Christmas finally!

What a blessing to have a few days off to spend with family!
It is not often that ALL of us are together, but it is ALWAYS special and memorable when we do!

Christmas...finally to be
enjoyed with blessed family!
A few days late--that matters not;
what matters is the time we've got!
One be back now at her place;
the rest be here yet due His grace
and, oh, the fun that we are knowing!
(Even though it isn't snowing!)

"Christmas--
Thank You, Father God, for such!
Thank You for Jesus and His touch!
Thank You for Life--abundant so!
Thank You, Lord, for Your grace to know!"

I know that most of you have already celebrated and put Christmas away.  A whole 'nother year is only hours away.  Make sure every one of your hours is filled with the Presence of God and the ones who mean the most to you.
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Greater than the storm!

When man says 'no,' God may say something else.
I have already told some of you, but God saw to it that our daughter made it home safely today after all! 
Beyond what the weather forecast says...
beyond what common sense says...
even beyond what we see with our eyes, God often says differently.

So faithful when we pray to Him,
He answers us always!
In spite of how we set our hearts,
His ways are not our ways!
Even when this world says 'no,'
He has the final say;
and as we follow in His steps,
He'll keep us on the way!

And once again He answers,
once more does He provide!
How very blessed and fortunate
that He is on our side!
"Thank You, Lord, for answering
and keeping her secure;
thank You, Lord, for helping us,
with victory, to endure!

Debby and I are celebrating.
There are, however, millions in the Midwest who are not celebrating because of injury and damage from these storms.  Please pray for them!  And even here, there are more storms on the way.  We do, however, serve and trust in God...for He is greater than the storm!
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Joy remains!

If I did not have the security I have in God, I would be most miserable right now!
Thankfully, when you are alive in God, never is the "same old...same old..."

Christmas was a day ago...
Christmas is not yet...
So many issues rise that we
together, may not get.
But there is love, there is peace,
there is hope alive!
And I KNOW, in the days ahead,
our loved ones will arrive!

Life--sometimes, it's inconvenient,
we must understand.
We get a phone call that may
interfere with what is planned.
But God, for He knows all along
what will and will not be,
and continue I to trust Him
with my family!

Christmas was...and I know it
will be when it will be!
What matters most is JESUS LIVES,
and safe and sound are we!
Enjoy the moments, every one,
and worship Christ each day!
For He will see we get together
on the Narrow Way.

Debby & I spent Christmas alone yesterday.  We knew that we will all be together in a few days to celebrate Jesus once again...until the phone just rang.  Vicki will not be able to make the trip because of the snows that are hitting the Midwest as I type this.  Please pray for her safety, and for the heartbreak that we are all feeling.
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It's Christmas Day!

Glory to God!!
We celebrate today the birth of Jesus--the coming of the Lord!
But He is no longer just a baby in that manger...HE IS GOD ALMIGHTY, GOD ALL-KNOWING, AND GOD ALL-SUFFICIENT!
He knows what He is doing.  He doesn't need us or anything to accomplish that goal.  However, He allows us to participate in His process that we may know the wonder, joy and glory of it all!
You in?

A tree set up and decorated
in the room somewhere...
anticipating friends and loved ones
that will soon be there...
incredible aromas make
their way throughout the house-
laughter, fun and happiness,
the pain and tears to douse!

But even on that Christmas day
with only she and I,
there be a song inside the heart:
there's also God Most High!
He joins us as we celebrate,
he helps us through the pain,
and He makes sure joy to the world
without restraint will reign!

Yes, joy to the world, and even joy
to be throughout this home!
Though our loved ones, (at the moment,)
have no time to roam,
we will be together soon,
just adding to that joy
that she and I already know-
and NOTHING can destroy!

Debby & I pray that your house contains as much joy, love and contentment as ours does.  We are so blessed. 
We pray that you can enjoy this day by being with them that mean the most to you.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support of this ministry.
Jim
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Merry Christmas

In the joy, wonder and life of the season, don't let the facts and fables steal it away...

How beautiful, the birth of Christ,
no matter what we think!
Don't let the many controversies-
let the yuletide sink.
It may not be the date exact,
it may not be the time,
but not to celebrate at all
would be an utter crime!
Too many are the arguments
that matter not at all.
What matters is we celebrate Christ
and obey His call!
The songs that we have held to over
centuries before-
what if God has other words, yes,
what if there is more?

How beautiful is Jesus and
the fact He even came!
At any time at all, sing out
and glorify His Name!
He is holy, He is worthy,
He is Lord of all,
and He is God, Himself--accept Him
and fulfill The Call!

