Saturday, December 31, 2016
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Monday, December 26, 2016
The Christmas Celebration
The Christmas Celebration
"Glory To God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will, toward men."
(Luke 2:14)
Many weeks before the day finally arrives, people begin
to celebrate Christmas. There are lights blinking at night in windows, on
trees, and on the outside of buildings. There are lots springing up to sell
Christmas trees. There is Christmas music in the stores and on the radio. There
are thoughts of what to buy, and sales to draw our attention. We are having a
time of celebration. But, are we celebrating the right way, or the wrong way?
1. THE WRONG WAY TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
Many people will make Christmas a time of sinful
partying. They will make It a time to drink and Indulge In sinful activity that
may end in tragedy. Fleshly indulgence Is not the right way to celebrate the
Lord s birthday. Certainly, the person who drinks and drives may end up killing
someone or killing himself. Don t drink strong drink to celebrate Christmas.
Let the Holy Spirit lift your spirit in true and lasting happiness this
Christmas by realizing the true meaning of Christmas.
Here are the lyrics from a song sang in 1928 by Leroy Carr
“On the twenty-fifth of December, 1928 it’s a national
issue of heaven to the world that it’s Jesus’s birthday.
Some people use the wrong way to celebrate Christmas day.
Some people who work every day and draws good money every
pay and here is what the same people said I wanna spend my money and have my
way.
Some people use the wrong way to celebrate Christmas day.
While the church is praying on Christmas Day other people
are roaming the streets and drinking their soul away.
Some people use the wrong way to celebrate Christmas day.
”
2. THE RIGHT WAY TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
Christmas is a time to promote peace on earth. May we
pray that the weapons of war will be laid down, and the billions of dollars
being used to kill people and to destroy homes may be used to feed the hungry,
to put clothes on the poor homeless and starving millions, and to furnish
housing that will bring them In out of the cold and rain and snow. This is the
"good will" that honors and pleases Jesus. Remember, It Is the Lord 's
birthday we are celebrating.
1. Spread cheer. When you hear Christmas songs,
instead of being grumpy smile and whistle along. Being cheerful during the
Christmas season really will help in spreading Christmas spirit to those around
you, plus it helps you enjoy it more too.
Remember it is about peace on earth and good will to all men.
2. Enjoy
your country’s Christmas traditions. Let yourself be a kid again and enjoy
Christmas. We all have our traditions
let us embrace and enjoy them.
3. Decorate
your house for Christmas. The possibilities for decorating are nearly endless.
Buy and decorate a Christmas
tree. Go with your family to your local Christmas tree farm to cut your own or
head to a lot selling pre-cut Christmas trees. Pick out a Christmas tree that
fits your house. After you’ve gotten your tree situated, wrap it in lights and
begin hanging the ornaments. Don’t forget to water it occasionally and
safeguard it from pets!
You can decorate your tree
with family heirloom ornaments . It’s
really up to you--be as creative or traditional as you like.
4. Join up with friends and family. For many
people, Christmas is about gathering with friends and family to enjoy each others company and
celebrate the holiday. Take advantage of this time to reconnect with friends
and family. Create your own traditions or celebrate with the traditions that
have been passed down in your family.
Invite your friends or family over for Christmas dinner. Make it a
potluck if you want to keep expenses (and the workload) manageable. The
important thing is just to get together with people you love and make the
winter a little warmer by sharing the warmth of caring with them. Consider
making a traditional Christmas dinner complete with roast turkey, or create
your own traditions by branching out and making whatever you want!
5. Go
Christmas Caroling, watch Christmas movies, do a generous act, make gifts
yourself, so something outdoor as a family.
3. THE WONDERFUL RESULTS
When we celebrate Christmas in the right way, we bring
glory and honor to God. The angels said, "Glory to God in the
highest," and our greatest ambition should be to glorify God in all our
activities at Christmas. Then, we should be sure to keep Jesus Christ at the
center in our celebrations. Many times, too much attention Is given to Santa
Claus and decorations. Christmas is all about Jesus, our only Savior.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
No Knowledge of God.
No Knowledge of God. – Romans
1:27-29
Vs 27 – Men left their
natural affection for women gave into the sodomite spirit and burned in lust
for each other. Their conduct is vile,
evil and will lead to destruction and death.
Vs 28 – They did not retain
their knowledge of God. God gave them
over to their reprobate mind where they do things that will lead to separation
from God and eternal punishment.
Vs 29 - As a result of their apostasy Paul lists 23
sins that damn the soul.
Unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness,
full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity and whisperers.
s.
Proverb of Steel
Those who believe in luck, chance, destiny, fate
and good fortune have not comprehended that it could be God working in the
shadows.
