Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Amen!
Come,
Lord Jesus!

2015 has come to an end and tomorrow we start living out 2016! 2016 will be filled with anxious moments, times of joy and times of sorrow. There will be new challenges for all of us. We live in a world that is so different than what we grew up in, a world where now evil and corruption seem to flourish and reign. But … I will still look forward to 2016!

Scripture

Revelation 22

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

²¹ May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.

Observation

2015 has come to an end and tomorrow we start living out 2016!

2016 will be filled with anxious moments, times of joy and times of sorrow. There will be new challenges for all of us. We live in a world that is so different than what we grew up in, a world where now evil and corruption seem to flourish and reign.

But …

I will still look forward to 2016!

I look forward to 2016 because of this very important fact; I know Who is in charge! I know that Jesus Christ and all who love Him will prevail in the end.

And this morning as I once again read Revelation 22 I was able to see how it is all going to end!

So I join the writer of the book of Revelation in saying, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Application

I will look forward to seeing what this New Year brings our way! How about you? 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, I will take the words that You shared with Joshua for my very own as I face this new year.“I will not fail you or abandon you.  “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.  Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:6-8

Daily Bible Reading:  Revelation 19,20,21,22

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

There Are Three Things That Amaze Me – No, Four Things That I Don’t Understand

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

There Are Three Things That Amaze Me –
No, Four Things
That I Don’t Understand

I started dating Kathy in the fall way back in 1968 during our senior high of high school. I think it was after the second or third date that I knew that I wanted to be with her forever. I fell madly in love with her after or maybe even during our first date! I agree with the writer of Proverbs that love between a man and a woman is amazing! Kathy describes those early days of our relationship a little bit differently, she says, “We were madly in lust with each other!”

Scripture

Proverbs 30

¹⁸ There are three things that amaze me—
    no, four things that I don’t understand:

¹⁹ how an eagle glides through the sky,
    how a snake slithers on a rock,
    how a ship navigates the ocean,
    how a man loves a woman.

Observation

I started dating Kathy in the fall way back in 1968 during our senior high of high school. I think it was after the second or third date that I knew that I wanted to be with her forever. I fell madly in love with her after or maybe even during our first date!

I agree with the writer of Proverbs that love between a man and a woman is amazing!

Kathy describes those early days of our relationship a little bit differently, she says, “We were madly in lust with each other!”

We were married one year and one month after we started dating … at the young age of 18.

Her charm and her beauty and whatever she saw in me, attracted us together but we quickly learned in our first year of marriage that those things were not enough to keep our marriage and our love for each other going in the right direction.

At 19 years old, one year after we got married, Kathy and I fell in love with Jesus Christ and we began to put Him first in our lives and in our marriage. Jesus Christ became the most important Person in our lives and not each other.

It was then and only then that I truly learned how to love Kathy the way God intended for a man to love a woman. A love for her that is so amazing.

When I look at her today I still have those feelings; those feelings just like I had when I began dating her in the fall of 1968. When she walks into the room everything still changes!

She is the love of my life. She is more amazing now than she was even then.

We watch so many couples struggling in their relationship with each other. When they open up and give us a chance to talk with them we share with them the reason why our marriage is what it is today.

Here is what we share:

Jesus Christ must have first place in your life.  Your spouse or significant other must have second place in your life and everything and everyone else must come after that. Then and only then will your love for each other be truly “amazing”.

Application

I will enjoy my wife today and I will let her know how much I love her.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us the opportunity to have a personal relationship with You. I love Kathy more today than I ever have. She is so amazing. She is the greatest gift that You have ever given me next to my relationship with You. Thank You for giving me the ability to love her like Christ loves the church and like Christ loves me. Don’t let me be selfish. Give me the ability to love her and love others with Your unselfish love. I pray for my children that they may know how to love others in this same way. Help them to put You first and others second. Help them grow in their relationship with You and in their relationship with others. Give them what Kathy and I have experienced. Don’t let them miss the “amazing”.


Daily Bible Reading:  Revelation 15,16,17,18; Psalm 30; Proverbs 30

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

When The Godly Are In Authority, The People Rejoice. But When The Wicked Are In Power, They Groan.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

When The Godly Are In Authority,
The People Rejoice.
But When The Wicked Are In Power, They Groan. 

