go to college.
He had no credentials but himself.
He healed multitudes without medicine,
He made no charge for His service,
He never wrote a book, and yet all the libraries of the world could not hold the volumes that have been written about Him,
He never wrote a song, and yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined,
He never founded a College, but all the schools put together cannot boast of having as many students,
He never practiced psychiatry, and yet has healed more broken hearts than all the Doctors far and near,
He was only thirty-three when the public turned against him.
The devil tried to destroy Him, but the grave could not hold Him.
His Name stands highest of the heavenly glory, acknowledged by angels and feared by devils
Nineteen centuries have come and gone,
And today he is the central figure of the human race.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed,
All the parliaments that ever sat,
And all the kings that ever reigned
 have not affected the life of man on this earth
As much as that one solitary life.

Merry Christmas! Have a good Godly day.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Name Him Jesus


This is how Jesus' birth came about according to the Gospel of Luke.


18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about did not want to expose her to public disgrace; he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
   20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, (which means “God with us”).
   24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. -  Matthew 1:18-25

Do the right thing – give Jesus a home in your heart. God is with you!

Have a good, Godly, and grateful day.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Receiving the Gift


Without Jesus being born we would never experience His baptism.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:13 - For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Three practical requirements for receiving the Holy Spirit:

1. We must be thirsty Recognize you need more than you already have. Thirst is one of the greatest desires in the human body. If you are really thirsty you can’t think of anything else. All he wants is a drink.

2. Jesus said “come to me”. If you want the baptism then you must come to the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit. No human only Jesus.

3. Then He said you must drink. Drinking is receiving something within you by a decision of your will and a physical response. It is also part of receiving the Holy Spirit. Drinking is actively receiving within you.

Have you received this gift?

Is it evident in your life?

Have a good Godly day.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

A Gift from Heaven


Jesus is offering a gift that can only come from Him.

  37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 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

God made us for an intimate relationship with Himself, and we cannot get our deepest needs met anywhere else but in Him. Jesus offers the only satisfaction for spiritual thirst. In verse 38, from within them refers to the innermost recesses of the body.

Just as it was a miracle of God for water to flow from a rock in the Old Testament (giving life) it is greater miracle of God to have the Holy Spirit flowing from His people and eternal life.


Praise be to God for this gift!


Have a good Godly day.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Word at Christmas


Consider the words of Jesus’ disciple in John 1:14, 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Let’s break down this important verse of Scripture.

The Word = Jesus Christ, the Son of God
Became flesh = Left heaven to become a human baby
Made his dwelling among us = Lived as one of us and dealt with all the trials and temptations that we do
Seen = bear witness to what Jesus did
His glory = The glory of God
Glory of the one and only Son = The way, truth, and life
Who came from the Father = Left the from God’s side
Full of grace and truth = The greatest gift of all!

We can learn a lot about the Word from Hid Word. Amen?

Have a good Godly day.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas Redeemer


This French song was written by Adolphe Adam in 1847. Here is a literal English translation:
                                                           
Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour,
When God-man descended to us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Savior.
People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!
May the ardent light of our Faith
Guide us all to the cradle of the infant,
As in ancient times a brilliant star
Guided the Oriental kings there.
The King of Kings was born in a humble manger;
O mighty ones of today, proud of your greatness,
It is to your pride that God preaches.
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
The Redeemer has overcome every obstacle:
The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.
He sees a brother where there was only a slave,
Love unites those that iron had chained.
Who will tell Him of our gratitude,
For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.
People stand up! Sing of your deliverance,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!

The song is better known by the title O Holy Night! Both versions tell us the story of God’s plan of redemption, and what our response should be – Worship, Praise, and Adoration! Read or sing either version, but make sure you listen to the words.

Have a good, Godly, and worshipful day.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Christmas Music

We hear about the first Christmas Cantata or musical in Luke 2:8-15.

 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Enjoy the sounds of Christmas this year.  Don’t forget to sing what the angels did 2,000 years ago, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” It doesn’t make any difference if you have a good voice or not. Sing with your heart and your life. Give God the praise He deserves.

Have a good, Godly, and joyful day.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Christmas Missionaries

O Little Town of Bethlehem is a great carol that tells of Jesus’ birth.

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years, Are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary. And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep,
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together, Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King, And Peace to men on earth

 Did you ever wonder who the first Christian missionaries were? They told everyone they saw about Jesus. It was the shepherds whom the angels appeared and then they went to see the Messiah in Bethlehem.

