Friday, December 24, 2010

You ought say Amen

Jesus says, "...Lo, I’m with you always, even unto the end of the world."Matthew 28:20
"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." John 14:18

If you know the Lord is with you, you ought say Amen.

If you know he won’t leave you alone you ought to say Amen.

If you know he’s already made a way for you, you ought to say Amen.

Amen means, He has got you covered.

Don’t fret about your heartaches.
Don’t become discombobulated over your dilemma.
Don’t toss and turn over your trials.
You don’t have to mourn in your mess.

The good news of the Gospel is: Be not dismayed whatever betides you, God will take care of you.Won’t he do it?

Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end." Amen.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Gift of Peace

Christmas can be one of the most joyous and exciting seasons of the year for us. However, it can also be hectic and crazy—so much so that we lose our sense of security and peace, which is the very thing Jesus came to bring us.

There is a special word found throughout the Christmas story that should be very important and meaningful to you and I as we consider the birth of the Christ child. Used more than 400 times in Scripture, it is a term found interwoven in the prophecies of Jesus’ coming as a special gift to us from God. That wonderful word is peace.

The prophet Isaiah preached, “A child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be . . . Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). Also, recall what the angels said the night Jesus was born: “There appeared . . . a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased’” (Luke 2:13–14).

Many people believe the pathway of peace is through possessions—especially during the Christmas season. They believe that if they could just have the latest gadget, they would be happy. If they could only buy their loved ones the special objects they desire, then they could maintain harmony in their households. Sadly, this does not work. Worldly goods can never fill emptiness, give worth, or restore broken relationships.

Peace, joy, and fulfillment come through Christ, not through possessions or anything else this world can offer. Jesus said,

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27)

So this Christmas, how can you maintain peace in the midst of all the activities and pressures of the season?

First, realize that the peace of God starts with Him. When you trust the Lord Jesus as your Savior, He brings you together with Himself for all eternity. You never need to worry about your salvation because He makes you right with the Father through His death on the cross—and no one can ever take that away from you. It is His gift to you.

Second, understand that the God’s peace is the result of your personal relationship with Jesus. Do you rush about, trying to find solutions to your anxieties? Do you try silencing your problems by shopping, eating, working, or engaging in some destructive habit? The Lord’s presence has the power to calm your worries and drive out your fears (1 John 4:18). When you spend time with the Lord, you realize He’s got everything under control. And when you walk in the center of His will and learn to see your circumstances from God’s perspective, He will work everything out for your good. Not only will you experience peace with the Father, but you’ll also be a blessing to those around you. You’ll be able to handle the conflicts that arise with grace, wisdom, and confidence.

This Christmas, think of the gift of His peace. Think of His goodness. Surrender your life to the Prince of Peace—and enjoy the rest and hope He has given.

Merry Christmas

Pastor Fred Jenkins