Christmas 2015

Six days until the end of the year. Behold! 2016 is almost upon us. I can honestly say things changed for me this year. I turned 37 this year. 10 years ago I was in the US Army in Iraq on my final tour. I never would've guessed back then I would be where I am now. For instance, 10 years ago being a Christian was not on my to-do list. I wasn't even sure back then I would be married or have kids. I thought I would be a bachelor and alone forever. I had no hope. I digress..

So what changed for me? I am still working at the same job. I am still married. I am still living in the same place. I am still a Christ follower. Things changed in my inner man. The Lord is beginning to reveal to me what my purpose is. What my spiritual gifts are. How to fight the good fight. I learned on a grander scale how desperately I need Jesus every hour, minute and every second of my life. My wants and desires are more Godly. I am maturing in my faith. 10 years later after the Army, I have hope.

Can you say the same thing about yourself or are still in the same you were when you got born again? An infant in your faith. I am not bragging about myself because this transformation is all God's handy work. I am doing my part and God is doing His. Are you doing your part? Its so simple that people over think it or under achieve. Pray, read, worship, and repeat daily. Not just on Sunday. I finally understand this relationship with God. I am not religious because me personally I am not doing man made rituals to gain God's love and salvation. You don't have to either.

Salvation is a free gift given by God so that no one can boast about how good they were to get it. Salvation is a gift that nobody deserves but because God is merciful and loving, He offers it to anybody who is willing to take it. Salvation is free but it will cost you everything. What??? That doesn't make sense. To me it does and let me break it down. Jesus paid for our sins on the cross. Jesus took our place on the cross. That should have been me and you on the cross taking the brunt of God's holy wrath. Jesus willingly took our place. Tell me, did your god die for you because it loves you? Mine did and He can be yours too. The resurrection of Christ was a big deal. Jesus was too powerful to be defeated by death. It's like when you wait for a check to clear. Jesus payment was good enough for all the sins of the world.

I learned that Christmas is not really a Christian holiday. For one, it's not biblical. I am not taking away the glory from the fact that 2000 years ago our Savior was born. It just wasn't on December 25th. How do I know? Go to Luke and read about the birth of Jesus. When the angels appeared to the shepherds who were grazing their sheep, it could not have happened in the winter, it's too cold. Some people say that Jesus may have been born in the spring or summer. And another thing, we are not commanded to celebrate the birth of Christ. Am I right? Just go to the bible and look for a verse. I dare you. Is the birth of Jesus still a big deal? Yes of course but let's do what the Bible says to do. Nothing more and nothing less.

As time passes, the more and more I see prophecy coming true. Earthquakes in various places. Famines, pestilences, wars and rumors of wars. People are evil, lovers of themselves. Homosexuality is all over the place. Folks are raising up teachers and Pastors who tell then about phony grace, health, wealth and prosperity. They can't endure the sound doctrine. False prophets have infiltrated the church. You know what? We are still only in the beginning of birthing pains. There is still many prophecies in the Bible yet to be fulfilled. What an exciting time to be a follower of Christ! Why you might ask? Because for thousands of years folks have longed to see this time and we get to be a part of it and live through it.

In conclusion, if you really want things to change in 2016, start doing what we are suppose to do which is to fear the Lord and obey His commands. That is mankind's all. We know what needs to be done. Right now as I am writing this things are coming to mind. Feed and minister to the poor. Visit widows and orphans in their afflictions. Visit prisoners. Make disciples and teach them God's ways. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Let's not abuse God's grace and let's not be lazy. People are going to hell.

My prayer for next year is and will be that God breaks my heart for the lost even more. To be honest, I still don't care enough. I want to be bold for the Lord, careless for the Lord and dangerous for the Lord. I ask anyone who reads this to pray for me. Ask the Lord to give me wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discernment on how to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Please pray for my ministry. I would really appreciate it very much.