On Wings Of Eagles

free counters

Friday, December 31, 2010

Looking Forward to 2011

As we look forward to 2011 we look at a block of time. We see 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, 31,536,000 seconds. And all is a gift from God. We have done nothing to deserve it, earn it, or purchased it. Like the air we breathe, time comes to us as a part of life.



The gift of time is not ours alone. It is given equally to each person. Rich and poor, educated and ignorant, strong and weak—every man, woman and child has the same twenty-four hours every day.


Another important thing about time is that you cannot stop it. There is no way to slow it down, turn it off, or adjust it. Time marches on.


And you cannot bring back time. Once it is gone, it is gone. Yesterday is lost forever. If yesterday is lost, tomorrow is uncertain. We may look ahead at a full year's block of time, but we really have no guarantee that we will experience any of it.


Obviously, time is one of our most precious possessions. We can waste it. We can worry over it. We can spend it on ourselves. Or, as good stewards, we can invest it in the kingdom of God.


The new year is full of time. As the seconds tick away, will you be tossing time out the window, or will you make every minute count?


Lets make it our goal to life this year in a manner that is pleasing to the author of time, Our Lord and Savior






'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord,'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,'


-Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)






Dear Lord, We pray that you will give us a few friends who understand us and remain our friends. A job to do which has real value, a mind unafraid to travel, an understanding heart; and sense of humor. Most importantly we pray that we would take the time for silent meditation that we may feel the presence of God; In Jesus’ name, Amen

Thursday, December 30, 2010

15 Exercises we’d be better off without in 2011

15 Exercises we’d be better off without in 2011



1. Jumping on the bandwagon


2. Wading through paperwork


3. Running around in circles


4. Pushing your luck


5. Spinning your wheels


6. Adding fuel to the fire


7. Beating your head against the wall


8. Climbing the walls


9. Beating your own drum


10. Dragging your heels


11. Jumping to conclusions


12. Grasping at straws


13. Fishing for compliments


14. Throwing your weight around


15. Passing the buck






...Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man,the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.'


-I Corinthians 2:9 (King James Version)





Dear Lord we pray for kindness so we may hear with compassion, that we would give support to those that need it. We pray that we would have a loving comfort and care to share with those we come into contact with. We pray for a vision to see what is possible, and faith that will help pave the way that we may be a blessing for you in the New Year. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The Ten Commandments and the Cell Phone

As we get ready to start a new year I thought it would be fun in this technological revolution to list some basic guidelines when using your cell phone. So here they are the Ten Commandments of cell phone etiquette.



1. Thou shalt not subject defenseless others to cell phone conversations.


2. Thou shalt not set thy ringer to play La Cucaracha every time thy phone rings.


3. Thou shalt turn thy cell phone off during public performances.


4. Thou shalt not wear more than two wireless devices on thy belt..…


5. Thou shalt not dial while driving..


6. Thou shalt not wear thy earpiece when thou art not on thy phone.


7. Thou shalt not speak louder on thy cell phone than thou would on any other phone


8. Thou shalt not grow too attached to thy cell phone


9. Thou shalt not attempt to impress with thy cell phone..


10. Thou shalt not slam thy cell phone down on a restaurant table just in case it rings.


Most of these seem like common sense, but they all get broken every day. Why not in the New Year try to follow these. More importantly than following these lets set it as our goal to follow the Ten Commandments that were given to us by God.


37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”


- Matthew 22:37-40 (New King James Version)


Dear Lord we pray that we will enter the New Year with the goal of following the rules you have set for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Through the Gates Into Heaven!

It has been 11 years since my dad passed through the gates into heaven. I have been thinking a lot about Dad’s time in heaven since he died and departed from this earth to his eternal home. I have been wondering what it was like to be absent from the body and present with the Lord.

I have had many thoughts go through my mind, some of great wonder, imagination and many questions. Things like:


1. What happened right after his last breath?
2. Did angels come and usher him right into the presence of God and Jesus?
3. Did he hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” immediately?
4. What did he see? What did he hear?
5. What did he feel?
6. When I prayed to God and asked Jesus to tell my Dad thank you for a good life lived and that I love him, did he tell him?
7. Did he see people that he led to Christ?
8. Did he see people that he was surprised to see?
9. Did he meet Paul? What about all the other “biggie saints” like Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, Mary and Joseph, John the Baptist, the 12 apostles, early church fathers, John Calvin, Martin Luther and thousands upon thousands other believers? Did he see his mom or his dad?
10. Did he see an amazing host of angels?
11. Were the streets really of gold?
12. Was there a mansion? (Will mine be next door?)
13. Did he see the true heavenly tabernacle spoken of in Hebrews 9 and 10?
14. Did he see the heavenly hosts getting ready for the return of Jesus?
15. Did he see the armies of God?
16. Did he see the new and true Jerusalem being prepared?



