Its a very cold but beautiful day everyone. As I sit here thinking about the changes that God has made in my adult life, I can’t help but give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The message is direct and to the point. Let it bless you and give you a renewed sense of purpose.
Today’s Prayer
Father, as we reflect on the Christmas holiday just past, we find that more and more groups of individuals are trying to take Christ out of Christmas. Nativity scenes are questioned, and yet the “reason for the season” was His divine birth in Bethlehem. And yet, surprisingly, we still find His spirit of love, sharing, and concern for the poor, the hungry, and those in need of comfort. Isn’t it strange that those who deny You are often willing to share their love, or to be on the receiving end of love? Doesn’t this prove that His teachings are true, His examples worthy? Could it not also prove that His ways are best for us all, for our nation, and for our civilization? Could it not be that He is who You said He is – trustworthy and caring? Could it not be? Help us all as individuals to see this, before we unknowingly forfeit all that His sacrifice made possible for us. It’s in the matchless name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Let’s eat.
The Work of the Spirit of God
Born of the Spirit
John 3:1-8 –
There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”
Sealed by the Spirit
Ephesians 1:13 –
God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.
Indwelt by the Spirit
1 Corinthians 3:16 –
Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
Quote of the Day
If ye were not strangers here, the dogs of the world would not bark at you.
Samuel Rutherford
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REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
GCKRS HELPING HAND FOUNDATION – THE RELATIONSHIP FACTORY
James H. Taylor Sr. – Kankakee City News has published my Daily meal message for a decade.