Tis the Season to NOT Grow Weary

Photos: The Fellowship Carolers work tirelessly during the Christmas season ministering at several Tampa Bay area hospitals and cancer centers. A beautiful bear is given to every patient. This year over 500 bears were distributed. This is a great testimony of the selfless love of Jesus.

Thought for the Day

Galatians 6:9-10

(9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

(10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Does doing good ever wear you out? I know that in my life there are times when I feel so depleted that I just want to hide from people. Of course this is just an indication that my spiritual battery is running low and is in desperate need of a recharge. This is what the Apostle Paul is conveying to us in this passage. The Christian life is not a wind sprint; it is a marathon! The answer to fatigue is not to quit running the race, but to live with balance and regular times of drinking deeply from the well of God's Word that His grace may sustain us. Serving others is a basic tenet of our Christian Faith. It is not optional for a believer; it is the essence of being a believer! As my old pastor used to say, "I don't want to retire, I want to re-fire." Let's re-fire for Jesus this Christmas season!

Application

Be sure to take time today to come apart for some personal reflection with the Lord. The time spent in doing this will multiply the rest of your time today. God will be no man's debtor. Give to Him His due and He will repay you in abundance!

If you are uncertain of your relationship with God check out the link "How You Can Know God" at www.fbc301.org.

A Dwelling Place for God

Photo: Cheryl and C.J. on the back property at the church.

Thought for the Day

Ephesians 2:19-22

(19) Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

(20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

(21) In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord:

(22) In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Its amazing to me how the Lord has assembled together so many different types of materials in order to build His church. As I look at our local church I see the diversity of age, styles, preferences, economic status, culture, and on and on, yet we are built together by God in order to be an appropriate dwelling place for Him. There is truly a bond in Christ that defies human wisdom. It is a shame that many churches do not reflect the unity of spirit that is perhaps the greatest witness of who Christ truly is. Our God delights in the unity of His people because it is a reflection of His essential character.

Application

Are you living in unity with those that you call your church family? Do all in your power today to resolve any conflict you may possess with others. Life is short, don't waste it! There is really no excuse for a divided church; this is a great tragedy because it portrays a distorted image of our God.

If you are uncertain of your relationship with God check out the link "How to Know God" at www.fbc301.org.

He Came For Me and You!

Photo: C.J. playing for teen girls worship special at Fellowship.

Thought for the Day

Luke 2:11

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

So many times I hear people downplay the human side of the salvation experience. Of course we understand that ultimately all that God does is for His own glory, but if we are not careful we frame God as an austere impersonal God who has no emotional attachment to His will or the people he came to save. Jesus' coming was for us! It is "unto you" or "for you" that a Savior was born. God delights in doing things for us, not simply in a theological sense that tries to reconcile His sovereign glory with our human necessity, but in a very real, caring, and feeling way. Jesus came for us: Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Application

Has your view of God left Him distant and remote from your innermost needs and feelings. The Bible tells us otherwise. Come to Him today in childlike faith and humility and experience afresh the wonders of His love for you! If you are uncertain of your relationship with God check out the link "How to Know God" at www.fbc301.org.

Abba Father!

Photo: Cheryl and I with baby Levi Kidwell. He is out of PICU and was in church worship service Sunday with a happy mom and dad.

Thought for the Day

Galatians 4:4-6

(4) But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

(5) To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

(6) And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Christmas becomes so personal to me when I meditate on the truth that it was the coming of Jesus into this world in "the fullness of time" or at just the right moment that allows me to enjoy the Father- son relationship that I have with God. He is not a God that is far off or impersonal, but He is "Abba" or literally "Daddy". What a blessed privilege to know this great being in such a comfortable and personal way!

Application

Cry out to "Abba" today with boldness and confidence that He desires to hear from you. If you are uncertain of your relationship with God check out the link "How to Know God" at www.fbc301.org.

Thankful Enough to Give

Photos: Cheryl, her mom, and the girls at Julianna's Chorus Christmas Concert at Seffner Christian.

Thought for the Day

2 Chronicles 29:31

Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.

It seems fitting that the Christmas season follows right on the heels of Thanksgiving. When we get our focus right and begin to see the blessings in all that God has done for us and our heart is filled with gratitude, it generates a spirit of generosity. "For God so loved the world that He gave...." As thanksgiving is the season of praise and gratitude, Christmas is the season of generosity and giving.

The heart that has been freed through thankfulness will naturally give generously!

Application

Are you free to offer generously? Look for an opportunity today and throughout this Christmas season to give generously to a specific need.