THERE ARE NO STRANGERS IN HEAVEN

No Stranger in Heaven

You guide me by your wise advice, and then you will lead me to a position of honor. — Ps 73:24

From day to day and from year to year my faith believes in the wisdom and love of God, and I know that I shall not believe in vain. No good word of His has ever failed, and I am sure that none shall ever fall to the ground.

I put myself into His hand for guidance. I know not the way that I should choose: the Lord shall choose mine inheritance for me. I need counsel and advice; for my duties are intricate, and my condition is involved. I seek to the Lord, as the High Priest of old looked to his Urim and Thummim. The counsel of the infallible God I seek in preference to my own judgment or the advice of friends. Glorious Jehovah, Thou shalt guide me!

Soon the end will come: a few more years and I must depart out of this world unto the Father. My Lord will be near my bed. He will meet me at heaven’s gate: He will welcome me to the gloryland. I shall not be a stranger in heaven: my own God and Father will receive me to its endless bliss.

Glory be to Him who
Will guide me here,
And receive me hereafter. Amen. ~ Charles H. Spurgeon

As this year closes and dissolves into another, realize how very temporary we all are here on this earth. There is only today, right now, this very minute. There is no promise whatsoever that we will see tomorrow. No agreement that we will share the next few seconds. With every blink, and every breath, and with each heartbeat the actions all travel in an instant from the present to the past. From the here and now each blessing becomes a memory, adding to the stack of history those things that are no more. There are those whom we have loved deeply, gone from our vision, but ever present in our minds as glowing embers in that special God built archive called the heart. There they will stay until that moment that we join them. Where will you be when the trumpet sounds for you? Are you ready? There is only today....tomorrow is promised to no one.

Joh 11:33-35 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, (34) and said, "Where have you laid him?" They *said to Him, "Lord, come and see." (35) .....Jesus wept.

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

THERE ARE NO STRANGERS IN HEAVEN

No Stranger in Heaven

You guide me by your wise advice, and then you will lead me to a position of honor. — Ps 73:24

From day to day and from year to year my faith believes in the wisdom and love of God, and I know that I shall not believe in vain. No good word of His has ever failed, and I am sure that none shall ever fall to the ground.

I put myself into His hand for guidance. I know not the way that I should choose: the Lord shall choose mine inheritance for me. I need counsel and advice; for my duties are intricate, and my condition is involved. I seek to the Lord, as the High Priest of old looked to his Urim and Thummim. The counsel of the infallible God I seek in preference to my own judgment or the advice of friends. Glorious Jehovah, Thou shalt guide me!

Soon the end will come: a few more years and I must depart out of this world unto the Father. My Lord will be near my bed. He will meet me at heaven’s gate: He will welcome me to the gloryland. I shall not be a stranger in heaven: my own God and Father will receive me to its endless bliss.

Glory be to Him who
Will guide me here,
And receive me hereafter. Amen. ~ Charles H. Spurgeon

As this year closes and dissolves into another, realize how very temporary we all are here on this earth. There is only today, right now, this very minute. There is no promise whatsoever that we will see tomorrow. No agreement that we will share the next few seconds. With every blink, and every breath, and with each heartbeat the actions all travel in an instant from the present to the past. From the here and now each blessing becomes a memory, adding to the stack of history those things that are no more. There are those whom we have loved deeply, gone from our vision, but ever present in our minds as glowing embers in that special God built archive called the heart. There they will stay until that moment that we join them. Where will you be when the trumpet sounds for you? Are you ready? There is only today....tomorrow is promised to no one.

Joh 11:33-35 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, (34) and said, "Where have you laid him?" They *said to Him, "Lord, come and see." (35) .....Jesus wept.

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

THE GREAT SHEPHERD

Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. {Isa 40:11}

And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, "I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way." -- For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. {Mat 15:32--Heb 4:15}

And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. (16) And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. {Mar 10:13,16}

O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant.-"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."-For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. {Psa 119:76-Luk 19:10-1Pe 2:25}

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. {Luk 12:32}

"I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD. {Eze 34:15}

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

IN THE BEGINNING

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (2) The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. (3) Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. (4) God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. (5) God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day. {Gen 1:1-5}

Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind"; and it was so. (25) God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good. (26) Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." (27) God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (28) God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." -- God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. {Gen 1:24-28,31}

For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. --But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. -- But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. {Isa 53:2,5,10}

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God. (3) All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (4) In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. (5) The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. -- And the Wordbecame flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. {Joh 1:1-5,14}

The WORD is JESUS.