Proverbs 29:16 says, “When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes”! But I personally like the end of verse 16, “but the godly will live to see their downfall”. At the end of this Presidential race we may all be groaning, though I am still holding out hope that a godly person will win. Even if a wicked person wins the election and things around us get even worse than they are now, you and I can, and we should remain confident and hopeful. We have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and Christ is ultimately in charge and He is calling the shots.

Scripture

Proverbs 29

² When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.
    But when the wicked are in power, they groan.
¹⁶ When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes,
    but the godly will live to see their downfall.

Observation

Proverbs 29:16 says, “When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes”! But I personally like the end of verse 16, “but the godly will live to see their downfall”.

At the end of this Presidential race we may all be groaning, though I am still holding out hope that a godly person will win.

Even if a wicked person wins the election and things around us get even worse than they are now, you and I can, and we should remain confident and hopeful. We have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and Christ is ultimately in charge and He is calling the shots.

 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
    and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
    and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
    and the cattle barns are empty,
 yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
    I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
 The Sovereign Lord is my strength! Habakkuk 3:17-19

Application

I will echo Habakkuk’s faith this morning and I will say with him that no matter how bad things get in the world around me, “I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength!” 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, the evil and the wicked are nothing to You. I know that You are in charge. Nothing that is happening in our country catches You by surprise. I do pray for godly leaders to win positions of leadership across our country. Give them boldness and help them to be courageous and help them not to compromise their convictions. This world is dominated by evil, the prince of this world reigns and is causing havoc and destruction everywhere, but his days are numbered and Satan is already defeated. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! 

Daily Bible Reading:  Revelation 10,11,12,13,14; Psalm 29; Proverbs 29



Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

I Pray To You, O LORD, My Rock For If You Are Silent, I Might As Well Give Up And Die.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

I Pray To You,
O LORD, My Rock
For If You Are Silent, I Might As Well Give Up And Die.

As I looked this morning at the pictures of all the houses totally destroyed by the tornadoes in Garland, Texas it was a reminder to me that my protection needs to be in something better than what man can build or create. It is a reminder to me that life is fragile and things can change in a matter of moments. It only takes seconds for a 200 mph tornado to destroy even the best-built structure. My security and your security need to be in the Rock, where no enemy can reach us.

Scripture

Psalm 28

¹ I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
    Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
    I might as well give up and die.

Observation

As I looked this morning at the pictures of all the houses totally destroyed by the tornadoes in Garland, Texas it was a reminder to me that my protection needs to be in something better than what man can build or create. 

It is a reminder to me that life is fragile and things can change in a matter of moments.

It only takes seconds for a 200 mph tornado to destroy even the best-built structure. 

My security and your security need to be in the Rock, where no enemy can reach us.

No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. Psalm 62:7

Application

I will trust in the Rock today for all of my needs. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from Your love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from Your love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from Your love that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Praise the Lord! For You have heard my cry for mercy. Lord, You are my strength and shield. I trust You with all my heart. You help me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 28:6-7 Personalized


Daily Bible Reading:  Revelation 5,6,7,8,9; Psalm 28; Proverbs 28

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Look! I Stand At The Door And Knock. If You Hear My Voice And Open The Door, I Will Come In

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Look! I Stand At The Door And Knock.
If You Hear My Voice And Open The Door,
I Will Come In

The door of your heart has only one doorknob. It has to be opened from the inside. The door has to be opened by you. The door of my heart has to be opened by me. Jesus Christ is pursuing a relationship with you and He is pursuing a relationship with me Open up the door of your heart and ask Jesus Christ to come in. It will be the best thing that you have ever done. God is constantly pursuing us, but He will not force His way into our lives. We must invite Him in.

Scripture

Revelation 3
20 “Look! I have been standing at the door, and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me. TLB

Observation

The door of your heart has only one doorknob. It has to be opened from the inside. The door has to be opened by you. The door of my heart has to be opened by me.

Jesus Christ is pursuing a relationship with you and He is pursuing a relationship with me.

I can remember at the age of nineteen I opened the door of my heart and I let Jesus Christ come in. I asked Him to be my Lord and my Savior. Once Christ comes into your life He sticks like glue. He has never left me. He never will!

Open up the door of your heart and ask Jesus Christ to come in. It will be the best thing that you have ever done. God is constantly pursuing us, but He will not force His way into our lives. We must invite Him in.

