Looking Back With A Smile

Saints, we've made it! 2012 is fading into the past, and we are looking into a whole new year.

As we move forward, it's important to celebrate what we have gotten accomplished this past year. So often people look backwards with regret. We look back with sadness thinking of all the things that haven't happened, things we didn't do, places we didn't go, and all of those instances where we were disappointed.

But today, let's think back on 2012 with some pride. Let's enjoy what we did do, let's take note of what was accomplished, let's smile about those beautiful memories we were able to make this past year. We just completed 365 days of life! There's some greatness tucked in those days, and we should acknowledge that fact.

Personally, I'm thankful for the opportunities that I was given to speak and preach this past year. I love ministering God's Word, and I welcome every opportunity I receive to share what God has revealed to me. It's a privilege and an honor, and I'm thankful that God has blessed me to participate in such a way in the body of Christ.

I'm also pretty proud of how well I did in seminary this year. With everything that has been going on, I was still able to maintain my A/B status, and I am on track to graduate this summer. I have learned so much in my classes! Everything that I'm learning only reignites my passion to share the gospel with truth and clarity.

Lastly, I'm grateful that I was able to show love to an amazing man - my father. I'm not sitting here with regret over something I didn't say, or full of guilt because of an argument that was left unresolved... every day I was able to serve him, show him affection, and give him the honor he was due because of how he loved and raised me as my dad. I am reassured and at peace because I know that he is with my Heavenly Father, and I will see him again.

There's a host of things both big and small that I could list in addition to these. But, my aim is for you to reminisce on what you've done this year. What are you proud of? What made you happy? How did you grow? What did you learn? What are the sunny days and happy times of 2012 that you're pleased about?

Take some time and think back with a smile on your face. Let's go into the New Year with some joy!

Verse of the Day: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Change Your Mind

Yesterday I encouraged you to start now with those new things that you want to tackle this year. One of the first steps in embarking on something new is to get a new mindset. The Bible says that how a person thinks determines who they are. (Proverbs 23:7)

Many of us are stuck in the same situations, dealing with the same problems, tolerating the same negative people and thoughts because of our thinking. We think we are less than, we think we don't deserve better, we think that what we are doing is all that we can... Today, I want you to drop your old thoughts and come into the new!

Do you know what God thinks about you? The Bible says this: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11) Now, if God Himself is thinking thoughts of peace about you, why are you tolerating thoughts that bring you stress, distress, and depression?

Change your thinking right now to reflect what God thinks about you! Find some empowering verses that you can memorize, post around your space, and meditate on daily. Let the Word of God - the Truth - get down on the inside of you and change you for the better.

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! (Philippians 4:13) You are joint heirs with Christ! (Romans 8:17) You are more than a conqueror with Jesus on your side! (Romans 8:37)

Don't try and embark on your new thing until you get a new mind and a new outlook. If you stay in the same thinking that you've been utilizing, you will go nowhere and January 2014 will find you in the same spot you're in right now.

Verse of the Day: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

Start Now!

Well, I pray you had a blessed holiday. I certainly did! I had fun enjoying my family and friends and got some nice gifts along the way. God is good. Today we're back to our regularly scheduled programming. I'm sure many of you are at work trying to get back in the 'working' mode.

As we move forward, many people are now focusing on the impending new year. They're making lists of things that they want to get accomplished. They're trying to set goals for what they think they can do. Some people (like me) are already planning to eat better, exercise more, and live a healthier lifestyle once January 1 rolls around.

But, what I have learned (especially this year) is that tomorrow is not promised. None of us is guaranteed another day or week. Every day we wake up is a gift. Each day that we can get up and give God praise on this earth is a blessing. Why wait for tomorrow or next week? Why not start living better and living on task today?

Today you can start on your goals. Today you can start accomplishing your dreams. Today you can do better than you have for most of 2012. You don't have to wait for a new year. You can just start with this new day.

You've been blessed with a gift in today. Why not make it special? Go ahead and get on the path of greatness now. You may be surprised how much you can get done by next week!

Verse of the Day: LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. Psalm 39:4, 5

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