What Are You Doing To Make A Difference In Eternity?

Eternity-A Heart-Beat Away

In today’s society people go about their life trying to just make it through the day. Eternity seems so far away and so gives the impression that there is plenty of time to get things done. I am sure that is how people felt in Noah’s time. There was plenty of time to repent and so they went on with their daily lives. Hebrews 11:7 “By faith Noah, when warned about things not seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” (NIV)

Noah did not listen to the world-but focused on what the Lord had promised. People should look at Noah’s life and learn from it. Noah stayed faithful to the work God had given to him.

The truth is that eternity is just a heart-beat away. When your heart stops and you slip into eternity-there will be no time to repent or change what things have been done here on earth. The Lord has placed it on my heart to send out a wake up call and sound the alarm-because no-one is guaranteed a tomorrow. James 4:13-14 “Now listen, you who say, today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (NIV) If you were to die today-what would people remember about you? If you are a Christian-would the life you led be glorifying to the Lord or would they be talking about the hypocrite who proclaimed to know Christ-but continually did things that were not pleasing to the Lord.

Words can either encourage or discourage and I believe we will give an account for words spoken on this earth. As a pastor of a small ministry-I encounter abuse daily and the only way I can overcome the negative is to keep focused on what the Lord has called me to do. I pray for the people who are talking negatively about the ministry and just as Noah did I continue building the ministry instead of an ark. James 1:26 “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” (NIV)

In this world there will be many ministries and I don’t believe Jesus wanted people to believe that one certain church will get them to heaven. No church can get you to heaven-only a personal relationship with Jesus. People have a right to choose where to worship-but I believe they will be judged for the gossip and degrading they speak about different ministries and churches. Mark 9:38-41 “Teacher, said John, we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us. Do Not Stop Him Jesus said, No-one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.” (NIV) Jesus never told anyone to stop preaching or driving out demons.

Adultery is another point the Lord wanted me to sound the alarm about. In today’s society people are married and divorced a number of times and yet in most cases no one points out what the Bible says about adultery and divorce. The Bible is very clear about adultery and divorce: Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, Do not commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (NIV) Matthew 5:31 “It has been said, anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce. But, I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife except for marital unfaithfulness causes her to become an adulteress, and who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.”

Now is the time to repent and start living for the Lord. People who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior need to live a life separated from the world and by their example will bring others to find out more about being saved. 1 Peter 4:1-6 “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation and they heap abuse you. But they will have account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.” (NIV) You can make a difference for the Lord and the best place to start is to stop listening to gossip and spreading gossip. The best rule is: “If it doesn’t make someone feel good or it doesn’t glorify God-keep your mouth closed.”

Finally, the Lord may return at anytime and there will be no time to repent. So, now is the time to make things right with the Lord and to start serving him. Matthew 24:36-44 “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.

So, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (NIV)

Are you ready to meet Jesus and give an account of what you have done for him that will make a difference in eternity?

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Gone To Be With The Lord

The Angels Carried Him Home

In memory of: Charles E. Taylor

I first met “Chuck” (Charles) when the Ring of Fire Evangelistic Ministry/Blue Jeans For Jesus started about 6 years ago. I am the founding ordained pastor of this ministry. He came to visit services with his friend. Chuck lived in Fairfield, IL. Chuck had the heart of a child and would do anything for anyone. Approximately, a year ago he moved to Olney – so that he could attend services and I could be his payee. Chuck loved the Lord and enjoyed helping with the ministry.

I will never forget the night I received the call that the EMT’s were doing CPR on Chuck and I needed to get to the trailer park immediately. I had just washed my very long hair and it was very wet-so I just threw on my coat and headed to the trailer park. When, Mom and I arrived they told us to go to the hospital because that is where Chuck was. I filled out the information form and then they told me the news: “Chuck had gone home to be with the Lord.” They didn’t put it in those words-but I knew that is what had happened. I asked to see Chuck and I knew he was at peace and at home with the Lord. I told the Dr. and coroner that: “Chuck knew the Lord and he was in the arms of Jesus now-but he would be really missed.”

