Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Keep following this blog for weekly bible verses.

The Greatest Gift

VERSE:                                                            Isaiah 9:6

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.

REFLECTION:                                        

What gifts did you get for Christmas this year? What gifts did you give this year? Did you remember the greatest gift ever given, the gift of Jesus Christ given so that we may live? During this season of Christmas so much is commercialized that many forget the real reason for the season. Many of us get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season that we don’t stop to think about the greatest gift ever given.

God gave his only Son so that if we believe we will have everlasting life (John 3:16). According to this verse there is a lot more to that gift. Jesus was not just a little baby lying in a manger He came to earth with a purpose and part of that purpose is to be a Counselor to those her has a personal relationship with. He will pour the Holy Spirit into the believers so that we may be guided in our lives.

Jesus is also Wonderful. During this time of chaos and hectic running around the one constant is Jesus and the faith we have in Him to continue the good work in us. This also goes hand in hand with Him being the Prince of Peace. He gives us a peace during those difficult times. He gives us a peace during those times that we struggle or feel helpless.

He is also a Mighty God and the Everlasting Father. He is mighty to move mountains and He can move those mountains that prevent us from reaching our spiritual goals. We should have spiritual goals and be guided by Jesus to reach those goals. Being the Everlasting Father allows Him to be the Father to the Fatherless. There are too many children growing up without fathers in their lives. Jesus can fill that void. All you have to do is admit that you are a sinner, Believe that Jesus came to earth and died on the cross for your sins, confess of your sins and ask for forgiveness.

Open the greatest gift today, the gift of everlasting life through your fervent belief in Jesus Christ.

PRAYER:

Thank God for the gift of Jesus. Ask God for forgiveness of your sins. Pray for those who are lost that they may open the greatest gift, Jesus.

                                                              

Weeping

VERSE:                                                            John 11:35-36

Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him?”

REFLECTION:

Terror struck Sandy Hook Elementary on Friday as a man went in to the school and shot 27 people including 20 children. This is an absolutely tragic event that shows everyone the evil that exists in this world. America is in grief for the families of all of those involved but amid chaos there is peace.

This week highlights the sympathetic and caring side of Jesus. Lazarus had died and Jesus wept over the loss of His friend. When all 27 people died and Sandy Hook on Friday Jesus wept. He wept because He loves everyone and He doesn’t want anyone to lose their lives in a tragic way.

I believe He also weeps when we die spiritually. He doesn’t want any of us to lose our lives spiritually. He doesn’t want to see us walk away from Him. Often during these times of chaos people will blame God and wonder why He lets evil happen. I can’t really explain that but what I do know is that the only constant we can cling to during these times of chaos is Jesus. These are not the times to walk away from Him it is a time to draw closer to him. As the verse indicates He doesn’t just love Lazarus, He loves you and He loves me. He loves us during the good times and the bad and we need to honor that love by loving Him and following Him.

We have wept this weekend for those lives lost at Newtown because deep down we love others. Give your life to Jesus and let Him love you out of the chaos and turmoil that enters our lives. We need to love Him because He first loved us.

PRAYER:

Pray that God will comfort the families who lost a loved one. Pray that good will comfort you during times of chaos. Pray that you will follow Jesus during the good and the bad.