Daily Word of God - Psalm 16:9

Psalm 16:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
    My body rests in safety.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 16:5

Proverbs 16:5 New Living Translation (NLT)

The Lord detests the proud;
    they will surely be punished.

Daily Word of God - Acts 7:38

Acts 7:38 New Living Translation (NLT)

Moses was with our ancestors, the assembly of God’s people in the wilderness, when the angel spoke to him at Mount Sinai. And there Moses received life-giving words to pass on to us.

Mid-Week Message - The Holy Day Ahead

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."  Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is rapidly approaching.  My, how quickly this year has flown!  As we approach this festive time, let's be mindful of the true reason we celebrate.  Although it was probably not the actual date of the birth of Jesus, it is the day that has been chosen to commemorate it, therefore it is a holy time.  It is up to us as followers of Christ to be bold about telling His story and to train up our children to do the same. 

Each year there is a debate about whether to use the words "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays."  I have my personal preference, however, I have to wonder if it really matters.  Does "Merry Christmas" evoke thoughts about Jesus?  That is the argument that is used.  "Keep Christ in Christmas!" "Remember the reason for the season!"  Amen!  I agree wholeheartedly.  This season should honor Him. 

So, how do we accomplish that?  It is through our joy and willingness to share Him.  We don't have to set ourselves up so that those around us think we are religious weirdos.  We don't have to shy away from enjoying the holiday in our own homes.  But we do need to be willing to be openly honest about the reason why we are celebrating.  Jesus left His majestic throne in Heaven to be born as a human infant.  His purpose for doing so was ultimately to offer Himself as the sacrifice for our sins.  And He did it out of love.  Should it matter that He was not born on that day?  No, because we should hold each and every day as a day to rejoice over His birth.  Every day should be Christmas in our hearts.

Our children need to witness the grown ups around them loving and praising Jesus.  They need to hear us praying.  They need to see us reading the Bible and know that we believe what it says and that we obey it. We teach best by modeling behavior that we want them to emulate.   I pray that as you begin your preparations for the holy day ahead, that you will include your young ones in the "whys" of the season.   God bless you!

Daily Word of God - Deuteronomy 32:47

Deuteronomy 32:47 New Living Translation (NLT)

These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.

Daily Word of God - 2 Samuel 22:3

2 Samuel 22:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)

22 David sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. 2 He sang:

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
3     my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
    and my place of safety.
He is my refuge, my savior,
    the one who saves me from violence.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 3:3

Psalm 3:3 New Living Translation (NLT)

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
    you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

Daily Word of God - Ezekiel 18:8-9

Ezekiel 18:8-9 New Living Translation (NLT)

8 He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice, is honest and fair when judging others, 9 and faithfully obeys my decrees and regulations. Anyone who does these things is just and will surely live, says the Sovereign Lord.

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 55:3

Isaiah 55:3 New Living Translation (NLT)

Come to me with your ears wide open.
    Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
    I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.

Daily Word of God - Ephesians 2:8

Ephesians 2:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Patience for the Coming

Next week is the beginning of the observance of Advent. During those weeks, we will be looking at all of the events that led to the birth of the Christ child. It is a wonderful time for Christians to reflect on the birth of Immanuel which means "God is with Us". But, in order for us to experience the day of his birth, we must prepare our hearts. Part of that preparation is being patient. The children of Israel had to patiently wait over 700 years after Isaiah had prophesied the coming of the Messiah. The Messiah would deliver the children and he would reign as king. The lesson that we must learn is that all things come at the Lord’s appointed time and for His glory.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 108:1

Psalm 108:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

My heart is confident in you, O God;
    no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!

Daily Word of God - Deuteronomy 30:20

Deuteronomy 30:20 New Living Translation (NLT)

You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Signs of Salvation - Surpassing Greatness of Knowing Christ Jesus

Whitesburg Christian Church

Whitesburg, Georgia 30185

"I Consider Everything a Loss Compared to the Surpassing Greatness of Knowing Christ Jesus My Lord."

