About New Year Resolutions

GROWTH

How about to the people already accepted Jesus Christ? Are we growing? I believe this coming New Year is the best time to evaluate our Spiritual Life and be serious about it.

Measurements can be indicators of growth. And it's a good idea to measure our spiritual growth. For instance:

• Do I spend time reading God's Word and talking with Him each day?
  
• Do I look forward to fellowshiping with the Lord?
  
• What "fruit of the Spirit" is apparent in my life?
• Do I talk about Jesus with people who don't know Him?
• How am I using my spiritual gift or gifts?
• Do I have a generous and giving spirit?
• How much better do I know God today than I did a year ago?
• How tall and strong are you in God's sight?
• How much have you developed this year?
• These questions are good indicators of spiritual growth.

A child seems to grow up all of a sudden, but it's actually a continual process. Just as Jesus grew in both wisdom and stature, we as believers are to continue to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). We are no longer to be children, but to "grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ" (Eph. 4:14-15). Have you measured yourself lately? — Cindy Hess Kasper

The child of God who reads the Word
And heeds the messages he's heard
Will grow in grace from day to day
And share with others on life's way. —Hess

Salvation is the miracle of a moment; growth is the labor of a lifetime.


HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS!!

Meaning of Christmas

The Meaning Of Christmas
From: Our Daily Bread

Each year it seems that Christ's birth is acknowledged less and less during the Christmas season. An editorial in a British newspaper stated, "Christ has been detached from Christmas, and the season is now apparently just a time for being kind and ensuring that no one is lonely."

We have a magnificent opportunity to spread the good news that Jesus is the reason for the season. Here are three perspectives on the true meaning of Christmas that we can share with others:

* Christmas is a birthday celebration, honoring Jesus. God's Son took on human flesh and "dwelt among us" (John 1:14).

* Jesus came for our sake. He was born to die on a cross for our sins, and He was resurrected to give us forgiveness and eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

* We can urge people to respond to Jesus with faith, accepting His offer of salvation (John 1:12; 3:16).

This time of year is more than just a season to be kind. Christmas is about Jesus—the real reason for the season. So let's take the opportunity to tell others the miraculous story of Jesus, God's Son. And let's pray that many, like the wise men who came to worship the promised Savior (Matthew 2:1-2), will seek Him and find Him this year. — Joanie Yoder

When we look beyond the manger

To the cross of Calvary,

We will know the reason Christmas

Brings such joy to you and me. —D. De Haan

Bethlehem's stable was the first step in God's journey of love to the cross.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!