We are told this in Luke 2:17–18 - When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

The Good news about Jesus' birth was something to be shared!

 We have someone to share, not only a baby in the manager, but a man on the Cross, and returning King!

       O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray;cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel.

Have a good Godly day.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Why Did He Come?


We sing at Christmas time:

Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!


Why would Jesus leave heaven to come to earth as a human?

Hebrews 2:14-18 tells usSince the children are made of flesh and blood, it's logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil's hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death. It's obvious, of course, that he didn't go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham. That's why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people's sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed. - The Message (MSG)

Jesus did not enter the world just to be here, He had a mission to fulfill. He came to deliver us from the fear of death, judgment, and temptation.

The Lord has come for us; now He invites us to come to Him. Accept His gift and receive your King!

Have a good Godly day.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Home for the Holidays


Home for the Holidays is popular holiday song by Perry Como.
Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays
'Cause no matter how far away you roam
When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze
For the holidays you can't beat home, sweet home

I met a man who lives in Tennessee
And he was headin' for
Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie
From Pennsylvania folks are trav'lin' down
To Dixie's sunny shore
From Atlantic to Pacific, gee,
The traffic is terrific!

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays
'Cause no matter how far away you roam
If you want to be happy in a million ways
For the holidays you can't beat home, sweet home

It’s a fun song, but its message rings true to most of us – there is no place like home! It’s a place where we can be safe, loved, accepted, and part of the family.

Jesus told His disciples in John 14: My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

A believer’s home is heaven, and Jesus is making it ready for you! That’s Good News worth giving this Christmas.

Have a good Godly day.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Let it Shine


Have you ever heard the children’s song, This Little Light of Mine?

This little light of mine/I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine/I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine/I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine/Let it shine/Let it shine oh yeah!

I am reminded during this time of year that we really are to let the light of Christ shine in us. 2 Corinthians 4:6 says: For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

We spend a lot of time putting up Christmas lights on our homes and on our trees, so they will shine. I pray we spend time in letting others know about the light of God, and remember this next verse in the song.

Hide it under a bushel Oh no!/I'm going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel Oh no!/I'm going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel Oh no!/I'm going to let it shine
Let it Shine/All the time/Let it shine/Oh yeah!

Let your light shine - especially at this time of year. Amen?

Have a good Godly day.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Titles


Notice that Jesus is described in Isaiah 9:6 with two word titles:

Wonderful Counselor - Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD
Mighty God - Isaiah 11:3-4 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Everlasting Father - John 14:9-10   9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
Prince of Peace - Luke 2:14Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

At this time of year, let’s remember who to focus on – Jesus, and what to focus on - our relationship with Him.

Have a good Godly day.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Unto Us



This is a prophetic word from Isaiah foretelling the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 9:6-7 -   6 For unto 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. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.              

What does “unto to us a Child is born, and unto us a Son is given” mean?

I think that it is a reminder that Jesus is for everyone and He is a gift from God. Salvation is available for all who call on the Name of the Lord.

If we accept this gift of salvation then we too are reborn, and we are given to the Son. To give Him honor and glory all the days of our lives should be our main focus. Amen?

Have a good Godly day.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Fulfilled!


Matthew 1:22-25 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

This passage is a very moving revelation of important truths of God’s plan for the world. Even though He is King of Kings, and all will bow in His honor, he was born in a stable, not a palace. Jesus came to show God’s love for people who feel they have nothing. God has known the same sadness.

Jesus alone can bring hope and light in to a dark world.

If you want to give your loved ones a great Christmas present this year, give them the gift of Christian Hope. On page after page of the New Testament we find it: the Good News that God will win, that nothing can defeat Him; that ultimately God and goodness will have the victory and that when we put our hope in Him, nothing, not even death, can separate us from His watch care and His love and His triumph. Once each year, Christmas comes along to renew our hope and to remind us that the darkness of this world cannot overcome the light of the world.

Have a good Godly day.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

The Family of God


Jesus’ birth was planned by God. All details concerning His birth were exactly as they should have been.

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. 17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
   20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:16-20

This shows that Jesus was the Son of God. Having no human father, conceived by the Holy Spirit shows His divinity. Born to a human mother shows His humanity.

The Great News is not that we are human, but that Jesus was born, died, and resurrected so that we can have the Holy Spirit living in us.