With all these questions it is a great comfort to know that I will see him again someday. My dad Ronald L Yahr Sr is my hero! He is the reason I am the man I am today. I pray that when it is my time to leave this Earth that I will leave a legacy as great as my dad.


3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 1:3- 6 (New International Version)



Dear Lord we thank you for our parents. We thank you for the time they spend to mold us into the people we are. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Monday, December 27, 2010

We're Going On

I heard a story of some men years ago who were on a leaky old ship, in the middle of a rough and stormy sea. And they were actually fearful for their lives. They didn't know whether they were going to sink or not. So one of them went in to see the captain and said, "Captain, are we safe?" He said, "Well, I'll put it to you this way." He said, "The boilers on this ship are very weak and may explode at any moment." He said, "Also, the ship is very old, and she's taking on water." So he said, "To be very honest with you, we may have an explosion, or we may sink." He said, "We may go up, or we may go down, but at any rate, we are going on." And that's the way we are as we face this New Year. Jesus may come, we may go up. We may die, and go down and then up, but at any rate we are going on. We're going on. We're facing a brand new year, and we don't know what it's going to bring. One thing for sure is we need to trust in God.





5-6 Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?
- Hebrews 13:5-6 (The Message)




Dear Lord we pray that as we get ready for the New Year that we would put our trust in you, knowing that you will not leave us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

WE ARE SO VERY THANKFUL TO EVERYONE!

Terry's family on his mom's side, has a very long history of Cardiomyopathy, congestive heart disease. It has already claimed the lives of several family members, including Terry's mom and only brother. Terry was diagnosed with it in March, 1998. By the grace of God, Terry was blessed with a heart transplant in October 2001. Since then Terry has felt better than ever, earned a collge degree, and re-entered the work force in September 2004. Terry has to take daily doses of strong anti-rejection medication, have regular check-ups and blood work and have an annual biopsy/heart catheterization. It is this life-saving medication that has also destroyed his kidneys. Early this year we discovered Terry's need for a transplant. Due to his previous heart transplant, Terry is not a good candidate for dialysis. He can do it for a short time if needed, but it is not a long term option like it would be for someone that did not already have a heart transplant. Thankfully the wonderful transplant doctors at Florida Hospital recognized his need for a transplant and his case was "expedited", that was one of many answers to prayer. Terry went through the extensive evaluation process and was considered an excellent candidate for transplant in late May of this year and was placed on the UNOS transplant list.



Now Jump forward to November 30, 2010


“Good morning Friends and family!


If any of you have not heard yet, we have a surgery date of December 29th! We are so excited and THANKFUL to our incredible friend, Tim, and his whole family for this amazing gift of love. Tears of joy and relief have been flowing daily as the realization sets in that Terry will soon be on his way to recovery and feeling good again.”


This Christmas season what better example of God’s love then this.


I ask each of you to pray for my good friends Terry, Tim and their families. Pray for the doctors that they will have steady hands, Pray for the nurses as they comfort. Pray that God’s love will be shown to those who need it.

December 27th Pre opt
December 29th surgery




Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.


- John 15:13 (New International Version)






Dear Lord we pray for Terry and Tim, that they will have a real peace throughout this experience You are taking them. We pray for the doctors as they perform these two surgeries that they will have steady hands and that they will use the talents and knowledge that you have given them. We pray that through this we as brothers and sisters will be drawn closer to each other but more importantly closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Celebrate Jesus Christ

Since about 400 AD, Christians have celebrated the birth of Jesus. 'Christ' means 'Messiah' or 'Anointed One' - the title given to Jesus - and 'Mass' was a religious festival.



The real meaning of Christmas is often forgotten. It has become a non-religious holiday! More children believe in Father Christmas than in Jesus. Christmas Day is a time for eating and drinking too much and watching television.


But the real Christmas story is found in the Bible. We can find the story in two different books: Matthew and Luke chapters 1 and 2.


Mary says "yes"



These chapters tell how Jesus was born as a baby to Mary. This was no ordinary birth! She was not married, she was a virgin, and an angel had told her she would bear a special baby. Her husband-to-be, Joseph, did not believe her at first. Who would? Then an angel told him in a dream that it was true! Probably no one else believed it. So when they had to travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem (near Jerusalem), to register their names with the ruling Roman government, they probably heard many hard words from other people.


Arrival in Bethlehem brought worry and upset: there was no room for them to stay at the Inn. There was only space in the stable - the place where travelers’ donkeys and horses stayed.


