Category: Devotional

Thursday

“But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted

in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations

that you lose track of the time and doze off,

oblivious to God.”

~Romans 13:11 MSG~

Susan Rimes continues to improve.  Please keep her in your prayers.

Mrs. Iris Cunningham from Roseland fell because of dizziness and now has a number of bruises and even broken bones in her face.  Pray for her as she deals with the dizziness.

Mrs. Anne Hurst has been sick for a while with all the coughing and other symtoms that didn’t want to go away.  She has been admitted to the hospital in Greensburg.

Mrs. Mickey Cade’s surgery recovery is doing well.  It’s time for recovery at a rehab in Hattisburg now.  Please keep her in your prayers.

Carol New’s surgery for a new knee replacement went well yesterday.  She will be moved to rehab again soon.

Mrs. Jimmie Shaw is in ICU at North Oaks.  Pray for her and her family.

Mr. Kenneth Felker is doing a little better, but “Miss” Grace Helen still is having problems.  She will be going back to the doctor today.  Pray she will soon stop falling.

Mr. and Mrs. Cete Dillon are still improving, but the progress is slow.

Mrs. Mary Miller now has been diagnosed with bronchitis and is staying close to home.

Renee Deck is improving from her shoulder surgery.  Keep her in your prayers.

Thought for the Day: Revenge or Kindness?

Way down upon the Mississippi River, two tugboat captains who had been friends for years, would always cry “Aye!” and blow their whistles whenever they passed each other.

A new crewman asked his boat’s mate, “What do they do that for?”

The mate looked surprised and replied, “You mean that you’ve never heard of… an aye for an aye and a toot for a toot?”

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I suspect that few of us would admit to living by the motto, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (Matthew 5:38), but let’s be honest — there is something instead us that enjoys the idea of getting revenge. Some of the more popular movies throughout the past years have been those that opened with someone being mistreated. We’ll spend the rest of the movie anxiously waiting for the hero to get the opportunity to exact his revenge — and then we cheer!

It’s not much different on a personal level. I suspect that whenever somebody does you wrong, the temptation is there to immediately start thinking of what you can do to get them back. But, if you find yourself tempted to take revenge, may I suggest two things:

(1) Resist the temptation to exchange evil for evil. That temptation will always be strong and we need realize that it will be there. But we also need to remember the emptiness and hollowness of revenge and resentment.

(2) Show your enemy kindness. Abraham Lincoln was once accused of being too nice to his enemy. He was told to be firmer; he must destroy his enemies. He replied, “I do destroy them when they become my friends.”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matt. 5:43-44)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Way down upon the Mississippi River, two tugboat captains who had been
friends for years, would always cry "Aye!" and blow their whistles 
whenever they passed each other. 

A new crewman asked his boat's mate, "What do they do that for?"

The mate looked surprised and replied, "You mean that you've never 
heard of... an aye for an aye and a toot for a toot?"

I suspect that few of us would admit to living by the motto, "An eye 
for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" (Matthew 5:38), but let’s be honest
 -- there is something instead us that enjoys the idea of getting revenge. 
Some of the more popular movies throughout the past years have been 
those that opened with someone being mistreated. We'll spend the rest of 
the movie anxiously waiting for the hero to get the opportunity to exact
 his revenge -- and then we cheer!

It's not much different on a personal level. I suspect that whenever 
somebody does you wrong, the temptation is there to immediately start 
thinking of what you can do to get them back. But, if you find yourself 
tempted to take revenge, may I suggest two things:

(1) Resist the temptation to exchange evil for evil. That temptation 
will always be strong and we need realize that it will be there. But 
we also need to remember the emptiness and hollowness of revenge and 
resentment.

(2) Show your enemy kindness. Abraham Lincoln was once accused of being 
too nice to his enemy. He was told to be firmer; he must destroy his 
enemies. He replied, "I do destroy them when they become my friends." 

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate 
your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matt. 5:43-44)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Have a blessed day! Be a blessing to someone today!
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“I bring you good news

that will cause great joy

for all the people.”

~Luke 2:10b NIV~

 

 

Mrs. Pauline Strickland is still undiagnosed, but will be moved from Baton Rouge General to a rehab.  Please continue to pray for her, her family, and the medical staff caring for her.

 

From Carol New

Well, people tomorrow (Wednesday) is my big day…hopefully I will be able to walk again,,,,,Please keep me and Dr. Linscheon in your prayers.