Why not do that right now? Ask Jesus Christ into your life. Admit that you are a sinner. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Turn from sin and selfish living and turn to Him.

Open up the door of your heart to Him right now! Let Him come in.

Application

I will pray for you and ask God to give you the courage and boldness to surrender your life to Jesus Christ today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that more than anything else You want us to spend time with You. You created us for fellowship and intimacy. You want us to love You and you want us to love those around us. I pray for those reading this blog today. Help them to have enough courage to open up their hearts to You. Give them spiritual understanding. Help them to totally trust You today.

Daily Bible Reading:  Revelation 1,2,3,4; Psalm 27; Proverbs 27


Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Your Word Is A Lamp To Guide My Feet And A Light For My Path

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Your Word
Is A Lamp To Guide My Feet
And A Light For My Path

How often do we read God’s Word? Everyday? Just when we go to church? We live in an age where it has never been easier to read or listen to God’s Word. You and I can read or listen to God’s Word on our smart phone, I Pad, tablet, computer, radio, or just pick up our Bible and turn real pages! You and I have absolutely no excuse. Want 2016 to be the very best year of your life? Then make a commitment right now to read God’s Word every single day of 2016.

Scripture

Psalm 119

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
    and a light for my path.

Observation

How often do we read God’s Word? Everyday? Just when we go to church?

We live in an age where it has never been easier to read or listen to God’s Word. You and I can read or listen to God’s Word on our smart phone, I Pad, tablet, computer, radio, or just pick up our Bible and turn real pages!

                       

You and I have absolutely no excuse.

In 2016 God’s Word can radically transform your life. It can radically change my life. But we have to read God’s Word on a regular basis for it to guide and direct our lives.

Look back on 2015 and think about how much time you spent in God’s Word. How did that work out for you?

Want 2016 to be the very best year of your life?

Then make a commitment right now to read God’s Word every single day of 2016.

Ask someone to hold you accountable.

And I would encourage you to find a reading plan to follow and then stick to it.

If you have a Bible reading plan for next year why don’t you share it in the comment section and maybe it will be an encouragement for someone else.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT

Application

I will read the entire Bible through during 2016 and the New Testament twice. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I love Your Word. Help me to read and study and enjoy Your Word everyday. Don’t let me be lazy. Don’t let me get sidetracked or distracted from spending time in Your Word. I pray for my friends that may be reading this blog. Help them to make commitments to read the Bible everyday and help them keep their commitment so they can prosper. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Daily Bible Reading:  Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1; Psalm 26; Proverbs 26


Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

This Is Real Love – Not That We Loved God, But That He Loved Us And Sent His Son As A Sacrifice To Take Away Our Sins.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

This Is Real Love –
Not That We Loved God, But That He Loved Us
And Sent His Son As A Sacrifice To Take Away Our Sins.

Scripture

1 John 4

¹⁰ This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Observation

This is what Christmas is all about, God coming down from Heaven, being born in a manger, to live a perfect sinless life as Jesus Christ being fully human and fully God. He came to be the Perfect sacrifice for your sins and for my sins. He was crucified on a cross. He was buried. On the third day of being in that tomb He came back to life. And one day soon He is coming back for me and hopefully He is coming back for you too!

Merry Christmas to you and your family! It is my hope and prayer that you and those you love experience the Christ of Christmas!

Christmas without Christ is no Christmas at all!

Application

Today I will reflect on the true meaning of Christmas! How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is so easy to miss the true meaning of Christmas. It is not a day or a season that makes Christmas so special. It is the Christ of Christmas that makes this day and this season so full of Awe and Wonder. It is Jesus Christ that makes this day and this season the very best time of the year!

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. Isaiah 9:6


Daily Bible Reading:  1 John 1,2,3,4,5

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Don’t Be Faithless Any Longer. Believe!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Don’t
Be Faithless Any Longer.
Believe!

Doubting Thomas! Does that describe you this Christmas Eve? Christmas without believing in the Savior is no Christmas at all. Why don’t you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year? Don’t be faithless any longer. BELIEVE!

Scripture

John 20

²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

Observation

Doubting Thomas! Does that describe you this Christmas Eve?

Christmas without believing in the Savior is no Christmas at all. Why don’t you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year?

Don’t be faithless any longer. BELIEVE!