Jesus was born that night, and as they had no bed for him, they used an animal feeding box filled with the dry grass the animals ate.


Christmas cards and pictures today make it all seem very nice. In truth, it must have been dirty and frightening for a young couple, far from their home and families. Possibly the birth was premature after the stress of the journey. This was a very poor place for Jesus to start his life on earth.


God's plan?


God planned that it would happen this way. It shows that Jesus came as a humble, poor person and not as a strong, rich king. The birth of Jesus was told many years before in the books of the prophets.


Five hundred years before, the prophet Micah had said,


"But you Bethlehem, though you are small, out of you will come for me, one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."


The prophet Isaiah had written,


"A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler.


He will be called, "Wonderful Counsellor," "Mighty God," "Eternal Father," "Prince of Peace." His royal power will continue to grow; his kingdom will always be at peace....


He will rule as King David's successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time."


These are a few of many prophetic words that told of the birth and life of Jesus, written hundreds of years before His birth.


The shepherds are frightened



At that time, sheepherds were seen by other people as low and of no value. Yet it was to these shepherds that the birth of Jesus was first announced in an amazing dramatic way:


"That night there were some men looking after sheep in the fields nearby. Suddenly they saw a great light. It was an angel, who said,


'Don't be afraid. I have good news for you, and for all people. Someone great has been born today. He is Christ, the great King you have been waiting for. He will save you from all that is wrong and evil. You will find him dressed in baby clothes, lying on a bed of dry grass.'"


The story of the wise men


After Jesus was born, wise men came to look for Him. Although they are often called the "Three Kings", the Bible does not say how many there were, or that they were kings. Three is only a guess because they brought with them three gifts.


Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh


They were certainly men of great education - today we would call them philosophers or scientists. They had seen an unusual new star in the sky, and knew that it told of the birth of a special king. They followed the direction of the star and eventually found the place where Mary, Joseph and Jesus were staying. To bring honor to the child, they brought rich gifts: gold, frankincense (a resin which burns with a beautiful smell), and myrrh (plant oil with a very strong sweet smell). These gifts show a picture of three key things about Jesus:


Gold: a gift fit for a King


Frankincense: burnt in worship of God


Myrrh: a sign of mortal human-ness - it was used to bury the dead


Jesus a refugee


Herod, the evil king of the area, heard about the child, saw Him as a threat, and sent soldiers to kill Jesus. But God told Joseph in a dream to take Mary and the baby and escape to Egypt. They lived there till King Herod died and then went back to live in Nazareth. We read nothing more about the life of Jesus, except for one story when he was 12, until He reached 30.


The end of the story?


Jesus was indeed "the man born to die". But that was not the end of the story. It is still going on, and you can be part of the story, if you wish.



No other person has had such an effect on human lives as Jesus. He came back to life again, and millions say they know Him today as a friend and helper in their lives. You owe it to yourself this Christmas to find out more about Him. Is He who He claimed to be? You have nothing to lose!


1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
-Luke 2:1-20 (New International Version)






Dear Lord we thank you for the amazing gift. Help us to be worthy of it. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Friday, December 24, 2010

More Blessed to Give Than to Receive

There was a young man named Paul, he had received an automobile from his brother as a Christmas present. On Christmas Eve when Paul came out of his office, a street urchin was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it. "Is this your car, Mister?" he asked.



Paul nodded. "My brother gave it to me for Christmas." The boy was astounded. "You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn’t cost you nothing? Boy, I wish..." He hesitated.


Of course Paul knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the lad said jarred Paul all the way down to his heels.


"I wish," the boy went on, "that I could be a brother like that."


Paul looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, "Would you like to take a ride in my automobile?"


"Oh yes, I’d love that."


After a short ride, the boy turned and with his eyes aglow, said, "Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?"


Paul smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big automobile.


But Paul was wrong again. "Will you stop where those two steps are?" the boy asked. He ran up the steps. Then in a little while Paul heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his little crippled brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car.


"There she is, Buddy, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Christmas and it didn’t cost him a cent. And some day I’m gonna give you one just like it... then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Christmas windows that I’ve been trying to tell you about."


Paul got out and lifted the lad to the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride.


That Christmas Eve, Paul learned what Jesus meant when he had said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.






I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.


