OK-it's THAT time of the year again. Family gatherings, shopping, presents, eating until you're ready to puke. People trampling you at a BestBuy to get a gift that the person you're giving ot to doesn't really need.
"Happy Holiday's", Happy New Year's, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza, Fesitvus-anything except Merry Christmas. Holiday trees, holiday parties, holiday cookies, is anyone else just sick?
Let's go back almost 2000 years to the time when God sent His only Son to earth to dies on a cross so we can be forgiven for our sins and have eternal life. Jesus Christ-the Son of The Living God-He is the One that this "holiday" is about. "Christ"mas.
It's NOT about a tree. It's not about getting gifts. It's about Jesus Christ of Nazareth!
Next time someone says "Happy Holidays" to you-say Merry Christmas back. Say Merry Christmas first. Don't let the name of Jesus Christ be taken away from the date His birthday is celebrated.
Isaiah 7:14
So, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
There is no end of the increase of His government and peace on the throne of David, and on His kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from now on, even forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will do this.
Luke 1:26-38
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Do NOT be afraid to speak out about this. Jesus stated that if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before The Father.
Let’s glorify God by making sure that everyone out there knows the real reason for The Season-JESUS CHRIST!
Can I get an AMEN?
MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!
Ira
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Glory to God in The Highest!!!
Personal Testimony of God's Glory!
Last Sunday, I was "leading in" at Church. Typically, the Deacons just read some scripture, pray, do some announcements, and ask for testimonies-lead the service, in essence. Sunday morning before Church, I thought that I was going to be reading some scriptures on idolatry, and maybe commenting a little on that.
Well, God had other plans. I felt the Holy Spirit tugging on my heart, but I didn't know why. As I sought God's direction on this, He clearly spoke to my soul in a still, small voice. He told me to give the Gospel message. "OK, Lord", I thought. I'll do what you say, and expect something to happen.
When I got to Church, The Holy Spirit also impressed upon me to have a prayer line as well. Well-it turned out that ALL of the church's Elders were out, and there were only 3 Deacon's including myself. I recruited one of the Trustees of the Church who I know has a heart for praying to assist us.
Right after the worship began, I stood up, announced that we were going to have a prayer line, and gave the Gospel message. I don't really remember exactly what I said. I even think I left out some things that I normally would say when I give this message. I don't remember saying anything about Heaven or Hell. Just the basic message about God's Love and Jesus's dying on the cross for our sins. I went from behind the podium, down to the front of the altar to begin the prayer line. 3 other brothers came up to assist me, and we broke into groups of 2. We prayed. We praised God together, and thanked Him for his goodness. I left that prayer line feeling encouraged by some of the testimonies that were shared with me.
Anyway, the service began shortly after we were done. The Pastor gave his message-one of the things he touched on was IDOLATRY! Go figure...
After the service was over, my friend & brother, John asked me if he knew what happened during the prayer line. I said-"NO-what happened?" He began to tell me that a young woman, new to our church came up to the altar, and told John that she needed Jesus in her life, and was there to receive Him as Lord & Savior. This young lady asked Jesus into her heart and life right there at the altar! Praise His Holy Name!
Anyway, the whole purpose of this testimony is to encourage everyone out there to be obedient to The Holy Spirit. Jesus changed my heart on Sunday morning. Jesus told me what message to give. I'm sure that Jesus put the words the He wanted shared on my lips when I shared the Gospel message (even though I thought I could have presented it better). Jesus used me to call a prayer line, and Jesus brought that young lady up to the altar to get saved! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!! Because I was obedient, there is somebody new in the Kingdom. I was used for God's glory!!! Let me encourage everyone who reads this to seek God in all aspects of their lives. When you listen to His voice and do what He says, He will use you for the glory of the kingdom!
Matthew 6:33 (KJV)-"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
I know that on Sunday, the angels in Heaven were rejoicing! Can everyone PLEASE shout AMEN along with them?? Is anybody else excited ? Come on-let's praise the Name of Jesus!!!
In Jesus' Name,
Ira
Last Sunday, I was "leading in" at Church. Typically, the Deacons just read some scripture, pray, do some announcements, and ask for testimonies-lead the service, in essence. Sunday morning before Church, I thought that I was going to be reading some scriptures on idolatry, and maybe commenting a little on that.
Well, God had other plans. I felt the Holy Spirit tugging on my heart, but I didn't know why. As I sought God's direction on this, He clearly spoke to my soul in a still, small voice. He told me to give the Gospel message. "OK, Lord", I thought. I'll do what you say, and expect something to happen.
When I got to Church, The Holy Spirit also impressed upon me to have a prayer line as well. Well-it turned out that ALL of the church's Elders were out, and there were only 3 Deacon's including myself. I recruited one of the Trustees of the Church who I know has a heart for praying to assist us.
Right after the worship began, I stood up, announced that we were going to have a prayer line, and gave the Gospel message. I don't really remember exactly what I said. I even think I left out some things that I normally would say when I give this message. I don't remember saying anything about Heaven or Hell. Just the basic message about God's Love and Jesus's dying on the cross for our sins. I went from behind the podium, down to the front of the altar to begin the prayer line. 3 other brothers came up to assist me, and we broke into groups of 2. We prayed. We praised God together, and thanked Him for his goodness. I left that prayer line feeling encouraged by some of the testimonies that were shared with me.
Anyway, the service began shortly after we were done. The Pastor gave his message-one of the things he touched on was IDOLATRY! Go figure...
After the service was over, my friend & brother, John asked me if he knew what happened during the prayer line. I said-"NO-what happened?" He began to tell me that a young woman, new to our church came up to the altar, and told John that she needed Jesus in her life, and was there to receive Him as Lord & Savior. This young lady asked Jesus into her heart and life right there at the altar! Praise His Holy Name!
Anyway, the whole purpose of this testimony is to encourage everyone out there to be obedient to The Holy Spirit. Jesus changed my heart on Sunday morning. Jesus told me what message to give. I'm sure that Jesus put the words the He wanted shared on my lips when I shared the Gospel message (even though I thought I could have presented it better). Jesus used me to call a prayer line, and Jesus brought that young lady up to the altar to get saved! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!! Because I was obedient, there is somebody new in the Kingdom. I was used for God's glory!!! Let me encourage everyone who reads this to seek God in all aspects of their lives. When you listen to His voice and do what He says, He will use you for the glory of the kingdom!
Matthew 6:33 (KJV)-"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
I know that on Sunday, the angels in Heaven were rejoicing! Can everyone PLEASE shout AMEN along with them?? Is anybody else excited ? Come on-let's praise the Name of Jesus!!!
In Jesus' Name,
Ira
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