Jesus, the CHRIST.

Only through HIM are you saved, Amen

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

IN THE BEGINNING

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (2) The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. (3) Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. (4) God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. (5) God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day. {Gen 1:1-5}

Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind"; and it was so. (25) God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good. (26) Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." (27) God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (28) God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." -- God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. {Gen 1:24-28,31}

For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. -- But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. -- But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. {Isa 53:2,5,10}

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God. (3) All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (4) In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. (5) The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. -- And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. {Joh 1:1-5,14}

The WORD is JESUS.

Jesus, the CHRIST.

Only through HIM are you saved, Amen

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

A SON IS BORN

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

A SON IS BORN

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

The Chosen

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. -- For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. [Eph 1:3,4 -- Rom 8:29-30]

At the birth of Christ Jesus the first notice to the public was delivered to poor shepherds attending their flocks in the fields by night. Shepherds were considered the lowest of the low in society. People looked upon shepherds with disdain. Uneducated, unclean, smelly, uncouth, unsavory. Just a few of the impressions of the times in which the Immanuel would fulfill the great prophesy of His coming. The coming of the Great Shepherd.

Those living during the lifetime of the Christ probably had little grasp of the world impact over His spilled blood and horrible death. Not much has changed over the years as even today with all the technology available, we have large swaths of Christ deniers or to use today's vernacular; "Never Christers" who refuse to look beyond the end of their own noses to the miracle of the gift from the Creator of all. Jesus the Christ.

Consider the hugeness of what God offers to His creation by His love and through His Word and how little He asks in return. Simply that you believe, that you obey, and that you love.

Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. -- according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. [Eze 36:26 -- 1Pe 1:2]

For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. -- But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1Th 4:7 -- 2Th 2:13-14]

As we celebrate the birth of the Savior, please utter a prayer of great thanksgiving to Almighty God for a love so grand, so wonderful that it is impossible for us to comprehend this side of eternity, AMEN.

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

The Chosen

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. -- For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. [Eph 1:3,4 -- Rom 8:29-30]

At the birth of Christ Jesus the first notice to the public was delivered to poor shepherds attending their flocks in the fields by night. Shepherds were considered the lowest of the low in society. People looked upon shepherds with disdain. Uneducated, unclean, smelly, uncouth, unsavory. Just a few of the impressions of the times in which the Immanuel would fulfill the great prophesy of His coming. The coming of the Great Shepherd.

Those living during the lifetime of the Christ probably had little grasp of the world impact over His spilled blood and horrible death. Not much has changed over the years as even today with all the technology available, we have large swaths of Christ deniers or to use today's vernacular; "Never Christers" who refuse to look beyond the end of their own noses to the miracle of the gift from the Creator of all. Jesus the Christ.

Consider the hugeness of what God offers to His creation by His love and through His Word and how little He asks in return. Simply that you believe, that you obey, and that you love.

Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. -- according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. [Eze 36:26 -- 1Pe 1:2]

For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. -- But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1Th 4:7 -- 2Th 2:13-14]

As we celebrate the birth of the Savior, please utter a prayer of great thanksgiving to Almighty God for a love so grand, so wonderful that it is impossible for us to comprehend this side of eternity, AMEN.

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

LIGHT or DARK?

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? {2Co 6:14}

There are times when the scripture above seems to paint a confusing message. Believers are expected to share the light of the Gospel truth. How can we do so if we are to avoid being around or steering clear of any fellowship with non-believers? Jesus was faced with this criticism when He chose to fellowship with Tax Collectors; folks that had a pretty sinful reputation. His response is recorded in Mat 9:12..."It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. The rule of thumb here might be that the manner in which you conduct yourself in their midst might be the only Bible they will ever see. Perhaps something will stick with them. Let Jesus always be your Light.