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:10-14

Application

I will continue to share the Good News of Christmas! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, too many of my friends still do not believe. Help them. Don’t let them go through life without a relationship with You. Don’t let them be faithless any longer. Help them to believe! Open their eyes; open their hearts to the Savior Jesus Christ. 


Daily Bible Reading:  John 19,20,21

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

You Didn’t Choose Me. I Chose You.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

You
Didn’t Choose Me.
I Chose You. 

This week Steve Harvey mistakenly announced Miss Columbia as the new Miss Universe! Then after a few moments of being chosen and being crowned Steve Harvey apologized that he had made a mistake and had the crown removed from Miss Columbia’s beautiful head and it was then placed on Miss Philippine’s who had actually been chosen as “Miss Universe 2015”. Thank goodness that is never going to happen to those who have been “chosen” to be children of God.  

Scripture

John 15

¹⁶ You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. ¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other.

Observation

This week Steve Harvey mistakenly announced Miss Columbia as the new Miss Universe! Then after a few moments of being chosen and being crowned Steve Harvey apologized that he had made a mistake and had the crown removed from Miss Columbia’s beautiful head and it was then placed on Miss Philippine’s who had actually been chosen as “Miss Universe 2015”. 

Thank goodness that is never going to happen to those who have been “chosen” to be children of God.  

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, John 10:28

I like the idea of being chosen. I can remember when I was in elementary school and we picked up teams after school at Broward playground right next to the school. I was not good at baseball and even worse at basketball and I was usually about the last person chosen when the captains picked their teams. Football, now that was a different story! 

But God has chosen me, and it was a choice not based on anything that I have ever done or accomplished. If you have been chosen by God then it is not based on how good you are or how good you have been, in fact, our salvation and our relationship with Him is not based on us at all. 

So if you have placed your faith and your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and He is your Lord and your Savior then you are one of God’s chosen! 

It is not good people that go to Heaven and bad people that go to Hell; it is forgiven people that go to Heaven and un-forgiven people that go to Hell. 

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9

Application

I am secure in Christ. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am secure in You. I am not afraid. You have chosen me. Why, I will never know but I am so very glad that You did. I don’t deserve it, as You well know. I am a sinner. But I know that I have been forgiven. Help those who may be reading this to understand what it takes to be saved. Give them the faith that they need to totally trust You for their salvation. I want them to be “chosen” just like You have chosen me. Give them spiritual understanding. Open up their spiritual eyes. Give them the boldness to declare faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. 



Daily Bible Reading:  John 15,16,17,18




Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Put You Trust In The Light While There Is Still Time

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Put You Trust
In The Light
While There Is Still Time

When you have a heart that goes crazy anytime that it wants and drops you to the ground anytime that it wants without the slightest warning and you have to depend on an implanted defibrillator to crank you back up again it gives you a different perspective on life and death. Each time that my defibrillator has shocked me back to life (2 times so far), it has been a reminder to me that death for me is always only a few seconds or maybe a few minutes away. But … Time is running out for all of us to trust in the Light. 

Scripture

John 12

³⁶ Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”

Observation

Trusting in the Light is definitely a limited time offer! Time is running out! One of my friends, Gary Jerome from way back when I went to Hillsborough High School shares on Facebook about those from our graduating class that have already sadly and tragically met death. It is staggering to hear how many of us from our class are already gone!

Maybe you don’t think about Death too much, but Death is very real to me. God has brought me right to death’s door now several times and it is only by God’s grace and His mercy that I am writing this today. Every day that I wake up I realize that I have been given another day to enjoy the people that God brings into my life.

When you have a heart that goes crazy anytime that it wants and drops you to the ground anytime that it wants without the slightest warning and you have to depend on an implanted defibrillator to crank you back up again it gives you a different perspective on life and death.

Each time that my defibrillator has shocked me back to life (2 times so far), it has been a reminder to me that death for me is always only a few seconds or maybe a few minutes away.

But … Time is running out for all of us to trust in the Light.  

 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12


Christmas is a time when our hearts are open to spiritual things! Maybe now is the time for you to say “yes” to Jesus Christ. Maybe now is the time to start opening up the Bible and time to start looking for what life is really all about. Maybe now is the time to get back into church or start going to church for the first time. If you don’t know of a church why not try ours. Come sit with us! We would love to have you join us. 

Christmas services at Christ Fellowship Church will be Wednesday, December 23^rd and on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24^th  … both services are at 6pm. 