This is what I think happened to Chuck-he closed his eyes on this earth and woke up in the arms of Jesus! The Lord sent the angels to carry him home. I believe the Lord sends angels to carry those who know Jesus home to be with the Lord. This is shown in Luke 16:22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side.” So, how should we deal with death-we should not fear it. Instead we should look forward to the final step in life which will lead to our home in heaven. This will be a day of rejoicing because we will be with the Lord and re-united with our loved ones. Jesus promised we will see him again-John 16:22 “So with you now: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (NIV)

I wanted to share with others that it is important to be ready for the Lord’s return. 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 “Listen, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting.” (NIV)

Chuck was ready to meet the Lord and while he was on this earth he spent his time serving the Lord and sharing the good news of Jesus! He was a faithful servant at the Angel Food Ministry and was always saying “Amen” during the preaching. Chuck will be missed and remembered for his faithful service and his wonderful smile. He would always go upstairs before services and sit and enjoy the music. But, we know that Chuck is at peace and home with the Lord.

Are you ready to meet Jesus? If not, why not ask Jesus into your heart and to forgive you of your sins. If you would like to ask Jesus into your heart-Please pray this prayer: Dear Jesus, Please come into my heart and forgive me of my sins and wrongs. I ask you to guide my steps and protect me. I surrender my life and will to you. I give you praise and glory. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen

If you prayed this prayer-then the next step is to be baptized and find a church home. Stay faithful to the Lord until he calls you home
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God Always Cares!

This was e-mailed to me and I know it will touch the heart of many people and will let you know the Lord is always there with you!

This is beautiful!

She jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She said: “How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him?”

The surgeon said, “I’m sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn’t make it.”

Sally said, “Why do little children get cancer? Doesn’t God care any more? Where were you, God, when my son needed you?”

The surgeon asked, “Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he’s transported to the university.”

Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good bye to her son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair. “Would you like a lock of his hair?” the nurse asked.

Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy’s hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally.

The mother said, “It was Jimmy’s idea to donate his body to the University for Study. He said it might help somebody else. “I said no at first, but Jimmy said, ‘Mom, I won’t be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom.” She went on, “My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could.”

Sally walked out of Children’s Mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy’s belongings on the seat beside her in the car.

The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy’s belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son’s room.

She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.

It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said:

“Dear Mom, I know you’re going to miss me; but don’t think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just ’cause I’m not around to say “I Love You”. I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won’t be so lonely, that’s okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn’t like the same things us boys do. You’ll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don’t be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn’t look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what, Mom? I got to sit on God’s knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That’s when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn’t allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him ‘Where was He when I needed him?’ “God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children. Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I’ve written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn’t that cool? I have to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I’m sure the food will be great.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don’t hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I’m glad because I couldn’t stand that pain anymore and God couldn’t stand to see me hurt so much, either. That’s when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?

Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me.

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Giving

Giving To The Lord

In today’s society people do not realize that everything in this world belongs to the Lord and so should be given back to the Lord with a cheerful unselfish heart. The Bible gives us direction as to how money should be given. Here are some scriptures about giving: Matthew 6:1-4 “Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So, when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But, when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”This scripture is about the heart. If you are truly giving from the heart-no-one including the Pastor will hear about how much you have given. You will simply give the gift to the correct person or place it in the offering and never mention it again. This is truly secret giving. Proverbs 28:27 “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.”This scripture is about giving to the poor. There will always be poor and the Lord expects those who have more to help them. 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”This scripture points out that God wants a cheerful giver instead of someone who gives and then grumbles and complains. Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” This scripture points out God must come first in your life and you must trust him to provide for your needs. I Corinthians 16:2 “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”This scripture points out that a sum of money should be set aside to give in the offering or sown as a seed in a ministry. Luke 21:1-4 “As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. I tell you the truth, he said, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”This scripture points out the importance of giving – no matter how small the amount may be. As the Christmas season approaches-people will be more in the mood to give. So, when you give keep these scriptures in mind and remember everything you have belongs to the Lord anyway!

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Christmas Play

Gabriel Announces God’s Plans

This play is written to share the good news of Jesus’ birth.
Cast: Mary, Joseph, Gabriel (Angel), The Lord, Magi, Baby Jesus, Announcer