Thought for the Day: Loving the unlovely

The following story has been around for quite a while, but continues to touch hearts. The author is unknown to me:

The little church building’s aisles swelled with the unusually large gathering until there were no more pews to squeeze into. A few more latecomers shuffled down the aisle and leaned against the wall.

Then I noticed Andy’s entrance. His smile beamed with a special joy until he saw that “his” spot on the back row was filled. Regular attendees usually left the seat empty, knowing that Andy would arrive late from the home for the mentally handicapped. Confusion masked his face as the opening song ended and he had found no place to sit. With characteristic simplicity Andy made his way up the center aisle to the large clearing just below the podium. He lowered his huge body to the floor, crossing his legs Indian style.

As the rest of us sat down, another man, a leader in the church for many years, left his place in the pew and started up the center aisle toward Andy. It took a long time for Marvin to reach the front. Respect for this eighty-year-old servant, much loved by all of us, or perhaps sheer curiosity, brought a hush over the whole church. Even the minister gripped the sides of the podium and watched. Slowly Marvin shifted his lean frame onto his cane and lowered his aged body to the floor beside Andy.

With tears in his eyes, the minister closed his Bible over his sermon notes. “Our sermon has just been preached,” he said.

“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Know someone with a special need — someone mentally handicapped, someone sick, someone who seems to have no friend? Why not make a special effort this weekend to touch their life in a special way? You won’t regret it!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

 

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

~Luke 2:14, NKJV~

From Wall McKneely concerning grandson, Jadon

Thought you might like this: http://www.actionnews17.com/News/tabid/59/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10250/Deputies-community-reach-out-to-help-2-year-old-facing-brain-surgery.aspx

This is just one of many acts of kindness  that so many people of this area have done for my Daughter, Monica, and her husband, Adam, and their family. Please continue to pray for them as they go to Detroit, MI for Jadon’s surgery in January. Thank you all so much for your Prayers. May God Bless each of you.

Wall & Rosilyn

Jadon’s Story: One week and so very nervous

Well alot has happened since my last post. I actually ended up in the ER the day after my post. I caught a stomach virus which by the way effected 32 of my family members including my mommy, daddy, and brother. Unbelievable. Anyway I could not hold anything down including my seizure medicines. We called my neurologist in New Orleans and she called me in some medicine but it didnt’ work. After 4 hours in the ER I was finally able to hold my medicine down and go home. The good new is I was much better by Christmas and we all had a great Christmas. I got lots of new toys to play with. My favorite toy was the ball that I got. Other than that I loved playing with the wrapping paper..LOL It was a very fun and much needed time. We got to visit everyone in my immediate family. It was a great day. One thing that Christmas makes me think of is Jesus’s birthday. It makes me think of Jesus’s momther Mary. I can’t imagine what she went through watching her baby being hit, nailed to a cross, and left to die. My mom said she will always remember this and no matter how hard it is to watch me suffer throught these seizures it doesn’t compare to what Mary had to watch her son go through. I’m very thankful for her strength and so very thankful that Jesus came and saved us so that we may live with Him forever.

We leave in 1 week for Detroit. We are going to be busy getting everything ready this week. We are going to get my very 1st haircut. We don’t want my surgery to be the first time I get my haircut. We also have to get everything packed. We still need to buy a few small things for the trip. We also have to finish my prayer blanket. So I’m sure I will not have time to update my blog until right before we leave or we might be in Detroit before you hear from me again. Please continue to pray for me and my family. We are very anxious, scared, and nervous. We know that God has sent us to Detroit and we will continue to trust his plan. Thank you all for your prayers. I will try keep you updated daily in Detroit with specific prayer request. Right now I need you to pray that this will stop these seizures and that I can continue to develop. Also pray that I will not have any complications and that my recovery will not be to hard on me. This is the best thing you can do for me right now. Love ya, Jadon

Several people who have been sick ate doing better.  Continue praying.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

His heart, His hands, His voice

Jesus has commissioned us to be His heart, His hands, His voice. Through praying, giving and going, Southern Baptists have fulfilled this legacy for more than 160 years.

Thought for the Day: Do you know who I am?

The following story is supposed to have happened at Ohio State University about nine or ten years ago in a huge lecture hall but turns out to be merely another urban legend:

Apparently this particular calculus teacher wasn’t very well liked. He was one of those guys who would stand at the front of the class and yell out how much time was remaining before the end of a test, a real charmer. Since he was so busy going around the room making sure that nobody cheated and that everyone was aware of how much time they had left before their failure on the test was complete, he had the students stack the completed tests on the huge podium at the front of the room. This made for quite a mess, remember there were 1000 students in the class.

