Devotion 12/28/2010

Let you eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Proverbs 4:25 NIV  God wants us to draw closer to Him at all times and He will in His way and time meet our needs.

Word Devotion 12/27/2010

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

His Humble Birth

Tenderly she held her Baby, and looked at Him with love.

Her heart was filled with wonderment,

about her Christ child from above.

This truly was the Son of God was what the Angel told..

Her tiny baby full of grace, such a wonder to behold.

She thought of what His life would bring, He was born to set us free.

But she only saw her infant Son, as a mother’s love would see.

The shepherds came, the wise men too, to praise His Holy name.

She sat in awe, and held her Child, while those to worship came.

She must have wondered why God's Son was born to her this day.

She wanted so much to be worthy, as she bowed her head to pray.

Mary wrapped her robe a little closer, around her new born Son.

The chill of this old stable, must not touch the chosen one.

It was a humble birth, but a King was born that day.

He came to pay the price for us, and wash our sins away.

Written by Verna Parks

May the love of Jesus fill your heart

May God bless you and keep you

May you prosper in the New Year

May you know that you are loved

M e r r y C h r i s t m a s !

Devotion 12/23/2010 Luke 2:1-14 KJV

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.  2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  4And 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:)  5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  7And 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.

 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Devotion 12/22/2010

Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. Isaiah 32:3 NIV  Trusting in and listening to God brings peace and hope which help us to feel the love of our Lord.

Devotion 12/21/2010

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21 NIV  It isn't easy living a Christian lifestyle. The "world" at times looks like a fun and easy road. But "joy" is found only in Jesus, our ever-present friend and guide.

LADIES CHRISTMAS PARTY 12/16/2010

Word Devotion 12/20/2010

And therefore the Lord earnestly waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed [happy, fortunate, to be envied] are all those who earnestly wait for Him [ for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]! Isaiah 30:18 KJV

Too Busy For A Friend?

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual. On Monday, she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. 'Really?' she heard whispered. 'I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much,' were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in Viet Nam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature… The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. 'Were you Mark's math teacher?' he asked. She nodded: 'yes.' Then he said: 'Mark talked about you a lot.'

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher. 'We want to show you something,' his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket 'They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.' Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him. 'Thank you so much for doing that,' Mark's mother said. 'As you can see, Mark treasured it.'

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, 'I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home.' Chuck's wife said, 'Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.' 'I have mine too,' Marilyn said. 'It's in my diary.' Then, Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. 'I carry this with me at all times,' Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: 'I think we all saved our lists'

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again. The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be. So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late. And One Way To Accomplish This Is: Forward this message on. If you do not send it, you will have, once again passed up the wonderful opportunity to do something nice and beautiful.

Merry Christmas!

Word Devotion 12/15/2010

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.  Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV  Trials can be difficult to work through; but, it is better to be patient and glad than proud and hasty.

Devotion 12/14/2010

God will give each according to what he has done. Romans 2:6  Daily we have opportunities to plant spiritual seeds. Are you looking for ways to sow good seeds?

Devotion 12/10/2010

Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. Psalm 5:2 NIV  Often we feel anxious. Yet, God gives comfort as we live with an attitude of praying without ceasing.

Word Devotion 12/09/2010

Choose you tthis day whom ye will serve;...But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  Joshua 24:15 KJV

Christmas Banquet

Tonight is our annual Christmas Banquet. If you purchased a ticket, please remember to join us tonight at 6:00 pm for food, fellowship and laughter.

Devotion 12/08/2010

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you -- I, whom you have redeemed.  Psalm 71:23  Being redeemed from the enemy, we can make a joyful noise to the Lord by singing His praises.

Devotion 12/01/2010

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you -- I, whom you have redeemed.  Psalms 71:23 NIV
Being redeemed from the enemy, we can make a joyful noise to the Lord by singing His praises.