Sunday Words of Encouragement January 4, 2015

This morning we celebrated Epiphany which is to symbolize the “revealing of Christ” by the wise men following the star to worship the Christ Child.  Our Pastor’s Sermon was titled: Living a Significant Life. The wise men were overjoyed when they saw the star. They traveled from far off, bringing expensive gifts on a long, perilous journey to worship a king. Matthew 2:9-12. Were they disappointed when they came upon a baby in a humble house setting? No. They bowed down and worshiped. It was because they knew the prophecies and they were looking with expectation...anticipation. The wise men were successful in completing their mission. They were the first of the gentiles to worship the savior.

As a new year begins we tend to make plans for what we want to happen during the year. But we have to realize that we only see a part of the big picture or plan that God has in mind. We must be mindful first to set our plans after seeking God’s guidance. Even so, things do not always go as we plan and we must be willing to adjust to His leading as days unfold.  The important thing is to live with significant intent: love God, love your neighbors, be a witness of the good news and God's faithfulness. And expect and anticipate good things being assured that God 'works all things to good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.' Romans 8:28.

I had a couple of songs in mind today.

I choose the traditional "We Three Kings"

after reviewing the words and enjoying this version.

A Verse for Today:
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Lord, I submit my plans for 2015 to Your guidance. I pray: "God, use me any way you like. I am waiting."

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 28, 2014

We had a short communion service today to prepare for 2015. Pastor asked us to remember, as we prepare for a new year, that God gives us strength for all our days. Deut 33:25. Pastor then described “Good Riddance Day” which he heard was being celebrated in New York. People are to write up a list of things they don't want to carry into 2015. Pastor asked us to write such things on prayer cards. The question being: What regrets, disappointments or bad habits do you want to put behind you, leaving them in 2014 and starting with a fresh slate? Also, he reminded us that, if we are like 80% of any crowd, we are among those who have someone to forgive. He encouraged us to do it now.

This is one of the songs from our Christmas Cantata.

I find it a nice song to finish this Christmas week of music sharing.

Bethlehem Calls

by NewSong

A Verse for Today:
Deuteronomy 33:25 NIV
25 The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze,
and your strength will equal your days.

God, I seek you guidance and continued blessing as we prepare for another new year. Help me especially to do your Will and to spread the word of Your good deeds and Your gospel of salvation and grace.

Christmas Sharing Little Drummer Boy

As I was looking at Christmas videos I came upon this.

Isn't it wonderful?

Not only is it beautifully done but the song reminds us that we He is pleased when we bring 

the smallest, simplest gifts offered with a humble heart.

Little Drummer Boy 

by Pentatonix 

Christmas Sharing Day After Christmas

Day After Christmas

by Matthew West

Christmas Sharing: Leaving Heaven

Leaving Heaven

by Matthew West

Christmas Sharing: The Song of Christmas

The Song of Christmas

NewSong

Christmas Sharing: Give This Christmas Away

Give This Christmas Away

by Matthew West

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 21, 2014

This is the Fourth Sunday of Advent when we remember LOVE - the love that God showed us by sending His son to earth, and the love that Jesus showed by leaving heaven to be born as a humble baby.

Our Sunday School was filled with excitement as we heard of the progress of Brother "E", a Haitian man we are helping to open and share ministry in his hometown. He came to America in the summer thinking he was to work here and send money home to his family. He was injured and lost his job. He came to our church in a state of despair during Wednesday night lessons. He returned Sunday and by the next Tuesday he had been "adopted" by the men's group that meets for prayer every Tuesday morning. The men raised funds for support and he returned to his home convinced that God wanted him to minister there.  Our congregation is honored to be helping to support his ministry in a place where voodoo worship is real and dangerous.

Brother "E" says he is a flashlight in a dark place but the light shines brightly due to the darkness. Since July there have been over 200 people who have accepted the message of salvation! He gives thanks to God for our support and we give thanks to God for his willingness and obedience to minister in difficult surroundings. Please pray for his continued protection and for God to continue to bless and spread the message in Haiti.

Church was nice with a good presentation from the young folk about the 12 Symbols of Christmas. Pastor shared a message on the importance of Angels - not only as seen in delivering messages in the Christmas story and other stories of the Bible, but also in our day to day lives. Do you believe in angels? Especially guardian angels?

I started out seeking another song video from our cantata.

I found numerous videos that I would love to share.

I will probably post one each morning this week leading up to Christmas.

The one I chose for today is to complete my Christmas Card list this year.

I am sending this Christmas Card song to all of my blog friends!

A Verse for Today:
Psalm 91:11
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

I pray, as Christmas Day approaches, that my friends know that they are loved, not just this special week but every day! I pray that angels watch over each of us and I pray that Brother "E" has a Christmas blessed by the touch of God's Holy Spirit!

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 14, 2014

This morning we lit the third candle of advent, which is the candle for Praise. The people have been given Hope and a message of Joy. How else should they respond but with Praise and Worship!

We presented our Choral Christmas program today. There were six songs from Hallelujah! Light Has Come, A Christmas Choral Collection plus another five from a prior year's book, Gloria. We have a choir of about 17 people, four bass, three tenor, five altos and five sopranos, plus three more for the Christmas special when our Pastor sings special and our pianist and organist join in. We have some fantastic voices with seven different people singing solos and duets! Then we have those of us who love to 'make a joyful noise' to one degree or another.

The songs this year have been beautiful, though some were challenging with the echos. Our music director added some narration that enhanced the program.

I chose this song to share today. It is truly beautiful plus it leads to praise.

Hallelujah, Light Has Come

A Verse for Today:
Luke 2:20
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Heavenly Father, Almighty God, I thank you and praise you for sending your only son to find us in our sin and deliver us through His own sacrifice. Please help me to focus on hope, joy, praise and love this Christmas season.