Christmas Wish for You

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

This a picture of the State Room at the White House decorated for Christmas. Amazing what a few million dollars can do for a room. Many are making out a wish list for Christmas. Folks are decorating and shopping. It is hard to buy something for everyone especially in this economy. But here is my Christmas wish and prayer for you. Where you ask? I checked the mail no card, no packages have arrived. Well, you are looking in the wrong place. Look at the passage again. I am praying that each one of you will have Peace in your hearts this Christmas and that we are all thankful for the blessings of God. The only way to find this peace is to find Christ. If you already have Him then share Him with others this Christmas season.

Carol and I always have trouble deciding how to decorate our house for Christmas so this year we have done something a little different. Click on the link and see our Christmas lights It was a lot of work but worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCmNJJ49sxU&feature=rec-LGOUT-exp_fresh+div-1r-1-HM

How Do You LIke Me KNow?

Galatians 6:7-8

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that naturewill reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

What a great picture of what appears to be a very happy couple. The picture we have of Tiger and family today is not nearly as appealing. It was not long ago I heard many people say, " I would love to have his life." I don't think I have heard that phrase this last week at all. The verse above speaks for itself. Sin will always be found out. If not by the media certainly by God. This is not a tabloid devotional meant to bash Tiger and his actions. Obviously they were wrong, very wrong and have led to a lot of heartache and pain. These are some of the consequences of sin. Everyone has an opinion of what Tiger ought to do. Get a really good lawyer, pay everyone off including his wife, go on Oprah and apologize, redo the prenuptial agreement, just go back to playing golf. What Tiger really needs is God. He needs to give his life to God, to ask for forgiveness, to know that God still loves him and can do something with this messed up life he is now living. Don't get me wrong there are going to be serious consequences, his actions were reckless and hurt the people he says he loves a great deal. But, according to the Bible he can ask for and receive forgiveness and God can help him put his life back together. I know everyone is talking about Tiger and his family and these women but how many of us , especially Christians, are praying for him, and them? Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Be sure to watch and listen to the video. Click on the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRScqMewlD0

He Came to Die so You May Live

Warning:

This video may change your life. The reality of it changed mine years ago. It is graphic but so is life day to day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiKx6MGUfqA

Sailing and Other Spiritual Lessons

Colossians 3:2

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

It has been said that you can not control the wind but you can set the sails. As human beings we can not control all the events that blow our way but we can decide how we will respond to them. As Christians we are encouraged to set our minds on things above and not on earthly things. Well, that is a little hard to do sometimes but you can develope a "mindset". Try to see things from God's perspective and not through your limited vision. A perfect example is David and Goliath. From a human perspective Goliath looked very frightening indeed, but David saw him through God's eayes and he did not look so big then. Whatever you are facing try to set your mind on a heavenly perspective. Consider God's vantage point and then ask Him to help you deal with the day to day Giants

Ever Met This Person?

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath,But a harsh word stirs up anger.

You may not have met her but you have met people who were angry about something. When you confront such a person returning anger for anger will accomplish nothing. But, if you return a kind word it may serve to calm them down. Often times they are not even angry with you, but just angry and you happen to be the outlet for their emotions. Try this... when you are confronted by an angry or upset person maintain your composure. Talk in a normal tone and let them know that you are willing to listen but not to argue. Have them sit down with you, and don't be defencive. If you are wrong apologize, but if you feel you are right say so gently and move on. Do not allow things to escalate . The Bible has a great deal to say about how to deal with one another. We are teaching a series on this subject at our Church this month in morning Bible Study. Love conquers a great many battles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xdgJN0quK4&feature=PlayList&p=4E989AB65DC57965&index=0

It's Your Move

Hebrews 10:25

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

We have just celebrated Thanksgiving and we have so much to be thankful for. This Sunday at Anchor Baptist I will begin an Advent sermon series. The first message this Sunday is on HOPE. I hope you will attend and worship with us. If you can not find a place to worship with other believers this Sunday. Many people give thanks on Thanksgiving in their prayer before the meal but then do not take time to express our love and devotion by attending a Church and Worshipping our God and Savior. It's all lip service for some instead of Life Service. How disappointed were you this Thanksgiving to hear that some of your loved ones would not be coming home. Maybe they are sick or overseas or just strain financially and could not make the trip. I wonder how disappointed our Heavenly Father will be this coming Sunday to see that we could not make the trip to Worship. It's your move.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-UdyDGCXNA

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

Be Sure to Give Thanks to God

for

His Many Blessings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtxmSAqMtDA

One Step at a Time

Romans 5:3

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

Both of my daughters took dance growing up. But my youngest got very interested in Point. This is where you have to raise yourself up on your toes and dance on them. Who came up with this torture I have no idea but in order to do it, it requires hours and hours of practice. I remember her taking off her shoes crying and her toes would be bleeding. Then she would tape them up and put the shoes on and practice some more. Perseverance. God encourages us to persevere through trials and troubles. Never give up. If you fall down, get up. If you make a mistake ask for forgiveness and move on. If you do not succeed the first time, try again. The race does not always go to the swift but to the one who keeps on going when everyone else drops out. Remember it is always too soon to quit. The first link is a video I hope everyone watches. The second link is a youtube video by Lee Ann Womack. It is not necessarily a Christian song but a song that encouraged me when I was going through a very difficult time. If you don't like country music don't listen to it. I think the song contains a powerful message. Have a great Thanksgiving

http://www.bestwayout.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KFAa40kZ30

Make a Joyful Noise

Psalm 100:1

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

When we think about that verse I think we all apply it to singing. That we go to Church and sing praises to God with a joyful heart. The singers in this picture are doing that but there is always one who is not joyful, and refuses to join in. I think the verse refers more to day to day activities, conversations, and interaction. There are some people you just like being around because they are full of Joy but there are others that you avoid like the plague because you know there is no Joy in them and if they find some they will try and destroy it. The real question, the heart of the matter is...which one are you? It's amazing that each day we get to decide which one we will to be. Someone who spreads Joy and that people love to be around, or a Joy assassin looking to kill it wherever they find it. Which one will you be today? So, wherever you go today make a Joyful Noise.

Check this video out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X-M3Og-YhE&feature=fvw

God is in Control

Isaiah 41:10
So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.

Recently, at our Church, I have encouraged the congregation not to watch the news for 30 days. Why? Some might say, "We can not be like an ostrich and stick our head in the sand." Others chime in, "We must be informed." Both statements have merit. However let me ask you a question. Because you are well informed about our economic plight, and irresponsible actions of political and business leaders how has that helped you to change things? What have you done to straighten out the world situation in the last 30 days? When the prices go up at the pump do you immediately call a board meeting with the petroleum giants and demand an explanation? Have you been able to curve the the irresponsible waste in Government spending? Have you worked out a peace agreement in the middle east? The answer to all of these questions is NO. But, what you have done is stress yourself out, raise your blood pressure, lose sleep, slip into depression, because you have little or no control in those arenas. So I would encourage you to follow the simple advice of the serenity prayer.

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.

Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

Click on the Link to Hear Twila Paris, God is in Control

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQHlKc8DrB4&feature=fvw

Is This Really God's House?

Acts 17:24

"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands;

People many times refer to a church as the "House of God". In reality God does not live in these buildings. He resides inside each one of us who have received Him as our Lord and Savior. He takes up residence in our hearts. Sadly this picture represents many Church buildings today. Empty. In America we have more large churches than ever and fewer people attending them. Here is a poem we used to say as children but it is revised to reflect accurate Theology. We used to say this with hand motions, maybe you remember.

Here is the building

Here is the steeple

open the doors

The Church is the People

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB9t2p6ii6k

The Seperation of Sin

Isaiah 59:1-2 59

Behold, the LORD'S hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. 2But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

Many times people wonder why their prayers are not heard. The Bible is clear that if we practice sin it separates us from God. Now everyone sins and when we do we can ask God for forgiveness and He will forgive. This passage is talking about continuous, rebellious conscious sin. Knowing our actions or attitudes are wrong and continuing in them anyway. People have a few sins they think of but as the sign posts in the picture indicate there are all sorts of sins. We must take the time to examine our life and ask God to reveal any sin that may be hindering our relationship with Him.

You Are My All in All

Psalm 42:1

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.

A young man was following an evangelist listening to his messages with great interest. Each service he would ask the man to please baptize him. The Evangelist said I don't think you are really ready yet. Finally he agreed and they walked out into the water. The evangelist lowered him beneath the water and then as the young man started to come up the preacher held him down. Then he began to struggle and the evangelist held him down. Then suddenly he pulled him up out of the water and the young man was gasping for air. After he caught his breath he asked why the man had done that. The older man said,"When you were under that water what did you want more than anything else?" AIR, was his reply. The evangelist looked at him and said when you want Christ that much you can become a follower of His. Click on the link below and have a Great Day!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC617kE1maU

The Unknown Soldier

James 5:13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

In the first picture I am assuming that these soldiers are praying. I am pretty sure it is not a boot inspection and because I do not see any prayer rugs I am also assuming it is a Christian prayer. I am not sure what this administrations policy is concerning Christian prayer in the military but I assure you when your life and the lives of your friends are on the line you will pray regardless of policy. Why are they praying you ask? Well, the second picture is one of the reasons they are praying. This week I was in an airport and saw a soldier in uniform come home and he was greeted by his three sons and wife. It was very emotional...hugs and happiness mixed with tears of joy. But, for thousands of men and women in the military their homecoming has been quite different, as you can see in the second picture. So, these soldiers are not only praying for their own safety but also for their friends who have given their lives fighting for their country. No matter what your opinion of the war is or your feelings towards this administration our responsibility is to join these soldiers in praying for their safety and for the families who have been part of homecomings like the one in the second picture. They may be unknown to us but they are known to God and missed by loved ones every single day.


