Thought of the Day !!

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:4-7 (KJV)

There was no room in the inn for the baby Jesus. Will there be room in your Christmas for him?

Merry Christmas,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

(The shepherds) ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.
Luke 2:16-17

An angel of the Lord had appeared to the shepherds and told them the good news of great joy for the people everywhere. The news was of a child that would change the world. He would be called the Son of the Most High...the Son of God even. This child would be the most powerful being ever to live, yet he would be born in a cold and lowly place. This would be his choice though. You see, Jesus would not be the kind of Savior that distanced himself from those he saved. Instead, he came to us and lived among us so that he could do what we do, see things from out point of view, and feel the same pains and joy that we experience. This is a truly loving Messiah. And this is the Messiah that the shepherds went around telling everyone about.

I wonder if the people thought that they were crazy. Maybe they believed these guys to have been spending too much time alone with the sheep. But there was surely one person that believed. Mary not only believed, but she pondered all the things said in her heart.

Believable or not, these were the first evangelists of the Good news. They were the first ones used by God to spread the gospel of Jesus. And for that the world should be thankful. For we should use them as an example. We've been given the good news, and now it's time share it with others. Christmas is but a few days away. Will we run to find Jesus in our lives? Will we share the good news of Christ at Christmas? Will we praise God?

Let this Christmas be about something more than presents...more than parties...more than Santa. Lets all put away all bickering and complaining so that we may forgive and love and find the peace and hope of our Savior's birth this year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

There are still those today walking in darkness even though the light came at Christmas over 2000 years ago. For those of us who have the light of Christ shining in us, it is our task this Christmas to be a beacon.

The truth is, some of us need the Christmas Spirit this year more than ever. We need to let those who oppose Christianity and those who are just Bah Humbuggers know that the light of Christ that came down once and walked among us is still alive in us. Who knows, a little bit of Christmas cheer or giving or just plain old love this year may make a difference in someone whose life has been darkened this season. What do you say? Will you join me in creating an attitude of Christmas? An attitude of LOVE!

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Emmanuel" (meaning, God is with us).
Matthew 1:23 (NLT)

God is with us. He came to the world in the usual way...that is...if you are an ordinary child, but not the Savior of the world. God is with us. He chose to walk in our shoes, to experience what we experience, to laugh, to cry, to joke, to bleed. He chose to be among us, which makes Him special. It makes our God one who truly knows who we are and what we're going through. This proves His love for us.

Lets prove our love for Him this Christmas by being with Him. Let's worship God by coming together in love and peace this year. Let's worship God by taking Him to others this year. Let's worship God by remembering the baby that was born in a manger this year. Let's worship God by extending mercy and forgiveness to each other this year. Let's worship God by placing more importance on Jesus than on Santa this year. Let's just worship God this Christmas.

Christmas is just around the corner now. How will you worship the Creator of the season this year?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

"Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
Luke 1:30-31 (NLT)

Surprise Mary!!! You're gonna have a son!

But I'm a virgin! So?

But I'm not married! So?

But that's not how I imagined my life! So?

But I'll be stoned! No you won't.

Joseph won't marry me! Yes he will.

For nothing is impossible with God. Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her.
Luke 1:37-38 (NLT)

Mary didn't actually say all those things above...except for what is found in the text. Or at least I assume she didn't. But can you just imagine those thoughts going through her mind?

When God calls us today, He rarely uses angels like Gabriel to come in front of us and speak to us. I've not seen any talking burning bushes lately either. For some reason (maybe because our faith isn't as strong these days and needs to be tested) He speaks to us in less obvious ways.

I think God wants to surprise all of us with revelations and callings on a much more consistent basis than we want to admit. One reason might be because these revelations and callings interfere with our lives. They may call for sacrifices to made by us or for us to change something. But I doubt many of us will ever be called to sacrifice and change as much as Mary was.

What has God tried to get you to hear lately? Have you been listening? Have you heard? He shocked Mary with an angelic presence, but if we wait for that to happen to us, we might find out later that we missed the boat. Let's seek God today and ask Him to speak to us. Then we will have to be willing to listen.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of a special baby. This child is Emmanuel, which means "God with us".

We celebrate because Jesus is the gift of love. He came down out of Heaven to free us from our sins. He has the power to do just that being God Himself. But He also came down not as a god, but as a human. He was humbly born in a cold damp place, then driven out of the country within the first couple years of his life. He went through all the hardships and joys of any human being growing up.

Then he became a man. It was then that he really began to suffer temptations and hardships. It was then that he went through every conceivable struggle, such as betrayal, being used, physical abuse, verbal abuse, being ignored, being arrested, etc. And these things he went through so that as He walks with us today He can say, "I understand. I've been there too. And I'll be there with you."

God is with us. Jesus understands us. The Holy Spirit indwells us. Emmanuel.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

So [Jesus] replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Luke 7:22-23 (NIV)

I was reading a devotional this morning that pointed out the fact that we've lost the realism of Jesus. What it was getting at was that we can make Jesus so spiritual that we forget the very real things He did, and still does.

He really can keep our churches going, even when the odds are stacked against them and the attendance is down and the mortgage note is high. He can. But He only will if we fall in line with His will.