Jesus Christ is born.
It may not have been in the dead of winter.  After all, it isn't winter everywhere in December.  What matters is that He came with one purpose and that is to forgive sins, and save the souls of them that give Him their hearts so that they can have relationship with God.
Merry Christmas.
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Time for Christmas

It's almost Christmas!
IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS!!
But only once a year?

Jesus.
He is Christmas.  He is come
to do what no one can.
He is come that God can wrap
His arms around this man!
He is coming for so many
reasons I can't count!
JESUS.  HE IS CHRISTMAS!
God's love knows no amount!

So silent is the early night,
save for the mighty wind.
He stands ready for those words
"Forgive me.  I have sinned."
Ready, too, is He for just
the reaching of our hands,
ready to embrace us there-
no making of demands!

Father God...Jesus Christ...
Love and Love's own Gift.
Won't you join me on this night,
our hearts and hands to lift?
Not to voice a need or give
to Him a "shopping list,"
but "Thank You, Lord!"  "I love You, Lord!"
"I'm so glad We exist!!"

It's almost Christmas.  I cannot wait for the family to get here and the fun that we will have! 
The hurry and scurry is done for today.  The hustle and bustle is almost over.  I know it gets busy, but ALWAYS be available for that soul out there reaching for what Christmas is all about!  And don't forget to set aside that time to spend with only Jesus...What a Gift!!
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JOY TO THE WORLD!!

Joy.
Joy to the world!
How wonderful it would be if the world had more joy!

O feel it welling deep within-
you know that feeling well!
Joy in knowing Christ the Lord
is come, is come to dwell!
He comes just as was prophesied
so very long ago-
He comes so life abundant
each and every heart would know!

Joy to the world!  Joy to the heart,
unspeakable the same!
Christmas is reality
and Jesus is His Name!
O breathe that joy so deep within,
release with laughter real!
Let nothing of this fleeting life
that Joy alive conceal!

Joy to the World!  The Lord is come,
and JESUS is His name!
O revel in His life anew-
for that is why He came!
Come that we may have that life
naught else could e'er provide!
Jesus Christ--so wonderful!
O keep Him not inside!

Jesus Christ is alive inside of you?  WONDERFUL!  But do others know it?  They need to!  As we celebrate his coming into the world, won't you share his coming with someone who needs to know?  They are closer to you than you think.  And it will bring joy to their world.
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Making it new again

Lest we get caught up in things that do not matter, go over it with me again, won't you...

Again, the days...the days that are...
"Behold!  There, in the east, a Star!!"
And so began to follow they
the ONE--the Truth, the Life, the Way!

So many are the truths alive
of Christ our Savior to arrive
and be, to us, The Victory!
New life for you!  New life for me!

O magnify the Lord in song!
To God, Himself, shall we belong!
Miracles are happening
of which the hosts of angels sing!
"Who are we??" the heart-felt cry,
belonging unto God Most High
in God Himself--the Holy Son?
SING VICTORY!  FOR HE HAS WON!!

The days that are...o celebrate!
God so good and God so great
has come to us this holy Day--
the ONE--the Truth, the Life, the Way!
Much more than words from long ago,
but living Truths for us to know!
Accept ye Jesus in your heart
and stake your claim in glory part!

IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!!
Of course, they did not know the fullness of what was happening.  Could we even grasp its scope if such went on in our time!  Oh, but this we know, JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AND HE HAS COME TO SAVE OUR SOULS AND GIVE US NEW LIFE!!
Oh celebrate, won't you?
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Presents

The afternoon is 'still.'  Not a cloud in the sky.  A very gentle breeze is present...AND IT'S COLD!
However, just a few miles away, it is so busy that folks are forgetting what this time of year is all about! 
When will we learn?

'Joy to the world' to be resounding
through these living halls...
'The Lord is come' is evidenced
upon the many walls...
'Silent night' is present here
but over hills afar,
there is anything but silence
as the shuffles are!

O make it ye a celebration
of Christ Jesus come!
A 'competition' make it not;
it's NOT about the sum!
The days that are, for they're about
Lord Jesus come for us-
yet we scurry here and there
and it becomes a fuss.

Is it possible at all
to even out the score?
To apply that principle
that tells us "less is more?"
How much more enjoyable
would be the 'holidays?'
Perhaps more people would refer
to them as "holy days?"

The afternoon is still.
I think I'll stay right here with loved ones and enjoy those wonderful gifts that money cannot buy.  Those gifts that are right here...presents that are present whenever we are present.
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"Father God, I want..."

