Happy Valentines Days 2016

John 3:16 (ESV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

God showed us what true love is. This Valentine’s day here are 21 ideas to show your love to the love of your life.

1. Make a homemade card with a picture of the two of you on the cover. Get ideas for a verse by spending a few minutes browsing through a card shop.

2. Write a poem. It doesn't have to rhyme.

3. Send a love letter listing the reasons "Why I love you so much."

4. Pledge your love for a lifetime. Write it on calligraphy or design it on a desktop computer and print it out on parchment paper and have it framed.

5. Plan a surprise lunch, complete with picnic basket, sparkling grape juice and goblets.

6. Bake a giant cookie and write "I love you" with heart shaped red-hots or frosting. 

7. Make a coupon book and include coupons for a back rub, a compromise when about to lose an argument, a listening ear when needed, and doing the dishes when the other cooks.

8. Kidnap the car for a thorough washing and detailing.

9. Design your personal crest combining symbols that are meaningful to both of you.

10. Compose a love song.

11. Arrange for someone to sing a favorite love song to you and your love when you're together.

12. Call a radio station and have them announce a love message from you and make sure your love is listening at the right time.

13. Make a big sign such as: "I Love You, Kristi. Love, Joe" and put it in front of your house or her apartment complex for the world to see.

14. Buy favorite fruits that aren't in season, like a basket of strawberries or blueberries.

15. Hide little love notes in the car, a coat pocket, or desk.

16. Place a love message in the "personal" section of the classified ads in your local paper.

17. Florist flowers aren't the only way to say "I love you." Pluck a single flower and write a message about how its beauty reminds you of your love. For greater impact, have it delivered at work.

18. Prepare a surprise candle light gourmet low-calorie dinner for two.

19. Write the story of the growth of your relationship from your perspective, sharing your emotions and your joys. What a treasure!

20. Make a paperweight from a smooth stone, paint it, and write a special love message on it.

21. Promise to change a habit that your love has been wanting you to change.

Dear Lord, we thank You for loving us so much You died on the cross so that each of us can experience everlasting life.   In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Happy New Year 2016

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

While it's a good idea to take a look at your spiritual walk throughout the year, January 1st is often a time of renewal. A New Year, a New Start. So, instead of setting regular resolutions like losing weight, getting better grades, etc., why not try to set goals to improve your relationship with God? Here are some ways you can do just that:

• Improve Your Prayer Life

Simple enough, right? Just get better at praying. It's not that easy. A lot of Christians make this resolution and soon fail, because they take too big a step at first. If you're not used to praying often, jumping into an active prayer life can be a daunting task. Maybe start off praying each morning when you get up, or even while you brush your teeth. Start off giving five minutes to God. Then maybe try adding another five minutes. Soon you'll find that you'll start going to God more often and for more things. Don't worry about what to talk to Him about, just talk. You'll be amazed by the results.

• Read Your Bible in a Year

Getting into the habit of reading the Word is also a common New Year's resolution for many Christians. There are plenty of Bible reading plans out there that guide you through reading your Bible in a year. It just takes discipline to open up the book every night. You may not even want to read the entire Bible, but rather use a year to focus on a specific topic or area of your life that you want God to help you improve. Find a reading plan that works for you. There are many to choose from on the popular app You Version.

• Help Other People

God calls on us throughout the Bible to do good works. Whether you adhere to the idea that you need good works to get to heaven, like Catholics do, or not, like most Protestants, helping others is still a part of a Christian walk. Most churches have outreach activities or you can even find local volunteer opportunities through your school. There are so many people who just need a bit of assistance, and helping others is a great way to set a Christian example.

• Get Involved in Church

Most churches have children programs, youth programs, women’s programs, men’s programs or Bible studies. If not, why not be the one to get a group together? Start your own Bible study or put together an activity that some of the other Christians at church can enjoy. A lot of groups meet one day a week, and those meetings are a great way to meet new people who believe and can help you grow in your walk.

• Become a Better Steward

One of the most challenging issues for Christians is the idea of stewardship, which is the process of tithing. Some Christians don't make a lot of money, so it becomes harder to give. Typical our activities like shopping, paying bills and eating out make it difficult to have money left over. However, God calls on all Christians to be good stewards. In fact, money is mentioned far more often in the Bible than other topics.

