God is With You [Right Now}

Hello friends! 

This passage compiled by a friend, Jeff Lawton, needed to be shared. It really spoke to me and I pray it does to you too! I love you all, xo Laura

How many times have we heard the cry, “Where is God?” in the midst of suffering and tragedy? Some people think that God has abandoned them, but God is always there. His name, Jehovah-Shammah, means “God Is There” or “God Is Always Present.”

In Ezekiel 48:35, the Lord shared with Ezekiel a vision about the future of Jerusalem and said, “And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there”. God’s presence is with His people. God is ever-present among us. As Christians, God dwells inside of us: “For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people’” (2 Corinthians 6:16). 

As a believer, you are a temple of God. Live your life knowing that God is present with you and within you at all times. “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). You are not only the Holy Spirit’s dwelling place but also a living testimony for Christ.

No matter what obstacles or heartaches you face, God is with you. You can trust in God’s presence, both now and in the future. His love is unconditional, and His faithfulness is unwavering. Just as the Lord told Joshua, “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).

God is there for His children in every moment of every day. He will never turn away from you, and will remain present with you always. What crisis are you facing today? What illness is wearing you down? What need is consuming you? Share your heart with Jehovah-Shammah. He is there for you and wants to hear your concerns, fears, and anxieties.

  Matthew 28:20

  ...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Being Grateful {All the time}

Good morning friends! I was inspired by a fellow blogger about giving thanks in all circumstances.These past two weeks haven't been the best because of this awful cold and lingering cough. BUT I still have a whole LOT of stuff to give thanks for every single day. 

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"
 1 Thessalonians 5:18

All the time, I am grateful for having God's word. 

I love this quote "Visit many good books, but live in the Bible" - C.H. Spurgeon.  Amen. 

And my husband. He's pretty cute. (And...He will kill me when he finds this picture :P) 

And my family. My silly little niece Samantha, I miss her!!

And my grandma's sweet hand written notes.

And sweet friends that come to have pancakes with you all the way out in Deland!

And Barnie's Santa's White Christmas K-cups... and a little light whip cream on top!

And good movies.... Do you want to build a snow man?

And I have to add these guys because they are so darn cute sometimes!

I pray that all of you will take a minute today and thank God for the many blessings He gives us.

And I will leave you with this little reminder for today....

 "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:23

Love always, Laura Xo 

The Baby in a Manger

Hello my brothers and sisters! I just finished going through the gospel of John and boy was that fun. I am going to go back and read it again after I finish Luke. Speaking of Luke, that is my new book of choice. I decided to read Luke because it is SO detailed. I really want to fill in the gaps or missing parts that were a bit vague in John.

So, I know it is not {[Christmas]} but after reading Luke 1 and 2 I found myself marveling at the differences in the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus the Messiah. It's pretty remarkable to see how God wanted John's arrival to be revealed at the center of the Jewish nation, but he picked for Jesus to be born in a manger. Another interesting point revealed to me - John was the son of Zechariah, a priest and his mother was also highly looked up to. Jesus's parents, Mary and Joseph, were just average Jewish people.

Truly, Truly, I say to you,... (Yes, I am using Jesus's awesome words!) it's in the birth of Christ that God's majesty is truly shown to all. I mean, if you really think about it, God's one and only son was born in a stable where animals were put. Could you imagine what was inside and not just that... but how it probably smelled? Mary and Joseph were told by a innkeeper that there was not enough room for them. Yet they both pressed on! They were faithful that God would take care of them no matter where they had to go.  [Are we like Mary and Joseph? Or are we like the Innkeeper? Do we not have room for Jesus?] These things that happened TRULY show the grace of God and His great love for US people regardless of our social ranking. Jesus, the savior of the world, came here humbly and lived a life of complete humility as a faithful servant of God and man.

A few other things that really stuck out to me in Luke Chapter 2 was the praise from Heaven, the shepherds and Mary. With how humble the place that the Lord was born, it still brought forth the presence of Angels.  AMAZING....

After Mary gave birth to Jesus this is what happened:

^"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2: 8-15

Could you imagine what those shepherds felt like when this happened? I mean really, this is incredible. So much is happening here after the birth of Christ. All of heaven is beyond JOYFUL for Jesus has came into the world to complete God's work. Jesus's arrival is so big that it arouses pure joy inside the hearts of the shepherds to go out and tell everyone the great news. Even when the shepherds return to the manger they begin to worship God [Luke 2: 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."]

