“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 NIV)

The word of God is described in this passage as sharper than a “two-edged sword, and living and active.” The word living means “being alive, not dead” and the word active means, “doing things that require physical movement and energy.”

Powerful when mixed with faith!

I remember being told early on in my Christian life, “the Word of God does the work of God!” How true! The Word of God is very much alive and active, and when mixed with faith, it has the amazing ability to “move mountains” (Matt. 17:20). “Mountains” in your life could represent things that look too large or even impossible for you to do, but nothing is too big for the “living and active Word of God.”

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7 NASB)

Today we get to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! His birth on earth was God’s greatest love gift to us! No other verses in the Bible expresses it any clearer than John 3:16-17:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

My dear friends...

I hope with all my heart that you have received this precious gift for yourself! It was prepared for you by God Himself and wrapped with immeasurable love.

Give a gift back to God

You can give a gift back to God by reaching out to help someone today (yes, It’s Christmas, but, can you think of a better time?).

Please take a few minutes to read the following story (author unknown) written a long time ago. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me. There is a tremendous Christmas message to be found here!

The greatest joy in life

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.

It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible.

After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.

Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this.

But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what.

Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load.

Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on.

After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood---the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all Fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally, I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?" You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what? "Yeah," I said, "Why?" "I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt."

That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait.

When he returned, he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. "Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."

We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy?

Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern. We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit?"

Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp. "We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it.

She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children---sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.

"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too.

In my mind, I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before, filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.

I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."

In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.

Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.

Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.

At the door, Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away. Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, "'May the Lord bless you,' I know for certain that He will."

Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough.

Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that. But on the way, I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand."

I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children.

For the rest of my life, Whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

…

"Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" (Matt. 25:40)

Merry Christmas!

“I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you . . . and you will be a blessing to others.” (Genesis 12:2 NLT)

Pay attention to God’s guidance and provision and look for ways He can bless you to bless others

It was green, it was ugly, it was a blessing! 

A few years ago, my wife and I were living in a neighborhood with lots of young families. One day, my next-door neighbor mentioned to us that a family down the street from us had just lost the use of their refrigerator which had just broken beyond repair. They had several young children and the man was between jobs. Not having a working refrigerator was a severe hardship for them.

As soon as I knew about their refrigerator problem, I prayed and asked God to help them get a replacement. I didn’t have money to help them so praying was all I could do for them at the time.

Later, that afternoon, I was running some errands that took me to a local berry farm. As I was waiting to speak to the owner, I overheard a young field worker tell him she wasn’t feeling well and needed to go home. He told her he didn’t have anyone available to take her. So, I spoke up and offered to take her home. She then got into my truck and I took her to her house located a few miles away. As soon as we arrived her mother came outside to greet us and thanked me. Then I noticed a refrigerator sitting on their front porch and asked why it was there. She told me they had just remodeled their kitchen and it was the wrong color so they purchased a new one. She said this one worked beautifully, but was forest green, and needed to be taken away. I told her about the family who needed one and she was very delighted to offer it. I backed my truck up to her porch and she helped me load it. I then drove to my neighbor’s house and they were not home. I found someone nearby to help me unload it in their driveway. Later, they got home and was thrilled to find it! It was a miracle they said! Not only was it the perfect size, but it was the perfect color! They always wanted a forest green one! It was the perfect color for their kitchen!

God will make you a blessing for others

God told Abraham, “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others” (Genesis 12:2 NLT). This is the first law of blessing: it must flow outwardly.

God will bless you for blessing others

God blesses the person who helps other people. In fact, Jesus guarantees this blessing. He said, “I tell you the truth . . . no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30 NIV)

“In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” (Proverbs 3:6 TLB)

Do you want what you do to be blessed and be the very best that it can for you? Do you want to be successful in your personal life, in your vocation, in your relationships, in your marriage? Then put God first in it!

Involving God from the start of everything you do is how to have His blessing in everything you do! “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Prov. 16:3 NIV)

The truth is, you just can’t go wrong putting God first in everything!

I believe it has to be the number one success principle found throughout the Bible. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33 ESV)

In the beginning, God!

The first four words of the Bible are “In the beginning God.” It lets us know immediately who is at the heart of everything that exists! In everything you do, remember those four words, “In the beginning God,” and then put your trust in Him at the very beginning!

