Jesus Loves You, 1 Timothy 1:12-15
A Christian prison guard was assigned to duty on death row. He was so appalled at the crimes the prisoners had committed that at first he felt only contempt for them. It’s not difficult to understand why. He told of one convict who joked about the fact that the 8-year-old girl he murdered looked him in the eye just as he was about to choke her and said, “Jesus loves you.”
Gradually this Christian guard began to understand the full impact of the words spoken by that young girl. The Lord Jesus, who during His earthly ministry reached out to the most despised people in society, loves even men like that murderer and blasphemer. The guard also began to realize that he could not take credit for being different from these criminals. He saw that given the same circumstances he too could have been a death-row prisoner. His “I’m better than you” attitude evaporated. He still hates what they did, but now he loves them, desires their salvation, and prays for them.
Lord, deliver us from self-righteousness that leads us to despise people. Help us see ourselves as Paul did; the chief of sinners. Enable us to love even the most unlovely person we know. – HVL
The only difference between a sinner and a saint is the grace of God!
Till He comes,
IMMANUEL
The name “Immanuel” appears twice in the Hebrew Scriptures and once in the New Testament. In Greek it is rendered “Emmanouel.” One of the most comforting of all names and titles of Jesus, it is literally translated “with us is God” or, as Matthew puts it, “God with us.
When our sins made it impossible for us to come to Him, God took the outrageous step of coming to us, of making Himself susceptible to sorrow, familiar with temptation, and vulnerable to sin’s disruptive power, in order to cancel its claim. In Jesus we see how extreme God’s love is. Remember this the next time you feel discouraged, abandoned, or too timid to undertake some new endeavor. For Jesus is still Immanuel — He is still “God with us.” AMEN!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Scriptures:
Then He said, “Listen now, O house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God as well? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:13-14
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “BEHOLD THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL His name IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:22-23
Overflowing with Gratitude, Colossians 2:6-8
The meaning of Thanksgiving has changed over the years, The name was given to our national holiday dedicated to thanking God for His protection and provision. More recently, though it has become synonymous with feasting, football, and family. In most homes, God probably isn’t even mentioned. But for believers, Thanksgiving is not simply a day; it’s a lifestyle. In fact, a godly person should be characterized by gratitude.
The Apostle Paul teaches how we can become people who overflow with gratefulness in any circumstance. The first step is to appreciate our relationship with Christ. He chose each believer before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4) and wants us to “walk with Him” (Col. 2:6). This means acknowledging Jesus as Lord of our life and relying on Him to empower us to obey.
Next, we are to be firmly rooted in Him. This can happen only when we tap into His Word and draw nourishment from it. Then we’ll be like a tree whose roots reach down so deep that even storms cannot topple it. With this foundation, we can be built up in Christ and increasingly display His character in our attitudes, conduct, and conversation.
Finally, our faith needs to be firmly established. Then we won’t fall prey to worldly philosophies and deceptions.
Do you have a grateful spirit, or do you say “thanks” only when things are going your way? Thankfulness in all situations is possible only when you focus on truths and promises of God’s Word. As you learn to see life from His perspective and acknowledge His loving lordship, you’ll overflow with appreciation.
A New Location, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
A bank in Binghamton, New York, has some flowers sent to a competitor who had recently moved into a new building. There was a mix-up at the flower shop, and the card sent with the arrangement read, “With our deepest sympathy.”
The florist, who was greatly embarrassed, apologized. But he was even more embarrassed when he realized that the card intended for the bank was attached to a floral arrangement sent to a funeral home in honor of a deceased person. That card read, “Congratulations on your new location!”
A sentiment like that is appropriate for Christians, because they move to a wonderful new location when they die. They go to be with Christ, and the sorrows and heartaches of this earthly existence are past forever. Near the end of his life, Paul said that to be with Christ is “far better” than to remain on earth (Phil. 1:23).
What comfort this brings to those who are left behind! Yes, separation is painful, but as Christians we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Rather, we can rejoice, even with tear-filled eyes, because our loved ones have taken up a new residence in heaven.
To every believer who dies, therefore. it would be appropriate to say, “Congratulations on your new location!” R.W.D.
Watch What You Say, 1 Corinthians 16:17-18
Most of us have no idea how much other people’s emotions, self-esteem and hopes are influenced by what we say. Paul said, “Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus…for what was lacking on your part they supplied (have been a wonderful encouragement to me)” ( If you have never heard of them, it’s because most encouragers hate being the center of attention. They’re happy to work in a support role. But without them very little would get done. The opposite of giving encouragement is spreading discouragement, and Paul says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 NKJV). Jesus said, “But I say to you that for every word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment…by your words you will be justified…by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37 NKJV). What you say can never be taken back, and it will be used as evidence for or against you one day. Dr. Thomas Blackaby points out: “Words…can leave scars for a lifetime, and many people will never forget some of the things you’ve said to them, both good things, such as words of encouragement, and bad things, such as criticism and rebuke…Make the best possible use of words so they bring blessings on others.” So, are your words encouraging? Can it be said there’s nothing crooked or perverse…in them” (Proverbs 8:8 NKJV)? Ask God to “Set a guard…over [your] mouth” (Psalm 141:3 NKJV) so whatever you say glorifies Him and lifts others up.