Mary sat in the manger, deeply thinking about these things [Luke 2:19 "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."] All of this that is going on has Mary very attentive. Shepherds are worshiping God because of her Son and all of Heaven is rejoicing. I don't know about you but Mary is one pretty awesome woman to handle this!

My prayer for you all is to remember the significance of the Birth of Christ, right now, not just on Christmas. It's a time to be joyful e v e r y d a y... because Jesus was amazingly born into our world and conquered death for ALL of us!! Amen, amen, amen! Have a blessed day everyone, praying for you all. Xo - Laura

I was blind, but now I see!

Good morning everyone! It has been a little while since I have written on this blog. Most recently I have been writing for a website called 5 Minutes for Faith. It has been such a blessing to be able to put my writings about the Lord and what he is doing in my life on a platform that more people will get to read. My next post will be on April 8th, so please check it out or go to 5 Minutes For Faith.com and check out the website right now! It's awesome.

In my personal studies, I have been really diving into John. Sometimes you don't know why the Lord is calling you to read a particular book [I certainly have no idea why I picked John] except for I felt like God wanted me to know the gospel - like a pro! Not sure if I am a professional anything, maybe with God's grace and mercy I am a decent writer but I am not a theologian or bible scholar by any means! But God is good, and he speaks to everyone through his Word, especially those who seek after him with their whole heart (Jeremiah 29-13, You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.) Man, I love that verse. So reassuring and true.

 

After reading John Chapter 9 today, God revealed to me more about his mercy and love through healing a man who was born blind.

Reading through the gospels we see and learn that Christ healed many different people. Through healing, Christ demonstrates his desire to want help us in desperate cases and how Christ pours out his grace on sinners. 

It is so cool to notice that although the blind man in John 9 could not see Christ...Christ saw him. This points to how if we experience anything by the power of God it is not because of anything we did but because God knew us first.

Another thing I want to point out is John 9:2-3. "His {Jesus's} disciples asked him. 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' {Jesus responded} "Neither this man nor his parents sinned...but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him."

God is good all the time and all the time God is good. That quote I pulled from the movie "God's Not Dead" {which I HIGHLY suggest going to see}. But it came to mind after reading John 9: 2-3. We might not understand why God allows blindness into the world or anything of that nature but as Christ points out it's not always right to point back to sin as the culprit. Sometimes circumstances like this one are made for God's glory and for God to finish a bigger work that was meant to be done {or is currently doing} because God is good!

Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." John 9:39. Christ wants to open the eyes of all of us who are spiritually dead and show those who think they can see that they need him.

I pray that all of you take a minute or two today to pray and give God all the Glory for your life. I pray that you read John Chapter 9 and allow the holy spirit to work in you and show you new things. I want to leave you all with this verse and I challenge you to think about it throughout the day and see how powerful God truly is...ready? Ok!

"The kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:21  

Thanks for reading, God bless you all!! Xo - Laura

Thanks be to GOD for 2013

2013: The most favorite year of my life {so far!}

I guess if I had to start this post with something, the greatest word {or maybe I should say NAME} I could begin it with would be Jesus. He has truly inspired me this entire year and there have been people (many people) along the way showing me more about Jesus than I ever knew. I’m not going to sit here and tell you I have it all figured out because I most definitely don’t! But I think I am well on my way of finding my truest self in the Lord All Mighty. So thank you Jesus for being there for me this whole year and teaching me more about myself and what I am in You.

The greatest gift:

As I mentioned up there ^ … : ) Jesus has shown me what life is supposed to be about. Why we should live every day to glorify Him and to live our best walking in the Spirit. It is a daily, no; second by second challenge to walk in the Spirit. As it reads in Galatians 5 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” but as you read those things aren’t they pretty AWESOME  but so hard to practice sometimes? For me the answer is a definite yes! But I’ve been inspired by the Holy Spirit, my fiancé, family, friends and church body to be striving for this daily. It’s been and is one of the hardest but best challenges of my life; and I can attest to say it is truly changing me into a Godlier woman and drawing me closer to Jesus.

A true love:

As I embark on this next journey of my life with my wonderful partner in crime and soon to be husband, I am learning that love is not peaches and cream {all the time}. It’s wonderful when you find your soul mate and yes I used that word. I believe in that word just like I believe that Jesus my Lord and Savior. I do believe that God has made someone perfect for me. But part of that perfectness He has created is {here we go a little quote from one of my favorite movies “Up”} “We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.” Come on ya’ll! That’s exactly how God loves us because of his precious son Jesus Christ! True love, therefore, has its up’s and down’s but it doesn’t fail and it’s one of the most beautiful, most amazing things I have ever experienced!

