God greatest gift

At Christmas we are the recipients of God�s greatest gift � His only Son. On that holy night so long ago God gave us the gift of Jesus, our Divine Savior, and Scripture tells us that God loved us so much that He was born in a stable because there was no room at the Inn. The first people to hear this news were poor shepherds. An angel told them, "Fear not, I bring you tidings of good joy which shall be for all people, for this day in David�s city is born a Savior, Christ the Lord."

You notice that the first words of the angel to the shepherds are "fear not." In other words, "be calm, be at peace." After His resurrection, Christ appeared several times to His disciples. His first words were always the same, "Peace, do not be afraid." It seems that whenever Heaven touches earth, the message is always the same, "fear not, be at peace." 

As we look around our world this Christmas, we see many nations that are not at peace. We all know families and individuals, maybe even yourself, who do not know the peace of Christmas.

source: Father Bob Warren, SA

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: �Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.

~ Isaiah 7:10-16 ~

God always has plans for your good

"For I know the plans I have for you,� declares the Lord, 

�plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future." 

~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~

The Lord knows what's best for you. He knows what you need to experience in order to evolve spiritually, and what kind of challenges will help you to do so. I know some of you are going through some storms right now, but have faith! These storms are transitory experiences-they will pass, but the love of the living God is eternal.

God can use something that was meant for your harm to your advantage. New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. Storms usually preclude seasons of favor, increase, and prosperity.

God knew His plan for you before you even entered the womb of your Mother. Trust in him, no matter what circumstances manifest in your lives. Nothing is a surprise to God. He knew the solution to your challenges before they even sprung upon you. He can see what you can't see. The unknown is known to Him. All you need to get through any storm is Faith!!!!

Believe God is working wonders in your life, regardless of external conditions. Whether you're rich or poor, healthy or ill, anxious or at peace, always believe something amazing is about to happen. God is a good God, expect miracles and they'll chase you down!

Patient in the storm-centered in the eye. Jesus, Our Lord, on the cross He died. You are always forgiven, no matter how bad you sin! No matter what befalls you, in the end, you always win! Seek ye first, the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Begin to trust the Lord, like Mary and Jesus do!

source: Ave Maria

Christmas Anticipation Prayer

Why are you worrying?

I told you once 

and I tell you again,

I AM YOUR GOD 

of divine happenings.

My timing is PERFECT.

~ GOD ~ 

Not once in the Bible

does it say

worry about it,

stress about it,

figure it out,

but time after time

it says to 

put your TRUST in GOD.

put your TRUST in GOD.

Not a hair of your head will perish

If the Gospel message is good news, then why do so many people treat Christians with contempt and hostility for their beliefs and practices? Jesus warns his followers that they will be confronted with wickedness, false teaching, persecution, as well as the temptation to renounce their faith when it is put to the test.

Satan destroys and kills - God restores and gives life 

The real enemy of the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ - is Satan (also called Lucifer), the powerful leader of the fallen angels who rebelled against God and who were cast out of heaven. Satan opposes God and all who follow his rule of peace and righteousness (moral goodness) on the earth. Jesus calls Satan a "murderer" who turns brother against brother and the "father of lies" who twists the truth and speaks falsehood (John 8:44). Satan not only opposes God's rule, he seeks to destroy all who would obey God. Satan will use any means possible to turn people away from God. He tempts people through envy, deception, hatred, and fear to provoke hostility towards those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is Jesus' response to hostility and persecution? Love, forbearance, and forgiveness. Only love - the love which is rooted in God's great compassion and faithfulness - can overcome prejudice, hatred, and envy. God's love purifies our heart and mind of all that would divide and tear people apart. Knowing God as our compassionate Father and loving God's word of truth and righteousness (moral goodness) is essential for overcoming evil. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear those who would oppose us or treat us harshly for following the Lord Jesus. He promises to give us supernatural strength, wisdom, and courage as we take a stand for our faith and witness to the truth and love of Christ.

The Gospel is good news for the whole world because it is God's eternal word of truth, love, pardon, and salvation (being set free from sin and evil) through his Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus has won the victory for us through his atoning death on the cross for our sins and his rising from the grave - his resurrection power that brings abundant life and restoration for us. That is why the Gospel has power to set people free from sin, fear and death, and bring peace, pardon, and new life.

Endurance never gives up hope in God 

Jesus tells his disciples that if they endure to the end they will gain their lives - they will inherit abundant life and lasting happiness with God. Endurance is an essential strength which God gives to those who put their trust in him. Endurance is the patience which never gives up hope, never yields to despair or hatred. Patience is long-suffering because it looks beyond the present difficulties and trials and sees the reward which comes to those who persevere with hope and trust in God. That is why godly endurance is more than human effort. It is first and foremost a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to bear up under any trial or temptation.

Endurance is linked with godly hope - the supernatural assurance that we will see God face to face and inherit all the promises he has made. Jesus is our supreme model and pioneer who endured the cross for our sake (Hebrews 12:2). "God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus willingly shed his blood for us - to win for us pardon and peace with God. Our joy and privilege is to take up our cross each day to follow the Lord Jesus.

True martyrs live and die as witnesses of Christ and the Gospel of peace 

The word "martyr" in the New Testament Greek means "witness". The Book of Revelation says that "Jesus was the faithful witness ...who freed us from our sins by his blood" (Revelation 1:5). Tertullian, a second century lawyer who converted when he saw Christians singing as they went out to die by the hands of their persecutors, exclaimed: "The blood of the martyrs is seed." Their blood is the seed of new Christians, the seed of the church.

The third century bishop, Cyprian said: "When persecution comes, God's soldiers are put to the test, and heaven is open to martyrs. We have not enlisted in an army to think of peace and to decline battle, for we see that the Lord has taken first place in the conflict." True martyrs live and die as witnesses of the Gospel. They overcome their enemies through persevering hope and courage, undying love and forbearance, kindness, goodness, and compassion.

God may call some of us to be martyrs who shed their blood for bearing witness to Jesus Christ. But for most of us, our call is to be 'dry' martyrs who bear testimony to the joy and power of the Gospel in the midst of daily challenges, contradictions, temptations and adversities which come our way as we follow the Lord Jesus.

We do not need to fear our adversaries 

What will attract others to the truth and power of the Gospel? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear our adversaries. God will give us sufficient grace, strength, and wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ and to bear witness to the joy and freedom of the Gospel?

Lord Jesus Christ, by your atoning death on the cross you have redeemed the world. Fill me with joyful hope, courage, and boldness to witness the truth of your love for sinners and your victory over the powers of sin, Satan, and death.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East