Till He comes…
Bro. Johnny, Phil. 1:6
As a leader of the Flock of God, I have a responsibility to do all within my power to get our folks ready for the soon return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
If there ever was a time to stand for truth and get the Word of God out, it is today! The greatest need of the world today is to be Born-Again by the Word of God! We need to get the Word out to our families, friends, and neighbors.
Daniel Webster, statesmen and Christian gave the following warning 170 years ago: “If religious books are not widely circulated among the masses in this country, I do not know what is going to become of us as a nation. If truth be not diffused, then error will be. If God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendency. If the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will. If the power of the gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of this land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end.”
Friend…we are there!
Dear Christian friends, may the God of heaven continue to remind us of the serious responsibility of our call to the work, and keep us faithful no matter the cost.
Till He comes…
Bro. Johnny, Phil. 1:6
It Happens to the Best of Us! 1 Corinthians 10:11
A pastor was building a fence while the neighbor’s twelve year old son watched. The pastor smiled and said, “interested in carpentry, huh?” “Nope,” the boy replied. “Just want to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer!” You are the only bible some people will ever read, and they’re watching to see how your life lines up with what you profess. Some are hoping for confirmation of the life-changing power of Jesus, others for a chance to say, “See, Christians are all hypocrites!” We want to set a good example, but sometimes we fall short. And as humbling as it is to mess up, God uses those failures to “[make it clear that our…power is from [Him], not…ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). God doesn’t glaze over the shortcomings of even the most notable saints. They’re “all…written down so…we don’t repeat their mistakes” (1 Corinthians 10:11 TM). Abraham the “friend of God,” lied about Sarah being his wife (Genesis 12:10-20). Moses, the mighty leader, got angry and disobeyed God. David, a man after God’s own heart, committed adultery then tried to cover his tracks with murder (See 2 Samuel 11:15). Peter, head of the church, denied Jesus not once but three times (See Luke 22:54-62), and John Mark gave up and went home during a missionary journey (See Acts 15:38). They’re all in there, warts and all, and Paul says, “We are just as capable of messing…up as they were” (1 Corinthians 10:12 TM). So don’t get discouraged when you stumble. Admit your mistake, apologize to the people involved, ask God for forgiveness, forgive yourself, learn from what happened, and move on!
Till He comes…
Bro. Johnny, Phil. 1:6
The Hebrew Scriptures — that is the Old Testament — included many prophecies about the coming Messiah. A few of them probably left Israelite scholars and laymen alike scratching their heads and wondering how one individual could fulfill such lofty promises. The birth of such a person would be “good news of great joy,” just as the angel proclaimed (Luke 2:10). The Messiah would be…
*A descendant of Abraham seated on David’s throne. There is a reason that both Matthew and Luke painstakingly trace Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38): the Messiah’s family line mattered. God promised that all nations would be blessed through the house of Abraham (Genesis 22:18), and Isaiah prophesied that Christ would reign forever on David’s throne (Isaiah 9:7). The gospel writers showed that Jesus could claim direct lineage from both of these men.
*A man born in Bethlehem who comes out of Egypt. The Messiah’s place of origin must have caused confusion. Though His predicted birthplace was Bethlehem, He was expected to come out of Egypt (Micah 5:2; Hosea 11:1). We know that a census brought Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to tiny, insignificant Bethlehem just in time for the Christ child’s arrival. And Matthew’s gospel explains the rest of the mystery: the family fled to Egypt to avoid Herod’s jealous rage (Matthew 2:13).
God was specific in describing the Messiah because He wanted people to recognize the Anointed One and rejoice in His coming. That’s exactly what happened when the King of King rode a donkey into Jerusalem (prophecy: Zechariah 9:9; completion: John 12:12-15). Jesus is the promised Christ — this truly is great news and a reason to rejoice!
Till He comes…
When Burdens Weigh Us Down, Psalm 37:5-7
When we are overburdened, the world seems a colder place. The sun may be shining, but our heads are bowed low, so we don’t notice. The birds sing, but our ears are filled with the cries of our hearts—-exclamations of pain, sorrow and weariness. We put distance between us and others as our problems absorb our time and attention. Perhaps we are weighed down by unmet expectations, sudden trauma or death, or simply too much responsibility. Another possibility is that sin is causing our heaviness of heart. Whatever the cause, however, the result is the same: We are burdened by a crushing weight.
Into our bleakness comes the voice of almighty God inviting us to draw near and find rest in Him.
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls…'” (Jer. 6:16 NASB).
Won’t you look up to your heavenly Father right now? Jesus offers living water; take time to drink until your soul is strengthened enough for you to ask the way. With the Spirit’s help, take one step, then another down that ancient path of obedience, and He will give you the promised peace.
Jeremiah 6:16 ends with God pointing out the Israelites’ response: “But they said, ‘we will not walk in it.'” It is only when we trust in the Father’s plan that we will find relief from our burdens. Let us stand, look, ask, and walk so that we might find the rest which the Lord has promised for our souls.
Till He Comes…
Bro. Johnny, Phil. 1:6