Verse Today
Luke 1:38New International Version (NIV)
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Weekend Thought
It is the Christmas Weekend and here is your thought. Those who believe in luck, chance, destiny, fate and good fortune have not comprehended that it could be God working in the shadows. As we head into Christmas weekend. remember God made it obvious. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the reason for the reason. It was not luck, destiny or fate that brought Him to earth. He came to die for the sins of mankind. Today make Jesus you Lord and Saviour. Live each day for Him and change your life and others.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Proverb of Steel
The stars have three known functions. The give
light and warmth to the planetary bodies around them. They have for
centuries guided the traveler . They are witnesses of the creative power
and majesty of God.
We can dishonor
We can dishonor – Roman 1:24-26
Vs 24 - God then gave them over to uncleanness. This was caused by the lust in mankind’s
heart which led them to dishonor their bodies by doing evil acts among
themselves.
Vs 25 – There are two sins
God gave man up to defile their souls.
They changed the truth of God into a lie.
They worshipped and serve
creatures of stone, wood and metal instead of the creator is to be blessed
forever. Amen.
Vs 26 – God gave them
up. He did not want to give them up but
they did what was unnatural. He burned
in lust for each other. In nature male
and female procreation is the norm.
The Star
This is your thought for today. The stars have three known functions. The give light and warmth to the planetary bodies around them. They have for centuries guided the traveler . They are witnesses of the creative power and majesty of God. One star lead the wise men to the greatest person who ever lived. Let the star lead you to Jesus today. The reason for the season.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Verse Today
Psalm 136:1New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
His love endures forever.
One time
One time – Romans 1:21-24
Vs 21 - There was a time mankind knew God. This is called the time of conscience. They however did not glorify Him as God.
Neither were thankful. The result was
that they became vain in their thinking and this led to a darkening of their
foolish hearts.
Vs 22 – They claimed to be
wise but in truth were fools.
Vs 23 – The changed to glory
of the incorruptible God to the images of corruptible man and creatures. They became idol worshippers.
Juicy Morsels
It is the middle of the week and here is a simple thought. Gossip and slander are juicy morsels until they are about you. So the best way to avoid becoming a juicy morsel is to not let gossip been spoken by you. A rule of thumb for gossip is never spread it. When you hear some refuse to listen or be used by it. Simple but profound truth.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Verse Today
James 1:19New International Version (NIV)
Listening and Doing
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
Not Ashamed
Not Ashamed – Romans 1:16-18
Vs 16 – Paul is proud of the
gospel. He is never ashamed of this
glorious gospel. It is good news. It is the power of God working salvation in
every one who believes. The Jews had the
first opportunity to receive the gospel but now it is being offered to all.
Vs 17 - The gospel is the righteousness of God
through the avenue of faith and it will continue to grow through faith. Paul then quotes Hab 2:4, “the just will by
faith.” You are justified in God’s sight
by faith.
Vs 18 - The whole world is guilty before God. The wrath of God will be against the ungodly
and unrighteous. They are individuals
who hold to truth but it leads them to unrighteous.
Tuesday Thought
Today is Tuesday and here is your thought for today. Gossip is a poisionous cup, once drunk it will destroy the whole person. So stop gossip in its track and keep your life right. refuse to have anything to do with it. Don't listen and don't spread.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Proverb of Steel
Never tell something about yourself unless you
are willing to have it published every where.
Spiritual Fruit
Spiritual Fruit – Romans 1:13-15
Vs 13 - He
wants them to know He has wanted to come to them but has been prevented thus
far. Paul wants to have spiritual fruit
among them as he has seen in other places.
Vs 14 – Paul establishes the
fact and thought he is debtor to God and to all mankind. He must repay that debt of salvation by
telling all men about Jesus Christ.
Vs 15 – His resolve is that
he wants to preach the gospel in Rome
Verse Today
John 3:16New International Version (NIV)
16 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.
Published Everywhere
It is the beginning of a new week and here is a thought. Never tell something about yourself unless you are willing to have it published every where. It has been said, good news travels fast and bad news travels faster. So make sure you only tell something about your self with trustworthy people. Live your life so well that the town gossip will vouch for you.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Friday, December 16, 2016
Verse Today
Psalm 15:5New International Version (NIV)
5 who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things
will never be shaken.
will never be shaken.
Beloved of God
Beloved of God – Romans 1:7-9
Vs 7 – This letter was
written to the Christians of Rome. They
are the beloved of God and His saints (Called out ones). Grace and peace has been extended to them by
God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord Jesus Christ is a title used to establish Jesus’ Lordship and
authority.
Vs 8 - This is Paul’s prayer of thanksgiving for the
Romans. Their faith has been spoken or
broadcast throughout the Christian world.