The beginning of another day.
Hmmm...what do I want...

"The sun is reaching out his arms-
I know I will survive!
But God, I want much more than that!
O God, I want to THRIVE!
Manna--it is satisfying
for the "day-to-day,"
but I want to bless so many others
on the Narrow Way!

I want to bless my wife, oh Lord,
in ways I cannot now,
to give to her what she desires;
oh God, You know how...
I want to bless my friend, oh God,
the way he blesses me...
I want to bless a total stranger
that YOU he might see!

Lord, You bless me, You have blessed me,
and You always will.
O use this man to show these people
that You love them still!
Use me to show my friends and family
Your reality!
O Lord, a tool inside Your hand,
but let me always be!

In JESUS' Name,
Amen."
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Early in the 'season'

Early, early.  First light.
Before anything else is, I enjoy Jesus...

In the silence, in the stillness,
in the season nigh,
there is a voice I love to hear--
the voice of God Most High!
He is so real in telling me
about the days that are;
and when I pray to Him, I know
the answer is not far!

It is Christmas!  It's the season
of our Savior's birth!
In coming, He once more affirms
how much, to God, we're worth!
Coming as a human to
endure what we cannot;
coming in His purity
to rid us of each blot!

Yes, it is Christmas!  Happy Birthday
unto Jesus Christ!
The only One existing that
could ever have sufficed!
O celebrate Him!  He is Truth,
He's life, He is The Way!
He'll speak to you if you will listen
each and every day!

Yes, listen to Jesus.  He is Christmas, but He is more than 'seasonal.'  He is The Constancy that is needed in the days that are...and throughout eternity!
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This Holy Season

Jesus Christ the Lord is come!!

Holy, holy, holy be
the season of the day!
The holy Child of Bethlehem-
the Truth...the Life...the Way!
O the celebration, oh
the wonder of it all!
O tune the ear unto the heights
and join ye in the call!

O the joy unspeakable
of those upon the wing,
yet there be room to harmonize
so enter in and sing!
For He is worthy of it all,
the Savior of my soul,
come to save the lost and dying,
come to make us whole!

Holy, holy, holy be
Jehovah's very Son!
Humbly in a manger lay,
His sovereign will be done!
Enthroned in glory evermore
and, soon, to claim His Bride!
O the wonders of the season
cannot be denied!

This Holy Season.  May it be filled with JESUS CHRIST ALONE!  He is worthy to be praised, honored and adored!
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Nightsight

A humble birth, out in the middle of nowhere?
A baby born...someone anonymous that family and a few friends will ever know?
So it goes with life.  Normal life.
Oh, but this Baby and this life was and is anything but "normal!"
As I ponder the birth of Jesus, it really excites me as I think of some of the details: being so far away from city lights, no metropolis on the horizon in any direction, the stars that night were quite amplified!  Can you just imagine how beautiful, clear and crisp the sky was?!  Almost "holy."

O take me there!  I want to see
the glory of Him come!
O take me there!  Did anyone
there present know the sum!
Hallowed environs as
they travelled from afar;
Hallowed the Baby come
beneath that glory star!

People, why don't we take a break from shopping and scrambling around that the next few weeks represent, find a quiet place somewhere where nothing interrupts, and just listen, look and behold the glory and the wonder of being alone with God?  Trust me, you need it.
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Essentials

There are so many 'things' in this life that are 'essential.'  Many a writer and thinker have taught that life is so simple.  It is, IF you take care of the 'essentials...'

I need that living water that
is used upon my thirst...
I need food lest life itself
would start to be reversed!
I need Jesus Christ and all
the life that He can give,
and, lest I throw it all away,
I NEED to forgive!

I need to let go of that 'thing'
that sucks life out of me...
I need to let go of those folks
I do not want to see...
I need to 'those' situations
to, somehow, slip my mind,
so that, the liberty of Jesus,
I can freely find!!
There is no point in hanging on
to what was said and done.
I'd rather let them go and fully
cling to God's Own Son!
There is healing, there is living,
liberation, too,
as I leave behind the past
embracing Christ anew!

Yes, I need that Living Water.
Jesus is His Name!
To quench my thirst--but it is but
one reason that He came!
For He is The Essential--needed
so by one and all;
a Gentleman, though, as He waits
for all our pride to fall!

You need Jesus.  I need Jesus.  He is as essential as water to not only arrive at that life beyond this one, but to help us through every day until then!
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The Roaring Silence!

I had a few chores to do outside this afternoon.  After getting what I needed for them, I had to just stop and take in the glory of the beautiful day that He created...