During this particular final, one guy entered the test needing a decent grade to pass the class. His only problem with Calculus was that he did poorly when rushed, and this guy standing in the front of the room barking out how much time was left before the tests had to be handed in didn’t help him at all. He figured he wanted to assure himself of a good grade, so he hardly flinched when the professor said “pencils down and submit your scantron sheets and work to piles at the front of the room”.

Five minutes turned into ten, ten into twenty, twenty into forty…. Almost an hour after the test was “officially over”, our friend finally put down his pencil, gathered up his work, and headed to the front of the hall to submit his final. The whole time, the professor sat at the front of the room, strangely waiting for the student to complete his exam.

“What do you think you’re doing?” the professor asked as the student stood in front of him about to put down his exam on one of the neatly stacked piles of exams (the professor had plenty of time to stack the mountain of papers while he waited). It was clear that the professor had waited only to give the student a hard time.

“Turning in my exam,” retorted the student confidently.

“I’m afraid I have some bad news for you,” the professor gloated, “Your exam is an hour late. You’ve failed it and, consequently, I’ll see you next term when you repeat my course.”

The student smiled slyly and asked the professor “Do you know who I am?”

“What?” replied the professor gruffly, annoyed that the student showed no sign of emotion.

The student rephrased the question mockingly, “Do you know what my name is?”

“No”, snarled the professor.

The student looked the professor dead in the eyes and said slowly, “I didn’t think so”, as he lifted up one of the stacks half way, shoved his test neatly into the center of the stack, let the stack fall burying his test in the middle, turned around, and walked casually out of the huge lecture hall.

Don’t you just love it? Those of you who have been in large classes can relate to that, I’m sure. But it makes me pause for a moment and be grateful that I have a heavenly Father who knows who I am! Despite the billions of people on the face of this earth, I’m not just a number, I’m not just a nameless face, I’m not just part of a crowd. I am known by God!

“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.” (Psalm 139:1-3).

Take comfort in this knowledge, and have a great day!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Have a great day!

Anna Lee


Friday

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful,

Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6, NKJV~

Pray for safe traveling for all those who will be traveling in the next two weeks.  Pray for students who are out of school for the holidays.  Pray for safety of children as they play with new gifts.

Ways to Give (including Lottie Moon Christmas Offering)

http://www.imb.org/main/give/default.asp

Baptist Press (Sometimes it is too hard to select only one story to share.)

http://www.bpnews.net/

Many churches are having special services tomorrow and/or different schedules for Christmas.  FBC, Kentwood will have worship service only at 10 A.M.

Thought for the Day: He became one of us

On February 15, 1921, there was a doctor who performed an appendectomy. The doctor performing the surgery was Dr. Evan Kane who over his 37-year medical career had performed nearly 4,000 appendectomies, so this surgery was not at all unusual except for two things.

First of all, this was the first time that local anesthesia had ever been used in major surgery. Dr. Kane believed that local anesthesia was safer than putting a patient completely to sleep. Most of his colleagues agreed with him in principle, but they wanted to see first if it would actually work.

So Dr. Kane searched for a volunteer, a patient who would be willing to undergo surgery while under local anesthesia. It wasn’t easy to find one. Most people are squeamish at the thought of being awake during their own surgery. Others are fearful that the anesthesia might wear off too soon.

Finally, though, Dr. Kane found a volunteer, and on Tuesday morning, February 15th, the operation began. The patient was prepped and wheeled into the operating room. A local anesthetic was applied. And as Dr. Kane had done thousands of times before, he cut open the tissues and removed the appendix. The patient had only minor discomfort and recovered quickly, dismissed two days later.

Dr. Kane had proven his theory. Thanks to the willingness of a brave volunteer, Dr. Kane demonstrated that local anesthesia was an alternative, even a preferred alternative.

But I said there were two facts that made this surgery unusual. I’ve told you the first: the use of local anesthesia. The second unusual thing was the patient — the patient was Dr. Kane. You see, in order to prove his point, Dr. Kane operated on himself. The doctor became a patient in order to convince the patients to trust the doctor.