- Acts 20:35 (King James Version)


Dear Lord we pray that this Christmas day we will focus on the gifts we can give to others rather then the gifts we get. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Thursday, December 23, 2010

No Vacancy Still

The year was 1964 and there I was as a 2 year old the “Inn Keeper” in the church Christmas program. My big line was “There is no room in the Inn” Those words, "There was no room for them in the inn," reminds me of a story of an experience a family had several years ago. They had been traveling all day, and were trying to find a motel where they could spend the night. It was getting late, and the children were tired and fidgety. As they drove along the highway, their hopes were dashed time and again by the sight of NO VACANCY signs. As the father, responsible for the well- being of his family, he was frustrated and discouraged. But then he thought of Mary and Joseph. How much worse it must have been when they arrived in Bethlehem and found no rooms available! He could imagine Joseph pleading with the manager of the inn, telling him of Mary's condition and their desperate need for a suitable place where she could give birth to her child. Luke tells us that "there was no room for them in the inn," and that when Mary gave birth to Jesus she "wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger."



Today, nearly 20 centuries later, millions of people have no room for Jesus. Although they participate enthusiastically in the festivities of the Christmas season, they keep Him out of their lives. The "No Vacancy" sign is there. .



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 2:7 (King James Version)



Dear Lord we pray that we will always have room for you in our live and our heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

A Christmas Creed

I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.



I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town; and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world, in towns both large and small.


I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room, and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today.


I believe in the one who the rulers of the earth ignored and the proud could never understand; whose life was among common people, whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.


I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible:


I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother's arms, whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only wealth, who looked at persons and made them see what God's love saw in them, who by love brought sinners back to purity, and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God.


I confess my ever-lasting need of God: The need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed, the need of new life for empty souls, the need of love for hearts grown cold.


I believe in God who gives us the best of himself. I believe in Jesus, the son of the living God, born in Bethlehem this night, for me and for the world.



Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.


- Isaiah 7:14 (King James)


Dear Lord we thank you that we can live our lives because of what You have done for us. Thanks for Sending your Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Candy Cane

The candy cane is a long-time Christmas tradition. Everywhere we look we see them. They are used as decorations on Christmas trees and, of course, they are one of the most popular of all Christmas treats. I have heard several stories about the history and meaning of the candy cane. I don't know if they are true, but I do think that the candy cane can teach us a few things about the true meaning of Christmas.



First of all, if you look at the candy cane and it looks like the letter J. Jesus starts with the letter J, so that should remind us of Jesus and help us to remember that Christmas is Jesus' birthday.


If you look at the candy cane and it looks like an upside down  "J"  it looks like a shepherd's crook. The shepherd used his crook to keep the sheep from wandering away from the flock and getting lost or eaten by a wild animal. The Bible says, "The Lord is my shepherd." The candy cane should remind us that Jesus is our shepherd and he will keep us from wandering away and getting lost or hurt.


The candy cane is mostly white. White is a symbol of purity. That should remind us that Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God and that because he came to be the sacrifice for our sin, we can become as white as snow.


As you know, the candy cane has three red stripes. The Bible tells us that before he was crucified, Jesus was beaten with a whip which made blood-red stripes across his back. The Bible says that we are healed by those stripes. The stripes on the candy cane should remind us that Jesus suffered and died, so that we can have everlasting life.


To many people, the candy cane is a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time or just a piece of candy to be eaten and enjoyed. I hope that this year, every time you see a candy cane, you will be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.


The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.


- Psalm 23:1 (King James Version)






Dear Lord, we thank you that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who keeps us from harm. We thank you that because of his suffering and death on the cross, we have life everlasting. Help us to remember that we find the true meaning of Christmas in Him. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Two Babes In A Manger

It was nearing the holiday season, 1994, time for our orphans to hear, for the first time, the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, they went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger. Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word. Completing the story, we gave the children many things to build their own manger. The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat. He looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger. Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously. For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately--until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger. Then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, "And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift. So I asked Jesus, 'If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?' And Jesus told me, 'If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me.' So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him---for always." As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed. The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him - for ALWAYS.



So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.


- Luke 2:16-20 (New International Version)






Dear Lord we want to take the time to thank You this Christmas season for staying with us no matter what. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Mary's Dream

I had a dream, Joseph. I don’t understand it, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our son. The people in my dream had been preparing for about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They’d gone shopping many times and bought many elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren’t for our son. They wrapped them in beautiful paper and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree, Joseph, right inside their homes! They’d decorated the tree with sparkling ornaments. There was a figure like an angel on the top of the tree. Everyone was laughing and happy. They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our son. I don’t think they even knew him. They never mentioned his name. I had the strangest feeling that, if our Jesus had gone to this celebration he would have been intruding. How sad for someone not to be wanted at his own birthday party!



I’m glad it was only a dream. How terrible Joseph, if it had been real!’


Lets not leave Christ out of our Christmas celebration.