"The silence of Your Presence, Lord-
yet creation hears!
You whisper through the branches and
You catch our "spirit ears."
You make the time more beautiful
than even what appears.
Due Your glory's constancy,
we're never in arrears!

So wealthy, Lord, that I may see You
as the season's change...
so fortunate to know the order
that You prearrange...
so blessed to be Your handiwork,
enveloped in Your palm...
the wealthiest with You beside
conversing in the calm!

So wonderful, the afternoon
in all that You create!
But greater, Lord, to be with You-
the same to celebrate!
Visible, invisible,
the silence and the roar!
The Presence of You, Jesus Christ-
oh, all I want is more!!"

More of Jesus.
I pray that such is at the top of our list this Christmas...and constantly!
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"Business?"

Taking care of business.
Doing what must be done before the day is done.  It is heightened now that Christmas is only weeks away.
But must it be ALL business...

Christmas--that most holy time
that most of us enjoy.
Reject the 'stress' that season brings-
for that's the devil's ploy!
There is so much to be glad for,
such cause for celebration-
the greatest is that, now, with God,
we each may have relation!!

Christmas!  Holy, holy time
to gather from afar
them that be so dearly loved...
or them that with you are;
celebrate the wonder and
the joy of Jesus King!
Celebrate the perfect peace
that only He can bring!

CHRISTMAS!  Celebrate each day
the coming of the King!
Join the very angels as
to Him, they brightly sing!
He is Life, He is living,
this life and beyond!
Yes, Christmas be eternal in
the One we place our bond!
HE IS JESUS!!

Again I implore you, don't let the stress of the season overwhelm you.  That is the LAST thing that Jesus would have, yet it seems to be the thing that most come away with!  Enjoy the time!
Keep it simple.
Keep it genuine.
Keep it festive.
KEEP IT JESUS!!
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Jesus Celebration!

Celebrate!  Celebrate,
then celebrate some more!
So glorious, this time of year,
and JESUS it is for!!
Activities, they multiply,
so present, too, be stress,
but celebrate with Christ the Lord,
and Jesus--He will bless!!

Yes, celebrate...but even if
your feelings would resist,
do it anyway!  For He
will bless you!  I INSIST!
So vital be His adoration-
healing it will bring!
Restoration is that song,
so sing, ye people, SING!!

O celebrate, ye people, Christmas-
JESUS CHRIST IS KING!!
He was...He is...He is to come;
Jesus--EVERYTHING!
He is Christmas...He his holy...
He is God the Son!
O join the celebration, knowing
Jesus--HE HAS WON!

Focus, people.  Focus on Jesus Christ.  HE IS CHRISTMAS!  The world would have you in a whirl trying to please everyone with everything, when the greatest thing remains us STOPPING and spending quality time with Christ and one another.  Don't let anything hinder that celebration!
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The peace of Peace

Peace on earth.  What will it take?  It will surely take more than a season of 30 days.  It certainly takes more than singing Christmas carols.
But what WILL it take?

Peace, o peace that all desire,
why do you evade?
But are you only an 'emotion'
that, somehow, is 'made?'
We know how to obtain it and
maintain the very same,
but most be in denial in that
Peace--He has a Name!

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus-
Prince of Peace is He!
Peace, itself, cannot exist
apart from Christ, the Three!
Surrender to His lordship so
that you can know that peace!
Let go of each agenda and know
Jesus' true release!

What will it take?
I don't want to answer that, because it means that I may have to change.  It means that I may have to think differently. 
Perhaps too many of us want peace without having to know Peace?
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Intolerant Christmas

Jesus...Jesus...Jesus.
That's what Christmas is all about.
That's WHO Christmas is all about.

Joy, joy, joy
to all the world and more!
It is that time of year again
and JESUS it is for!
Celebrate Him, honor Him,
give Him the glory laud!
Hallelujah!  Christ is born-
the very Son of God!

Joy to the world!  Cry out!  Sing out,
and make your song alive!
Healing, mercy, grace and love
on this day to arrive!
Celebrated on this day,
but living constantly!
Turn, turn, turn to JESUS CHRIST-
your Lord and Savior be!

Joy, joy, joy...but is it
missing from your day?
Repent, submit and cling to HIM-
the Truth, the Life, the Way!
For He alone is God forever.
Why, then, not start now?
Of all gifts given at this time
give HIM your heart and vow!

Jesus.  Not another. 
God sent His only Son to that we would have relationship with Him.  There is no other way.
O give to God your heart and soul through Jesus Christ right now, won't you?
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