As unbelievable as that may seem, it is insignificant compared with what Jesus Christ did for us. The Great Physician voluntarily became one of us. He placed himself in our shoes. He left the glories of heaven to live on this earth as one of us — to suffer our pains and feel our fears. Why? So that when you hurt, you will know that you have someone who understands — your Great Physician — and you will have confidence to go to him for healing.

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same….For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:14a,18)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

~Luke 2:15b, ESV~

Jesse Dean seems to be having a problem with his cumadin level.  Pray for him as another adjustment is made.

FBC, Kentwood will go Christmas caroling tonight.  As they do so, they will distribute gift bags.  May they bless many lives tonight.

I don’t normally mention birthdays and anniversaries, but I think we should take note of one today.  Mr. and Mrs. Joe (Othell) Williams are celebrating their 70th anniversary today.  What a blessing!

FBC, Kentwood will be receiving the gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at the special 10 A.M. service Christmas morning.  Here is an example of how funding is needed in Europe.

Abundant Gospel Sowing among European Peoples
Overview: Simply put, this project is about abundantly sowing God’s word among the European peoples. The overwhelming majority of Europeans have never held a Bible or heard it proclaimed. We will not see a great moving of God’s Spirit among Europeans apart from His word being heard, believed, and shared. Missionaries and partners will facilitate publication of Scripture, personally distribute and share Bibles, the Jesus film, MP3 oral format Bibles, and gospels.

Strategic Ministries: Internet, Radio, Literature, Orality, Discipleship, Church Planting

Baptist Press had several very good articles yesterday.  Spend a little time reading at http://www.bpnews.net 

WHAT WAS ELIJAH DOING?

A couple of stories to illustrate how our children explain what happened in the Bible:

A Sunday school teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem.  A young girl answered:  “Because they couldn’t get a babysitter.”

Another Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the prophet and his contest with the false prophets of Baal.  She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the bull in pieces and laid it upon the altar.  Then Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of  water and pour it over the altar.  He had them do this three times.  “Now,” said the teacher, “Can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord had Elijah pour water over the bull on the altar?”  A little girl in the back of the room raised her hand with great enthusiasm.  “To make the gravy.”

It was a good question.  Why DID the Lord tell Elijah to pour the water over the altar?  The answer is obvious (and it has nothing to do with gravy).  The Lord wanted to exhibit His power in an absolutely incredible manner.  When God was finished, no one was going to say, “Well, maybe Elijah used a flame he kept tucked away in his cloak.”  No!
The fire from the Lord burnt up the wet sacrifice, the soaked wood, and even the rocks used to build the altar!

If there is any lesson to be learned in this story, it is that our God is a powerful and awesome God!

Though we ourselves may not see displays of God’s power like what happened on Mount Carmel, it is comforting to know that the God who hears and answers our prayers is the God who has such power.

“Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength!  We will sing and praise Your power.” (Psalm 21:13)

Praise be to our all-powerful and truly awesome God!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Give of yourself today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

~Luke 2:14~

Pray for Mrs. Pauline Strickland who is in Baton Rouge General and very sick. Pray for her family and all those caring for her.

Pray for Carol New today as she sees her doctor again and learns if she can have the next surgery yet.  She hopes so, because she is ready to begin walking again.  Pray all goes well at today’s appointment.

Mrs. Mickey Cade has surgery today.  Pray for the medical staff, “Miss” Mickey, and her family and friends.

Susan Rimes will be in OLOL on the large kidney stone that has been resistant to previous attempts to remove it.  Pray for success today and for a good recovery period for Susan.

Baptist Press: ‘Isaiah’ surprises seminary with chapel message

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36820

What a lesson in preaching!  I know the students will always remember the fine example set forth by the NOBTS professor.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Pray!

YANGON, MYANMAR. Throughout history, religious pilgrims have come to Yangon’s hilltop pagoda, bringing offerings and hoping for enlightenment. Black markets, karma, bamboo huts, paying homage to golden images define the daily routines of 6 million residents. Yangon is being intentionally engaged with God’s Word. Although, spiritual strongholds loom as high as the walls of the pagoda, these barriers can be broken. *Living Lord, may Your Spirit bring people to Your saving grace. *Creator God, reign in hearts of individuals so that You are worshiped as the One and only God.

Heart to Heart with Holley: The best gift this year

Hello Friend!

Have you been to the stores lately? I’ve seen the shelves piled high with gadgets, new styles, and the latest-whatever-you-want.

And I’m telling you, I think I’ve found the best gift this year.

