Adjusting our Focus This Christmas Day

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”

We all know from experience the pressure that can so easily surround us during this wonderful Christmas season. I am particularly putting an emphasis on my own daily life to keep Christ in the front of my thoughts and I want to encourage you to do the same. How much more meaningful the season becomes when it has depth beyond the externals most often associated with it in our culture. If you missed the Christmas Eve service, you can see it here (https://discoverybaptist.churchcenter.com/episodes/176004) and be challenged by Pastor Chris’s message of finding our hope in Christ.

I look forward to a beautiful time of worship this morning as we gather again at 10:30 to honor the King of kings who humbled Himself to come to earth for the express purpose of dying for you and me.

Ladies, we will begin a new study the second week in January—I have jury duty during the first week. You can order your book from Amazon anytime. I have been having trouble getting multiple orders, it seems that a single book comes much faster. Hoping for Something Better by Nancy Guthrie—the hope-filled message of Hebrews.

Our Conduct in the World-- Part 2

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” Titus 3:8

The next couple of weeks surrounding Christmas frequently find women buried in the plans, preparations and presents of the season–the pressure is on. Generally intensity in our lives causes our true soul to be evident to everyone around us. What a practical opportunity we have to set ourselves aside and give full rein to the Holy Spirit in our lives so that the genuine beauty of God’s goodness would flow from our hearts no matter how pressured we become. Won’t you join me in this challenge to reflect the beauty of God consistently throughout the next couple of weeks. It will require that we spend quality time with Him every day–we can’t be too busy for this very important foundation of our lives.

This Thursday morning let’s encourage one another in a close walk with the One whose birthday we are celebrating in order that He would be glorified in our lives. I want to see you as we gather at 9:30 for our final lesson on Titus 3. Plan to bring a special Christmas treat to share, if you would like. Also, I have something for you–don’t leave without it.

Our Conduct in the World Part 1

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” Titus 3:8

This past Sunday Pastor Chris talked about people who are “saints” at church, but, “sinners” at home. I’m sure that thought could be expanded from not only at home, but also in society at large. Do we consistently honor God no matter where we are, or who we are with? Do our thoughts, words, and deeds consistently declare that an amazing God takes perfect care of us? In referring to Titus 3 John MacArthur wrote this: “Most Americans claim to believe in God; millions still attend church regularly and call themselves Christians. But practical atheism and moral relativism dominate our society. For the most part, the few vestiges of Christianity still reflected in our culture are weak and compromising. We, too, must live out our faith, doing good works that will glorify our heavenly Father and point people to Him.”

Let’s encourage one another this Thursday morning as we study Titus 3 and consider ways to better honor God by our daily lives in the world. We will be in the first half of Lesson 12—page 109. We have just two Bible studies left in this year and in this book. Let’s finish well and be encouraged for the final busy days of the year; may God be glorified in our lives.