Scene 1: Announcement to Mary
Announcer: The Lord has called the angel – Gabriel to his throne room. Gabriel kneels in the Lord’s presence. The Lord gives Gabriel instructions on announcing his plans for Mary to give birth to Jesus.
Matthew 1:18 – 24 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 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.”
The Lord: Rise Gabriel - Go to Mary and announce she has been chosen to give birth to the Son of God – Jesus.
(Gabriel Departs)
Scene 2
Mary is kneeling and praying to the Lord
Gabriel: Good news – Mary you have been chosen to give birth to the Son of God.
Announcer: Luke 1:28 the angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you are who are highly favored. The Lord is with you”.
Mary: How will this be? I am a virgin?
Announcer: Luke 1:35 the angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of most high will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
Gabriel: The Holy Spirit will come upon you!
Mary: I am the Lord’s servant – may it happen as you have said.
Announcer: Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant”, Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said?” Then the angel left her.
Scene 3
Gabriel comes to Joseph in a dream
Gabriel: Joseph son of David – do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. You are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.
Announcer: When Joseph awoke he obeyed the angel of the Lord. He took Mary as his wife.
Scene 4
The Magi
Announcer: Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked: “Where is the one who had been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the East and have come to worship him.”
The magi continued to follow the star until they came to the place where Jesus was born.
Mary is sitting with baby Jesus. (Magi bow down to worship Jesus) The Magi open their treasures and give Jesus gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.
Announcer: Matthew 2:12 “And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”

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Christmas Poem Soldiers

This poem was e-mailed to me and I hope those reading it will be led to do something special for a soldier or family of a soldier this Christmas.

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn’t loud, and it wasn’t too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn’t quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
“What are you doing?” I asked without fear,
“Come in this moment, it’s freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!”

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire’s light
Then he sighed and he said “Its really all right,
I’m out here by choice. I’m here every night.” “It’s my duty to stand at
the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I’m proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ‘Pearl on a day in December,”
Then he sighed, “That’s a Christmas ‘Gram always remembers.”
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ‘Nam’,
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I’ve not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he’s sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue… an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.”

“So go back inside,” he said, “harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I’ll be all right.”
“But isn’t there something I can do, at the least,
“Give you money,” I asked, “or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you’ve done,
For being away from your wife and your son.”
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
“Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we’re gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.”

(c)Copyright December 7, 2000 by Michael Marks

Author’s Note: A Soldier’s Christmas was the first in this series of patriotic writings, drafted on Pearl Harbor Day 2000 when in the wake of the 2000 Presidential Election our nation saw the right of US Armed Forces personnel openly questioned and debated. I felt it unconscionable that at the onset of the Christmas season, those serving to defend our nation would hear anything but our love and support. It is our challenge to stand for their rights at home while they stand for our lives and safety overseas. This poem went out and quickly spread around the world in emails, letters, magazines. I received letters from Marines in Bosnia, soldiers in Okinawa, from a submariner who xeroxed a copy for everyone on his sub. Moms wrote, dads, brothers and sisters. I have saved and cherish every letter and set out to continue writing throughout the year.

Thoughts on Christmas Past and Future

I love Christmas time and the opportunity to give back to others.

The most important way I give back is to share the good news of

Jesus. The birth of Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. I

have several memories of childhood that always made Christmas

special! As a child I was taught it is better to give than to recieve.

I always loved Christmas shopping for others and very seldom had a

list of Christmas wants.

I remember one Christmas - when I was around ten. I saved up

my money and bought everyone a present. It always gave me

comfort to know that someone liked my present. That year for what-

ever reason I had requested a viewmaster and a suitcase. I was

very happy - I had recieved the gift I asked for !

About two to three weeks before Christmas - I would

decorate Grandma’s house for Christmas. She had this set of red

bells that lighted up and hung in the window. She had a small

artificial Christmas tree. I can remember going down time to shop

and in those days - religious music for Christmas was played outside

with speakers. It was a joyful happy time - a time when people

stopped to talk and care about each other.

I remember one Christmas as a teenager - I was in a Christmas

play. It was a very small part - but it took a lot of time and effort to

memorize my lines. The best Christmas play I was ever in - was a

play that was held outdoors at the local college by a local arts

council. I played the part of a census taker and I was to collect

taxes and names. They told us to act like we were actually taking

names and not to respond to any current day questions. It was a

great witnessing tool. One of my favorite lines was: “Have you seen

the Baby Jesus.” It was neat to hear their responses - some would

say: “Yes, that is why we have come - we have journeyed from

Newton, IL” or “We just came to see what kind of production this

was”.

Of course as a young child - I would go to bed very early. I was

hoping Santa would arrive early. Since, I went to bed early - I was

up around 3:00 a.m. - ready to open presents. I had loving parents

and a loving grandmother - they would get up and watch the opening

of presents. They always made Christmas so fun and special.

Now, that I am an older adult - I focus on the true meaning of

Christmas - the birth of Jesus and spending time with family. Sadly,

this year I won’t be able to spend Christmas with Grandma - she has

gone home to be with the Lord. I am sure grief will try to

overshadow the Christmas season - but I know she is in a better

place and is no longer suffering. I have found the best way to deal

with depression is to pray, read your Bible and find activities to get

involved in or to serve others. If you are busy helping others - you

will not have time to focus on your problems or griefs.

