Truth.com: Halloween

Today's Halloween. As a Christian, I won't be celebrating.

This gentleman (SetFree21 on YouTube) drops some good research and scripture on why:

No matter what the world is calling today, it is still the day that the Lord has made! Rejoice in it!

Verse of the Day: ...for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14b

Happy New Year!

It's a new day, a new month, and a new year! Let's celebrate!

Enjoy your day today and soak up the newness all around you. Spend some time in prayer and get your focus for this new year. Listen to what the Lord is saying and get a fresh, new attitude about how you can accomplish what He's showing you.

God can do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that you can think. So, stop thinking yourself out of His promises for you! Just go with what He's showing you. Fall headfirst into His plans, and trust that He will lift you up to your place in Him.

It's 2013, guys!

We're in a whole new place!

Happy New Year!

Verse of the Day: It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22, 23

12 Days of Christmas: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Because He came, we can live eternally with Him! Make sure you enjoy your family, friends, and loved ones today. Gifts fade, but people are forever!

I leave with you the story of our Savior's birth:

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And 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:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

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.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

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

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:1-20

12 Days of Christmas: Family Time

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! I pray that you are not too caught up in the hustle and bustle that you are forgetting the real reason for the season. Also, remember that life goes on after Christmas! There is no gift worth you going into debt.

Today, let's remember our family. One of the most important parts of life is our families. God designs the families we get. He orchestrates the people who surround us as we grow up. No matter how good or bad we think our families are, God purposed them to be the ones closest to us.

When Mary found out that she would be having a supernatural baby, she went to her family - Elizabeth - for confirmation of God's word. Joseph was persuaded by the angel of God to make Mary a part of his family even though she was already pregnant when they were engaged. Because of Joseph's commitment to his family, he saved Jesus from certain death by taking his family to Egypt to evade Herod's wrath.

Our families are here to support us, teach us, love us, and care for us. Yes, they may do these things in their own way - ways that may clash with what we might want - but they are our family no matter what. God ordained them for us.

So, as you prep for Christmas get-togethers, holiday dinners, and all the other gatherings that bring family and loved ones near, remember that you are blessed to have a family around you. No matter how they may act or act up, God has blessed you with them - and He's blessed them with you. Show some love this holiday season! Plant some seeds of love and watch what God does. You might be surprised with the results.

Have a Happy Holiday!

Verse of the Day: Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 5:16

12 Days of Christamas: Thanksgiving Friday!

Merry Christmas!

This week I'm thankful that Jesus Christ chose to come to earth to save us from a life of sin. Because of His choice to humble Himself, come down to earth, and die on the cross, we are able to spend eternity with Him in heavenly bliss. We are now able to approach God's throne and talk with Him one-on-one as His children. Thank You, Jesus, for coming to earth to save us!

I'm also thankful for all the generous people in my life. I've been blessed already with Christmas cheer from lots of folks and I am grateful for their gifts of love. Thank You, Lord, for surrounding me with so much love!

I'm also thankful for God blessing me with His peace and joy during this holiday season. A few folks are already checking on me knowing that the holiday is coming up and my dad is no longer here. I am thankful to say that depression nor sadness have visited my doorstep. Of course, I miss him, but I am not dwelling in sadness.

I pray you have a joyful holiday season as well. There is nothing or no one that should be able to take your joy away from you! The only One who matters - the Lord - loves you unconditionally and is working all things together for your good! Hold onto that fact, and stay in joy this holiday season!

Verse of the Day: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:10-14

12 Days of Christmas: The Shepherds, The First Evangelists

Can you imagine just minding your own business and an angel showing up? Not only that, the angel tells you the most amazing news that the Messiah - the One everyone has been praying for, waiting for, and anticipating - has finally come to deliver you! On top of that, the angel is suddenly joined by a host of angels who treat you and your friends to an amazing display of heavenly praise!

That's what happened to the shepherds the night Christ was born.

After they went and saw the child for themselves, they couldn't hold back what they knew. They spread the good news of Christ's coming to everyone they came across! The shepherds were the first evangelists. They were the first ones who spread the gospel to the world.

We have met Jesus. We have experienced His affect on our lives. Yet, have we told our good news to the world? Have we shared our excitement in meeting Him? Have we shared our joy in knowing that He came to save us?

