Good News Beyond Christmas

Posted January 2nd, 2012 by

Scripture


In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11

Observation


As we have just finished the Christmas season, it is easy to let the message of the full meaning of the season slip away. In verse 11 of the Scripture above, it says, “…there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” This is important beyond the good news of the birth. Savior means that Jesus had come to save all mankind from their sin and subsequent eternal death. Christ and Lord meant that He is able to forgive us, change our lives forever because He is God.

Application


Let’s focus on the daily and eternal part of the good news that was delivered at Christmas. Our lives are forever changed if we trust in Jesus as Savior and believe that He is God. That is not a message only for the past season, but one that is to be considered every day throughout the year. Allow Jesus to be an active part of your life each and every day through the presence of His Holy Spirit.

Prayer


Lord Jesus, we believe that You came that we might be delivered from the eternal judgement of our sin. Only through knowing You and accepting Your gift of eternal life can we realize the significance of You coming and dying for us that we might be forgiven of our sin. Thank you that You came to show us the model for our lives, and we seek You each day for Your direction for our lives. Amen

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God’s Wants to Bless You

Posted December 26th, 2011 by

Scripture


“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2

Observation


God’s desire is for us to prosper in every way.

Application


Of all the ways we can prosper, the most important way is to prosper on the inside. To be spiritually at peace with God in our hearts and minds. That is the beginning of how God wants us to prosper but it does not end there. He wants us to also prosper physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, financially, occupationally, and in every other way imaginable.

Prayer


Father, I pray that we would all prosper and be in good health just as our soul prospers so that we can honor You and be a blessing to others. Amen.

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True Freedom

Posted December 20th, 2011 by

Scripture


“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Observation


Jesus told his disciples to continually spend time in His “word”, which is His teachings. It is through continually spending time in His word that Jesus’ disciples would come to know the truth and therefore experience true freedom.

Application


Everyday I have the opportunity to “abide” in God’s Word. I am promised true freedom if I do this. Therefore, I must commit myself to developing the habit of spending regular time in God’s Word in order to experience true freedom.

Prayer


Father, thank you for your word. Thank you that I can experience your freedom when I know your truth.

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By Faith

Posted December 13th, 2011 by

Scripture


By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:3

Observation


Faith is confidence in God that leads to obedience in God. Our faith is based on what God says in His word and is demonstrated by what we do. Faith is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is for all believers to live by, not just the great “heroes of faith” discussed in the following passages of this chapter in Hebrews. Notice how the words, “by faith” precede the majority of the verses in this chapter.

Application


The “Heroes” of faith mentioned in this chapter of Hebrews are an example for us to live by today. Reflecting back on the lives of these individuals, reminds me that life may not always be easy but “by faith” in Jesus Christ, I am victorious……….”for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

Prayer


Father Thank You for Your faithfulness towards me. Your promises are faithful and true and I will draw confidence to live by them everyday I am still on earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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God’s Protective Armor

Posted December 5th, 2011 by

Scripture


Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

Observation


The Apostle Paul uses the armor of Roman soldiers to illustrate the means of protection that God has provided for the Christian in battling the enemy, Satan. Whether it is lies, evil or sinful desires, or lack of faith, God has provided protection to meet these attacks. Our battle is not physical in nature, but against an unseen enemy in the spiritual realm. This requires using spiritual armor to fight against destructive forces in our lives.

Application


“Put on” the full armor of God that He has provided you. As His child, you have all the resources to meet every spiritual attack. The belt of truth (His truth), the breastplate of righteousness (His righteousness), and the sword of the Spirit (the Holy Spirit) are all available if we submit to Him and proactively seek Him for them. However, in order to have access to this armor, you must be a child of His. This status is only attained through believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Prayer


Father God, I ask that you would equip me with the full armor you have provided to overcome the spiritual attacks of the enemy, Satan. I give my life to you Jesus as Lord and Savior of my life, and turn to your protection in the spiritual realm because You are the only source that can effectively battle a spiritual enemy. Amen

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The Power of God

Posted December 1st, 2011 by

Scripture


“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
Romans 1:16

Observation


The only thing powerful enough to erase a person’s sins, save them from eternal death, and bring them into life and a relationship with God is the gospel. The good news of what Jesus did for us thru His death, burial, and resurrection on the cross.

Application


The gospel is our source of power. Jesus did all the work and as He died on the cross said, “It is finished.” All the power we need for life, provision, mental and physical health, and most importantly eternal life is in the gospel. So why should anyone be ashamed of this good news?

Prayer


Father, thank You for the gospel. Thank You for loving us enough to die on the cross in our place and take our sins and sicknesses away. We apply the power of the cross to every area of our lives. We are not ashamed. Help us share boldly what You have done for us. Amen.

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Encouragement

Posted November 29th, 2011 by

Scripture


We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5

Observation


Along with persecution on the outside, this young Thessalonica church was facing problems from the inside. Many were downcast and discouraged. Paul wrote this letter to encourage those who were
suffering.

Application


Encouragement is like oxygen to your soul. Without it, one cannot exist but with it everyone performs better. Paul knew that his words have the ability to build others up. Paul realized that there might be times others need words of encouragement. Like Paul, I have the ability to be encouraged and provide encouragement to others with the power of His word!

Prayer


Father, thank You for encouraging me with Your words when I need it. May I be aware and obedient to encourage others around me with Your words of life and hope when they need it most. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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