Daily Word of God - Psalm 50:15

Psalm 50:15 New Living Translation (NLT)

Then call on me when you are in trouble,
    and I will rescue you,
    and you will give me glory.

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 25:8

Isaiah 25:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

He will swallow up death forever!
    The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.
He will remove forever all insults and mockery
    against his land and people.
    The Lord has spoken!

Mid-Week Message - The Manger

"She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them."  Luke 2:7

Each week throughout the Christmas season, I would like to use this article to take a closer look at some of the elements of the Christmas story that are less discussed.  I believe that our Father was very meticulous in what He chose for His son's birth and that we have something to learn from everything and everyone that was involved.  This week, I would like to examine the first earthly dwelling of Jesus, the manger itself.

We don't know exactly what it was comprised of.  It may have been hewn from a rock, or it may have been, as we are used to seeing, created of wood.  Either way, it was a vessel created for animals to feed from.  If you have pets, you know that food and water bowls get grimy very quickly.  The saliva from the animal, mixed with remnants of food create quite a mess.  Those who have larger animals, such as cows or horses, know this on a greater level.  

This filthy container would have been crudely created, certainly not a decorative piece.  Assuming that it was made of wood, we know that the materials would not have been pressure treated, so most likely it was splintering because of the elements of the weather and the use by the animals.  It certainly was not a place that would be a first choice for a newborn infant.  And what of the hay?  Hay can be prickly and full of rough stems and even insects.  Were it not for the swaddling, baby Jesus would have been laying on a bed that was quite uncomfortable.  

Now that we have a mental picture of this bed, we have to ask why the manger and what can we learn from it.  Just as Jesus filled that trough, so He fills us.  When we come to Him we are dirty with sin, unrefined in the ways of the Lord.  We are in need of spiritual repair.  If you will, we are full of splinters and certainly not suited for the Son of God.  Yet, He loves us enough to enter our hearts and begin the process of cleaning us up, sanding away our rough edges and preparing us for life in Heaven, the most royal place ever.  

As you go through your week, think about the manger.  It was no accident that it was the first place our Savior was lain.  It presents a beautiful picture of the redemption of mankind.  God bless you.

Daily Word of God - Luke 10:21

Luke 10:21 New Living Translation (NLT)

At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way."

Operation Christmas Child 2017

While Karla and I served our congregation at Lakeline Oaks Retirement community in Cedar Park, Texas, one of our dearest friends, Horace Edwards, brought Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, to our attention. Our faith family, Karla and myself packed and shipped 86 boxes our first year and we continued to double and triple the number of gifts we packed year after year. 

Since we moved to Georgia, that dear group of Christian warriors continued to pack and ship boxes. This year they filled 300 boxes with more than just toys, socks and toothbrushes. They filled them with their love.

By giving those who have nothing, we fulfill a command that Jesus gave to his disciples, "Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

During this Christmas season, show the world that you are filled with love for all.

If you would like to donate to Samaritan's Purse, click here.

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 11:2-3

Isaiah 11:2-3 New Living Translation (NLT)

2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 He will delight in obeying the Lord.
    He will not judge by appearance
    nor make a decision based on hearsay.

Daily Word of God - Matthew 19:28

Matthew 19:28 New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 2:3

Isaiah 2:3 New Living Translation (NLT)

People from many nations will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the house of Jacob’s God.
There he will teach us his ways,
    and we will walk in his paths.”
For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion;
    his word will go out from Jerusalem.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 10:3

Proverbs 10:3 New Living Translation (NLT)

The Lord will not let the godly go hungry,
    but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.

Daily Word of God - 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 - First Sunday of Advent - Expectation

As we enter into the season of Advent and remember the great and wonderful birth of Jesus, we need to always remember the reason that he came into this world. No words can better express it than those in John. Those words of, “For God so loved the world”, ring true each Christmas season. God loved us so much and expressed it in such a heartfelt way by sending His own son to live among us, to teach us, to love us and to die for us. There is nothing more humbling to realize than that God loved us so much that He sent his son to be our atonement sacrifice. 
In today’s message, we will look at the expectation. What are we expecting in the birth of Jesus? Even before his birth, Jesus was to be the mighty God, the everlasting father and the prince of peace. That in and of itself is a lot to live up to.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 27:14

Psalm 27:14 New Living Translation (NLT)

Wait patiently for the Lord.
    Be brave and courageous.
    Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 8:18

Proverbs 8:18 New Living Translation (NLT)

I have riches and honor,
    as well as enduring wealth and justice.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 112:3

Psalm 112:3 New Living Translation (NLT)

They themselves will be wealthy,
    and their good deeds will last forever.

Daily Word of God - 1 Kings 3:13

1 Kings 3:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!

Daily Word of God - Matthew 6:33

Matthew 6:33 New Living Translation (NLT)

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

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!