Why church is important!

I hate not being able to go to church more than once a week {on Sundays} right now. But it wasn’t always that way for me. I use to be an occasional church goer – which works for some people, just not for me. I found out this year, after attending church every single Sunday, that I grew tremendously in my relationship with God. Honestly now, I feel like going to church is just part of who I am. It doesn’t feel like a place I should go on Sunday mornings, it feels like a place I’m honored to be in. The community of believers is a beautiful, if not THE  most beautiful, place I have ever experienced in my life. One the most lovely, breathtaking thing that I occasionally get to experience during worship is this. The band stops playing its instruments for a couple seconds and the congregation continues to sing. It’s in those moments I can feel the heart of the church, it’s like I can feel it beating through the vibrations of people’s voices. It’s those moments, when all of life’s distractions melt away, and I feel like the church community is singing to God in praises of pure joy. It’s honestly a bit hard to describe, I hope you got the idea! A church can be anywhere though, as it says in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” I am so lucky to have found such a wonderful church community to be a part of. I truly hope and pray for all of you out there to find a church home or even just a small group to where you can grow in your relationship with Christ.

Merci beaucoup!

Thank you to all of the wonderful encouragers in my life, some of you might not even know that you encourage me! One of you, I won’t name specifically, said in a post this year “I try to wake each morning & say "Good Morning LORD! I choose JOY today!" I love you!”  Man, did this encourage me! How simple and true it is that if we choose God – EVERY.SINGLE. MORNING – He won’t fail us! So, thanks to this person, God knows who you are!  I will continue to pray for you and all of my encouragers, friends, family and the world!

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

{{That’s one of my fiancés favorites ^^ : ) }}

I could write a novel on everything I learned in 2013 but I will save that for the history books {I’ve always wanted to write one!} I think we can all learn from each other’s experiences and spur each other on! To my fellow bloggers out there, keep it up! It’s fun to read and share with others who love words and have the God given talent to write! Don’t let your gifts go to waste; you never know who is reading and who could be one step closer to opening the door to Jesus!

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20

That’s all for now, may God have ALL the glory for my post and may God use it to encourage you to draw closer to Him! Xo* Laura

{Thankfulness} Because I needed to remember!

Just a few things I'm thankful for!! Jesus!! Rocky, family, friends, churches, babies, little Samantha, sunsets, mountains, air planes, birthdays, cakes, grandmas, kittens, squirrels, hot chocolate... So much!!! Thank you Lord!! Try making a list of pictures reminding you why you have so much to be thankful for!! 

Practice Patience

Hi guys, I'm back. Hopefully I can start posting regularly again! Here's something that really helped me this morning - I hope it does for you as well. Thanks Jeff Lawton for always putting these devotionals together!

 For the believer, patience is built upon the absolute, unshakable belief that God is sovereign. We can be patient because we know we are not forgotten nor forsaken by our heavenly Father. Patience is the result of knowing that God has every detail of our lives under control. Nothing escapes His eternal care.

One day your loving Savior is coming back for you. Remember, your ultimate destination is heaven. Therefore, don’t get hooked by Satan’s bait and begin treating this world as your real home. If you do, you will find that you are becoming more impatient with the aggravations of life.

James gives us examples that spur us on to patience. First, we must understand some of the basic rules of farming (James 5:7). A farmer does not continually dig up the seed he has planted in order to check its growth—if he did so, he would never have a harvest. Likewise, we must trust God’s timing in our lives. Just as the farmer waits for His crop, we must wait on God to complete His work in our lives. This takes patience! James goes on to tell us that even Job had to endure a fierce trial. However, he knew that God had a wonderful plan for his life, and he refused to deny the Lord.

There will be times when we feel like we are in a holding pattern in our lives. We long to move away from our difficulties, but God wants us to wait and to learn how to be patient. If you find yourself feeling impatient with your circumstances, look up into the glorious face of the Savior who loves you and has a great reward for you.

James 5:7

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.

{God's Plan} Happy Weekend!

Hi readers,

I know it has been a couple of months since I have posted anything on here! But let’s just say God has taught me a lot in such a short amount of time.

Lately, I have been very determined to find out what God’s will for my life is. What my purpose here on earth is and what God’s will really means. I feel that we all come to a point in our lives, some earlier and some later than others, when we are desperate to know what we are here for.