He really can heal sickness. Yet how often do we pray without belief for healing because it doesn't always happen the way we think it should?

He really can cure us of addictions. But who has lost patience because it didn't happen in the time frame they asked for?

Jesus is real. He continues to be with us through the Holy Spirit. We must believe that He is who He says He is and does what He says He'll do. Believe in miracles such as blind people seeing, lame people walking, people with leprosy being cleansed, deaf people hearing and even dead people being raised. Believe that if you proclaim the good news of Christ that it will make a difference.

This is the Christmas season, a time for belief in the miraculous. Let us look for miracles and believe that they will come...that they are real.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

The angel went to [Mary] and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Luke 1:28 (NIV)

You or I will probably never be approached by an angel who tells us that we are favored by the Lord. But then again, maybe we will. Or maybe we have. A wonderful lady named Lucy told me how she knew I was sent to her from God. I, on the other hand, thought that it was just the opposite and that it was her who was sent to me.

Have you ever had a Sunday School teacher tell you how special you are to Jesus? Has a friend ever told you what Mrs. Lucy told me? Maybe God has used a different kind of angel to share with us that we are highly favored.

We may never do what Mary did, but we can still make a difference in our world in the name of Jesus. And with the Lord with us, who can stop us? Surely not the devil...even though he will try.

Know that each and every one of us is of value to the one who created us. Each and every one of us is worthy of redemption in His mind. Each and every one of us is highly favored. And the Lord longs to be with each and every one of us as well.

This Christmas season, as we remember that we are highly favored by God, lets allow that to guide our actions as we care for others who are just as favored.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31b (NLT)

Have you ever been down and thought that everything just wasn't going the way it should? Have you ever had someone turn on you or a friend betray you? Have you ever wished you could just stay in bed because you knew that there was something you had to do today that was going to be very unpleasant and most likely would get someone else mad?

Okay, maybe you haven't experienced these things. Maybe I'm the only one. But there are times in all of our lives when we will be persecuted in some way, big or small. Or at least that's what Jesus told us. He even went as far as proclaiming that those who are persecuted in His name would be blessed. The NLT puts it that if we are persecuted for "doing right" we will be blessed (Matthew 5:10).

So do you feel blessed when you're being persecuted, ridiculed, put down, looked down upon or talked about behind your back? Probably not. But the blessing comes in the fact that we're not alone in this. If we are trying to do what is right in God's eyes, we will be blessed with His continual presence. And that means all of us. If God is for us people who've accepted Christ as our Savior (and He is) then who can really stand against us?

Go into a world that is sometimes easy and sometimes hard, and go with the knowledge that God is with you and that no one can conquer you as long as you have God on your side. Just make sure it is God's will you are living in and not your own and you will be fine.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth!
Worship the LORD with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the LORD is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the LORD is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to
each generation.
Psalm 100 (NLT)

As we prepare for Christmas with all the decorating and shopping and parties and such, let us be reminded to be thankful. When you're in that long line at the store where only two of the fifty check-out lanes are open, be thankful. Instead of stewing, complaining, becoming anxious, or anything of that sort, be thankful that you have someone to buy for. Many people won't this year.

Instead of complaining about having to park back on the "North 40" at the mall, be thankful that you have the ability to walk.

Instead of being upset that your utilities cost so much, be thankful you are able to keep warm this winter. Many live on the streets or have had utilities cut off because they can't afford to pay the bill.

Be thankful this Christmas season as you find something good in all the things that may normally tick you off. Paul tells us that God works for good in all things for those who love God. If you love God, God will work good in your situation, no matter what it is.

So when you're delayed...when you're stuck in line...when your patience is wearing thin...be thankful for the blessings that God has given you. And take these times to pray a prayer of thanksgiving. I've noticed that it's impossible to be upset when I'm giving thanks to God. Maybe you can find it the same when you do. Have a thankful Advent season as you happily prepare your hearts, minds and souls for Christmas.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

On the way to the office this morning I listened to a Casting Crowns song called "Sweet Jesus Boy". I'd like to share it with you this morning.

Sweet little Jesus boy, born in a manger
Sweet little Holy child, we didn't know who You were

Long time ago it seems You were born
Born in a manger Lord, sweet little Jesus boy

Didn't know You'd come to save us all
To take our sins away
Our eyes were blind we did not see
We didn't know who You were

You have shown us how
And we are trying
Master You have shown us how
Even as You were dying

This world treats You mean Lord
Treats me mean too
But that's how things are done down here
We didn't know it was You

Didn't know You'd come to save us all
To take our sins away
Our eyes were blind we did not see
We didn't know who You were

That verse that goes "This word treats You mean Lord, Treats me mean too. But that's how things are done down here" really caught my attention. We live in a world where people think more of themselves than others. And so often it can be a downright mean place to be because of people's actions or inactions. During this Christmas time let us seek to be kind to others, not mean. Let do all we can to change uncaring attitudes. Let us show others the positive outlook that comes with Jesus instead of all the negativism that runs rampant so often. Let us be the hands and feet and voice of the child born in Bethlehem.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.
Micah 5:2 (NLT)

The first king of Israel was Saul, who was from the tribe of Benjamin. When Saul heard that he was the focus of the hopes of all Israel, he responded:

"But I'm only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe!" - 1 Samuel 9:21 (NLT)

After Saul's fall from power, David was made king. And as we all know, David was merely a shepherd boy, not even greatest among his own family in stature. Yet God used him to be the most renown king in all Israel's history.

