Operation Christmas Child

 

Is there anything more beautiful than the joy of a child?

Children are so precious that our Lord Jesus held them up as an example to us:

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”
Matthew 18:3-5

Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child is underway, and the deadline is quickly coming to a close. Collection Week is November 15-22. 

If you’d like to give a shoebox (or two or three!) and put a smile like these on a child’s face, go here to find out all you need to know, how to pack a shoebox, gift suggestions, and how to find a drop-off location near you.

And if you can’t get out to buy items yourself, you can pack a shoebox right on their website here.  

Not only will you give a Christmas gift, but an opportunity for a child, and maybe a family, to hear the gospel and receive the most important Gift of all.  

God Promises a New Heaven and a New Earth

Our minds may be spinning right about now because of all that’s going on in the world.

God’s word tells us that we “must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.'” 2 Peter 3:3-4

The word for “scoffers” translates as false teachers. They can be within a church, or outside it, but the Bible says they’ll follow their own evil desires, and they’ll try to get as many to follow them as they can.

Even now there are voices trying to instill despair and fear, moving our attention away from the LORD, away from our hope, away from abiding in Christ and walking in the Spirit, away from growing in spiritual maturity, from praying in faith, from our calling to be a light, to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples. 

But we must remain steadfast and true in our purpose as the sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. 

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 

Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
2 Peter 3:10-18

As long as this life might seem, it is short. Let us use the time we have for the glory of the Lord, living in faith, receiving His peace, and looking forward to the joy set before us. 

The Saturday Song – God Will Lift Up Your Head

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9

And therefore you now have sorrow. But I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22

 

 

God Will Lift Up Your Head
by Jars of Clay

Give to the wind your fear
Hope and be undismayed
God hears your sighs and counts your tears
God will lift up
God will lift up
Lift up your head

God will lift up your head
God will lift up your head
God will lift up your head
He will lift up, lift up your head

Leave to His sovereign way
To choose and to command
Then shall we wandering on His way
Know how wise and how strong
How wise and how strong

God will lift up your head
God will lift up your head
God will lift up your head
He will lift up, lift up your head

Through waves and clouds and storms,
He gently clears the way
Wait because in His time, so shall this night
Soon end in joy,
Soon end in joy
Soon end in joy,
Soon end in joy.

God will lift up your head
God will lift up your head
God will lift up your head
He will lift up, lift up your head

 

Sunday Praise and a Prayer for Contentment

Dear Heavenly Father, we praise your holy name. You are the Creator of heaven and earth. You give life, physically and spiritually, and you are the Provider of all good things. 

Your word tells us that godliness with contentment is great gain. Lord, we confess we can get caught up in this world and all it says we need to have for happiness. But those are only traps to keep us from what this life is meant to be. 

We pray that as we walk in the Spirit we would be content with where you have us today. You’ve ordered our lives according to your purpose, and we know you’ll provide anything we need.

And we do pray for those in need right now. We know you see each of your children and you hear their prayers. We ask that you would meet all their needs according to the riches of your glory in Christ.

As we rest in your provision, help us take our eyes off ourselves, off the temporary trials we may find ourselves in, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 

We ask for your vision to see our lives here as you see them – very short periods of time we have to know you, to cling to you so we can grow up in spiritual maturity, being transformed into the image of Christ with ever-increasing glory, that we may be fully ready for the eternal life you’re preparing for us now. 

Give us boldness, Father, as we look for the opportunities you give us to magnify and glorify the Name of Jesus, that many will come to know Him as Lord and Savior, and that we might fulfill Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. 

Help us to not waste this time on things that don’t matter, but to use it according to your perfect will and plan for our lives. And as we do, we know we won’t miss out one bit on any fleeting moment of superficial happiness in the world, but instead we’ll be filled with the depth of joy and peace that only comes from knowing you. 

Thank you, Father. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray, amen. 

***

As always, if you have a prayer request, please feel free to leave a comment, email me, or message me on my Facebook or Twitter pages. I’d be honored to pray for you. 

For Him,
Dorci

 

Friday Funnies – Ken Davis on Marriage and Yeah, Dunkin’ Donut

It’s been a little while, but I think it’s time for a little smile, maybe a chuckle, a guffaw…a snicker? Mmm…Snickers. Alrighty. Here’s Ken Davis talking marriage and donuts.  

Happy Friday.