On Saturday, SOS Events had 2 events in Florida. The Sugar Cane Festival in Dade City where 4 boys ask Jesus to be their Savior.
In Plant City, at a food distribution, 24 people had their lives changed when they trusted in Jesus.
Many of you prayed for these events. Thank you for your prayers. Now, please pray for these new Christians, that they will grow and become strong in the faith.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
One thing we all have in common, the weather. Wherever you live, north, south, east or west, our days are somewhat controlled by weather.
Some love the cold of winter, you may dislike it, some people love the heat of summer and others hate to be hot.
Whatever, climate we live in, we find something to talk about to others. The weather. We may complain about the cold or heat and only on rare occasions would we say what a beautiful day!
Another thing we all have in common is our need for forgiveness for our sins. It would be wonderful if we would talk freely to others about Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection. He is the answer to our biggest need, no matter what the weather is in the world.
Let us talk about Him as freely as we talk about the weather.
Luke 8:23–25 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
The second day of a new year. Every day is an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus.
It is a good time to start daily communication with God with Bible reading and prayer. Take time for God to speak to you as you meditate on what you have read.
The best time is when you first get up. Your day will go better if it is started with Jesus.
Isaiah 43:18&19 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
2020 was a hard year for everyone all over the world. Let us put the past year behind and look forward to a better New Year that is free from illness, fighting and unrest.
We can accomplish this in our personal lives by trusting in Jesus and God’s promises.
After the wise men’s visit, Joseph was warned in a dream to take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt. Herod was seeking to kill Jesus and not getting a report back from the wise men he had all the young children in Bethlehem killed. But Jesus was safe and the little family stayed in Egypt until Herod was dead.
Then once again Joseph had a dream and returned but went to live in Nazareth where Jesus grew from childhood until He started His earthly ministry.
God’s Word is true. Every prophesy concerning Jesus birth was fulfilled down to the last detail. Many people leave Jesus in the manger as a baby but do not believe future events also predicted in the Bible. Jesus is the Messiah, He did die on the cross and He is coming again to rule and reign over all the world. Are you ready for a great future with Jesus the coming King?
Matthew 2:13-15 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Can you imagine Elizabeth’s joy to share with her friends and family that, after all this time, in her old age, she was finally going to be a mother? And how exciting that her son was the one God had chosen to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah!
Elizabeth had a visitor. Mary, her cousin came to see her, probably to share the news that she was expecting a baby, who was to be the Savior.
When Elizabeth saw Mary, her baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth what is overjoyed that the mother of the Savior came to visit her.
Luke 1:36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
Luke 1:41-42 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Mary, a young virgin, was engaged to Joseph. God chose her to be the mother of the Lord Jesus. When Gabriel came to her she was frightened at first, listened to his message and then was humble and honored. In those days being pregnant without marriage was a great disgrace but Mary was willing to obey.When the angel told her of Elisabeth’s pregnancy, Mary, went to stay with her. Elisabeth confirmed what the angel had told her because the baby leaped in her womb.
If you have not read and thought about the people in the unfolding Christmas story it would be good to read it again. We learn much about obedience and love of God as we realize that every person was human and had the same emotions, fears, joys and problems we do. Mary is a great example to us and she surely was blessed among women.
Luke 1:30-31 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary:for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.