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jer. 17:7-8 NIV)

“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.” (Psalms 25:7 NIV)

When I was a kid, I remember hearing my dad say, “Too soon old, too late smart!” I didn’t know what he meant way back then, but I think I do now. Time gives you lots of perspective!

I got my mouth washed out with soap!

Dad used to have a group of men over to the house once in a while to play cards and I would listen to their conversations as I played under the kitchen table. I heard one of them tell a joke and they all burst into loud laughter. I didn’t understand the meaning of the joke but remembered how to tell it. The next day at school, (1st grade), the teacher, Mrs. Latrell, had a show-and-tell time. She said we could share anything, even a funny story or a joke. I got up in front of the class and gleefully told the joke. As soon as I said the punchline the teacher screeched and immediately rushed me to the sink and washed my mouth out with soap. The funny thing is that I really didn’t have a clue what it was that I had said wrong! It was only years later that I had remembered the incident, and the joke, and knew exactly why she had washed my mouth out.

I do cringe when I remember some of the mistakes of my youth!

There were so many of them! In retrospect, I can’t believe I was so clueless! But, I was! Of course, lots of water has since gone under the proverbial bridge, and much learning and maturity has made me into a different person.

I’m sure glad that God has promised to forgive and forget our past!

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NASB)

And, that’s a very comforting promise indeed!

“When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” (Rom. 1:12 NLT)

Learn to be an encourager!

Everybody needs encouragement from time to time! And one of the best ways to be encouraged is to be an encourager yourself! It’s the principle of getting back what you give. “You reap what you sow!” (Gal. 6:7)

Whenever you get together with someone, use it as an opportunity to encourage them! And in doing so, you also will be encouraged in the process!

How to encourage

It’s not complicated. To encourage, you give support, confidence, or hope to someone. Other synonyms for encourage are hearten, cheer, buoy up, uplift, inspire, motivate, spur on, stir, stir up, fire up, stimulate, invigorate, vitalize, revitalize, embolden, and fortify.

Do you need any of that? I know I do!

Here are some encouraging verses that you can use to encourage others.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7 ESV)

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:15 ESV)

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.” (2 Tim. 3:1 NIV)

When I was in Army basic training at Fort Lewis, we had one particular Drill Sergeant who liked to pour on the training exercises, such as; 10-mile hikes, in the noontime heat, wearing full combat gear! He would often describe each event in advance to us with all its scary details. And then, he would end his description by saying, “And this is not a threat, it’s a promise!”

This training was hard!

But many of us were headed to Vietnam with its extreme heat and dangerous combat situations, and we needed to be toughened up and ready for it! It was a matter of survival!

Jesus warns us about tough times coming in our future!

He wants us to be prepared for it! He said that in the last days, just before He returns, things are going to go from bad to worse to the extreme point that only God’s intervention will stop total destruction! He said, “For there will be greater anguish in those days than at any time since God created the world. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days.” (Mark 13:19-20 NLT)

Look what is said about how people will be like in the end times.

“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Tim. 3:2-5 NIV)

Sound familiar?

We are living in a very different time than even a few short years ago! We are now calling good, bad and bad, good! Things are flipped upside down! We are accepting sexual deviancy as normal, and things like fidelity and celibacy until marriage as abnormal. Biblical marriage (between a man and a woman) is now redefined to include same-sex couples! There is public outrage over the death of a lion or gorilla, and yet 3,000 babies are aborted every day without hardly a word! “Political correctness” has become the way the world filters things. The Bible is no longer welcome in our learning institutions! Biblical truth is banished from open discussion.

Okay, all this sounds threatening and even scary! And it is! But, here’s what Jesus said we should do.

“And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic.” (Mark 13:7 NLT)

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28 NIV)

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34 NIV)

“And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:13 NLT)

And finally, remember this!

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:37-39 NKJV)

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 NIV)

Everything around us seems to be continuously changing! But, God remains the same! Always! And His Words never change!

Look at what the Bible says about God’s steadfastness.

“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Behold, I received a command to bless: he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it.” (Num. 23:19-20 ESV)

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 NLT)

“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” (Psalms33:11 ESV)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

Every day of the year!

God has said 365 times in the Bible “do no fear!” One for each day of the year! So, do you think He might want you to take it seriously? Yes He does! He is your God! He will strengthen you! He will help you! He will uphold you with His righteous right hand!