There is a well-known saying that goes like this,”There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ.” Because each of us are created in God’s image, He has placed in us a need to know Him. We may ignore this need, we may push it aside and deny it, but our lives will never be complete without a relationship with our Lord and Savior. 

There are many people in the world that are searching for answers. They feel lost and empty. Even Christians can become bitter and indifferent. Like vessels tossed about by the harshness of the world we may become chipped, cracked or even broken. But the good news is that Jesus is always ready to mend, to strengthen, to encourage and to restore. 

When we place our focus on God, the healing can begin. With His loving guidance, we can see change, we can feel joy, and we can feel complete. Psalm 36:9 says, “For with you is the fountain of life.; in your light we see light.” So let God fill the vacuum in your heart, let Him restore the joy to your soul and let Him set you on a path for Him.

Rev. Phil Nickles used scripture today  from the first chapter of Ephesians. Here we find a letter written by Paul to the people of Ephesus. Although Paul was imprisoned at the time, and probably could have found a lot to complain about, he begins his writing by praising God. Paul didn’t burden his fellow Christians with his day to day problems or with complaints about being ill-treated or longing to be free. No, he praised the Lord God and wished the Ephesians peace and grace in the Lord’s name. (vss. 1- 3)

So what good news can we glean from this scripture? Paul was confident that he was a member of God’s family.  He knew that God had adopted him and that whatever happened to him on earth was nothing to compare with his eternal home. Paul was able to see beyond his immediate circumstances to an eternal life. 

We too can have this confidence. If we have been saved, we are children of the Heavenly Father, marked as His own. We are overshadowed with His love and protection and whatever this world throws at us, we can live triumphantly knowing that an eternity of joy and happiness await us.

So let’s praise God in the good times and in the bad and thank Him for His blessings, protection, and help every moment of our lives.

Welcome to 2019! The following good news was found in a church bulletin.

 “Recipe For a Happy New Year”

Take twelve whole months. Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy. Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty or thirty-one  different parts, but don’t make up the whole batch at once. Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience, one part of courage, and one part of work. Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness. Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation, and one good deed. Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play and a cup of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love. Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness. 

You are bound to have a Happy New Year!

What kind of year has 2018 been for you? What kind of changes took place in your life? Was it all good or were there some struggles along the way? Most people can probably remember some good and some bad times, some happy and some sad times. 

It is all part of life.

 In James 1:2-3 we read “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever  you face trials of many kinds, because you know that testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Does that mean we should celebrate when something bad happens in our lives? I don’t think that is what was meant when James was inspired to write these words. God knows that this life is difficult and it is not always pleasant, but these words from James can reassure us that God is always in control even in the bad times. As we trust Him, our faith will grow and we will be drawn closer to our Lord; and that will bring rejoicing.

As we look forward to 2019, we can be assured that there will be again be good and bad times to face. But the good news is that our Lord will walk with us and he can give us joy and peace.

 Jesus’ birth is the reason we celebrate Christmas. It is almost too much to comprehend that God deliberately sent a part of Himself to became human and to come to earth. How awesome it is to think about Christ leaving the glory of heaven, being born as a baby, growing up in a family, having friends and neighbors, living a perfect life and then dying to provide salvation for everyone’s sins. It is too wonderful to fully understand! We can never quite grasp the awesomeness of God.

But God’s Son did came to us! Jesus came not only to save us from sin, but also to give us peace and hope. He is our advocate and intercessor before God.  He is our friend and brother. He is our help in times of trouble; He is our joy.

Jesus, Son of God — “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. (Isaiah 9:6b)

Yes, Jesus has come and so we celebrate Him!

Share the good news!

There is power in the name of Jesus! That is the good news for today. I John 4:4 says  “…the one who is in you is greater than the one that is in the world.” That means that if you are a child of God, you have Jesus in you and the devil  (who is in the world) no more has control over you. 

This baby, Emmanuel,  that we celebrate at Christmas, that Jesus that went about doing good , healing and saving people, that Redeemer that took on the sins of the world and died that each of us could have forgiveness, that Savior that rose to life has claimed you. 

At the mention of the name of Jesus demons flee! In the name of Jesus diseases are healed! In the name of Jesus problems are solved! In the name of Jesus situations are changed! What once was confusion and controversy becomes peace and joy! Yes the name of Jesus is powerful! 

As we enjoy our Christmas celebrations this year do not forget the power that came to earth as a small baby. That Jesus wants to be your Lord and Savior. He can and will change the circumstances of your life and give you joy, peace and contentment. He loves  you that much!

Christmas  for many is a time of gift giving and receiving. We think we need to find that perfect gift for friends and family. People spend hours and many dollars shopping in stores and online trying to find that special gift. We want to please, delight and wow the recipient. But the truth is that although these gifts are nice and even very special, they will not last forever. Everything on this earth will rust, corrode or fade away over time.

There is only gift that will be sure to last for eternity. Only one that will never rust, corrode or fade. It is also the only gift that is free to everyone. It is always just what everyone needs.

This wonderful gift that cannot be bought is the gift of Jesus’ salvation. This Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of God’s Son, take a moment to remember what that really means to mankind. Jesus came to earth to live as a human. He took our sins and wrong doings on Himself. His death and resurrection gave us the free gift of salvation, all we need to do is ask His forgiveness and accept His love.

This good news is that simple!