December 2020

Merry Christmas! Jesus was born to die for Adam’s sin, that had spread to all mankind. He took upon Himself sin’s judgment, giving us eternal life through His death, burial, and resurrection.

“…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” 1

Christmas Praise Reports…

Your response makes my day, knowing that these efforts aren’t falling on deaf ears.

“I hope this finds you doing well. I recently saw an old 700 Club interview of yours on YouTube and was very touched by it. I had no idea how the Lord had transformed you. It was nice to see. Being caught up in such a crazy situation is difficult I’m sure, but God is surely good. And he will help us along as we ask.

“The transformation of Saul comes to mind. From persecuting and killing followers of Christ to becoming one himself has always struck me. Knowing that however low we may fall, Jesus is always there to catch us. In Christ’s love, David, USA.”

“I am 23 years old and a Christian as well. I’ve done extensive research on Manson and those involved with him, but that is not why I’m writing you. I recently found your website. Your story of being called by Christ is inspiring, and I do believe that there is hope for anyone and everyone; even Manson in his final days. I work in a correctional facility, so I am able to witness first-hand the impact Jesus can have on those who other people have deemed “unforgivable.” I don’t think anyone in incapable of being saved, or else Jesus wouldn’t have died for us.

“I also read about your stolen Bible. It’s a shame the things that people will steal. I’m thinking of getting a Max Lucado Devotional Bible to make it easier to study on my own. I haven’t been to church in many years because I don’t feel very welcome. But I don’t mind studying on my own! I am praying for you, Chelsea, USA.”

“I hope this letter finds you well and safe from COVID. I’m sure you get some crazy letters, but I promise this isn’t one of them. I know what you are going through because I spent 13 years in the West Virginia D.O.C. I know getting letters is always a good thing. I did a lot of reading mostly James Patterson and the Bible, plus I worked in the chapel. Let me know if you need any help. God Bless, Arthur, WV.”

How Are You Doing?

Being a tremulous year with various trials, it has been like a whirlwind in the minds of many, possibly like never before in your lifetime. I lost a dear friend outside to COVID, while others I know have lost a family member. Some would say, “You have to learn to live with it!” We wonder, “How can this be?” while seeking ways to cope with life. It may be through shopping, overeating or drinking, exercise or medication, but Jesus simply told the apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2

Paul responded by saying, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 3 God’s grace is His ability to do in us what we cannot do in our flesh; His unmerited, unearned and undeserved favor through the finished work of the cross. As a result, those who believe in Christ receive the Spirit of grace for power to live in the victory of Jesus, “…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” 4

Peace on Earth?

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this year, it seems the USA is in one of the most divided times since the Civil War. We see many calling for peace, while some seem to think that rioting, protest and even anarchy is the answer. Yet others believe that Jesus was born to bring peace to the Earth, sin at His birth, “…suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 5

Jesus was born to bring peace into the hearts of sinful mankind, that is, those who believe and receive the Gospel of grace message. Right before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” 6 Try as you may to bring peace; no other way will be sufficient. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” 7 For instance, mankind’s political parties will never show the way for a peaceable life. No matter how perfect the Constitution may be, only through Christ are we rescued from strife for an abundant life. Jesus was born to freely give us all things through His sacrificial life.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” 8

God Loves You...

Only God knows what this coming year holds for us all, but we do know He is our salvation. Life seams to fragile for me these days, especially turning seventy-five this month. To be truthful, I have fear attacking me, some justifiable, some not, but I know that “…God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 9

My purpose is to let you know that God loves you, just like He loves me, though I was one of the worst of sinners. We are in good company with the apostle Paul, who said, “…that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” 10 He went on to say, “However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 11 Are you going to believe and receive Christ today?

A Prayer for You…

Heavenly Father, I thank you for making this the best Christmas of my life. I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead. I receive Your free gift of eternal life. I thank You that when You died for me, Your blood cleansed me from all unrighteousness and the sins of my entire life; past, present, and even future sins I have not yet committed. In all my trials, I give you thanks, knowing that giving thanks for Your love and grace notifies the devil of his defeat at the cross. I commit my life to you 100% this day forward. In the Name of Jesus, Amen!

Scripture References (NKJV):

1) Rom. 5:8,9
2) 2 Cor. 12:9a
3) 2 Cor. 12:9b
4) Rom. 14:17
5) Like 2:13, 14
6) John 14:27
7) John 14:7
8) Rom. 8:32
9) 2 Tim. 1:7
10) 1 Tim. 1:15b
11) 1 Tim. 1:16,17