Application

I will enjoy today! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for today! This is a day that You have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank You for my children and my grandchildren. Bless each one of them. Help each one of them to see how important it is to recognize You as God. Help them to know how to worship You. Give them Eternal Life. Give them spiritual understanding. Open up their hearts to spiritual things. Help them to walk with You. I realize that my days on this earth are numbered. Each day that I am alive needs to be used in a way that brings You Glory and Honor. Help me live in a way that pleases You.

Daily Bible Reading:  John 12,13,14; Psalm 22; Proverbs 22

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

I Am The Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd Sacrifices His Life For The Sheep.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

 
I Am
The Good Shepherd.
The Good Shepherd Sacrifices His Life For The Sheep.


Jesus was born in a manger in a stable. Angels announced His birth! The Angels announced His birth not to the rich and the famous, not to the influential, not to kings and queens, oh no, they announced His birth to dirty, lowly, common, smelly, shepherds.Why did Jesus leave Heaven and come down here to this messed up planet? He came to rescue us from our sins. He came to rescue us from our messed up empty lives. And most people totally miss what He says in John 10:10b, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Scripture

John 10

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.

Observation

Jesus was born in a manger in a stable. Angels announced His birth! The Angels announced His birth not to the rich and the famous, not to the influential, not to kings and queens, oh no, they announced His birth to dirty, lowly, common, smelly, shepherds.

Speaking to the crowds Jesus gave them an illustration that all of them could understand. He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”

Why did Jesus leave Heaven and come down here to this messed up planet? He came to rescue us from our sins. He came to rescue us from our messed up empty lives. And most people totally miss what He says in John 10:10b, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Jesus Christ created me and He created you to give us the opportunity to live a rich and satisfying life, a life full of meaning and purpose, He sacrificed His life for ours.

Some of you that are reading this have been living life like Jesus Christ does not exist. You are living life like that first Christmas never happened! Like you don’t need a Savior!

How has that been working out for you?

Maybe I am only speaking to one person this morning when I say what I am getting ready to say, but I am going to say it.

The God that created this world, the God that created everything including you and your family, He loves you. He loves you so much that He sacrificed His life for you. God wants you to trust in Him. He wants to swap out your sinful life with His sinless life. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He sacrificed His life for you and your family.

What do you need to do? You need to turn from sin and self and you need to turn to God. You need to trust in Jesus Christ and your personal Lord and Savior. When you do that then these two promises are yours:

1. You will have a life full meaning and purpose, a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10b)
2. You will live with God in Heaven forever. (John 10:28)

Application

I will share the Good News of John 10:10 and John 10:28 with those at Mission Tampa this morning. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are doing a mighty work in the lives of the people around me. I am amazed at how You transform lives. I pray today for those who are trying to make a decision about how they will live their lives. Help them turn today from the empty life to a life full of meaning and purpose. Give them rich and satisfying lives. Help them to recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior. Don’t let them miss all that You want them to experience!

Daily Bible Reading:  John 9,10,11

> If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

> I have made it a habit to pray for those who read this blog! I enjoy lifting you and your family up to the Lord in prayer.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

I Am The Light Of The World

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

I Am
The Light
Of The World

This year I put the lights on our Christmas tree! Putting the lights on the Christmas tree is usually Kathy’s project. And I sometimes help keep the strand of lights untangled as she places the lights just like she wants them. But not this year! Have you ever seen the movie, “Christmas Vacation” when Sparky (also called Clark) puts up all the lights and the entire city goes dark when he finally gets them to work? I am Sparky at the Williams’ house when it comes to our Christmas tree!

Scripture

John 8

¹² Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Observation

This year I put the lights on our Christmas tree! Putting the lights on the Christmas tree is usually Kathy’s project. And I sometimes help keep the strand of lights untangled as she places the lights just like she wants them. But not this year!

Have you ever seen the movie, “Christmas Vacation” when Sparky (also called Clark) puts up all the lights and the entire city goes dark when he finally gets them to work? I am Sparky at the Williams’ house when it comes to our Christmas tree!

Jesus is the light of the World! All the lights we see at Christmas in our country are a reminding of that Light!

When we served as missionaries to the country of Morocco it was sad to go through the streets of the major cities during the Christmas Season! There was only darkness! The darkness could be felt!