This holiday season, be sure to share the real meaning of Christmas. Make sure you tell everyone the great news that Jesus came to give us life and that more abundantly. Tell someone that they don't have to be depressed around the holiday. Jesus came so they could have joy! He came down personally to save them from an eternity of misery. He came so they could have everlasting life!

This time of the year is one of the best times to be a witness for Christ. Don't miss you're opportunity to truly give someone a Merry Christmas by sharing the love of Jesus with them.

Verse of the Day: And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke 2:16, 17

12 Days of Christmas: Hold on to God's Word

When Jesus was taken to the temple by His parents, a man named Simeon was led by the Spirit to the temple that same day. Simeon knew by the Spirit of the Lord that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. When he saw Jesus, he gave thanks to the Lord and knew that he could finally die in peace. The Lord revealed that Jesus was the One Simeon had been waiting for.

What has God promised to you? What has He spoken over your life that has yet to come to pass?

Make sure you stay in the Spirit! Don't lose hope. Don't give in. Don't allow the passing of days, weeks, months, or years to stop your faith. Remain ready to follow the Spirit of God. Keep your eyes peeled for the manifestation  of God's promise!

Simeon remained sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. Imagine if he had not kept a prayerful attitude. He might have missed the very day that Messiah was brought to the temple. Or, he may have been present and not have recognized that the Savior was in the building!

God is not a man that He should lie. (Numbers 23:19) Whatever He has spoken to you, He will bring it to pass! Keep your faith strong. Believe in the promises of the Lord, for they are sure. God is going to do what He said!

Verse of the Day: And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word... Luke 2:25-29

12 Days of Christmas: Pay Attention!

One of the most intriguing aspects about Jesus' birth to me is the story of the wise men who came to visit Him.

These are men who traveled from a great distance all because they saw a star. Their studies of astronomy was so detailed and informed they knew that a king had been born all because a new star appeared in the sky. They knew that it was just any old king either. This king was special enough to warrant them travelling out of their countries, bringing along with them great gifts of great treasure.

All because of a star that appeared in the sky.

Do you pay attention to the 'signs' that God places in your path? When something new shows up on your horizon, are you handling it appropriately? You may just see a star, but is God trying to signal to you the birth of something greater?

Don't take anything for granted! Pay attention to the Holy Spirit. Stay sensitive to what God is trying to show you.

That new relationship, new job, or new idea may be signalling something far greater than it's face value. Don't dismiss what you think you see. Don't discredit something that may hold great value for your life. Open up your eyes, put in the work, and watch where God brings you!

Verse of the Day: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him... And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:1, 2, 11

12 Days of Christmas: Obey Without Question

Mary is given a lot of attention with the memory of Jesus' birth. Joseph deserves a lot of credit as well in my book.

Here was a pretty great young man who thought he was about to marry a pretty awesome girl only to have her tell him that she's pregnant. He could have easily outed her to her friends and family and brought her under some severe scrutiny. Yet, Joseph was such an honorable person that he decided just to have Mary sent somewhere privately to have her avoid shame and ridicule.

However, when the angel of the Lord showed up, Joseph believed God's Word. He saw that the child Mary was carrying was of the Holy Spirit. He took Mary as his wife and did not consummate their union until she had Jesus.

God's plans are often no where near what our plans are. I'm sure taking care of a brand new wife and a child that wasn't his was nowhere in Joseph's plans. Yet, he was obedient to the Lord even to the point of taking the family to Egypt to avoid Herod's wrath. He literally picked up and moved away from his family, friends, and community without question.

When God places something different in your pathway, do you readily follow after His will? Are you willing to obey even to the point of moving entirely out of your comfort zone?

If God is showing you His plan for your life, don't question, analyze, delay, or ignore it. Just obey! Your obedience places you on the pathway of purpose. Your compliance to God's will sets you up for amazing experiences, joys, and accomplishments you will never know if you just stick to what you're familiar with.

Today, tell God that you will obey His word no matter what.

Verse of the Day: But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost... Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 1:20, 24-25

12 Days of Christmas: Jesus' Choice

This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it!

I'm home this morning recovering from this cold that finally seems to be leaving my body. It feels good to just sit and rest instead of running here, there and everywhere like I normally do.

Today, our blog is officially 12 days from Christmas! (No, I haven't gotten a single present yet.) This time of the year is important for Christians because it marks our remembrance of Christ choosing to come to the earth to save mankind.

