We Are the Reason.....

As little children we would dream of Christmas morn,
And all the gifts and toys, we knew we'd find,
But we never realized, a baby born one blessed night.
Gave us the greatest gift, of our lives.

We are the reason, that He gave His life,
And we are the reason that He suffered and died,
For a world that was lost He gave all He could give,
To show us the reason to live.

As the years went by, we learned more about gifts,
Giving of ourselves, and what that means,
On a dark and cloudy day a man hung crying in the rain,
Because of love, Because of love.

We are the reason, that He gave His life,
And we are the reason that He suffered and died,
For a world that was lost He gave all He give,
To how us the reason to live.

David Meece wrote this song many year's ago. It is still true today!!!!

PEACE......

As we make our way through this Christmas season, it's my prayer we would understand the true reason for our celebration.

I know when asked in a religious content question do we know the "reason for the season" we would replay Jesus is the reason. And that is all fine a good. But, do our actions speak the same thing our mouths do?

Many people do things this time of year they wouldn't ordinarily do any other time of year. Why?

Is it because they get depressed because they can't provide for their children like other families can?

Is it because we have commercialized this season and made it about the biggest, newest gadgets to give our children and grandchildren?

Maybe it's because we talk more about Santa Clause to our kids and grandkids than what the season is REALLY about.

During this time of year there should be more people feeling a greater sense of PEACE, COMFORT and JOY!!!

We might think that the great gifts we give and get during Christmas will give us great peace and make us feel special, and they might for a short period of time. But, the greater peace that sustains us all comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

He is the one who gives us the real PEACE!!!!

I Dare You.....

Can you remember growing up as a kid, getting challenged or "dared" to do something?

Most of the time it was something bad or something that could get you into trouble.

Let's put a different spin on the same idea....

I Dare You.....

• To Pray for direction for the leadership of our church
• To Give until it doesn't hurt anymore
• To Share the Gospel with someone everyday
• To Hold your fellow brothers and sisters accountable
• To Make a change in your living
• To Read Your Bible more
• To Tell someone about this Dare and how what it means to you

A Pilgrim's Thanks....

Lord,

As we enter in to the Thanksgiving season, please allow me to give thanks for all you've provided for me. I am a pilgrim in this land. A pilgrim that doesn't claim this world as my home, but, looking forward to the day when I can go home.

• A place that you've prepared just for me
• A place where I will never have to worry about bills
• A place where I'll never have to worry about buying food for Thanksgiving because it will be Thanksgiving EVERYDAY
• A place where we'll never have to deal with the enemy, because we will have WON
• A place where the streets are paved with gold
• A place where the river of life flows freely
• A place where there's no need for electricity, because your Glory will light our way
• A place where we will never grow old

Please help us to be unselfish tomorrow and be sensitive to those who do not have food that we might SHARE what you've provided to us to those who are not as fortunate.

I Love You LORD and it is my desire to be more like You in every way.

WANTED: Committed Christians

I grew up in a very small country church. And when one person wasn't there for any reason it seemed like part of our own body was missing.

We would always comment that each person had a part in the service and when that person was not there everyone else had to make up for the shortfall.

In larger churches we loose site of that small church mentality and maybe sometimes say, "no one will miss me if I dont' go to church today". One must always remember that you are not going to church for me or anyone else, and if you are then you need to take a look at your walk with Christ.

Our promise to God is to live as close to Him as we can. We can't do that if we play hide and go seek with church services. When you, as a child of God miss church because you just want to play hookie, you are only hurting yourself.

Don't get me wrong, there are times when we all have/need to be out of church for various reasons. That's not what I'm referring to here. What I am referring to is the willful disobedience to participate in worship when the church doors are open.

Your church family needs you to be at church, and you need your church family.

What are you waiting for......

Have you ever thought about what you do while you are waiting on the Lord to answer a prayer concern?

Some people put their lives on hold and just do what they must until they get an answer from on high.

Is this the right thing to do?

While we wait on God we should continue to:

Give like we've never given before.....

Praise His name every chance we get.....

Share the good news with everyone you meet that Jesus saves.....

Continue in the study of His word......

DO NOT go into shutdown mode....

You'll find that before you know it, you've become closer to God and the answer you were looking for is there.....

So....what are you doing while you wait?

Love and Respect....

Romans 12:9-21

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "it is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."