Are you just human, or holy and human?

Holiness only comes through Jesus.

Have a good Godly day.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Christmas Lights


Lights are a big part of our Christmas decorations. We see them every where: in the mall, outside adornments, and inside our homes. John chapter 1 talks about Jesus bringing God’s light in to the world on Christmas Day!

 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (vv. 4-5) 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (vv. 9-14)

Are you any different today than if Jesus was never born?

What difference has Jesus made on your life?

Receive God’s gift of salvation, and all the promises he gives to his children today.

Have a good Godly day.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Grace and Mercy


If Jesus was never born we would not know God’s grace and mercy. Jesus’ disciples John and Peter testify to His grace and mercy.

John 1:17 - For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:3-4 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.

George Bailey, in It’s a Wonderful Life couldn’t grasp the affect that his life had made on the world around him until it was shown to him.  Jesus knew that the world needed saving, and He was the only way to bring it about. He left the splendor of heaven to come in to this dark world as a baby. Jesus brought the light of heaven to earth, and made salvation available through His sacrifice.

Praise God that Jesus was born and still lives today!

Have a good Godly day.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Christmas Giving


If Jesus was never born we would not know about sacrificial giving.

Jesus taught us about how to give in Luke 21:1-4 - As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Jesus said - My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. - John 15:12-13 He gave up His life for us, and died in our place for our sins.

Because of Jesus’ willingness to come and give His life we can know eternity with God.

 Jesus promises eternity with God in heaven in John 14:1-3 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

 In John 14:6-7 Jesus declared - Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Thank you Jesus for preparing and being the way!

Have a good Godly day.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Christmas Knowledge


Let’s think about the question; What if Jesus had never been born?

There is a lot that we would never know.

Jesus tells us in John 3:16-17 - 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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

If Jesus had never been born we would not know the full extent of God’s love.
He loved us so much we was willing to die in our place on Calvary. He loves us so much that once we accept Him as Savior nothing can separate us from His love.

As Paul writes in Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Praise God for the gift of Jesus!

Have a good Godly day.

Monday, December 5, 2011

A Life Well Lived

All of us have seen the classic Christmas movie; It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart. In the movie, Stewart plays George Bailey who inherited the Bailey Building and Loan after his father dies. Throughout the story we see this man overcoming one thing after another: the stock market crash, the Depression, and World War II. Just when life was returning to normal another drama unfolds. His absentminded uncle misplaces $8000 and George knows he will probably go to jail. On a snowy night he heads out in desperation, uncertain about what to do. He comes to a bridge and considers committing suicide wishing he had never been born. George is saved by Clarence Oddbody, his guardian angel, who jumps in first. George saves him, but still wishes he had never lived. George’s request is granted.

Stewart’s character gets to see what the world would have looked like had he never been born. Through the rest of the movie we discover that George’s life has made a significant impact on his family, his friends, his community, and had he never been born, other people’s lives would have been worse off. The movie helps us realize the impact one person can make on those around us whether it is for good or for bad.

How about the Christmas story, and posing the question, what if Jesus was never born?

What if the first Christmas never happened?  No angels, no virgin birth, no manger, no shepherds, no wise men… No baby Jesus?

What kind of an impression has Jesus made on the world?
In our personal lives Jesus gives us hope, healing, wisdom, direction, protection, provision, rest, and so much more.

In our society we know most orphanages, hospitals, care organizations, and colleges were all begun by Christians.

What impression has Jesus made on you?

Have a good Godly day.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Christmas Compassion


Look at what Jesus says in Luke 4:18-19 - “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

He is announcing that Messiah has come and that the Scripture has been fulfilled. Immanuel – God is with us! He wanted to make sure that the world knew who he was, and the ministry of compassion. Jesus proclaims freedom to the poor in spirit, those imprisoned in sin, and give hope to the hopeless. He healed the sick, lame, and blind to give people a miraculous sign of His power. Jesus shows His love for everyone – regardless of our condition.

This Christmas may we take on His compassion for the world around us. We have many opportunities to show God’s love in a real way.

Are you ready to share Christ with someone?

Today can be that day.

Have a good, Godly, and compassionate day.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Adore Him


When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Luke 2:15-16

We all know the song, O Come All Ye Faithful:

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to
Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

We have that same calling and opportunity to experience Christ.
Remember the last verse?

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

Accept Jesus in every area of your life. It’s the best present you could ever receive.

Have a good Godly day.