My blinding (no kidding) Christmas tree is a great reminder every morning when I turn it on - of the True Light of the World – Jesus Christ!

Follow that Light today! Get out of the darkness!

Application

Every time I turn on my Christmas tree I will think of the True Light of this world! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are the Light. In You there is no darkness. Help me to walk in the Light. Help me to be a light to those around me. I pray for those who have not yet stepped out of the darkness and into Your Light. I pray that You would draw them closer and closer to You. Give them the boldness and the courage to give their lives to You.

Daily Bible Reading:  John 7,8

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

This Is The Only Work God Wants From You. Believe In The One He Has Sent.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

This Is The Only Work
God Wants From You.
Believe In The One He Has Sent.

It is during the Christmas Season that we can catch a glimpse, maybe even a small taste of what Heaven is like! Christmas is all about believing!  Have you realized that the Jesus we celebrate at Christmas loved you enough to die for you?

Scripture

John 6

²⁹ Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”
³⁵ Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

⁴⁰ For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.”

Observation

Christmas is all about believing! Believing in the One that God sent from Heaven to save us from our sins.

Jesus lost a lot of His disciples after what He shared with them in John chapter 6.

⁴⁷ “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. ⁴⁸ Yes, I am the bread of life! ⁶⁶ At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. John 6

Who is this Jesus to you?

Have you realized that the Jesus we celebrate at Christmas loved you enough to die for you?

His twelve disciples realized it, ““Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. ⁶⁹ We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God. John 6

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. 1 Peter 1:18a

I (Jesus) came that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10b

Application

I will share the message of Christmas every chance I get. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I realize this morning that Christmas is also a time of sadness for many people. Even though it is a time of great joy I also know that it is a time of sadness for those who have lost loved ones. I pray today for Chris Bush and his family as they deal with the loss of his Dad, Archie. We know that Archie is celebrating today and it is only us that feel the loss. It is because of your great promises that we do not grieve like those who are without hope. Our hope is in You.

Daily Bible Reading:  John 5,6; Psalm 19; Proverbs 19

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Anyone Who Believes In The Son Has Eternal Life

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Anyone
Who Believes
In The Son Has Eternal Life

Anyone … just put your name in the place of “anyone”! If Eddy Williams believes in the Son (Jesus Christ) then Eddy has eternal life! I do believe! Yes, I believe that Jesus Christ is God. I believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth to save me and He came to this earth to save you from your sins. He lived 33 years on this earth without sinning one time. He died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. He was buried and on the third day He came back to life. Do you believe?

Scripture

John 3

36 Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life. Anyone who does not believe in the Son will not have life. God’s anger remains on them.” NIRV

Observation

Anyone … just put your name in the place of “anyone”! If Eddy Williams believes in the Son (Jesus Christ) then Eddy has eternal life! 

I do believe! Yes, I believe that Jesus Christ is God. I believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth to save me and He came to this earth to save you from your sins. He lived 33 years on this earth without sinning one time. He died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. He was buried and on the third day He came back to life. 

Do you believe? 

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— John 1:12

And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.  1 John 5:11-12

It is not good people that go to Heaven and bad people that go to Hell. It is forgiven people that go to Heaven. It is those of us who have put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. 

Forgiveness is a gift!    

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23 

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” John 4:10

God has a gift for you this Christmas! It is a very costly gift. This Gift cost Him the death of His One and Only Son on the cross!  

Will you receive God’s gift?

Application

I will pray for God to give anyone reading this blog the spiritual understanding to believe! I am praying for you!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the Gift of Christmas. Thank You for sending Jesus to save me from my sins. I pray for anyone that may be reading this simple blog. I pray that You open up their spiritual eyes. Give them the faith to believe. I pray that today they will trust You. I pray that today they will put their faith and trust in what Jesus did for them on the cross. Give them the boldness to tell everybody! Help them find a church and help them meet Christian friends where they have the chance to grow in their faith. 

Daily Bible Reading:  John 2,3,4


Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

The Word Became Flesh And Blood, And Moved Into The Neighborhood.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

The Word Became
Flesh And Blood,
And Moved Into The Neighborhood. 

The Christmas story began way before this earth was even created. It was in God’s heart from the very beginning to rescue us from our sins and gift us with Eternal Life.  Jesus created this world and everything else, and then He came to be born in the world that He created. And I like the way His entry into this world is described in John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” (MESSAGE) Has Jesus moved into “your neighborhood”? More importantly, has Jesus Christ moved into your heart and life? Will you be able to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year? 

