Prisoner Set Free: Life and Life More Abundantly: Celebrating the Merciful Scepter of Christmas

Friday, December 23, 2011

Celebrating the Merciful Scepter of Christmas

I have heard that there are “Christian” churches that have cancelled church on Christmas morning. I am dumb founded. I am in disbelief. This is actually happening on Christmas day? IT is CHRISTMAS. IT is the day in which we celebrate JESUS’ birthday.

How can we celebrate Christmas without celebrating the reason for Christmas? What is the reasoning? You would be going to church on Sunday anyway and what would be even better Sunday is the day in which we Jesus' birth- the entire reason for Christmas. It is his birthday and you are going to celebrate Jesus' birthday without even taking time to worship and praise him in God’s house? It doesn’t make sense.

Christmas is a day to celebrate the true gift of Christmas. It is a day to honor Jesus who came on our behalf to be God’s merciful scepter to give us life and eternal life. Jesus is King, Lord, and Savior. Favor with God came from Him. He is the one who gave us new life and encourages us and gives us strength in his mercy, grace, peace, hope and love.

Celebrate and honor his birth together as his body this Sunday at the church.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

“I see him, but not in the present time. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the foreheads of Moab’s people, cracking the skull of the people of Sheth. Edom will be taken over and Seir, it’s enemy will be conquered, while Israel continues on in triumph.” Numbers 24:17

“But you, O Bethlehem, Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the time when the woman in labor gives birth to her son. Then at last his fellow countrymen will return from exile to their own land. And he will stand to lead his flock with the LORD’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored all around the world. And he will be the source of our peace.” Micah 5:2-5

Merry Christmas in all it’s fullness to you and yours.

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Journaling Along Life's Journey.

I am finding with passing fades and standards and norms that seem to continue to worsen - it is refreshing to know that there is a God that never changes.

There is a God that is just, merciful and faithful and no matter what man tries to decide on what is right, wrong and truth - God has the last word. God's standards are always true and when man tries to disregard them- they end up seeing and answering to God one way or another.

(A piece of pottery never tells it's Creator what it's going to do and going to be.)

I am also finding that even when we are at our lowest point in our life or highest point in our life- God wants us to have a relationship with us. That goes for any who have known him for many years or is beginning to take the steps to know him.

Too often I find people have already decided who God is- like he is some buffet or salad bar god (where they can pick and choose the things they want God to be or not be).

Some by their own fears and understandings have decided God is some puppeteer, distant task master and only accepts people who have it "together". But is he?

Can God who created the universe and everything in it be put in a box of our understanding? Are we only going to him when we want something from him? Is that what we did or do to our parents?.... Hope not.

God is beyond anything we can imagine or even hope for. Just look at all he has created and makes sure nothing is left up to chance.

I found him to be an invaluable friend, who is trustworthy, faithful, and wise. He is a counselor, a provider, a healer, Savior, and Father - who wants a relationship with his children.

God is Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit- now try putting that truth in a box.

My hope is through my journal, notes, etc you may "get" a very small glimpse of what God has shown me... It goes without saying that God is SO BIG and beyond anything I could put down in word but I hope this may comfort, encourage, and build you up in Jesus Christ.

May you see and accept my words and testimonies to be humbly honest, genuine and from the heart of a person who has been set free by God and in turn showed me my need for Christ Jesus.

May you find the never ending gift from the Father- Jesus Christ -the Savior, who gives LIFE and eternity in Heaven.

Thank you for reading J.D. JOHNS

Do You Want to Recieve Jesus Christ?

We are sinful.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

Sin has a penalty.
"For the wages of sin is death" Romans 6:23

Christ has paid the penalty.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Salvation is a free gift.
"God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." Ephesians 2:8-9

Christ wants be your Savior but you must recieve him.
"Yet to all who recieved him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

Do you want to recieve Jesus Christ now?
1. Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
2. Be willing to turn from your sins. (repent)
3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave.
4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and take control of your life through the Holy Spirit. (Recieve Him as Lord and Savior.)

(Prayer)
"Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgivness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name Amen"

If you have prayed this prayer:
1. Read your bible so you can grow in Christ's love and know him better.
2. Talk to God everyday.
3. Try to think of all the things God has done in your life, even when you weren't serving him.
4. Worship, Fellowship and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached.
5. As Christ's representatives in a needy world, depend and trust God so you may demonstrate your new life in Christ Jesus. There he will help you love and have a concern for others.

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Friday, December 23, 2011

Celebrating the Merciful Scepter of Christmas

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