And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.


- Luke 1:35 (King James Version)






Dear Lord thanks for coming to save us. We pray that we won’t leave you out of all the celebrations of the Christmas season and that we will keep you in the center. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Why Jesus is Better than Santa Claus

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 when invited.


You have to wait 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’d 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 a 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. Merry CHRISTmas!


For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
- John 3:16 (King James Version)

Dear Lord we thank You for being You. We thank You that you came to Earth for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Friday, December 17, 2010

Now I Know Why You Had To Do It.

“Once upon a time there was a man who looked upon Christmas as a lot of humbug. He wasn’t a Scrooge. He was a kind and decent person, generous to his family, upright in all his dealings with other men. But he didn’t believe all that stuff about Incarnation which churches proclaim at Christmas. And he was too honest to pretend that he did. “I am truly sorry to distress you,” he told his wife, who was a faithful churchgoer. “But I simply cannot understand this claim that God becomes man. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”



On Christmas Eve his wife and children went to church for the midnight service. He declined to accompany them. “I’d feel like a hypocrite,” he explained. “I’d rather stay at home. But I’ll wait up for you.”


Shortly after his family drove away in the car, snow began to fall. He went to the window and watched the flurries getting heavier and heavier. “If we must have Christmas,” he thought, “it’s nice to have a white one.” He went back to his chair by the fireside and began to read his newspaper. A few minutes later he was startled by a thudding sound. It was quickly followed by another, then another.


He thought that someone must be throwing snowballs at his livingroom window. When he went to the front door to investigate, he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the storm. They had been caught in the storm and in a desperate search for shelter had tried to fly through his window. “I can’t let these poor creatures lie there and freeze,” he thought. “But how can I help them?” Then he remembered the barn where the children’s pony was stabled. It would provide a warm shelter.


He put on his coat and galoshes and tramped through the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the door wide and turned on a light. But the birds didn’t come in. “Food will lure them in,” he thought. So he hurried back to the house for bread crumbs, which he sprinkled on the snow to make a trail into the barn. To his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow. He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around and waving his arms. They scattered in every direction - except into the warm lighted barn.


“They find me a strange and terrifying creature,” he said to himself, “and I can’t seem to think of any way to let them know they can trust me. If only I could be a bird myself for a few minutes, perhaps I could lead them to safety. . . .”


Just at that moment the church bells began to ring. He stood silent for a while, listening to the bells pealing the glad tidings of Christmas. Then he sank to his knees in the snow. “Now I do understand,” he whispered. “Now I see why You had to do it.” ”




1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

- Hebrews 1:1-2 (New International Version)





Dear Lord we pray that those we come into contact with would see You in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Thursday, December 16, 2010

The "Fear Nots" of Christmas

In the Christmas narratives, there are several "fear not's."



1. The "fear not" of salvation: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings...which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10,11).


2. The "fear not" of the humanly impossible: "Fear not, Mary:... the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:...For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:30, 35, 37).


3. The "fear not" of unanswered prayer: "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John" (Luke 1:13).


4. The "fear not" of immediate obedience: "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife :.. Then Joseph ... did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him" (Matthew 1:20,24).


Dear Lord we thank you for this special time of the year. We are thankful that with You we don’t have to fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

CHRISTMAS INVITATION: YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO A CHRISTMAS PARTY

GUEST OF HONOR: Jesus Christ


DATE: Every day. Traditionally, December 25, but He's always around, so the date is flexible.


TIME: Whenever you're ready. Please don't be too late though, or you'll miss out on all the fun.


PLACE: In your heart. He'll meet you there--you'll hear Him knock.


ATTIRE: Come as you are. Grubbies are okay as He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for every one who stays till the last.


TICKETS: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone. He says you wouldn't have been able to afford it-it's cost Him everything He had!


REFRESHMENTS: New wine, bread and a far-out drink He calls "living water." This will be followed by a supper, that promises to be out of this world!!


GIFT SUGGESTIONS: Your heart. He's one of those people who already has every- thing else. (He's very generous in return though-just wait until you see what He has for you ! )


ENTERTAINMENT: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God,


RSVP: Very Important! He must know ahead, so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, he's keeping a list


PARTY GIVEN BY: His Kids. That's us! Hope To See You There! Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear (linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints) Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!


ALL OF YOU WHO WILL BE THERE-PLEASE SHARE THIS INVITATION WITH SOMEONE ELSE!






7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.


- Revelation 19:7-9 (King James Version)






Dear Lord we thank you for coming to earth and for the special gift that that really is. Help us t remember this Christmas season the reason we c elebrate. In Jesus’ name, Amen