Merry Christmas!
 

Thank you God for sending Jesus.

 

And she will bring forth a son and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.
~Matthew 1:21

 

Our Daily Bread

 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

 

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  His mercy endures forever! ~Psalm 118:1

Thank you God for this country, our founding fathers, a warm house, plenty of food, Your beautiful creation, a loving family, and most of all, thank you for salvation through Jesus Christ!  What a wonderful reminder for us to be thankful.  We can thank the Lord for His love for us, no matter what circumstance we are in.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
 

Our Daily Bread

Following Him

 

 

As the world changes rapidly, how willing are we to follow God in the midst of persecution?  Living in the United States, it's been easy to SAY we follow Christ and devote our life to Him.  But, we haven't had to face a situation where our faith in Christ could lead to imprisonment or even death.  Are we still willing to follow Him with the threat of that kind of persecution?

 

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 
II Timothy 3:12

 

In the recent college shooting, students were asked if they were Christians.  Knowing the outcome of their answer, they didn't back down.  How would we respond?

 

How about a lesser persecution?   As Christians, our freedoms are rapidly being taken away.  Can we remain steadfast in the Lord and not compromise our belief in Him by giving in to the world's immoral demands?  What are we willing to lose to stand up for what we know is right according to God's Word?  As our country continues downward, we will face persecution right here . . . are you ready?

 

I think we've become complacent and give in to the world's distorted view of what is right far too easily.  We need to know what is right and wrong according to the Word of God.  Stay steadfast, spend time in prayer and studying God's Word each day.  Rejoice in the persecution you endure!  Yes, rejoice, knowing we are growing closer to God.  Rejoice, in the opportunity to pray for those who persecute us. 

 

Thank you Lord, for being with us through everything!

 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 
1 Corinthians 15:58

Answered prayers . . .

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And, if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. 
1 John 5:14-15
 

Does this mean we can ask anything, as believers, and He will give it to us?  Many people make that mistake.  They conveniently leave out the part "according to His will".   God DOES answer prayer, every single time!  His answer just might be different than we expect.  Since God knows exactly what's best for us, He answers our prayer according to His will.  Praise to Lord!
 

What is God's will?  If we study God's word, we can pray according to His will.  His will brings glory and honor to Him and is always according to His word.  Pray for wisdom in knowing God's will.  Study God's word . . . 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 is a great place to start. 
 

Have a glorious day!  It's fall here in Wisconsin, cold nights and warm(ish) days are ushering in the season.  It's time for a trip to the apple orchard, a fire in the wood stove at night, and a rush to complete projects before winter sets in!
 

Enjoy fall!  Rejoice in the beauty God has given us!
 

Whose time?

Whose time is it?

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.  ~Ephesians 5:15

How easy it is to let my day get away from me, to waste my time on something of little importance the next day, let alone to eternity.  When I think of my time as a gift from the Lord, and not really "mine" at all, but His, it puts a whole new perspective on what I do.  What can I do for Him today with the time He has given me?  Will doing this or that matter for eternity?  Will it matter for someone else's eternity? 

Spring is here in Wisconsin! It's easy to feel refreshed with the spring air blowing through the open windows.  Thank you Lord for spring breezes!  Help me to remember that MY time is actually YOUR time and I should use it for YOUR glory!