Remember Wins As the New Year Arrives

A little over a year ago, I did a study which I called “God’s Plan for Us” in which ten posts were written. The last post was titled “Remembering Wins” and here is the link: Remembering Wins. A huge win this past year has been writing about faith. I go into more detail at this link: Step Ahead. Thanks for being here to read my post and keeping me accountable to Bible study and sharing with others. Have a Happy New Year!

A Silent Night That Changed the World

At First United Methodist Church Waco yesterday, we finished the sermon series that explored the “Songs of Christmas”. The podcast can be watched by clicking this link: Silent Night Podcast and here is a video of this song: Silent Nightwith Lyrics.

In listening to the sermon, the song, and reviewing the podcast, below are some take aways for me.

Jesus was born in a crude stable and placed in a manger on a silent night but soon loud words would be spoken in His life that would spread to change the world. His mother was only around 16 years old but she responded by following God’s will. We all feel like we need to do big things for God but most of the time it is the modest, silent, and small actions we take that have the biggest impact. God wants us to simply be His servant by listening to His directions and following. If we say the words in bold below and believe them, our life will never be the same.

I AM THE LORD’S SERVANT; MAY IT BE TO ME AS YOU HAVE SPOKEN

When we do what God has for us, our life speaks for itself and is not so silent. The birth of Jesus on a silent night was a night that communicates God’s love for us. It is a night that sets us free; from hurts, worries, hopelessness, pain, and fear. It is a night that gives all a lift during dark times. It is a night that corrects the darkness with light through Jesus Christ and we all become a part of the light that reflects God’s love.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at

Facebook

Twitter

Have a Merry Christmas!

Mark

Everyone has Tremendous Value in God’s Eyes

Think of people or groups that are favored by the world. Those wearing fine clothes, the pretty people on the outside, those with nice cars, and those that live in nice neighborhoods. In James 2:1-13, we are told that such partiality is absolutely wrong. James tells us that God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and inherit the kingdom He promised those who love him (v. 5). The right way to live and the standard for our actions are to follow the golden rule, “To love your neighbor as yourself” (v. 8).

The Gospel law of liberty gives freedom to everyone. We are to alleviate barriers or obstacles people face by accepting, appreciating, and affirming everyone that lives by the “Golden Rule”. All Christians share a common father so respect all people because God loves them. We are not to respect others because of mere outward circumstances and appearances. We shouldn’t favor the rich and look down on the poor or accept only those with our same skin color or only the strong and healthy rather than the disabled.

As you go throughout each day, be aware of simple things you can do that will make a big difference to help others get over the barriers that stand in their way? Here’s a video to illustrate how we can apply today’s lesson: Ducklings Get Just What They Need.

Success is not fancy cloths, cars, and homes but discipline and inner peace. If you are tempted to judge others this day with God, be reminded that everyone has tremendous value in His eyes.


For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at:
Facebook
Twitter

Looking Forward to The Day

The Old Testament ends with victory for those who believe and continue to honor God. While expecting His gracious promise to be fulfilled each day, we can be thankful, give effort, be disciplined, and care for neighbors.

Two types of people are presented in Malachi 3:13-4:6; evil and good. We can be thankful for the gracious promise fulfilled in Jesus. This promise encourages us to know God and to fellowship with those who follow His ways.

Thoughts of wrongdoing corrupt good minds and behavior but thoughts of virtue confirm good minds and behavior. Those that follow God’s ways are His jewels that He values beyond measure. The Gospel message changes hearts to prepare all that believe to follow the way of wisdom and happiness. By serving and trusting together with the influences of the Spirit, there is devotion, joy, and effectiveness.

The Old Testament ends and the New Testament is the most joyful book ever written. This day with God will be amazing because we can be thankful. Here’s a video about being thankful: About Giving Thanks to Him.

Like in the video, this day with God, I’m thanking Him for freedom, for eyes to see His magnificent creation, for hearing His wonderful sounds, for the sense of smell, of touch, and to imagine what it will be like to unite with those lost in this world and with my Father in Heaven.


For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at:
Facebook
Twitter

The Promise is in Place

Israel was in dark times but a promise brought hope. The promise of Christ was given in Isaiah 9:6-7.

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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.

Today we don’t have to wait because the promise is in place for us now. Keep on doing what God tells you to do and believe in the promise. A song is being sung just for you and as we prepare for Christmas, I hope this video will bless you:  O Holy Night – David Phelps.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: 
Facebook
Twitter