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“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24 These words can mean different things to different people in a variety of circumstances. They can be spoken as words of celebration at events such as a graduations or birthdays. Just as often these words can be repeated quietly in a personal devotion, or as an act of worship to welcome a new day.  At times this verse can  be read to encourage, strengthen and give peace to the broken hearted or troubled. This passage has even been set to music in a popular children’s praise song. God’s word is full of wonder. As we read and meditate on such passages, God can speak to our hearts. His love  and goodness will…

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Today was Denomination Day for Cumberland Presbyterians. A day to remember our roots and look forward to our future. This denomination was born out of prayer and much dedication; and out of a desire to better  spread the gospel. John 3:16 is a very familiar scripture, but it sums up a large portion of the beliefs of Cumberland Presbyterians. The belief that no one is out of God’s reach and that anyone can be saved if they only believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is foundational to our church. This has come to be known as the “whosoever will” doctrine. It is…

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 Several years ago there was a campaign going on that was meant to boost children’s self-image. It had a slogan that went something like this: “I know I’m special, because God don’t make no junk.” I suppose it was pretty effective.  That thought is something from which all of us can  learn. The Bible teaches that God created all the earth, and sky,  plants, animals and people. It also teaches us that when God stepped back and looked over His creations, He was happy with it and “it was very good.” Genesis 1:31.  For sure God does not make junk! Every person is important to Him and…

“God is love.” 1 John 4:8 and 16 “God is love.” Three simple words, but oh the depth of their meaning!  God’s love for humankind is wonderful, powerful and dependable! We can feel it in our hearts and see the changes it can makes in our lives, but we cannot fully comprehend all that it is. Because God loves us so, he desires to have a relationship with us. We can do nothing on our own to merit this relationship, so God, in His great compassion and wisdom, sent Jesus to die for our sins,  John 3:16. His sacrifice makes it possible for we humans to be made right before God and to have a relationship as a His child.  When we accept this free gift of salvation God’s love…

“Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name.’ Psalm 103:1 We can read much about praising God in the Bible. There are many verses in both the Old and New Testaments.  This chapter in Psalms is just one that declares the greatness our God and expounds on His attributes.  The psalmist listed many reasons why we should praise the Lord.  Some of them are : He forgives our sins, He heals our sicknesses,  He redeems our lives,  He renews our strength,  He has compassion for us,  He is slow to anger  and the list goes on. Yes we have a mighty God that deserves all our praise, worship and thanksgiving! Take a few minutes to read Psalm 103 in its entirety. Let your heart…

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 As children of God, we have a special purpose in life and this verse from Ephesians sums it up quite well. First of all we are something special — we are created by God. Secondly we have a purpose — once we are saved we are to do good works. Thirdly, we have direction  or a plan — God has already prepared the good things He wants us to do. God’s children are never far from His heart. Psalm 139:16 reminds us that God had a plan for us even before we were born. What a great and loving Father we have!  He forgives and forgets…

“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 What a beautiful verse to claim as we begin a new year! We do not know what 2022 will hold for us. Each new day is a blessing from above, but we never know what may come our way in the course of each day.  There are sure to be blessings and burdens, happy times and sad times. Some days may be delightfully easy, while others are difficult to get through. But thanks be to God, He has promised to be with us.  We have nothing to fear for God himself has promised to hold our hand and help us. He is all we…

Shout for joy before the Lord, the King.” Psalm 98:6b As we lit the last two Advent candles today, we were reminded that because Jesus came to us, we too have a responsibility. We must share the Good News with others .  As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this week, let us do so joyfully and with gladness in our hearts, so that others will see His light shining brightly. Let our celebrations be full of awe and worship for this wonderful Savior. Let our celebrations be a witness to others, so that they too may come to know the “Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

“Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people.” Luke 2:10 Today is the third Sunday of Advent and the good news today is that not only did Jesus, the Savior, come, but He came for all people!  The salvation that Jesus brought was not just for a select group of people. It was not just for those alive during this period of time,  nor was it just for those that the angels spoke to first hand — IT IS FOR EVERYBODY throughout all time!  No matter who you are, rich or poor, young or old; no matter what your status in this life is — Jesus came for you! Jesus was born and lived and died because He…

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” John 1:14 What good news this second Sunday of Advent brings! Not only was Jesus born to save us from our sins, but He  lived among the people of His day; and He still  lives among us! In fact, His name was called Immanuel, which means “God with us”. (Paraphrased Isaiah 7:14) As children of God we have Jesus living in our hearts. He goes with us throughout our daily activities. He shields us from harm, blesses us in more ways than we know and He gives us guidance and help throughout our lives.  What a blessing to know that Emmanuel will never leave us!