praying for one another...

Here's a great article that challenges us to pray for those who make up the church fellowship we belong to. Written by Ray Pritchard, it's entitled, "The Praying Church: What If..." Enjoy!

life-changing power

One of the things I most appreciate about the gospel is its power to transform a life. There was a radical change that came to Paul when he became a follower of Christ. From a violent persecutor of Christians to a dynamic spokesperson for the cause of Christ – that’s Paul’s story.

This should encourage us on two fronts. First of all, prior to his conversion, most people would have thought of Paul as the least likely person to become a Christian. His life is a prime example of what the Holy Spirit inspired him to write in II Corinthians 5:17; namely, that “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

The truth is that no one is beyond the reach of the conviction of God’s Holy Spirit. The most hardened heart can be softened by his ministry.

Secondly, Paul’s transformation became a powerful part of his testimony. People glorified God as the news of his conversion spread (See: Galatians 1:22-24). As you and I continue to submit to the lordship of Christ, we too, will be changed and in that process the Lord will be exalted. Remember, you are as much an ambassador for Christ as was Paul. You may serve in a different setting and manner but just as God had a plan for Paul, he has a plan for you.

I am thankful that we, as the children of God, can look forward to 2012 with confidence. May we daily bear in mind that:

• God’s presence goes before us
• God’s protection surrounds us
• God’s provision sustains us

While we rejoice in the tremendous blessings that are ours as believers, may we also bear in mind that God desires for us to be actively involved in reaching out to those who have not yet come to faith. God’s purpose in salvation inspires us to move beyond the mere enjoyment of God’s favor to being used of God in pointing others to Christ.

best wishes...

From our home to yours...

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

good news...

When the angel announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, he described what was proclaimed as good news – and indeed, it was! The headlines in and around Israel were not all that good prior to Christ’s coming. The land of promise was occupied by Rome, immorality and paganism were rampant in the world, the leaders of the Jews were divided between liberalism and legalism, and 400 years of silence from God had only recently been broken – but not everyone was aware of it.

But then that announcement came…

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

This was indeed good news – it was the best of news. It was proof that God had not abandoned his people and that he was bringing to pass his great plan of redemption.

That announcement, made so long ago, is still good news today. God has made salvation available to us and he is still at work bringing to pass his master plan for mankind. One day, as part of that plan, Jesus, who came first as a helpless babe, will return as a conquering king to establish the rule of God on earth and usher in the eternal day. What a day that will be!

The headlines today may not be very uplifting but rest assured that God is on the throne, actively involved in the affairs of men and nations – even though we may not always recognize it. Not only has the Savior come, he is coming again!

Let up your head and rejoice! We’ve received good news from heaven.

enjoying God...

"We need to think much about Him if we wish to enjoy Him fully. If we are satisfied with vague ideas about Him we shall find no transforming power communicated to us. But when we cling wholeheartedly to Him and our minds are filled with thoughts of Him and we constantly delight ourselves in Him, then spiritual power will flow from Him to purify our hearts, increase our holiness, strengthen our graces, and sometimes fill us with 'joy inexpressible and full of glory.'" - John Owen

feliz navidad in october...

It seems the Christmas “season” begins earlier every year. I was in Wal-Mart back in October and couldn’t believe my ears. Over the PA system was the voice of Jose Feliciano singing “Feliz Navidad!” I was still getting used to the idea of Christmas being upon us prior to Thanksgiving and now it seems the season starts before Columbus Day!

Despite the commercial motivations for getting Christmas on our minds earlier and earlier, I’m thinking it’s not such a bad thing to keep Christmas “front and center” all year long. After all, it is at the heart of God’s great plan of redemption. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

I’d encourage you not to forget Christmas after December 25th. Remember God’s gift of love throughout this month of December and then on through all the new year ahead…and not only that, let’s be quick to share the good news of Christmas and God’s love at every opportunity!