Can we meditate on that for a moment? Jesus - God's Son, full of power, seated in glory, with the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence only God can have - chose to come down to earth. He chose to take on a body made of the dust of the ground. He chose to shed His glory. He chose to give up His life of splendor.

All to save your life.

He loved us so much that He was willing to risk it all on the chance that you would make Him your Lord and be saved from sin.

Amazing.

No matter what you do or don't get for Christmas this year, you've already gotten the best gift. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, chose to come down to earth and be put to death as a sacrifice for your sins.

As you go about your day today, think about the weight of that decision that Christ made. Get a new perspective of the deep love that Jesus has for you. Honor that love by showing great love to someone else that you may meet in your travels today.

Jesus chose to come to earth to save you!

You must be pretty special.

Verse of the Day: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8

Happy Labor Day!

It's Labor Day! Hope you got the day off to rest, relax, and enjoy yourself. While we're resting from our work, let's take a moment with the help of David to remember the magnificence of our Heavenly Father.

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.
A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.
When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:

But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore.
For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish;
all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Psalm 92

Have a great day!

Celebrate Your Freedom!

Well, the barbecues are heating up, the fireworks have been purchased, and the partiers are on their way. It's time to celebrate our nation's freedom once again!

As we celebrate the fact that we are a free country, let's also take some time to rejoice that we are free from the bondage of sin! We don't have to be held captive by the enemy anymore! Any time the devil comes with his suggestions and lies, we have the power to throw him out!

We have the privilege of being seen as righteous in the eyes of God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, those sins we used to carry are now washed away, and we stand as pure as clean snow in the eyes of God. Amazing!

No longer do we have to be ashamed, no longer do we have to bear guilt, no longer do we have to feel like we are "less than". We are joint heirs with Christ! We, who used to be outcasts, are now called children of God!

So, enjoy the cookouts, the laughter, and the fireworks. However, in the midst of your festivities, make sure you take some time to thank Jesus for cleansing you from the detriment of sin.

Verse of the Day: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18

Evening Ti: Memorial Day

Today America stopped to celebrate Memorial Day. We remembered those who gave their lives in service to this country in order for us to celebrate the freedoms that we hold so dear. It is because of their sacrifices that we can experience the rich lives that we have in this country.

This evening, I was thinking also of those who sacrificed so much so that we can have our spiritual freedoms as well. America's founding fathers fought so that our country would be a religiously free country. No one is forcing us into a religion, we have the freedom to choose what we believe. This freedom gives us the opportunities to worship God how we please and evangelize as we desire. We don't have to worship in secrecy or fear, and we don't have to worry about authorities coming in to shut our churches down.

We are so blessed.

As you remember those who gave their lives for our country's freedom, don't forget to give thanks for those who blazed the trail for us to have religious freedoms as well. It is their foresight that has given us the liberty we have in our own lives of worship.

Thanksgiving Friday!

This week I am grateful that I am going into a break!!! So well deserved and needed. My eyes are on Monday when I get to sleep in all day if I want to! Can't wait.

Today I am thankful for my family. We are all gathering together for our Christmas dinner today since the holiday falls on a Sunday. I'll get to see my uncles, cousins, and friends that I rarely see for the rest of the year. And this year Granny hooked it up, so we don't have to cook as much! I'm thankful to be a part of such a loving bunch. My days were filled with laughter, love, and warmth, and I thank God for choosing this family for me to grow up in.

I'm also thankful for the dawning of new beginnings. With the close of a year, my mind always seems to look forward, and there are a lot of great things on my horizon. God is showing me where He wants to take me, and I am ready and willing to go! Thank You Lord, for Your words of promise to me! Thank You for showing me why I'm here!

I'm also grateful most of all for Jesus. If He hadn't chosen to come, we wouldn't be celebrating right now. If Jesus hadn't chosen to have His majesty shrouded in the humble form of a baby boy, we wouldn't have the comfort and joy that we're experiencing right now. Jesus, I am so happy You chose to come to earth! I'm so happy that You didn't just come, but You fulfilled Your mission giving up Your innocent life for the countless souls who were on their way to hell. Thank You for giving us the choice of eternal life!

Have a blessed Christmas everyone!

Verse of the Day: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:10-14

Celebrate!

Happy Independence Day!

Today we are celebrating our freedom as a country. I, for one, am happy to live in a nation where I can worship God freely, read my Bible without fear, and go to church openly. It's a right that makes me proud to be an American. Sadly, there are many people around the world that do not have this privilege.

