Colossians 1:19-24 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/31/2014)...

From the pen of Apostle Paul...a prayer for you as we step out this year and into a new one...

Colossians 1:9-14 (NLT) So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. 

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. 

Proverbs 16:2 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/30/2014)...

Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you.

- Unknown

Proverbs 16:2 (NLT) Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. 

Proverbs 3:5-8 (NLT) Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. 

1 John 1:8-10 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/29/2014)...

A task-oriented humorous thought stumbled through my mind while doing some post-Christmas man-vacuuming. "Jesus (nativity floor display) is in my way." Upon reflection I contemplated the truth that Jesus is in the way to aid in my clean-up...spiritually...and in every way. 

1 John 1:8-10 (NLT) If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 

Isaiah 7:13 (NKJV)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/24/2014)...

I have often referenced the quote by the talk-show host Larry King, in his response to a particular question: “If you could select any one person across all of history to interview, who would it be?” Mr. King’s answer was that he would like to interview Jesus Christ. When the questioner followed with, “And what would you like to ask Him?” King replied, “I would like to ask him if He was indeed virgin-born. The answer to that question would define history for me.”

- Ravi Zacharias (Questions I Would Like To Ask God)

Isaiah 7:13 (NKJV) Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:22-25 (NKJV) So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/23/2014)...

Some causes of stress and depression during Christmas

 1. Absence of a beloved person...The absence of a beloved person during the holidays creates feelings of loneliness and regret. Additionally people who feel loneliness and depression when they see other people having a good time, then the situation is getting worse.

 2. Family misunderstandings...Conflicts and stressed relations in several cases come to the surface this time of the year. Usually people want to gather the whole family together for Christmas, but everyone has plans and sometimes there is conflict because people prefer to spend the holidays in their own home..

There is also the possibility that people have high expectations these days from other people. People might expect perfect conditions with expensive gifts and positive response by all. This is not usually the case and this increases the chances to feel disappointed and the risk of sadness and depression are increased.

3. The economic difficulties..Many families, for various reasons face financial difficulties, especially nowadays that the economy is under recession. The holidays add an extra burden to their already tight budget. It is likely that there is no available money to buy gifts, presents or clothes for Christmas. As a result some people even use more money than they can actually afford and this worsens their financial situation even more.

4. Physical tiredness...One of the main reasons that the holidays bring with them intense stress is that suddenly there are many requirements and people have to do many things in a short period of time. Even when the activities are basically pleasant and enjoyable, they are a change from the daily routine that people are used to, and this situation is pushing the person to do more things than it can normally do. Shopping, the need for finding gifts, participation in various social events and obligations, the preparation of Christmas dishes and other sweets all create stress and fatigue.

5. Loneliness...For many people, especially the elderly, the loneliness is a real issue during the holidays. They may not have someone to sit with them in the dinner table; they may not even have a festive table or even people to speak. Many old people also have no friends, either because they are ill or because they are no longer alive. But younger people, who rely only to friends, can be found alone and without invitation during the holidays. These situations create perfect candidates for depression.

6. Seasonal Emotional Disturbance...A real psychological problem, which coincides with the period of holidays, but unfortunately is not so easily recognized, is the seasonal emotional disorder. This disorder occurs when autumn gives way to winter. As daylight is reduced and people spend more time inside, they are affected by a form of depression that is known as a “seasonal emotional disorder”. Although it is a mild form of depression it is annoying and affects the person who is suffering from it. It creates a source of anxiety and worry at a time when the general expectation is that everybody should be happy. 

- Author Unknown

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NLT) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. 

Revelation 5:11-14 (NLT)..,

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/22/2014)...

Mary Had The Little Lamb

Mary had the little Lamb, who lived before His birth; Self-existent Son of God, from Heaven He came to Earth. (Micah 5:2)

Mary had the little Lamb; see Him in yonder stall—Virgin-born Son of God, to save man from the Fall. (Isaiah 7:14)

Mary had the little Lamb, obedient Son of God; Everywhere the Father led, His feet were sure to trod. (John 6:38)

Mary had the little Lamb, crucified on the tree, The rejected Son of God, He died to set men free. (1 Peter 1:18)

Mary had the little Lamb—men placed Him in the grave, Thinking they were done with Him; to death He was no slave! (Matthew 28:6)

Mary had the little Lamb, ascended now is He; All work on Earth is ended, our Advocate to be. (Hebrews 4:14–16)

Mary had the little Lame—mystery to behold! From the Lamb of Calvary, a Lion will unfold. (Revelation 5: 5, 6)

When the Day Star comes again, of this be very sure: It won't be Lamb-like silence, but with the Lion's roar. (Psalm 2:12; Revelation 19:11–16) 

- Marv & Marbeth Rosenthal

Revelation 5:11-14 (NLT) Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” 

And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” 

And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb. 

Luke 2:9-11 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/19/2014)...

On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made their first flight of an airplane at Kitty Hawk NC. On their 5th attempt, the plane under the control of Orville, embarked on a 12 second flight. 