In years past - I have invited families who do not have anyone

to enjoy Christmas dinner with us ( my parents and I). Sometimes

we even purchased Christmas gifts for the children and clothes. It is

regretable - but most of the time I did not recieve a thank - you.

But, I did it because that is what Jesus would do and it gave me a

blessing by helping others.

As Christmas approaches - remember the reason for the season

- The Birth of Jesus! If the holidays are a time that depression is a

problem - start taking steps to make sure are busy helping others.

There are plenty of places to volunteer: a local nursing home, a local

day care center, Salvation Army or maybe a local school. Family time

is very important - the years fly by. So, it is so important to enjoy

each moment of family time. Why not make this Christmas season -

a season of love and joy and wonderful memories.
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What About Santa?

I was brought up in a christian home and my parents taught me

about Santa Claus. Children must have a child-hood and part of

growing up is having a time to believe and dream. I am in my

forties and an ordained pastor and founder of a ministry. So, Santa

did me no harm - just gave me wonderful childhood memories. In

today’s fast paced world - if a child believes in Santa past the age of

four it would be extremely rare.

I do not believe if a child believes in Santa - it will harm a

child. A christmas tree can be viewed as a beautiful gift of God and

the presents placed underneath - are a way to brighten a child’s or

adult’s Christmas day. The only danger that there would be is if you

started worshipping the christmas tree or santa! If you raise a child

up in a christian home with a good christian example - the child will

know the difference between make believe and reality.

If your child asks straight forward: “Is there a santa?” - then it

is important to answer the question truthfully. Then, explain the

difference between reality and fantasy. As you explain the

Christmas Story explain that God is real and the story of Jesus’ birth

is the truth and it really did happen.

I was a very trusting child and never really questioned about

Santa. I was probably in first or second grade before I asked: “Is

Santa real?” Of course, my parents were upfront and said: “No”. I

guess, deep down I had known for some time - but it was fun to

dream about santa and his reindeer. I have wonderful memories of

Christmas and Santa! I personally believe it would have done more

harm than good to have deprived me of the fantasy of Santa.

Children are only little once and they will someday reflect on

childhood memories. So, this Christmas make some positive

memories with your little ones and your family. Make this a

Christmas to remember.
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Christmas Is The Celebration of Christ’s Birth

Celebrate Christ In Christmas

It is amazing how things have changed since I was a child. First, as a child – I was taught the true meaning of Christmas was the birth of Jesus! Christmas was also that special time when I might get that special toy - I had dreamed of since last Christmas. But, you see my parent’s didn’t go along with whatever was popular – if they believed whatever was popular was not the best choice for me – then I didn’t get it (I was given a more traditional toy). I wasn’t deprived – I was just taught values and that it was o.k. to go against the crowd – if what the crowd was doing didn’t glorify or please God! The only time I got toys and candy was at Christmas (and for Easter I received candy).

Today, it seems like children get toys everyday. Parents go into debt to make their children happy. Personally, I think children would be better off with more quality time with their parents. The best thing for a child would be a full time stay at home mom and a full time dad who gives quality time to his children. Toys only give temporary happiness and memories of good times spent with parents will last forever.

My parents usually have a family type dinner and exchange one present. We started doing this because it is the Lord’s birthday (or at least the day we celebrate his birthday) and he has blessed us with a wonderful time to spend together as a family. This is a just a thought – but let’s celebrate Christ in Christmas. Start a family tradition of reading the bible and showing children the true meaning of Christmas. Teach your children it is better to give than to receive. Adopt a family in need and show the love of Jesus!

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Beauty

Beauty

1 Peter 3: 1-7

Thought For Today: 1 Peter 3:3 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.”

I remember as a child an advertisement for a brand of tennis shoes. These shoes advertised that a person would run faster and jump higher. But, in reality these were just shoes-they had no special abilities. In today’s society people are trying to do something to improve their abilities and appearance. People buy brand name clothing, color their hair and pierce their bodies. In reality-they are probably just as miserable on the inside as they are on the outside.The Bible teaches that beauty comes inside the heart. God looks at the heart. Where is your peace and beauty coming from? Do you now Jesus as your Lord and savior? Prayer: Lord help us to seek the inner beauty and not to focus on the outer beauty. Please, examine my heart and help me to confirm to your image. Amen.

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