I’m reading a short book right now simply (yet not so simply) titled “How to Know God’s Will” by Robert M. West. I haven’t finished it yet, but after reading just the first couple chapters I have been reminded of the fact that we aren’t here by accident. God has a very specific reason why He created each and every one of us, and although I may sound like your mom when I say this, I am going to say it regardless: we are all special to God.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14

“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Those are just a FEW verses that show how God knows all of us (down to the exact number of hairs on your head) and has prepared something special for us according to His will.

So how do you find out what God’s will is for your life? That is a big question, the big question I have been searching to understand.

Here’s something I came across that has helped me a great deal. West quotes this in his book – the first question and answer from the Westminster Shorter Catechism: 

Question: What is the chief end of man?

Answer: The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

After reading that, I just sat back and let it sink in. Then I asked myself, has my motive for discovering God’s will just been selfish? I think so. Now, I’m looking at this entire topic completely different. West quotes scripture from Revelation in his book:  

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”  Revelation 4:11

I’m going to continue my journey with God in trying to find out how I can glorify Him in my life’s endeavors. As I learn more on the topic of God’s will I will be sharing!! Please pray for my walk as a Christian, and as I search God’s word daily – trying to better my understanding for His will.

Biscuits :-)

My finances mom sent this out... It's so worth the read! Enjoy and happy Friday!

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I’ll never forget what he said: “Honey, I love burned biscuits.”

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, “Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired. And besides – a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!”

Life is full of imperfect things, and imperfect people. I’m not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I’ve learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults – and choosing to celebrate each others differences – is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that’s my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He’s the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn’t a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!

“Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone elses' pocket – keep it in your own.” 

God Bless You. Now, and Always.

So Please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burnt one will do just fine! 

His Grace

Good morning!

By:JL

      As we examine the power of God’s grace, we must be careful how we handle it. God’s grace is not a free pass to commit sin and then to ask for forgiveness later. Instead, God’s grace gives us the incredible freedom to passionately pursue God without fear of condemnation.

 

Each day, we are faced with numerous decisions—many of which are honoring to God. If we choose wisely, then we experience the blessings of God. If we choose unwisely, then we will deal with sin’s consequences. However, if we do make the wrong choice, God’s love for us does not waver. He doesn’t cast us aside and break ties with us. This is when God’s grace and mercy shine.

 

In the same way a coach gives a player a vote of confidence even after he has made a mistake, God gives us a vote of confidence through His grace. All He asks in return is that we try, and that we never stop allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

 

In explaining how grace and works are intertwined, James writes,

 

But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does (James1:25).

 

God knows that we are not perfect. However, He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us make the right decisions in life if we will listen to Him. In giving us this ability to choose for ourselves, we gain tremendous freedom when we choose God’s path. His grace provides us with a sense of freedom like we have never known.

 

      Romans 6:14

 

             14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

I've Missed You All!

Compiled by Jeff Lawton:

As Adam and Eve first experienced God’s grace in the Garden of Eden, they came to understand some important aspects of God’s character. In learning about God, they discovered that He would not excuse sin. They also found out that He would not discard the sinner.

When we make a mistake and fall into sin, we begin to wonder what type of punishment God will issue us. Though there are always consequences for sin, there is not an excommunication from God. Instead of zapping us into the stratosphere never to be heard from again, He chases us, seeking us just like He sought Adam and Eve in the garden.

Upon the realization that they had sinned, Adam and Eve hid from God. They knew that He had given them the perfect place to live, yet they botched it by falling for the oldest lie of the enemy: God is withholding His best. So they hid, hoping that God would not find them.

However, God and His grace always find us—not because we are terrible at hiding, but because He is so good at seeking. He does not hunt us down to scold us; rather, He chases our hearts so that we can see how much He loves us.

God’s grace gives us an opportunity to allow Him to change us. It gives us a moment in which we encounter God and His awesome grace, and we surrender. We stop running from God and start running to Him.

It may be painful at times as He roots out some of the strongholds of sin in our lives. But the difference He makes in our lives in the end will be worth it.

      John 1:16

            16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.

 

Colorado Springs Trip :)

Colorado Springs Trip :)

Wednesday :)

  Compiled by Jeff Lawton: 

 We all understand the importance of water for survival. In fact, next to air, water is the most important substance for life.

 

The Bible teaches Jesus is God incarnate and He was also human. He experienced the same feelings and temptations that we encounter each day. However, He never succumbed to even one temptation.