It’s not available in retail locations, online or for $29.95 plus shipping and handling.

Can you lean in and listen close while I whisper this secret?

Psst…it’s you.

Or, really, Jesus in you.

Yes, my friend, you offer Him to the world in a way no one else can.And no one else ever will.

You are a one-of-a-kind original. Not replaceable or exchangeable.

Beautiful just as you are because of your Maker.

Designed just as He intended.

More amazing than you even realize.

Loved, needed and more valuable than all those fancy things in all the stores in the world.

Yes, ma’am.

You’re the real deal and don’t you forget it. Promise?

With love,

Holley

 The gift bags for the nursing home residents and the homebound people will be packed with much love and excitement today.  Thanks to all who have given, baked, or shopped.  Pray for those who will be caroling and delivering the bags tomorrow and those who will receive one.  May the true meaning of Christmas be clear to all involved in this ministry!

Christmas is not Christmas without Jesus!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Don’t be afraid, for look,

I proclaim to you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people:

today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born

for you in the city of David.”

~Luke 2:10-11, HCSB~

Yesterday was a special day at FBC, Kentwood.  The musical, A Song in the Air, really put forth the real Christmas spirit.  Our church is blessed to have so many people with musical talent.  The dinner and candlelight service last night added to the joy of the day and the season.  I feel so blessed to have been in church yesterday.  What a difference that little baby Jesus made to the world when He was born and still today!

Susan Rimes has surgery tomorrow in Baton Rouge.  Renee Deck has surgery Thursday.  Please be in prayer for these two ladies.

Jason Dean is now able to work half a day.  Continue to pray for him as he heals and returns to normal activities.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at work in Europe

http://www.imb.org/main/give/lmw/Story.asp?StoryID=8037&LanguageID=1709

Thought for the Day: Kid’s view of love

I have enjoyed these thoughts from kids, though I do not know the original source:

CONCERNING WHY LOVE HAPPENS BETWEEN TWO PARTICULAR PEOPLE

“I think you’re supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn’t supposed to be so painful.” –Manuel, age 8

ON WHAT FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE

“Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life.”
–John, age 9

“If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don’t want
to do it. It takes too long.” –Glenn, age 7

ON THE ROLE OF BEAUTY AND HANDSOMENESS IN LOVE

“If you want to be loved by somebody who isn’t already in your family, it doesn’t hurt to be beautiful.” –Anita, age 8

“It isn’t always just how you look. Look at me. I’m handsome like anything and I haven’t got anybody to marry me yet.”
–Brian, age 7

CONCERNING WHY LOVERS OFTEN HOLD HANDS

“They want to make sure their rings don’t fall off because they paid good money for them.” –Gavin, age 8

CONFIDENTIAL OPINIONS ABOUT LOVE

“I’m in favor of love as long as it doesn’t happen when ‘Dinosaurs’ is on television.” –Jill, age 6

“Love is foolish … but I still might try it sometime.”
–Floyd, age 9

“Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me.” –Dave, age 8

“I’m not rushing into being in love. I’m finding fourth grade hard
enough.” –Regina, age 10

SOME SUREFIRE WAYS TO MAKE A PERSON FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU

“Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores.”
–Del, age 6

“Don’t do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain’t the same thing as love.”
–Alonzo, age 9

Those of us who are older smile because we know that children have such a limited understanding of what love is (although Alonzo has learned something that many adults haven’t yet learned!). And yet, our own view of love is limited as well. And certainly our expression of love is limited and faulty.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (I John 4:7-8)

May you look to God for the ultimate example of love as you seek to be more loving toward others today.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Jesus is the reason for the season and each and every day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord!

Call upon His name;

make known His deeds among the peoples!”

~Psalm 105:1~

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at work in Africa and the Middle East

http://www.imb.org/main/give/lmw/Story.asp?StoryID=8038&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press – Could you do what this man has done?

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36806

FBC, Kentwood Schedule for Christmas Holidays

  • Dec. 18th – The choir will present a musical, “A Song in the Air” during the 10:30 worship service.
  • Dec. 18th – Dinner and candlelight service @ 5 and 6 P.M.
  • Dec. 20th – Breakfast muffins needed for gift bags which will be distributed on the 21st.
  • Dec. 21st – Church-wide caroling at 6 P.M.; Gift bags will be distributed.
  • Dec. 25th – Morning worship only – 10 A.M.