Wilbur rushed to the local telegraph office and sent the following message – WE HAVE FLOWN FOR 12 SECONDS - WE WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!
Upon receiving the telegram their sister, Katherine went to the newspaper office, told the editor of her brother’s new flying machine, and informed him, they would be home for Christmas, if he would like to set up an interview.
He told her that was nice, and he would be sure to put something in the paper regarding the boys.
On December 19th, the local paper placed the following headline on the 6th page of the paper: “WRIGHT BROTHERS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS."
The most important story of the year – man’s first flight – and the editor missed it!
I wonder if the same could be said about us when it comes to Christmas. Look all around us…

Luke 2:9-11 (NLT) Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 

Matthew 2:1-11 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/18/2014)...

A small cathedral outside Bethlehem marks the supposed birthplace of Jesus. Behind a high alter in the church is a cave, a little cavern lit by silver lamps. You can enter the main edifice and admire the ancient church. 

You can also enter the quiet cave where a star embedded in the floor
recognizes the birth of the King. There is one stipulation, however. You have to stoop. The door is so low you can't go in standing up.
The same is true of the Christ. You can see the world standing tall, but to witness the Savior, you have to get on your knees.

So...while the theologians were sleeping and the elite were dreaming

and the successful were snoring, the meek were kneeling. They were kneeling before the One only the meek will see. They were kneeling in front of Jesus.

- Max L. Lucado

Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11 (NLT) Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

...And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

1 John 1:1-4 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/16/2014)...

Santa lives at the North Pole. JESUS is everywhere. 
        

Santa rides in a sleigh. JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water. 
       
Santa comes but once a year. JESUS is an ever present help. 
       
Santa fills your stockings with goodies. JESUS supplies all your needs. 
       
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited. JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart. 
       
You have to stand in line to see Santa. JESUS is as close as the mention of His name. 
       
Santa lets you sit on his lap. JESUS lets you rest in His arms. 
       
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?" JESUS knew our name before we did.Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too.He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads. 
       
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly. JESUS has a heart full of love. 
       
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO. JESUS offers health, help and hope. 
       
Santa says "You better not cry." JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you. 
       
Santa's little helpers make toys. JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. 
       
Santa may make you chuckle but. JESUS gives you joy that is your strength. 
       

While Santa puts gifts under your tree. JESUS became our gift and died on the tree. 
       
It's obvious there is really no comparison. 
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. 
We need to put Christ back in Christmas. 
Jesus is still the reason for the season. 
Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus!

1 John 1:1-4 (NLT) We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. 

Acts 16:25-34 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/15/2014)...

He (Billy Sunday) died on November 6, a week after preaching his last sermon on the text "What must I do to be saved?"

Acts 16:25-34 (NLT) Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 

The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. 

Matthew 1:20-21 (NLT)..,

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/12/2014)..,

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator.
If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. 
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. 
If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. 
But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.                    

- Source Unknown

Matthew 1:20-21 (NLT) But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

Luke 1:30-33 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/11/2014)...

Commercialization has obscured the meaning of Christmas. The commercial has become more important than the carol. What man has to sell more important than what God has given. 

- Anonymous

Luke 1:30-33 (NLT) “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. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” 

James 4:13-17 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/10/2014)...

"In 1945, a young associate pastor named Cliff married his fiancée, Billie. They had very little money but scraped up enough to make the honeymoon. When they arrived at the hotel they were told it was a rehabilitation center and not available to overnight guests. They hitchhiked to a grocery store several miles down the road. The owner was sympathetic to their situation and let them stay in a room over the store. the owner quickly caught on that they were Christians and referred them to a friend with a nicer place to spend the rest of their honeymoon. During the week their host invited them to attend a youth rally at a nearby Christian conference center. The regular leader was ill that night so Cliff was asked if he might take charge of the music service. He consented and led the music before a young evangelist named Billy stepped up to preach. Cliff Barrows met Billy Graham that night and formed a ministry team that has preached the gospel throughout the world for 50 years. When your plans don't seem to work out, maybe God has something better in mind."

- James Dobson (When God Doesn't Make Sense, 1993)

James 4:13-17 (NLT) Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. 

1 John 4:14 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/9/2014)...

Christ was born in the first century, yet he belongs to all centuries.

He was born a Jew, yet He belongs to all races.

He was born in Bethlehem, yet He belongs to all countries. 

- George W. Truett 

1 John 4:14 (NLT) Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/8/2014)...

"Lord, I pray that Jews would come to know Jesus Christ. And I pray that Buddhists would come to know Jesus Christ. And I pray that Muslims would come to know Jesus Christ. And Lord, I pray that Christians would come to know Jesus Christ."

- Arthur Burns (prayer at gathering of evangelical politicians in Washington DC)

2 Corinthians 13:5 (.NLT) Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 

2 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT) So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 1:4-7 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/4/2014)..,

It was a special treat to enjoy a post-Thankgiving Day nostalgic tour of our family roots in Aroostook County. It was made especially meaningful by the blessing of making the visit with my whole family. Nice. One of our stops was at County Road Baptist Church (our first pastorate...1981-1988). A cherished friend and charter member of CRBC, Wayne Watson, joined in our reminiscing about those church pioneering days...sparked by seeing the pulpit built by Mel Stewart...a faithful encourager and church pioneer himself. Happy Thanksgiving indeed.

Philippians 1:4-7 (NLT) Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart...

1 John 2:15-17 (NLT)..,

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/3/2014)...

"Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money." 

- Author unknown

1 John 2:15-17 (NLT) Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (12/2/2014)...

“I do not at all understand the mystery of grace—only that it meets us where we are are but does not leave us where it found us.” 

— Anne Lamott

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NLT) But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.