Daily Word of God - 1 Timothy 1:8

1 Timothy 1:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

We know that the law is good when used correctly.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 44:8

Psalm 44:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

O God, we give glory to you all day long
    and constantly praise your name.

Daily Word of God - Daniel 4:27

Daniel 4:27 New Living Translation (NLT)

King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.

We are Truly Thankful!

My wife and I are so very blessed to have so many people visit our online ministry, www.standfirminhisgrace.com. With God guiding us and the prayers and support of our faith family and grace partners, we have reached thousands of individuals. All of this would not have been possible without you. Each of you who visit our site and share our words of encouragement and the Gospel message is a blessing to us.

Your support of this ministry provides us with the opportunity to share God's word with those who do not have a church available to them. By reaching out to them, we are able to carry out the "Great Commission".

There are not enough words to thank you for your prayers and support. We truly are thankful that God has provided for us and has given us such wonderful friends who encourage us as we continue to preach the Good News to all.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 138:1

Psalm 138:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
    I will sing your praises before the gods.

Happy Thanksgiving Day - Praise the Lord!

Deuteronomy 8:7-10 New Living Translation (NLT)

7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills. 8 It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey. 9 It is a land where food is plentiful and nothing is lacking. It is a land where iron is as common as stone, and copper is abundant in the hills. 10 When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 14:16

Proverbs 14:16 New Living Translation (NLT)

The wise are cautious and avoid danger;
    fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

Happy Thanksgiving Day - Give Thanks to the Lord!

Isaiah 12:4-5 New Living Translation (NLT)

4 In that wonderful day you will sing:
    “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
Tell the nations what he has done.
    Let them know how mighty he is!
5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things.
    Make known his praise around the world.

Thanksgiving Eve Message - 5th Kernel - God Listens to His Children

As we conclude our Thanksgiving tradition, we will be looking at the last of the five kernels of corn. The Pilgrims used five kernels of corn to remind them not only of their harsh first winter but also the blessings of God and His hand that sustained them through that winter. The fifth kernel reminded them and reminds us that God listens to our prayers. When we face times of trouble He is there. When we are joyful, He is there. No matter what happens, God is there to listen and provide.

Daily Word of God - Jeremiah 30:19

Jeremiah 30:19 New Living Translation (NLT)

There will be joy and songs of thanksgiving,
    and I will multiply my people, not diminish them;
I will honor them, not despise them.

Mid-Week Message - The Praise of Thanksgiving

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:18

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in America.  Begun by the Pilgrims, it continues to be a tradition to set aside a day to think of all the things that we are grateful for.  At least that is the central idea.  Unfortunately, more attention is given to food, football and shopping than to all the blessings we have received.  I find this incredibly sad because it shuts the Lord out.  True gratitude is praise to Him.  

He is the author of life.  Without Him, we would have nothing and be nothing.  Only through the death of Jesus on the cross do we have hope and a promise for the future.  We have freedom from the wages of sin.  We have a purpose designed by Almighty God Himself.  

I love 1 Thessalonians 5:18 because it is a great reminder of the very best reason to give thanks.  It is God's will that we be grateful.  Not just for the good things in our lives, the happy times, that things that make us naturally rejoice, but "in all circumstances."  Why?  Because by being thankful we acknowledge His Lordship and our trust in Him and because we know that Romans 8:28 is factual.  "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." And we can have faith in what He says is true. "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."  Hebrews 11:1.

When you awake tomorrow and each day of your life, I pray that the first words from your lips will be, "Thank you, Lord."  And as you sit around the table and list what you are thankful for on this day set aside for this purpose, may you be all inclusive in your gratitude so that those around you might see your faith and be encouraged. God bless you!

Daily Word of God - 2 Corinthians 4:15

2 Corinthians 4:15 New Living Translation (NLT)

All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

Daily Word of God - James 1:17

James 1:17 New Living Translation (NLT)

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 111:1

Psalm 111:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

Praise the Lord!
I will thank the Lord with all my heart
    as I meet with his godly people.

