Encouragement ~ Prayer:). December 16, 2014

December 17, 2014 - 7 minutes read

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
this cornerstone, this solid ground
firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
here in the love of Christ I stand

Normally we think of the gospel story as it begins with the birth of Jesus. The angels are there with Mary and Joseph. The manger is in our mind’s eye along with some shepherds and the three wise men from the east. But Mark skips over the birth stories and starts with John the Baptist. Mark compresses the gospel story to its essentials.

For Mark, the gospel story begins with a messenger, a voice crying in the wilderness, “Everybody get ready for the Lord! The Lord, the Savior, the Messiah, the very Son of God is coming! He is the all-powerful and all-worthy one. Get ready for him. Admit, renounce and turn from your sins and misdeeds. He will be your Lord and fill you with the very Spirit of God. This is good news, great news, for our cultural and spiritual wilderness.”

There was only one John the Baptist, of course. But all of us also have our own “advance messenger” roles to play in today’s wilderness. Who can I speak to—and what shall I say—to prepare the hearts and minds of those in my circle of contacts for a positive, transforming encounter with Jesus during this Advent season?
Day 16 | We Are All Advance Messengers by David Gill
© 2014 Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Beloved In Christ,

This season, today, tomorrow, everyday is about Christ! Our Life! Forgive me Lord for not giving you my heart completely everyday. I confess I fail! Our indwelling God…You form the hearts of all… You are my help and shield…In You alone my heart finds joy…help me to trust more in Your Holy Name…”…May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22

I pray your are experiencing JOY..In Christ! An overflowing Love, Joy, Peace… a supernatural radiance of Christ that others want to know more about… Indeed! “Those who look to him are radiant; [smiling, delighted, joyful] their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:5 Even more! “My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted [humble] hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” 34;2-3.

Sunday we had our Christmas dinner at Pine Summit. Our church does an ornament exchange. I got a beautiful ornament with the letters: J-O-Y! :). So cool… our God is good to me! You too! :).
We want to bring joy…even much much love and peace to many this Christ centered season! We are praying and seeking our God who answers the cries of the afflicted, struggling, lonely… asking our God to use us to reach those He determines this season.

We are asking for your prayers: we plan on sponsoring seven youth through Phoenix House. Our brother Andrew is a constant expression of Christ at this residential program. He has asked for our prayers and support in providing gifts for these young folks. Moreover, we are raising a few funds for the men at Luke’s House (sober living environment for men). I’d like to give each of them (11 disabled guys) a $20 gift card. If you know of families, youth, singles, couples, elderly…anyone in our communities who we need to show the love of Christ and bless with a Christmas gift, let us know. We are trusting our gracious God to determine our steps as we plan to love many:).

If you can join us in sponsoring a youth, a family…disabled guy… however, our Lord leads you… we appreciate much your support…. Furthermore, we want to have a celebration with youth and YOU, if you can make it… a Christmas party! Join us…! Volunteer… contribute… most important pray for our ongoing efforts… our goal is to prepare the way for supernatural transformation, mercy and grace manifest among many! We are sharing ideas, planning, excited! Allow this season to be joyful! Be encouraged! Our King has come! He is coming again! :).

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
scorned by the ones He came to save
’Til on that cross as Jesus died
the wrath of God was satisfied
For ev’ry sin on Him was laid
here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
then, bursting forth in glorious day
up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
for I am His and He is mine
bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
this is the pow’r of Christ in me
from life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man
can ever pluck me from His hand
’til He returns or calls me home
here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand

LoVe Others! Much!

Randall:).