• Plant Some Seeds of Faith

How many times have you evangelized to friends or family. Make it your goal this year to talk to a certain number of people about your faith. While it would be great if someone converted or "got saved" through your discussions, don't get too caught up on that number. You'd be amazed how many people will end up believers from a discussion you have about what God has done in your life. It just may not happen while you know them. Also, use platforms like your Facebook or Instagram profiles to demonstrate your beliefs. Plant many seeds of faith and let them grow.

• Go On a Mission

Not all mission trips are to exotic places, but almost all mission trips will change you forever. Between the spiritual preparations before you leave on your trip to the work you will do on the trip itself, God works through you and for you as you see people eager to hear about Christ and as you hear their appreciation for the things you are doing on your trip.

• Bring Someone to Church

A simple idea, but it takes a lot of courage to ask a friend to come to church. Faith is something most Christians have difficulty discussing with non-Christian friends, because it is often something very personal. Yet, many Christians would never have come to Christ without that one friend who asked them to come to church or talk about their beliefs. For every person who might shoot you down, there are two or three other people who will be curious about why your faith is so important to you. Taking them to your church services or activities can help show them why.

Dear Lord, thank You for the New Year You have given to each of us. Help us to use this year in a manner that is pleasing to You. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

LIE, CHEAT, DRINK, SWEAR and STEAL

1 Corinthians 2:2  (ESV)

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

At the beginning of a new year, it is traditional that we make resolutions.  Resolutions are promises concerning things that we will try to accomplish in the year to come.  Usually, they have to do with losing weight or something such as that.  I read a list of resolutions that I want to share with you today.  I believe that they are resolutions that will help to insure that we will have a happy and prosperous New Year.

In the New Year, be sure to  LIE, CHEAT, DRINK, SWEAR and STEAL more than you did last year.

*LIE back and relax just a little more this new year.  Let a little more life happen to you without so much worry.

*CHEAT  failure.  Don't be afraid to try something new because you think you may fail.  It is through failure that we   learn the most valuable lessons.

*DRINK from the fountain of knowledge.  Many people around you have already been down roads you are about to travel.  Learn from mistakes they have made.  Take what they have learned and use it.

*SWEAR to do your best.  All the time, in every situation.  That is all anybody will ever ask.

 *STEAL  a little time for God.  Everyday take a little more time to develop your relationship with God.

So, if you lie, cheat, drink, swear and steal just a little more in the next year, you will have a profitable and enjoyable year ahead!  God bless you in 2016!

Dear Lord, help us to live the New Year in a way that will be pleasing to You.  In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Are you ready for 2016?

Psalm 127:1-2 (ESV)

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,

    those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

    the watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is in vain that you rise up early

    and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

    for he gives to his beloved sleep.

The New Year is just around the corner.

If only we had the ability to make a definite promise of something that will -- or will not – happen in the New Year.

Of course, that doesn't mean people won't try to predict what their tomorrows might hold.

Over 200 years ago, off the coast of Plymouth, England, a lighthouse was built to warn oncoming ships of the dangerous reefs. The architect of the lighthouse, a fellow by the name of Winstanley was absolutely convinced this lighthouse could survive any storm or wave that might come its way.

Indeed, Mr. Winstanley was so sure his creation could handle the future that he had these words carved on the cornerstone: "BLOW, O YE WINDS! RISE, O OCEAN! BREAK FORTH, YE ELEMENTS, AND TRY MY WORK!"

To make a long story short, the winds did blow, the oceans did rise, and the work of the lighthouse was tried.

The lighthouse was tried and found wanting. In took less than three years for it to be reduced to a pile of rubble and swept away.

Even though Winstanley's lighthouse was gone, the ships still needed a warning. John Smeaton, a Christian engineer, was asked to redesign and rebuild the light of warning. He did. And when he was finished, the cornerstone read, "Except the Lord Build the House, They Labor in Vain that Build It." For many years that lighthouse has stood every test.

Now I don't know what wind and wave will come crashing down on you us 2016. I do know this: if you try to stand on your own, trusting in your own wisdom and ability, you will go down like Winstanley's lighthouse. On the other hand, if every day of this new year is founded on the Savior who gave His life for our salvation, you will be able to stand as a witness to Jesus; you will be able to withstand the storms and waves.

Which will, my friends, make 2016 a very good year!

Dear Lord, in 2016 keep us from pride and overconfidence. Let us recognize we can only stand against the storms of life if our life is built upon Jesus. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.