.

Scripture

.

John 1

^1-2 Before anything else existed, there was Christ,* with God. He has always been alive and is himself God. ³ He created everything there is—nothing exists that he didn’t make. ⁴ Eternal life is in him, and this life gives light to all mankind.

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and blood,
    and moved into the neighborhood.

.

Observation

.

The Christmas story began way before this earth was even created.

It was in God’s heart from the very beginning to rescue us from our sins and gift us with Eternal Life. 

Jesus created this world and everything else, and then He came to be born in the world that He created.

And I like the way His entry into this world is described in John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” (MESSAGE)

Has Jesus moved into “your neighborhood”? More importantly, has Jesus Christ moved into your heart and life?

Will you be able to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year?

Make plans now to go to a Christmas Eve service!

Christ Fellowship will celebrate our special Christmas services on Tuesday, December 23^rd and on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24^th. Both services will start at 6pm!

.

Application

.

I will share the true meaning of Christmas every chance I get. How about you? 

.

Prayer

.

Heavenly Father, I wonder what You think about this time of the year we call “Christmas”? Help me to take advantage of the hearts that are open to spiritual things during this time of the year. Help me to enjoy and celebrate everything that You have done for me and don’t let me keep it to myself. Work in the hearts of the people around me. I pray that they will take steps in Your direction. Change their lives Lord! Help them move to a closer relationship with You. Thank You for answering my prayers. Thank You. I know that You are constantly at work in their lives and I will never give up praying for them. Thank You for Your Indescribable Gift!

.
Daily Bible Reading:  2 Peter 1,2,3; John 1

.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Trust Your Lives To The God Who Created You, For He Will Never Fail You

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Trust Your Lives
To The God Who Created You,
For He Will Never Fail You

Scripture

1 Peter 4

¹⁹ So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

Observation

Did you get a chance to listen to any of the Republican debate last night? Do you feel more secure or less secure after listening to all of their promises to keep us safe? 

I would have loved for one of those guys last night say that we should trust in the God who created us, for He will never fail us.

Don’t put your trust in a Republican, a Democrat or even an Independent to save you.

Put our faith and trust in our Heavenly Father Who created us. He is the only One that will never fail us. 

I am fascinated that Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:13-14,17   ^“ For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.

Our country is in a dangerous place. We have lost our fear for God and respect for those that God has placed in leadership. 

As I listen and watch what is happening in our country and around our world I do it with my Bible open trying my best to filter today’s events through the powerful lens of God’s Word.

Application

God is Sovereign. He is in control. He has me in the Palm of His Big Hand. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for our President today. I realize that he is only in that position because for some reason it fits into Your master plan. Give him wisdom while he serves in that position. I pray for the next President of our country. My prayer is for it to be someone who loves You and has a personal relationship with You. But I realize that You place world leaders in positions of authority and You take them down as You choose. You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Help our country turn back to You. Use godly men and women to turn us back in the right direction.

Daily Bible Reading:  1 Peter 1,2,3,4,5

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Are Any Of You Suffering Hardship? You Should Pray. Are Any Of You Happy? You Should Sing Praises.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Are Any Of You Suffering Hardship?
You Should Pray.
Are Any Of You Happy? You Should Sing Praises. 

Here is a good checklist for us concerning prayer: 1. Going through a rough time? PRAY! 2. Happy? PRAY! 3. Sick? PRAY! 4. Sin? PRAY!

Scripture

James 5

¹³ Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.
 
¹⁴ Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.

Observation

Here is a good checklist for us concerning prayer:

• Going through a rough time?  – PRAY!

• Happy?  – PRAY!

• Sick?  – PRAY!

• Sin?  – PRAY!

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:11-12

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Luke 18:1

Application

I will go through this day talking to my Heavenly Father about everything that comes to my mind. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, nothing is more important than spending time with You today. Help me to talk to You about everything. Don’t let me forget You today. I know that You delight in me and You want me to talk to You. I don’t know why You would want to spend time with someone like me but You do. As I go through this day let me see things from Your perspective and not mine. Show me the big picture. Don’t let me miss a thing. 

Daily Bible Reading:  James 1,2,3,4,5

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!