NAUGHTY OR NICE

Some people have the idea that God carries around a list, like Santa, giving him a blow by blow description of everything they have done wrong in their lives. Maybe you are one of those people who believe its only the church goers who get their prayers answered; not some runaway sinner like you.  You imagine if you keep off the radar, God will forget about you and shoot that lighting bolt of vengeance in some other poor souls direction. Somewhere along the line you were told that God gets glory when you suffer in silence and accept your lot in life.

WHAT A LIE! The Bible tells us God gets glory when the lame walk and the blind see!

God sent his son into this dark, hurting world to seek and save the lost.  Jesus was born on our harsh planet not to condemn humanity but to forgive sin,  heal your diseases, deliver you from all your hurts and disappointments, and to set you free from every type of bondage so you can live with hope and joy.

As you approach this Christmas and New Year, realize one thing... when you ask for forgiveness, Jesus keeps no record of wrongs. Instead of running away, go to the manger just as you are. Don't be afraid to tell Him what you need.  Our problems and failures seem huge to us but "nothing is impossible with God." Let this be the year you begin to believe He cares for the naughty and nice.

Luke 19:10  "For Jesus came to save that which was lost."
Salvation is just the beginning of all God has in store for those who trust Jesus.  He intends to save us from our sins, and everything that tries to ruin our lives.

John 3:17 (MSG) "For God gave his son, his one and only son. and this is why; so that no one need be destroyed. By believing in him, anyone  can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all this trouble merely to point an accusing finger, telling us how bad we are, he came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in Jesus is acquitted, anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why ? Because of that persons failure to believe that Jesus, the son of God, was not sent into the world in order to pass sentence on people, but that humanity might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him." 

Jesus is the gift we need to receive this Christmas. Ask him into your heart. It will be the best decision of your life.

  

YOU ARE SPECIAL

Statistics say there are 7 billion people in the world.  In New York City alone there is a staggering 8 million!  You might think with all those people running around you would be nothing more then a spec and get lost in the mix.
           Think again..
Take a minute and look at your fingertips.  Those little lines and ridges you see there are all uniquely yours.  No one else in the world has the same pattern that you have.  And those tiny lines are exactly the same the day you are born as they will be the day you die. If that is not enough to make you feel special, here is something else to think about.  The Bible teaches us that the creator of the universe knows you by name and has numbered the hairs on your head.  "You" are special to God and just like your fingerprints are uniquely yours he has a personal plan for your life.

It does not matter if you are an atheist or a believer; you were created by God and there is a reason you are on planet earth right now. Think of it this way. The world you live in is God's great house. You are one of his treasures that he displays across the globe for an honorable or dishonorable cause.  Your life is not a question of whether or not he will use you but what will he be able to use you for?

Let me explain. Silver and gold are useless when they are first brought in from the field. The original compounds are full of impurities that make the metal unfit for use.  The silversmith must refine it and remove all the imperfections so it can be softened and shaped.  This process involves fire and very close attention by the smith. The metal goes in and out of the furnace until he can see his own reflection in it.

If you are up to the challenge the same process applies to you.  The problems and difficulties you face each day are part of the refining process God uses to get you ready for the special job he has for you.  Like the silversmith, he never takes his eyes off you because you are his work in progress. When you allow God to work out his amazing plan for you he will help you live up to a higher standard enabling you to become a vessel of honor fit for every good work.


In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.  If anyone cleanses himself of dishonor, he will become a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for God, prepared for every good work.  2 Timothy 20 - 21