Saturday, December 28, 2013

The New Year is Knocking on the Door and so is the Spirit of Christ



I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. My family attended a great Candlelight service as you can see in the photo. We then went over to my sister-in-laws house to enjoy a meal on Christmas day. Later that afternoon, we traveled to my hometown about sixty miles away to enjoy an evening with my brother, two sisters, and their families.
The person whose birthday we just celebrated is God in the flesh. The Spirit of Christ knocks on the door of our heart. But we are not always ready. Here’s a poem I wrote intended to get us ready: Ready for Each Day.
Friendship is a crucial part of a permanent love commitment. We should lift up those we are committed to; pray for them, listen and care. We are to love what they love and try to do what they ask.
The love of Christ gives us peace and freedom to take risk for He lives in us. Always believe He will help you come through and overcome any situation you face. Accept God’s Wonderful Counselor for life. Here’s another poem inspired by my recent study in Song of Songs: Love Lifts Higher.
As we head into the New Year, I will continue with my postings of the study in Song of Songs; a book that many read as a parable to demonstrate affections between Christ and the church. I should be able to finish this study in a few more days. Then the plan is to post for a while about a study of 2 Peter.
For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Worship Service Update

Many think so much about the presents during Christmas when more need to be thinking about God’s presence during this time. The same can be said about other concerns in life. There is much worry about paying bills, washing the car, mowing the lawn, or passing a test when there needs to be more thinking about God and His presence during these times.
Last Sunday at the church I attend, the message was titled “Simple Light”.  Christmas can be very complex; lots of planning, lots of choices, lots of family gatherings to attend. All these things are important but Pastor Steve brought the message to us with some great points about what really matters in bold print below.
Christmas is about a Simple Prediction
A prediction was made in Isaiah 7:14 that a son would be born to a virgin and she will name Him Immanuel.
Christmas is about a Simple Promise
In Luke 1:35-37, an angle told Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High will cover her. Many things are hard to understand but when we live in God’s light, things that seem impossible become possible.
Christmas is about a Simple Trust
In Luke 1:38, Mary trusted God and responded that she is the Lord’s servant and accepted whatever He wanted. There are many things in our world today we can’t trust but God has never broken a promise and we can trust that what He tells us in His Word will come about.
Christmas is about a Simple Response
In Luke 1:46-47, Mary responds with praise and joy. We should do the same with Christmas time. Don’t worry – just live life, sing the songs and worship. By keeping worship central in our life, worry will be wiped away.
Christmas is about a Simple Beginning
We think a lot of times that greatness comes from complex ideas but in reality, the most meaningful plans and ideas can come from very simple beginnings.  As recorded in Luke 2:6-7, the birth of Jesus had a simple beginning. There was no room for them in the village inn so Jesus was born and laid in a manger.
Christmas is about a Simple Story
A simple story turns into an amazing one. In Luke 2:17-19, the shepherds told everyone about the birth of Jesus they were astonished.
This weekend, we will continue the sermon series as we lead up to Christmas. If you are not able to attend your local church service (traveling, health condition, weather, etc), I invite you to this link of the podcast where you can listen/watch each sermon message.
As we head towards Christmas day, try to answer this question: What does Christmas mean to me? Then share your thoughts with at least 20 people. Have a great weekend!
For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Actions are Proof of His Love


Jesus and His Love for the church can inspire our day and build momentum. Christ fulfilled His purpose on earth with passion and boldness. It wasn’t easy but like most things of importance, it takes devotion.
With our helper in the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to share about this purpose of Christ. We can fight life’s battles together and what begins as a ripple on a pond can turn into a wave that travels far and continues to spread.   
To give a lift for your day, take a look at this video: The Proof of Your Love – For King and Country. Have a wonderful day with God! 

Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. – Hebrews 4:16
For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

The Reward of Newness


Reading in Song of Songs 2-3, the girl twice describes her beloved as “a gazelle or a young stag” (2:9, 17). This suggests that her beloved comes with great passion and grace. In a similar way, Christ came to fulfill His purpose on earth with passion and grace in spite of all the difficulties.
Spring imagery fills the speech in Song of Songs 2:11-15. The imagery describes the return of the Lord Jesus because like spring, everything is new and the old has passed away. Like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband, spring flowers which communicate God’s grace adorn the earth. This same thought is brought out in Revelation 21:1-5 below.
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
What makes you genuinely happy? Are they short term or long term? All of us should pause along the way of life and celebrate. Look forward to the future with optimism and be inspired by the God’s blessings which are forever. Let us cast off discouragements and come to Christ daily for a new beginning. Let us also pray for others we can invite to come to Christ.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.