Vs 9 – Paul wants them to
know through this oath that He is praying for them unceasingly. This is through the Spirit and His love for
the gospel.
Weekend Thought
Here is your thought for the weekend. Lies are like water, they will seek the path of least resistance. So today resist a lie and tell the truth by your words and deeds. Be a person of honesty and the world will know there is one person who will tell the truth and you are that person.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Verse Today
Psalm 15:4New King James Version (NKJV)
4 In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
But he honors those who fear the Lord;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
But he honors those who fear the Lord;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
Son of God
Romans 1:4-6 – Son of God
Vs 4 - He was declared the Son of God with
power. The Spirit of holiness has
declared Him this through His resurrection of the dead.
Vs 5 – Through Christ, Paul
has received grace and apostleship. He
is to be obedient to the faith ,to proclaim the gospel to all nations for His
name sake.
Vs 6 - The Romans have been called by and through
Jesus Christ.
Thursday Thought
It is Thursday and here is your thought. To stop a lie. Tell the truth. This is a simple thought but as people of God we are called to tell the truth even if it hurts others. Always tell the truth in love and walk in integrity and this will make you a light in this dark world.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Servant of Christ
Servant of Christ – Romans 1:1-3
Vs 1 – Paul is a servant of
Jesus Christ. He was called to be an
apostle. To live a separated life for
the Gospel or Good News of God.
Vs 2 – This was a promise
written about by the prophets in the Holy Scriptures.
Vs 3 - God’s Son is Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the Seed of David. God’s promise to David, come in the
flesh. He is God with a face. God walking among us.
Verse Today
Psalm 15:3King James Version (KJV)
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
Truth about a lie
It is the middle of the week and here is a truth about a lie. A lie is like a barren fruit tree. They have no purpose. So today tell the truth and live a fruitful life. Honor the Lord and others. Make sure your words and life line up to truth and be the blessing God intended for you.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
We Are Free
We Are Free – Romans 6:22-23
Vs 22 – Being a slave of righteousness means you are free
from death, hell and the grave. As a
slave of righteousness your benefits are as follows: First, you live a life of holiness which
pleases God. The result of this
lifestyle is eternal life.
Vs 23 – Paul closes off this chapter which this
statement. It is the exclamation point
of the chapter. The wages of sin is
death, physically, spiritually and eternally. The gift of God is one we can neither earn or
deserve. It is eternal life. This life came through and in Jesus
Christ. What a wonderful blessing.
Verse Today
Psalm 15:1-2King James Version (KJV)
15 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
Proverb of Steel
The paradox and folly of age is this. You have
children wanting to be a grown up and grown ups who wants to be children.
Paradox of the Age
Here is your thought for today. The paradox and folly of age is this. You have children wanting to be a grown up and grown ups who wants to be children. Today make your choice. Paul tells us in Cor 13 that when we are children we will think and act as a children but now that we are grown up we should put away childish things. I guess we are to act our age. Remember maturity is both an age and choice decision.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Simple Logic
Romans 6:16-18 – Simple Logic
Vs 16 – Paul then employs simple logic. When you offer yourself to some one as a
slave you will obey their wishes, desires and demands. If you offer yourself to sin this will lead
to death. If you offer yourself to
Christ your obedience will lead to life and righteousness. The choice is clear. Slavery was a well known practice among the
Romans. It has also been reported that
many early Christians were in reality slaves.
So this concept presented here was totally applicable.
Vs 17 – Paul then begins a statement and a declaration of
faith. He gives thanks to God that the
Roman Christians though at one time were slaves to sin now have embraced or
wholehearted entrusted to themselves to the new teaching they have received in
Christ.
Vs 18 – They have been set free from sin and now are slaves
to righteousness. Here is a reality you
will have a master. It will be sin, the
devil, yourself or God. Whoever you
choose will determine your eternal destiny.
Verse Today
Psalm 91:16King James Version (KJV)
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Monday Thought
It is the beginning of the week and here is your thought. Only a fool thinks when they drink there will be no consequences. As we head into the holiday season. Let us follow a simple rule. Do not drink or drive. If you are with someone who is thinking of it. Tell them not too. Plan to take a taxi or have a designated driver. Let us arrive at home alive.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Friday, December 9, 2016
An instrument for God
Romans 6:13-15 – An instrument for God
Vs 13 – Paul then tells His audience to no longer offer
parts of their bodies as instruments of unrighteousness but offer them as
instruments of righteousness. You are a
person that has pass from death unto life.
What a beautiful statement and reality.
Vs 14 – Sin must no longer be your master for you are not under
law but grace. Grace is God’s riches at
Christ’s expense. Grace is a complete
and total life based on a new life in Christ.