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 58:6

Isaiah 58:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
    lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
    and remove the chains that bind people.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 3:7

Proverbs 3:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

Daily Word of God - 2 Chronicles 5:13

2 Chronicles 5:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words:

“He is good!
    His faithful love endures forever!”
At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - 4th Kernel - Those Who Love Us

In today’s message, we will be looking at the fourth kernel of the Thanksgiving tradition started by the Pilgrims. As a reminder of God’s love for them during their first harsh winter in the New World, the Pilgrims placed 5 kernels of corn on their plates during the first thanksgiving feast which reminded them of how God’s provision got them through those hard times. The fourth kernel reminded them of the people that God put in their lives who loved them.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 100:4

Psalm 100:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
    go into his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him and praise his name.

Daily Word of God - Amos 5:4

Amos 5:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

Now this is what the Lord says to the family of Israel:

“Come back to me and live!

Signs of Salvation - Take a Second to Thank God

Welcome Road Baptist Church
Newnan, Georgia

Time is a very precious gift yet we sometimes take it for granted.

God Gave You a Gift of 86,400 Seconds Today. Have You Used One to Say Thank You?

Daily Word of God - Genesis 17:1

Genesis 17:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.

Daily Word of God - Deuteronomy 29:9

Deuteronomy 29:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

Therefore, obey the terms of this covenant so that you will prosper in everything you do.

Daily Word of God - Romans 7:12

Romans 7:12 New Living Translation (NLT)

But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.

Daily Word of God - Colossians 4:2

Colossians 4:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 57:8

Psalm 57:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

Wake up, my heart!
    Wake up, O lyre and harp!
    I will wake the dawn with my song.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 30:5

Proverbs 30:5 New Living Translation (NLT)

Every word of God proves true.
    He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

Mid-Week Message - He Never Forgets

"Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. 'Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;'"  Isaiah 49:15-16a (NASB)

I was the child in our family that never forgot anything.  My parents took advantage of that and would tell me whatever they didn't want forgotten so that they would have a reminder should they forget something themselves.  It served me well in my education and in my employment.  I wish I could say that it was still a trait that I possessed.  But, age has changed a lot of things in my life, and that is sadly one of the casualties.

I must confess that this message almost didn't happen this week.  I have had several things on my mind and, had the Holy Spirit not prompted me as I awoke this morning, I fear I would not have remembered that this is Wednesday and time for a message.  So, as I praise Him for the reminder, I will rejoice that He is not forgetful.  

Though our minds may become feeble, His never will.  There will never be a time that He forgets anything about us.  Scripture tells us that He knows the number of hairs on our heads. Isn't it interesting to think about that?  If we lose a hair, He knows about it.  That is how intimately involved in our lives He is.  He knows everything about us, and will never forget.  

In this season of thankfulness, let's express our gratitude for the great love He has for us.  Though we may forget Him, He has promised never to forget us.  And I personally am grateful for this lesson today.  I forgot but He did not and He loved me enough to whisper a reminder.  May you be reminded of how near to you He is this week.  God bless you.  

Daily Word of God - 2 Samuel 22:31

2 Samuel 22:31 New Living Translation (NLT)

God’s way is perfect.
    All the Lord’s promises prove true.
    He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 119:80

Psalm 119:80 New Living Translation (NLT)

May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
    then I will never be ashamed.

Daily Word of God - Exodus 20:20

Exodus 20:20 New Living Translation (NLT)

“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 55:7

Isaiah 55:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

Let the wicked change their ways
    and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
    Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

Daily Word of God - Romans 5:3-4

Romans 5:3-4 New Living Translation (NLT)

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 28:7

Psalm 28:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

International Day of the Bible - Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - 3rd Kernel - God Provides Friends

Today we will be looking at the third kernel of corn which symbolizes the friends that God has given us. Just as the Pilgrims received the blessings of new friends, the American Indians, who helped them overcome the pitfalls and perils of the New World, we, too, receive the gift of friends who come to our aid. As we think about the gift of friends and their friendship, let us always remember that “true friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island… to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.”