This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. (20) "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. {Joh 3:19-20}

The Holy Spirit that resides in the believer exudes a measurable degree of confidence and commitment in their behavior. This trait is quite attractive to some and genuinely repulsive to others. Those who eagerly find fault or even attack someone who demonstrates a close relationship with God may be dealing with a huge load of self guilt for the darkness existing in their life. Your presence Lights them up.

For you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness. {1Th 5:5}

Since the beginning of all that is, Jesus has always been. Right there with His Father, Almighty God. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. { Joh 1:4} Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. {Psa 119:105}

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. (19) The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble. {Pro 4:18-19} Sad but often true. In the deep darkness of sin, a person can lose all reference as to their condition, their danger, and certainly approaching threats are hidden within the smokey veil.

Jesus said, "I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. -- for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light." {Joh 12:46 -- Eph 5:8}

How do we reflect this Light? We, you and I have no light in and of ourselves. Any light seen in us must be reflected, the very reflection of Jesus Christ. We use the tool that God gave us. The name of that tool is.....LOVE!

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (8) The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. {1Jn 4:7-8}

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

LIGHT or DARK?

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? {2Co 6:14}

There are times when the scripture above seems to paint a confusing message. Believers are expected to share the light of the Gospel truth. How can we do so if we are to avoid being around or steering clear of any fellowship with non-believers? Jesus was faced with this criticism when He chose to fellowship with Tax Collectors; folks that had a pretty sinful reputation. His response is recorded in Mat 9:12..."It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. The rule of thumb here might be that the manner in which you conduct yourself in their midst might be the only Bible they will ever see. Perhaps something will stick with them. Let Jesus always be your Light.

This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. (20) "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. {Joh 3:19-20}

The Holy Spirit that resides in the believer exudes a measurable degree of confidence and commitment in their behavior. This trait is quite attractive to some and genuinely repulsive to others. Those who eagerly find fault or even attack someone who demonstrates a close relationship with God may be dealing with a huge load of self guilt for the darkness existing in their life. Your presence Lights them up.

For you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness. {1Th 5:5}

Since the beginning of all that is, Jesus has always been. Right there with His Father, Almighty God. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. { Joh 1:4} Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. {Psa 119:105}

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. (19) The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble. {Pro 4:18-19} Sad but often true. In the deep darkness of sin, a person can lose all reference as to their condition, their danger, and certainly approaching threats are hidden within the smokey veil.

Jesus said, "I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. -- for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light." {Joh 12:46 -- Eph 5:8}

How do we reflect this Light? We, you and I have no light in and of ourselves. Any light seen in us must be reflected, the very reflection of Jesus Christ. We use the tool that God gave us. The name of that tool is.....LOVE!

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (8) The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. {1Jn 4:7-8}

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

I AM THE DOOR

So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. {Joh 10:7}

We are inundated by promises of a nice, comfortable, easy and enjoyable path to the promised land:

"For only $79.95 we will send you this 10 step guaranteed guide that will reveal the secrets of old-- "The Back Door to Heaven". If you act today, right now (Operators are standing by) we will also send you this multi-colored rare cotton, machine stitched prayer shawl that has been prayed over 1,000 times by the deformed fingers of the Chalwey descendents of the lower Holy Places of the Secrets. Call today, don't delay, have your VISA or MASTERCHARGE standing by, CALL 800-555-1212.....CALL NOW!"

Here is some Truth. There has never been a promise that anyone would have a nice, comfy, uneventful, non-painful, error free, easy going, or relaxing life leading to the eternal joy of the Lord. What was promised is that if you believe in Him, if you obey Him, He will always be with you. He will be right there along your way even amongst the painful, the error filled, rough going and often uncomfortable path to Heaven. No amount of money, no number of prayer shawls, no other path to the Kingdom exists except through Jesus. Jesus Christ is the ONLY door. The New Testament Scripture BLEEDS with this truth!

The afternoon at Calvary where Jesus of Nazareth drew His very last breath (this side of resurrection) the earth trembled and in the temple at Jerusalem; Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom... { Mat 27:51} The thick veil that had long prevented our coming directly to the very source of our being was torn forever. We now enter and have an eternal advocate, the only High Priest who pleads our salvation before the throne of Almighty God. His name is Jesus.