Vs 15 – Paul begins a new thought and section. His theme in this final part of this chapter is about being slaves
of righteousness. He begins again with
another question. This is a question his
opponents were asking. Will we still sin
because we are no longer under the law but grace? Paul says by no means. When we live in Christ we will no longer wish
to sin
Verse Today
Psalm 91:15King James Version (KJV)
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
No Gossip
It is the weekend and here is your thought. Never gossip or slander a friend unless you are prepared to lose them. Another rule is this. If you gossip others will gossip about you. So always stop gossip in its tracks by choosing not to pass it on. Gossip dies when it has no place to go.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Verse Today
Psalm 91:12New International Version (NIV)
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Once for All
Romans 6:10-12 – Once for All
Vs
10 – When Jesus died He died once and for all.
Jesus’ death was a one time sacrifice
for
sin. He died that we may live. The life that Jesus now lives, He lives for
God.
So we must do the same.
Vs 11 – In the same way that Jesus was dead to sin and alive
in God we must count ourselves to dead to sin and alive in Christ. You cannot have two realities. You are either dead to alive.
Vs 12 – Paul then says we have to make a decision. We must not allow sin to reign in our mortal
bodies any longer. You must reckon it
dead and in this way you will not longer obey its desires and ways.
Wednesday Thought
It is the middle of the week and here is your thought for today. Never be surprised by the folly of a child. Weep when it is found in an adult. Children are children but when adults act like children then we should be very concerned. Yet today many act like kids. This is because they never learned the boundaries of good behaviour or limits when children. Today leave childish things and grow up and be the person God intended you to be.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Monday, December 5, 2016
Verse Today
Psalm 91:11New International Version (NIV)
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
to guard you in all your ways;
We live
Romans 6:7-9 We live
Vs 7 – Paul then points out a powerful reality that when
someone has died they are free from sin.
That which is dead is dead and that which is alive is alive. Only Jesus Christ can set us free from sin
and only allowing the crucified life reign in us will we stay free from sin.
Vs 8 – The result of this belief is that we have died with
Him and that we will live with Him.
Jesus said in the book of John that He would go and prepare a place for
us. He has gone ahead but even now we
are living with Him.
Vs 9 – Jesus has risen from the dead and He cannot die
again. Death and sin no longer has
mastery over Him or us.
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The birds and animals are wiser than men. Many mate
for life.
For life
It is the beginning of the week and here is your thought, The birds and animals are wiser than men. Many mate for life. So if you are married make sure you stay true to your spouse and show your family the meaning of true love.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Friday, December 2, 2016
Verse
Psalm 91:10New International Version (NIV)
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
no disaster will come near your tent.
Verse Today
Psalm 91:10New International Version (NIV)
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
no disaster will come near your tent.
Romans 6:7-9 – Only Jesus Christ
Vs 7 – Paul then points out a powerful reality that when
someone has died they are free from sin.
That which is dead is dead and that which is alive is alive. Only Jesus Christ can set us free from sin
and only allowing the crucified life reign in us will we stay free from sin.
Vs 8 – The result of this belief is that we have died with
Him and that we will live with Him.
Jesus said in the book of John that He would go and prepare a place for
us. He has gone ahead but even now we
are living with Him.
Vs 9 – Jesus has risen from the dead and He cannot die
again. Death and sin no longer has
mastery over Him or us.
Weekend Thought
It is the weekend and here is your thought. One phrase always precedes destruction. "No one is going to tell me what to do." So here is a simple wise thought. Do the will of God and you will not be destroyed. Follow this phrase and you will.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Verse Today
Psalm 91:8New International Version (NIV)
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
and see the punishment of the wicked.
United with Christ
Romans 6:4-6 – United with Christ
Vs 4 – As baptism is a sign of burial so when we come out of
the water it is a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is for glory of God. God gets all the credit so the results of
this reality is that you live a new life in Christ. A life that is pleasing to God.
Vs 5 – As we have been united with Christ in death so shall
we be united with Him in His resurrection.
A wonderful metaphor about how on one hand before we knew Christ we were
dead in trespasses and sin but now we are alive in our new life because of His
resurrection.
Vs 6 – Our old self has to be crucified so the power of the
body of sin would be render powerless.
Sin ruled our lives from the day we were born until we give our lives to
Jesus Christ. The goal here is that we would
no longer be slaves to sin but to Christ.
Who the Son sets free is free indeed.
Simple Thought
My thought today is simple. Think it through before you do. This sounds is simple but it is very hard to do because often we are lead by impulse. It only takes a moment but it could save you so much pain and sorrow. So think it through before you do.
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