|
preacher31
A NEW YEAR, A NEW CREATION - Subscribe
|
|
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Reflection: Today is the first day of 2012. You have an opportunity to make this the first day of the rest of your life. I would like to make a suggestion, BELIEVE IN CHRIST! not simply of Christ, or about Christ, but IN CHRIST!. Bring Him into your life, make Him a psrt of your life. I guarantee your life will change. When you give your life to Christ, the old passes away and the new begins. Remember God Loves You, believe in that love, give that love to others. believe in Jesus Christ. BE HAPPY IN JESUS! HAPPY NEW YEAR! New Year's Prayer Lord, this year I want to change, and I've said that in the past. but now my prayer is different 'cause I understand at last. I wanted my own way before, I ignored your loving plans. But now I'm putting everything into your nail-scarred hands. I promise to obey you out of gratitude and love. I won't be giving orders to my Father up above. I finally realize the truth and so I've changed my prayer. The safest place for me to be is in your gentle care. (by Jack Zavada) |
|
preacher31
IMPORTANT VISITORS 1/02/2012 03:19 - Subscribe
|
|
By Rev. Wayne Palmer Scripture: Read Matthew 2:1-2. ... behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. (Matthew 2:1b) Reflection: During these last days of the Christmas season we turn to the wise men. We mentioned briefly last week that these men were counselors and advisors to their king. They were considered experts in nature, astrology and medicine. While studying the heavens, they spotted a special light that announced the birth of a great king. God had placed it in the sky to guide them to His Son. There are many mysterious things about the wise men. We aren't sure what country they came from; though they certainly didn't come from the Far East- the Orient. We don't know how many there were; we only know they presented three gifts to Jesus. We don't even have enough information to know the nature of this "star." The Greek word can refer to a comet, a conjunction of planets or a special miraculous light God placed in the heavens. But one thing is clear: the star convinced them the great King had been born. As they arrive in Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, one great mystery remains for them. They ask King Herod "Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him." Throughout this Christmas season God has shown you the certain fact that He sent His Son Jesus into our world to save you from your sins. Will you be like the wise men, leaving everything behind to worship your Savior and learn more about Him? PRAYER: Heavenly Father, give me the certainty You gave the wise men, that Your Son was born King of the Jews and my King. Move me to worship Him and want to know more about Him. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Lutheran Hour Ministries) |
|
preacher31
OVERFLOWING JOY 1/04/2012 06:40 - Subscribe
|
|
By Rev. Wayne Palmer Scripture Read Matthew 2:9-11. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him... (Matthew 2:11a) Reflection Few people enjoy Christmas more than children. Simply recall their unbridled enthusiasm and the wonder and jubilation beaming from their faces as they rush down the stairs on Christmas morning. The joy of the wise men might have actually topped theirs. Matthew says, "When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." The Magi travelled a long way to see Jesus. They heard God's Word telling them where His Son would be born. They saw the star go ahead of them until it stood over the house, and they saw the King of Israel-probably only a toddler at the time. They fell before Him and presented Him their precious gifts. What an amazing picture! These weren't children running down the hall to see the presents waiting for them under the tree. These were grown men- important, dignified, well-educated men. Yet they were gripped by an incredible joy impossible for them to contain. We know so many things they didn't know. We know this was God's eternal Son. We know He came to live the perfect life we can't. We know He grew up to heal the blind, deaf and lame, to drive out demons and raise the dead. We know He died on the cross and rose again to give us eternal life. But with all of that, do we share their overwhelming joy at our Savior's birth, life, death and resurrection for us? PRAYER: Lord Jesus, fill me with joy at Your first coming to save us from our sins. Then on the Day You return to judge the living and the dead fill me with overwhelming joy to worship and praise You forever. Amen. (Lutheran Hour Ministries) |
|
preacher31
HOW MUCH OF OUR MONEY 1/07/2012 10:39 - Subscribe
|
|
Just how much of our money will go to the military next year? Military (Dept of Defense, War, Veterans Affairs, and Nuclear Weapons Programs=60% Health and Human Services=7% Education=6% State=5% Other Programs=4% Dept. of Homeland Security=3.5% Housing and Urban Development=3% Justice=2% Agriculture=2% NASA=1.5% Energy (excludes nuclear weapons programs)=1% Labor=1% Treasury=1% Interior=1% Environmental Protection Agency=1% Transportation=1% (this budget will be sent to Congress February 2012) QUOTE: EVERY GUN that is made, EVERY WARSHIP launched, EVERY ROCKET fired, signifies in the final sense a THEFT from those who HUNGER AND ARE NOT FED, those who are COLD AND ARE NOT CLOTHED. (Dwight D. Eisenhower) THINK ABOUT THIS: "Reducing the military budget is the best legacy we can leave for coming generations" PEACE TO ALL OF YOU IN 2012 |
|
preacher31
PLAYING GOD 1/11/2012 02:45 - Subscribe
|
|
Scripture: 1 Samuel 31-2 Samuel 2:7 Reflection: Do you try to play God? "Of course not" , you reply, "I know my place, And besides, what little I know of God shows me I'm not up to His job." But take a minute and think again. Do you look at another person, perhaps a person in your family, and try to manipulate that person into the shape he or she should become? Do you set a goal for yourself even one that you believe is God's will and go towards that goal with full force and purpose closing your eyes to people who might brush you aside in your wake? Do you view someone else actions through your very narrow eyes and say, " I know that;s sin", and then purposely avoid that person? You see I have come to believe that there is a very fine line between using the abilities that God has given us to bring structure in our lives and rushing ahead trying to do what only God should do. I have come to learn in my life that it is hard enough to learn to be myself let alone trying to play God. |