For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. {1Pe 3:18}

"I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. {Joh 10:9} -- Jesus *said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. { Joh 14:6} -- for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. (19) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household. { Eph 2:18-19}

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, (20) by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, -- Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. { Rom 5:1-2}

Jesus is the ONLY door--PERIOD.

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

I AM THE DOOR

So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. {Joh 10:7}

We are inundated by promises of a nice, comfortable, easy and enjoyable path to the promised land:

"For only $79.95 we will send you this 10 step guaranteed guide that will reveal the secrets of old-- "The Back Door to Heaven". If you act today, right now (Operators are standing by) we will also send you this multi-colored rare cotton, machine stitched prayer shawl that has been prayed over 1,000 times by the deformed fingers of the Chalwey descendents of the lower Holy Places of the Secrets. Call today, don't delay, have your VISA or MASTERCHARGE standing by, CALL 800-555-1212.....CALL NOW!"

Here is some Truth. There has never been a promise that anyone would have a nice, comfy, uneventful, non-painful, error free, easy going, or relaxing life leading to the eternal joy of the Lord. What was promised is that if you believe in Him, if you obey Him, He will always be with you. He will be right there along your way even amongst the painful, the error filled, rough going and often uncomfortable path to Heaven. No amount of money, no number of prayer shawls, no other path to the Kingdom exists except through Jesus. Jesus Christ is the ONLY door. The New Testament Scripture BLEEDS with this truth!

The afternoon at Calvary where Jesus of Nazareth drew His very last breath (this side of resurrection) the earth trembled and in the temple at Jerusalem; Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom... { Mat 27:51} The thick veil that had long prevented our coming directly to the very source of our being was torn forever. We now enter and have an eternal advocate, the only High Priest who pleads our salvation before the throne of Almighty God. His name is Jesus.

For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. {1Pe 3:18}

"I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. {Joh 10:9} -- Jesus *said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. { Joh 14:6} -- for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. (19) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household. { Eph 2:18-19}

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, (20) by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, -- Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. { Rom 5:1-2}

Jesus is the ONLY door--PERIOD.

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

LOVE

The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. {Gal 5:22-23}

As we bundle up in the crisp winter air and hear Christmas music just about everywhere we go, thoughts often travel back in time to childhood memories of this Holy season. Families and friends coming together to share of themselves with others. Sharing many incredible meals along the way. Not only do we expand our horizons, we expand our waistlines as well. Pecan pie anyone?

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. {1Jn 4:16}

As we move closer to the day that we celebrate the birth of our King, our Savior, Jesus Christ, something quite supernatural fills the air. We can't smell it but we do discern it's presence. An old-time descriptor fits well here; Tis the season to be Merry! A time to be more patient, giving, kind, caring, unselfish. At least, that is the hope.

Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. {Rom 5:5}

We are encouraged daily to exercise and practice our ability and capability to LOVE.

We love, because He first loved us. {1Jn 4:19}

A certain someone gave His very life, made to suffer untold horrors of persecution and torture to stand in our place and receive the ultimate penalty that was due us. All of us! No exceptions. He shed His blood that would wash the sin from our very bodies, once and for all time.

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; (15) and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. {2Co 5:14-15}

In amongst our holiday travels hither and fro, we will necessarily meet others who, for a variety of reasons, cannot or will not share in the glee and merryment connected to the Christmas period. One fellow just lost his job. What a thing to ponder at any time but especially today. A young woman was diagnosed with a terrible illness. Test results won't be available until after the New Year. A family lost a Grandparent to Heaven's Holy City. Then there is a young couple who were a single family just months ago. Now, they are separate families, each side with children, each struggling to catch their collective breath as the reality of divorce sets in. The timing of all this rips at the heart.

Each of these events is representative of a death. Something that once was, is no longer. It is gone, or so it would seem. The emotions experienced, anger, loss, isolation, loneliness, hopelessness, are the exact elements of grief. We grieve, we mourn over our losses, and it matters not the cause of the loss, it is our nature and through this God given ability, we are allowed to work through this terrible weight and pressure and see the eventual return of blue skies peeking out from behind darkness and clouds. It is LOVE that will bring the light. LOVE will return the clear skies. LOVE'S renewal of hope. God is an unending source of this wonderful healing medicine. It is yours for the asking!

Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.

{1Th 4:9}

During this special and Holy period, during your various travels, be sensitive to those around you. To the broken heart be discerning. To the hurting be a gentle hug. To the mournful be a quiet strong shoulder. Be a friend that heals with the words, I LOVE YOU.

"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." {Joh 15:12}

Be the one who reflects the Christ that resides in you. Let them read the Bible through your behavior, temperament, and Loving actions.

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. {1Pe 4:8}

Be the tool in the Lord's hands in making a difference in another's life. Let others see the LIGHT in HIS LOVE through you this Holy Season, AMEN.

Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. {Eph 5:2}

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

LOVE

The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. {Gal 5:22-23}

As we bundle up in the crisp winter air and hear Christmas music just about everywhere we go, thoughts often travel back in time to childhood memories of this Holy season. Families and friends coming together to share of themselves with others. Sharing many incredible meals along the way. Not only do we expand our horizons, we expand our waistlines as well. Pecan pie anyone?

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. {1Jn 4:16}

As we move closer to the day that we celebrate the birth of our King, our Savior, Jesus Christ, something quite supernatural fills the air. We can't smell it but we do discern it's presence. An old-time descriptor fits well here; Tis the season to be Merry! A time to be more patient, giving, kind, caring, unselfish. At least, that is the hope.

Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. {Rom 5:5}

We are encouraged daily to exercise and practice our ability and capability to LOVE.

We love, because He first loved us. {1Jn 4:19}

A certain someone gave His very life, made to suffer untold horrors of persecution and torture to stand in our place and receive the ultimate penalty that was due us. All of us! No exceptions. He shed His blood that would wash the sin from our very bodies, once and for all time.

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; (15) and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. {2Co 5:14-15}

In amongst our holiday travels hither and fro, we will necessarily meet others who, for a variety of reasons, cannot or will not share in the glee and merryment connected to the Christmas period. One fellow just lost his job. What a thing to ponder at any time but especially today. A young woman was diagnosed with a terrible illness. Test results won't be available until after the New Year. A family lost a Grandparent to Heaven's Holy City. Then there is a young couple who were a single family just months ago. Now, they are separate families, each side with children, each struggling to catch their collective breath as the reality of divorce sets in. The timing of all this rips at the heart.

Each of these events is representative of a death. Something that once was, is no longer. It is gone, or so it would seem. The emotions experienced, anger, loss, isolation, loneliness, hopelessness, are the exact elements of grief. We grieve, we mourn over our losses, and it matters not the cause of the loss, it is our nature and through this God given ability, we are allowed to work through this terrible weight and pressure and see the eventual return of blue skies peeking out from behind darkness and clouds. It is LOVE that will bring the light. LOVE will return the clear skies. LOVE'S renewal of hope. God is an unending source of this wonderful healing medicine. It is yours for the asking!

Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.

{1Th 4:9}

During this special and Holy period, during your various travels, be sensitive to those around you. To the broken heart be discerning. To the hurting be a gentle hug. To the mournful be a quiet strong shoulder. Be a friend that heals with the words, I LOVE YOU.

"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." {Joh 15:12}

Be the one who reflects the Christ that resides in you. Let them read the Bible through your behavior, temperament, and Loving actions.

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. {1Pe 4:8}

Be the tool in the Lord's hands in making a difference in another's life. Let others see the LIGHT in HIS LOVE through you this Holy Season, AMEN.

Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. {Eph 5:2}

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

A BLESSED AND MOST PEACEFUL HANUKKAH WISH FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL.

HAVE YOU READ YOUR TANACH TODAY?

THE LORD IS AT HAND

Phi 4:5

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. (18) Therefore comfort one another with these words. {1Th 4:16-18}

He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. {Rev 22:20}

Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless. {2Pe 3:14}

Abstain from every form of evil. (23) Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (24) Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. {1Th 5:22-24}

You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. {Jas 5:8}

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

THE LORD IS AT HAND

Phi 4:5

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. (18) Therefore comfort one another with these words. {1Th 4:16-18}

He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. {Rev 22:20}

Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless. {2Pe 3:14}

Abstain from every form of evil. (23) Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (24) Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. {1Th 5:22-24}

You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. {Jas 5:8}

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?