Jeff

Do You Care Enough?

Psalm 54:6

Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your name, O LORD, for it is good.

Want to have some real fun today, make a difference in the world, help to make someones day brighter. Well then here is what you do. Go and get a card and write something nice in it to someone you know but don't sign it. Just tell them what a difference they have made in your life. How being around them makes your day better. Come on do it. We all like to get mail. Think how it will encourage them. It may be just what they need. The name that came to your mind is the one God wants you to send the card to. Well?

Click on the link below and decide who to send it to as you listen to the song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN3D0Carn3U&feature=related

Things Are Changing

Psalm 44:8

In God we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Your name forever. Selah.

Things are changing. So much negative news. People are discouraged, jobs are not secure, fiances are in jeopardy, trust in our Government and those who make decisions is diminishing. In a world filled with negative news be a positive voice today. Share what Christ has done for you and give thanks with a grateful heart.

For the next few days I am going to give you an opportunity to give thanks and to read what others also write. You might just include one line or a short story. Do not pass up this chance to say Thank you to a loving God who has given us so much to be thankful for. In order to write your message just click on comment below, then type in your comment and the security word and click on anonymous and publish your post. Others can then read it on the site. You can include your name if you like, that is up to you. Each day I will also include a picture and verse but this is really about you having a chance to says thank you. Just as we like to hear our children say "thank you", I am sure our heavenly Father will be pleased by our recognition of some of His many blessings. If you have trouble posting just send it to
nc_jeff@hotmail.com and I will post it for you. Click on the song link below and think about all the things you have to be thankful for, then post your comment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGWQJ4heXS8&feature=PlayList&p=0D530B7901A78A3F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1

Give Thanks Now

Psalm 30:12 That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent

O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Every day I hear so many people complaining. Why don't we take a few minutes to write down 5 things you are thankful for. After you list them stop and pray and thank God for His many blessings. It may be the best 5 minutes of your day.

I am going to give you an opportunity to give thanks and to read what others also write. You might just include one line or a short story. Do not pass up this chance to say Thank you to a loving God who has given us so much to be thankful for. In order to write your message just click on comment below, then type in your comment and the security word and click on anonymous and publish your post. Others can then read it on the site. You can include your name if you like, that is up to you. Each day I will also include a picture and verse but this is really about you having a chance to says thank you. Just as we like to hear our children say "thank you", I am sure our heavenly Father will be pleased by our recognition of some of His many blessings. If you have trouble posting just send it to
nc_jeff@hotmail.com and I will post it for you. Click on the song link below and think about all the things you have to be thankful for, then post your comment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvXidiQdSHc

So. Let Us Give Thanks

Psalm 9:1

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.

We all have so much to be thankful for and just like the cartoon says,

" One day a year hardly seems adequate." So for the next few days I am going to give you an opportunity to give thanks and to read what others also write. You might just include one line or a short story. Do not pass up this chance to say Thank you to a loving God who has given us so much to be thankful for. In order to write your message just click on comment below, then type in your comment and the security word and click on anonymous and publish your post. Others can then read it on the site. You can include your name if you like, that is up to you. Each day I will also include a picture and verse but this is really about you having a chance to says thank you. Just as we like to hear our children say "thank you", I am sure our heavenly Father will be pleased by our recognition of some of His many blessings. If you have trouble posting just send it to

nc_jeff@hotmail.com and I will post it for you. Click on the song link below and think about all the things you have to be thankful for, then post your comment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xPzTSpbYmk

Just Call Out my Name

Jeremiah 33:3

'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Many times we find ourselves in a situation where we don't know what to do. When that happens we usually call someone and ask for help. God tells us in his word we can always call on Him and He will provide the answers and direction we are seeking. Because in God we always have a Friend. Click on the link below for a musical reminder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wftbahypdAA

The Real Transformer

2 Corinthians 3:18

Standard 18But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

I am sure most everyone has seen the transformer toys magazines and movies. These machines are able to change into other objects. God is Transforming us into the image of Christ. He does that as we study His Word, spend time in Prayer, Fellowship with other believers and, Share our Faith. Check out this video by clicking the link below. And you thought your Halloween costume was good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC08Lx-zkhI&feature=related