Thought for the Day: The greatest gift

I heard recently about a 90-year-old lady who one Christmas found buying presents a bit much, so she wrote out checks for all of her family and friends, and decided she would put them in with her Christmas cards. She wrote out her Christmas cards and put “Buy your own present” after her name, then sent them off.

But after the Christmas festivities were over, she found the checks in her desk! Everyone had got a Christmas card from her with “Buy your own present” written inside but without the checks!

We all like gifts. We like to receive them from those that we love. And we also enjoy giving them. What Jesus said is certainly true: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35). I used to think that the greatest joy of Christmas belonged to children because they get to experience the excitement of opening their presents. But I’ve learned that the real excitement of Christmas comes in being able to give to those who mean so much to you.

Unfortunately, our gift list is always so limited. If you’re like me at this time of the year, you always have a lot of people you would like to get something special for, but you just don’t have the money. We can’t give to everyone. But God can, and God has, and there’s no one who’s been left off of his gift list.

“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) 

This Christmas, enjoy giving gifts and enjoy receiving them. But be especially thankful for the greatest gift of all that came to this earth in the form of a baby in a stable in the little town of Bethlehem, and be sure that you respond by receiving that gift through obedient faith.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Yes, it is true!  Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Friday

“She gave thanks to the Lord,

and spoke of Him to all those

who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

~Luke 2:38, NKJV~

Thought for the Day: Christ at the center

A few years ago Fast Lane magazine conducted a survey to find out whose lives its readers would most like to emulate. Lt. Colonel Oliver North placed first. President Ronald Reagan placed second. Clint Eastwood was third. Fourth place was a tie between Lee Iacocca and Jesus Christ. That’s a sad commentary on our society!

I heard about a young woman who went into a Denver jewelry store and told the clerk she wanted to purchase a gold cross on a chain to wear around her neck. The clerk turned to the display case and asked, “Do you want a plain one, or one with a little man on it?”

We live in a world where Jesus ties for fourth place with Lee Iacocca and is referred to as a little man on a piece of jewelry. But, for Christians, Jesus Christ can be nothing less than the very center of our lives. Paul wrote:

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (I Corinthians 2:2)

Are we truly consumed with knowing Jesus Christ? Oh sure, we understand the necessity of the cross and the resurrection, we understand its connection with salvation and forgiveness from sin. But do we really recognize the importance of Jesus Christ continually in our lives?

Do we see Christ as the Lord of our lives, telling us what to do? Do we see Christ as the model of our lives, showing us how to do it? Do we see Christ as the power in our lives, giving us the ability to do it?

May Christ have his rightful place at the very center of our lives.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

 

In our modern world to technology, I’m including ways to learn how the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Internation Missions works in Central and South America.  I hope you enjoy there and share them.

http://www.imb.org/main/give/lmw/Story.asp?StoryID=9866&LanguageID=1709

As families get busy with all the secular events of Christmas, I hope you will still have time to learn more about the LMCO and how it introduces people around the world to Jesus.

FBC, Kentwood will have an emphasis on the LMCO Christmas morning.  I hope you find it in your heart to bring an offering that morning and that your offering for the LMCO is greater than your gift to any individual on your Christmas list!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Only those who give away their lives for my sake

and for the sake of the Good News

will ever know what it means to really live.”

~Mark 8:35 TLB~

 

Lottie Moon Stories to Share with Your Children or Grandchildren

http://www.imb.org/main/give/lmw/Story.asp?StoryID=8034&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Heart to Heart with Holley: God’s Heart for You This Christmas

In the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the season I keep forgetting.

I keep forgetting that it’s not about being busy but being blessed.

I keep forgetting that it’s not about pleasing but being loved.

I keep forgetting that it’s not about who I am but whose I am that matters most.

Then God taps me on the heart and seems to whisper, “You don’t have to try so hard. Rest. Remember. Enjoy what you’ve already given and received.”

I slow, smile. Yes, that’s right. This is what Christmas is all about.

Jesus.

And the beautiful love that compelled Him to come all the way here for me, for you.

It’s about the little things too.

And what’s smaller than a baby in a manger?

One gift I can offer back this season is simply to remember what’s already true.

I am loved.

In Him, I am enough.

Because of His grace, I am blessed beyond measure.

This is God’s heart for us this Christmas season–and always.

—Holley

Don’t forget the meeting at the cabin at 6:30 tonight.  Join us for food, fellowship, prayer, and a devotional.

Have a terrific Thursday!  Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee