I Am Nothing Without You

.....To be poor in spirit is to recognize your utter spiritual bankruptcy before God. It is understanding that you have absolutely nothing of worth to offer God. Being poor in spirit is admitting that, because of your sin, you are completely destitute spiritually and can do nothing to deliver yourself from your dire situation. Jesus is saying that, no matter your status in life, you must recognize your spiritual poverty before you can come to God in faith to receive the salvation He offers.....................When Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” He is declaring that, before we can enter God’s kingdom, we must recognize the utter worthlessness of our own spiritual currency and the inability of our own works to save us.

.... The lowliness of a vine demonstrates His humility. It also pictures a close, permanent, vital union between the vine and branches. It is symbolic of belonging, because branches belong entirely to the vine; if branches are to live and bear fruit, they must completely depend on the vine for nourishment, support, strength, and vitality.

Anticipation and Preparation

Advent—that period of time on the church calendar when many Christians prepare to celebrate the first coming of Christ while looking forward to His second coming. During Advent, we emphasize hope, peace, joy, and love, which God sent with Christ.

HOPE. We have an inheritance reserved in heaven, a living hope through the resurrection of Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3-5).

PEACE. We will love life and see good days if we turn from evil and do good and if we seek peace, for the Lord watches over the righteous and hears their prayers (3:10-12).

JOY. We have inexpressible joy even though we have trials because our faith is being tested and proven genuine. The end of this faith is the salvation of our souls (1:6-9).

LOVE. We can love one another with a pure heart because we have been born again through the Word of God which lives and abides forever (1:22-23).

Because Christ came the first time, we can live with hope, peace, joy, and love till He comes again.

The hope we have in Jesus Christ Brings joy into our heart; And when we know the love of God, His peace He will impart. —Sper

Letting Go

"Letting Go" By Rev. Wayne Palmer  
December 15, 2015

Read Psalm 65. TEXT: "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke1:38). 

When Mary awoke this morning, she undoubtedly expected things to go as they always had. Her betrothal to Joseph would continue; her wedding day would be a day closer. Things would be as they were yesterday, and tomorrow will bring more of the same.

She didn't awake thinking an angel would suddenly appear and that God's plans would shake up her life drastically. Yet for all that, in simple faith, she willingly casts aside her plans, eager to serve God's good pleasure.

**Sometimes life seems like it's going according to schedule, cruising along the way we expect. We may have a precise timeline with all our steps carefully laid out, but suddenly things change. Health problems arise, jobs are lost, and friends disappear. It can be frustrating, frightening or exhilarating. For Mary, this news is life-changing. But the Holy Spirit has given her faith and confidence to accept God's changes. He gives us that same trust to believe that whatever God is doing, He is still working to make all these things turn for our benefit**

That is precisely what God promises you and me. In Romans 8:28a He assures us, "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good ...."

This Christmas is a reminder that God doesn't stand back and let things go by themselves. We aren't victims of chance and circumstance; rather, God is carefully arranging everything for good. This is just as He arranged everything to send His Son into this world by the Virgin Mary.


THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for questioning and doubting the wisdom of Your will. Still my heart when change comes, and give me humble, quiet faith so that I may serve You in awe and watch Your mighty deliverance. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, I pray. Amen..

Joyful

"Daily I make a decision to be Joyful before I get out of bed...I'm not always successful, but without Hope of the best day ever, maybe I just wouldn't get up. Have a great Joyful day."

The third Sunday of Advent talks about joy. Sometimes I think we get joy mixed up with happiness. Happiness is an emotion that we feel when everything is working the way we think it should. Then we're happy.

Joy, though, may see problems and trials and hardships, but it knows that our hope is in a God who never leaves us or forsakes us. Joy really isn't an emotion - it is a choice, a decision of our will. I will rejoice and be glad because God is in control.

Paul wrote (from prison, no less!) "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). May the Christmas season fill you with joy that God broke into our world to redeem us...http://www.beltonnazarene.org/node/142

Peace....And Let It Begin with Me

2nd Sunday of Advent


Peace...

"Let there be Peace on Earth, and Let it begin with Me"

"Peace on the earth, good will to men

From heavens all gracious King! The World in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing"

May this Christmas season be the start of that Peace in our lives..be it relief from domestic issues or World issues...let it begin with us.  

Merry Christmas 2015.