rejoicing

Several months ago, Braden started asking about being a Christian. He talked about it to his teacher in Sunday School, he mentioned it to me at home. When Everett sat down with him to talk about it some more, he didn't seem to understand what it was really about. So we set the topic aside for a while. Every so often the subject would come up again, in passing, and we could tell it was on his mind. A few weeks ago, he told us that he wanted to be a Christian. So Everett talked with him again.

They talked about how we cannot live up to God's standard of perfection. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

He explained the Bible's plan for saving us from the penalty of sin, which is eternal death and separation from God. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What can we do to deserve earn or deserve this gift? Nothing! Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us

How did he save us? John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit

So now what? Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Braden said that he understood and that he believed, so he prayed and he did! Amen and praise the Lord! We're so thankful to God for this blessing. We have prayed for each of our children, from birth, that he (or she) would put their trust in Jesus Christ at a young age. We prayed that his faith would grow, just as he grows, and that he would be used by God to do great and mighty things for the kingdom of God. Praise God, we know that God is already working in Braden's heart and can already see evidence of his growth in God as he has become more sensitive to his sins and more teachable when he is corrected. As the Bible says in Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

We know there is rejoicing in heaven when even one sinner repents, and we are rejoicing here too!

A Prayer for My Country

Philippians 1:27-28 "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ...stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you."

Heavenly Father, you know my fears as I come to you on this day. Fears about the future of this country. The country where my sons will grow into men. This country where the people are turning their back to you. I pray that you will not turn your back on this country. Lord, please do not remove your hand of protection and sustenance from this country. Bring a revival of your Spirit over this land. Protect our families. Protect our children. Turn this country back to you. I pray that as Christians we will stand firm, unified in your Holy Spirit, working to advance the gospel. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2Timothy 1:7) I pray all these things in the name of my precious Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Christmastime is Here, Happiness and Cheer

"I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel."

"Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who could take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem."
from Charlie Brown's Christmas


Charlie Brown's Christmas has always been one of my favorite Christmas movies. I can't say that I have ever before identified with Charlie Brown. But that opening scene of the movie was like it was taken straight from my thoughts this year. Ev told me the other day that if I wasn't happy right now, I'd never be happy. He meant it sort of tongue-in-cheek, but as usual, those comments always have some truth to them. We have a beautiful home to live in, balmy weather, our family is together for Christmas this year, which is a blessing we haven't always had in years past. So why do I feel like such a scrooge?

As it turns out, it's not the chilly weather, or the smell of freshly cut Christmas trees that creates a cheerful Christmas atmosphere. It's not having beautiful decorations or twinkle lights. Maybe you know this already, but bear with me, I'm still learning. I thought I could go through the motions, and that I could absorb holiday cheer from the outside, in. But it's just the opposite, isn't it? Real joy comes from within. And not just from someplace deep inside of us, but from God, who places it there. I believe that God gives the gift of joy freely, when we ask and are obedient to his will and commands. God will give us joy when we serve him, and when we worship him with our praise. Nehemiah 8:10 says, Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."


Luke 2:8-14
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multidude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!"

Selah