Another new year is upon us: a chance for new beginnings. Many people use this time to make changes in their lives and to make resolutions to make the future better. What many people don’t realize is that only Jesus holds our future. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us about starting anew when we are taught: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Let’s help others become brand new this year by sharing the love of Jesus. God bless you!
Looking for the Important Things
There are many in this world who don’t seek what’s important. They want fame, fortune, and success. Ponce de Leon searched for the Fountain of Youth, seeking eternal life. Many spend fortunes trying to stay young to accomplish the same goal, and, unfortunately, they don’t know that there is only way to receive eternal life: through Jesus Christ. 1 John 5:11-12 tells us, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” Fanny Crosby wrote the hymn, “Blessed Assurance,” I pray that those who don’t know the Savior will find him and his blessed assurance this season. God bless you, and Merry Christmas!
Ring Those Bells!
Since biblical times, bells and cymbals have been rung to proclaim the joy in heaven and peace on earth at Christmas. When we hear Christmas bells, our hearts should be lifted. We sing the song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” and some know the poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas Day in 1863, “Christmas Bells.” Bells were a symbol of rejoicing in 1 Chronicles 13:8: “And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.” This Christmas, think of the joy they felt and rejoice! God bless you.
Star Light, Star Bright
We have so many wonderful signs of the Christmas season. We observe carolers, shoppers, living nativity scenes, and lights everywhere. I admit that I might have overdone it this year! But the most important symbol of Christmas is the tree topper: the star. It represents the Bethlehem star. Numbers 24:17b says, “…there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…” I look forward to placing our star at the top of our tree and reflecting on what it represents! Merry Christmas, and God bless you.
In The Midst of the Chaos
In our everyday world, we are surrounded by noise, distracting us from what’s important. I am reminded of Elijah, who was distracted because of the threat on his life, was told by God in 1 Kings 19:11-12 “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” It doesn’t take big things to hear our God. We just need to listen for His voice. God bless you!
Give Thanks
This is Thanksgiving week. I’m praying that all of us have much to be grateful for, even for the tough things, because in every situation, God is giving us something. At the first Thanksgiving, the pilgrims, after suffering devastating losses, still gave thanks! An anonymous quote said, “God’s giving deserves our Thanksgiving.” The Apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” It’s a good reminder for us that He is blessing us in ALL things; and I pray He blesses you today.
It Will Be Alright
The best is yet to come; it’s a phrase we have all heard. When we face hard times, it is sometimes hard to believe that it will get better. There is no crystal ball to look into. However, we do have the word of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us: “But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” Even in the worst of times, we can trust him to bring us through! May God bless you today.
Two Little Words
Thank you…. two little words; words that acknowledge a kindness someone has done for us. Sadly, society is forgetting to use phrases like this. Psalm 136:1 says, ” Give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: his mercies endureth forever.” Have you said thank you to the one who created and sustains you lately? Let’s make it a point to do so today. Oh, and if I don’t say it enough…thank you. God bless you all!
Where Do I Turn For Help?
Need some help? Those are comforting words when we need extra help lifting something or someone. Unexpected help is a blessing during a financial crisis. Relief is felt when a stranger stops to help fix a flat tire or brings gasoline when you are stranded. Did you know that one of the missions of God’s angels is to help us when no one else can? Even Jesus needed help from an angel in the Garden of Gethsemane. Hebrews 1:14 says, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” Remember that God watches out for us, and angels are one of the ways. God bless you!
HE Is Your Reward
Most people like to be recognized… but is that godly? An anonymous quote says, “He who merits praise he never receives is better off than he who receives praise he never merits.” Sometimes it’s hard not to want the recognition and admiration of others, but we must keep a godly perspective and motivation in everything we do. Matthew 6:18 says, “That thou appear not unto man to fast, but unto thy Father, which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” I can’t wait to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” God bless you!
