M
MrVersatile48
Guest
Due to computer problems you are receiving yesterday and today's Thought for the Day together - from http://www.anchorlife.org
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV) John 8:12
Martin Luther, the famous German church leader, is credited with being the first to illuminate a Christmas tree. The evergreen tree reminded him that life continued through the winter, when most of nature appeared to have died. Luther cut a fir tree and took it home.
As he was walking home under a clear night sky lit by hundreds of stars, the sight so moved him that when he returned home He attached a number of small candles to its branches. The illuminated tree was representative of Jesus the light of the world.
Do you believe that Jesus is the Light of the world?
If so, are you following Him? being obedient to what He asks of you?
Jesus also taught us: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (NIV) Matthew 5:14- 16
How is your light shining before men? Or are you hiding your relationship with Christ? Do others see good deeds in your life? When was the last time that your lifestyle caused others to praise God?
This Christmas, don't just light your Christmas tree. . . let the light of God shine through you in all you do and say!
Written by Marji "Mike" Kruger
(Sources for the above Christmas tree information: "Christmas in New England: from World Book." World Book Encyclopedia, Inc. "1001 Christmas Facts and Fancies" by Alfred Carl Hottes.)
Christmas Faith: The Magi
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." (NIV) Matthew 2:1-2
The contrasts between the Magi from the east and the Jews of Jerusalem:
The Jews had the Old Testament prophecies (among others, Micah 5:2) from God - the Magi had a star.
The "King" to be born was the "King of the Jews" - the Magi were Gentiles.
The Jews only had to travel 7 miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem - the Magi came from afar.
The Jews did not bother to visit Jesus - the Magi did.
The Jewish king, Herod, sought to kill Jesus (in the process, killing thousands of boys under 2 years of age) - the Magi came to worship Him, bearing expensive gifts.
Which of the 2 groups do you most resemble? The group which has all the teaching from God, has the Bible readily available? or the group which is seeking after the little that God has revealed to them?
The group which doesn't have to "travel far" to meet with the King?
Church is close by. . .radio and TV Bible teachers are in abundance. . .you have great books on increasing your faith are all around you. . .and yet you don't go to any great length to draw close to the King?
Or are you willing to go "out of your way" to spend time with the King. . .to be in His presence. . .to worship Him who is worthy of your worship?
Which group are you in?
Written by Marji "Mike" Kruger
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV) John 8:12
Martin Luther, the famous German church leader, is credited with being the first to illuminate a Christmas tree. The evergreen tree reminded him that life continued through the winter, when most of nature appeared to have died. Luther cut a fir tree and took it home.
As he was walking home under a clear night sky lit by hundreds of stars, the sight so moved him that when he returned home He attached a number of small candles to its branches. The illuminated tree was representative of Jesus the light of the world.
Do you believe that Jesus is the Light of the world?
If so, are you following Him? being obedient to what He asks of you?
Jesus also taught us: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (NIV) Matthew 5:14- 16
How is your light shining before men? Or are you hiding your relationship with Christ? Do others see good deeds in your life? When was the last time that your lifestyle caused others to praise God?
This Christmas, don't just light your Christmas tree. . . let the light of God shine through you in all you do and say!
Written by Marji "Mike" Kruger
(Sources for the above Christmas tree information: "Christmas in New England: from World Book." World Book Encyclopedia, Inc. "1001 Christmas Facts and Fancies" by Alfred Carl Hottes.)
Christmas Faith: The Magi
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." (NIV) Matthew 2:1-2
The contrasts between the Magi from the east and the Jews of Jerusalem:
The Jews had the Old Testament prophecies (among others, Micah 5:2) from God - the Magi had a star.
The "King" to be born was the "King of the Jews" - the Magi were Gentiles.
The Jews only had to travel 7 miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem - the Magi came from afar.
The Jews did not bother to visit Jesus - the Magi did.
The Jewish king, Herod, sought to kill Jesus (in the process, killing thousands of boys under 2 years of age) - the Magi came to worship Him, bearing expensive gifts.
Which of the 2 groups do you most resemble? The group which has all the teaching from God, has the Bible readily available? or the group which is seeking after the little that God has revealed to them?
The group which doesn't have to "travel far" to meet with the King?
Church is close by. . .radio and TV Bible teachers are in abundance. . .you have great books on increasing your faith are all around you. . .and yet you don't go to any great length to draw close to the King?
Or are you willing to go "out of your way" to spend time with the King. . .to be in His presence. . .to worship Him who is worthy of your worship?
Which group are you in?
Written by Marji "Mike" Kruger