Make sure you take some time today to give God praise for allowing you to live in a place where you are not oppressed because of your faith. And say an added prayer for those in other countries who do face persecution because of their belief in God.

While we're celebrating freedom, let's send up a shout for our freedom in Christ! His sacrifice has given us access to our Father in Heaven. We can now boldly come to the throne and fellowship personally with our God. Isn't that awesome?

Don't take your liberties for granted! Cherish what you have as an American and as a Christian.

Enjoy your holiday!

Verse of the Day: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day, Everyone!

In the midst of your barbecues, sleeping in, and running around, be sure to remember those who have sacrificed their lives so that we can live in freedom. Also, say a prayer for those who are currently serving in the armed forces right now.

God bless America!

Have a great day!

Verse of the Day: For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. Psalm 5:12

Show His Love

Morning, Everyone!

It's the start of another week - and Holy Week at that! Despite the snow and cold temps here in Chicagoland, God still deserves some praise! Hallelujah!

This week, I am challenging myself not to sweat the small stuff. If you were with me over the weekend, you will understand why I'm doing this. Let's just say I had to spend Saturday evening laid up in the bed with the lights off listening to a reading of the Psalms from my phone while I chilled out. Sometimes you need to just shut it down and take a break.

Moving on, this is Holy Week, the anniversary of the time when our Savior was making His way to the cross to pay the debt for our sins with His life. This week I'll be remembering His sacrifice here on the blog, and I think we all should remember it as we go about our daily activities this week.

Just thinking about the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us should color everything we do. He gave up His life so we could live again. Let's make sure that the lives we are living reflect our gratitude and adoration for Him.

Jesus told us that we really only have two commands to follow: Love the Lord with all our hearts, mind, and soul. And, secondly, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. (Mark 12:29-31) Everything's wrapped up in those two phrases. Simple enough, right?

Let's be sure to keep our hearts and minds turned toward the Lord this week. As we think on Jesus' trip to the cross, grave, and sky, let's showcase that glory in our behavior. It's the least we can do to show our love and thankfulness to Him.

Verse of the Day: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey Everyone!

Even though it's a holiday, I still wanted to share some "Morning Ti" with you! Gotta be alert for all the cooking we're doing!

I decided to post a psalm of thanksgiving today. As we gather together and remember what we're thankful for, let's make sure that we put our Heavenly Father first on the list.

Enjoy your day!



Psalm 92
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening,
accompanied by the ten-stringed harp
and the melody of the lyre.

You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!
I sing for joy because of what you have done.
O Lord, what great works you do!
And how deep are your thoughts.
Only a simpleton would not know,
and only a fool would not understand this:
Though the wicked sprout like weeds
and evildoers flourish,
they will be destroyed forever.

But you, O Lord, will be exalted forever.
Your enemies, Lord, will surely perish;
all evildoers will be scattered.
But you have made me as strong as a wild ox.
You have anointed me with the finest oil.
My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;
my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents.
But the godly will flourish like palm trees
and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house.
They flourish in the courts of our God.
Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
they will remain vital and green.
They will declare, “The Lord is just!
He is my rock!
There is no evil in him!”

Holiday Prep

This week, we are officially entering the holiday season!

For some, this is a joyous time full of family, friends, delicious dinners, special church services, volunteerism, and festivities. For others, this is a time of stress, worry, fighting, resentment, and depression. At times it might even be a mix of both joy and frustration. Funny how people can experience the same exact things but have different and opposite reactions to them.

This year let’s all try to remember what these holidays are about. We all have something to be thankful for. No matter how much so-and-so gets on your nerves every year at the holiday dinner, be grateful that you have family and friends to sit with at your table. Somewhere, someone is mourning the loss of a loved one.

Don’t stress over trying to create a blockbuster year for your family this Christmas. Remember that the day is not about how many gifts we can give. It’s about the one gift that our Heavenly Father gave to us in His son. No wrapped present can top the eternal life that we all have through Jesus.

Let this holiday season be a time to reflect on the goodness of the Lord. Remember all that He has brought you through this year and in times past. Show love to your family and friends while you still have them with you. Take some time out to offer the love of Christ to the one who doesn’t know Him.

Remember to laugh and enjoy yourself. It’s the holidays. Have some fun.

Verse of the Day: 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