 

In John 4:4-8, we read how the Savior became tired and stopped to rest beside the well of Jacob. While His disciples were buying food in a nearby town, a Samaritan woman arrived at the well to draw water. Jesus, being thirsty, asked her for a drink of the well’s water. Immediately, she protested and reminded him that she was a Samaritan, and He was a Jew.

 

Jews believed the Samaritans were unclean. Another fact to consider is that this woman was at the well alone at high noon. More than likely, she also was considered unclean by her own people and came to the well at a time when no one else would see her.

 

We know her story. She had been married many times and was in need of a Savior, and Jesus met her need. He told her:

 

Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:13-14).

 

Christ confronted the deepest need of this woman and offered her a chance to begin life anew. The more you drink from the world’s water, the worse your thirst will become.

 

Are you restless and discontent? Just as He offered living water to the woman at the well, He offers it to you. When you drink of Him, you will thirst no more.

 

    Revelations 7:17

         

           17 ...‘he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’

It's Tuesday :) Jesus has a message for you!

 Compiled by Jeff Lawton: 

     In the Middle East, the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep is special. Sheep know their shepherd’s voice, and they follow him when he calls. If a stranger comes along, the sheep shrink back.

 

It is no surprise that during World War I, when a group of Turkish soldiers decided to steal a flock of sheep from a hillside near Jerusalem, they had to face the fact that the shepherd was the only one who could control the sheep. But even he knew he could not recapture his flock single handedly against all those soldiers.

 

He did the only thing he could; he put his hand to his mouth and gave his own particular call that he used each day to gather his sheep. When the sheep heard the familiar sound, they stopped, turned, and came back to their shepherd.

 

The same is true with us—the body of Christ. Those who are children of God will hear His voice through His Word. Jesus says in John 10:27-28, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

 

The way to know whether you are one of His sheep is in how you respond to His voice and His Word. Do you recognize the voice of Jesus? He knows you better than you know yourself.

 

Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14). Jesus is the good shepherd who gave His life for you. However, He longs for you to draw closer to Him. Can you hear His voice? Do you know His special call to you? Be still, listen, and pray, and you will be blessed by the Savior’s intimate care.

 

    Psalms 100:3

         

              3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God!  He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

It's Monday!

 Compiled by Jeff Lawton: 

       Many Americans will never forget the newscast from Washington, D.C., after an Air Florida plane crashed into the Potomac River in 1982. Millions heard the reports of a courageous young man saving others as he lost his own life.

 

Each time the helicopter sent the lifeline his way, he would pass it to someone else. No doubt he knew he could not hold on any longer as he passed the line to the last person. This man’s death, as a result of rescuing others instead of saving himself, was heroic—the result of a tragic accident.

 

Jesus’ sacrifice for others was no accident. He said, “I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15). He came from heaven so He could die for His sheep—every person who calls upon His name.

 

It was not by chance that Jesus came to earth, took on human form, and gave His life so we might be saved. He says:

 

No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again (John 10:18).

 

Give thanks today for Jesus’ perfect sacrifice so the children of God would be rescued from sin and death and may be given eternal life.

 

    1 Peter 5:4

        

         4 When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

It's Thursday!

Compiled by Jeff Lawton:

      A few years ago, there were a number of scientific writings dealing with the nova experience (from the Latin word novus or “new”). The nova phenomenon occurs when a medium-sized star suddenly gets brighter and hotter for a period of about a week to two weeks. Then it becomes darker and cooler. Each year, scientists observe about 14 of these nova experiences.

 

Based on this research, astronomers are now concerned that the previously held theory—that our sun could maintain its present heat or energy output level for at least eight million years—is no longer true. Scientists reached this conclusion because they believed that half of the sun’s hydrogen energy has been used up.

 

When other stars were observed to “nova out” as soon as half of their hydrogen was exhausted, it became popular to believe that the same could happen to our sun. Should a nova happen, within 40 days, the earth would freeze and disappear into the solar system like a small ball of foil.

 

Can the sun suddenly cease from warming us and from providing the energy we trust and seek each day? The answer is yes! In Revelation, we read that in the final days the earth will be destroyed. There will be a new earth and a new heaven. And there will be no need for a sun because we will have the Lord Jesus Christ. He will be our source of light, which will be much brighter and warmer than the sun.

 

Jesus is “the light of the world” (John 8:12), and we do not have to wait until the end to walk in His light. Today, He is the one who brings light to the murky areas of our lives. No darkness is powerful enough to eliminate His light. When you step into the light of His love, your pathway will be lit with heaven’s hope.

 

   John 8:12

         

          12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”