And then we get to the prophet Micah, who foretold that another ruler would come from Bethlehem, "a small villiage". We know that ruler to be Jesus.

When we're thinking that we're insignificant or small in the whole scheme of things, we are simply fooling ourselves. Each person, big and small in stature, in wealth, in strength...in all things, is important to God. And God often times uses us insignificant, small people to do great things.

Your great contribution to this world may never be recorded in the history books. And you may never get the recognition of a young shepherd boy from Judah. But that doesn't mean that you cannot do something great in your life. Listen, and accept your calling from God. And whatever you do will be important.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
1 John 4:9 (NIV)

This is how God showed His love for us. How have you shown your love for God lately?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question

I'm reading a book on Heaven by Randy Alcorn that's been very interesting. So, what do you think things will be like in Heaven?

Thought of the Day !!

Here is another story Jesus told: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.
Matthew 13:24-26 (NLT)

The point here is that there will always be evil in our midst. As bad as we want our world to be perfect, there will always be weeds growing in it; bad people who care nothing for others and are living out their lives being controlled by their own sense of gratification and being lured more and more by the devil’s evil schemes.

Jesus says that there will come a time of harvest and the angels will take the weeds and throw them into the fiery furnace (verse 42). It’s obvious to us that this is a metaphor for hell. What will be removed from His Kingdom is “everything that causes sin and all who do evil. (verse 41)” The Greek literally means those who cause others to sin and those who care not what Jesus wants them to do.

Remember that there is always going to be evil around us…quite possibly right here in our churches. Our main objective should be to make sure that we don’t allow ourselves to become a part of this evil by being prideful, thinking that that we’re untouchable by the temptations of the devil or by being holier-than-thou like the Pharisees, thus thinking of ourselves better than others. If we do, we’ll be inviting the devil to use us as weeds instead of good nutritious wheat.

We must practice good disciplines, stay in touch with our Lord and commune together to gain strength from each other. These things will help us fend off the enemy when he comes our way.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"
Romans 10:15 (NLT)

How seriously do we take the Great Commission where Jesus told his followers to go into the world making disciples? Was this a message for them only? Or is it only the duty of pastors and Sunday School teachers to share the Good News of Jesus with others? Or maybe you believe that you have to have a degree in Salvationology to be able to say the right words to lead others to Christ.

All of the above is simply untrue. It was not only a message for Jesus' day. It is not only the duty of pastors and other church leaders. It is not something you have to go to school to do. Bringing the good news is simply telling others the good news that you have about Jesus. Do you have good news? Do you know Jesus? How did you get to know Him? How has He influenced your life? How has He made you a better person? What is your belief about how his sacrifice leads to you going to Heaven? Why do you want to go to Heaven? Answer these and you have good news. If you don't know the answer, figure it out. And then speak of it to others.

You may not be called to stand on street corners or pack for some small country halfway around the world that you've never heard of. But think about the people you know. Think about beloved family members. How many of them might not know Jesus. How many are living a life that is leading to destruction? Is there someone close to you that you need to tell that you don't want to be in Heaven without him/her? Is there someone you need to ask if he/she knows where they would go if they died today?

Many are put off by Jesus followers coming right out and asking these kinds of questions. It takes forming a relationship of trust to do it best. But the thing we must remember is that we don't know what tomorrow will bring. If we hold off too long, it could become too late.

Share the love of Christ. Share the Good News of Christ. Do it with your actions. Do it with your words.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

What sorrow awaits you teachers of the religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy--full of greed and self-indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.
Matthew 23:25-26 (NLT)

What can we learn from this? The same thing that the Pharisees and religious teachers were taught. It doesn't matter how nice and polished we look on the outside. Our clothes don't matter. What we drive doesn't matter. What we've done to make ourselves look professional, cool or presentable doesn't matter.

What matters is what's on the inside. We must focus on cleaning up our hearts. Let us work on loving kindness, patience with one another, a deeper relationship with Christ, etc. Then the rest will all fall into place.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

2 Corinthians 8:7-9 (TNIV)

We’ve all seen small children playing before. Sometimes they’ll get along, and sometimes they won’t. I’ve seen a child hoard all the toys, even the ones that he wasn’t playing with before, because he didn’t want the other one to touch his stuff.

I’ve also noticed a little girl who spent a great deal of time creating some craft, only to hand it to me when she was done.

The difference is not between little boys and little girls. For either can hoard their toys, and either can share generously. The difference is that one is showing love for self and the other is showing love for another.

We are the little boy with all the toys as well as the little girl with the newly made creation. But it’s up to us to choose which we will act like.

Are we insecure and afraid to give? Or are we satisfied knowing that what we have is not really our own, but something that is on loan from God?

In the love of Christ,
greg