Welcome to Life is for Living 2009. We are excited about the Life is for Living blog and hope you are too! We believe that the Lord created each human being with a purpose, a destiny, and a future. As this year comes to a close, and you begin to look forward to next year, look upward to God for His guidance and His will for your life. This holiday season place your faith in the Lord and put your life in His hands. He is there and He will not fail you or let you down. The Lord Jesus Christ loves you and has a special plan and purpose for your life. When you go throughout your day and walk out the busyness of your life try to remember to stop, thank Him for His many blessings, and enjoy His beautiful creation! Remember that “Life is for Living!”
Daily Bread- Luke 2:1-20 NAS;
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. It is filled with holiday cheer, family gatherings, and presents under the tree. Christmas is also a special time to remember the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and it is a time to give Him thanks for His many blessings in our lives, and for His birth, death, and resurrection. The Bible says in Philippians 2:7 NLT; “Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form.” Jesus Christ chose to give Himself as a living sacrifice. He chose to come to earth, be born a man; take on the sins of mankind and die on the cross that all may receive salvation and live in His divine hope and glory. It is God’s heart that each and every person be reconciled to Him through the acceptance of His Son Jesus Christ. It is only in this acceptance that you can be forgiven of your sins and be made right before your Creator.
When Christ died on the cross and rose again, He had you in mind. God loves all people. He knows each person by name. He has the very hairs on your head numbered. And He knows the specific plan and purpose that He has destined for your life. Just as Jesus Christ had a purpose and a destiny on earth, He has given you a specific purpose in life also. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV says; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Because of Christ’ birth, death, and resurrection you have been given hope and a future. It does not matter who you are, what you have done, or what you may believe about yourself. God loves you; and He desires for you to know Him as your Heavenly Father and as your Savior. He is reaching out to you in this very moment. Reach out and take His hand. Allow Him access to your heart and to your life. He will not fail you or let you down. He will stand with you through every trial and be there through every dark moment. He truly is The Hope of Glory!
If you would like to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior; or if you would like to rededicate your life to the Lord, please pray this prayer aloud to Him;
Dear Lord Jesus,
I give You my life and I give You my heart. I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I dedicate my life to You; and I ask You to be my personal Lord and Savior. I commit from this day forward to serve You and to live for You; and I ask that You would reveal Your plan and purpose for my life. I ask that You by Your power and presence would touch my life and reveal Yourself to me in a greater way. I thank You for this and for Your many blessings. I thank You for Your birth; and for Your death and resurrection. I thank You that from this day forward my life will never be the same again.
In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,
Amen
Date Idea of the Month- This time of year many people send out their greeting cards filled with holiday cheer and well wishes to others. This month, take time to write a special greeting for your spouse or loved one. Make a card or purchase a card just for them. Write a little something special in it to show your love and appreciation. When you’re done writing your card, take a moment together to exchange them. This is a loving and kind way to show you care, and are thinking about the one you love!
Family Time Idea of the Month- Christmas is coming soon! This month, take time out to spend with your family. Go ice skating at the ice rink or skate on the local pond. Go sledding, skiing, or snowboarding. After your fun in the snow or on the ice, go home and bake Christmas cookies with your family. Everyone should take part in this fun! Mom, Dad, and children! Everyone pitch in and bake these delicious treats. The holidays are a time for fun, family, caring, and sharing. This is the most wonderful time of the year!
Movie Must See- “The Passion of the Christ”
“The Passion of the Christ” is the story of Jesus Christ; His last twelve hours on earth and His death and resurrection. This is an amazing film filled with
hope, inspiration, and truth. The truth of Christ’ love for all mankind; and the truth of His crucifixion and resurrection. The true message of this story is; “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” John 3:16 NAS. This film is starring Jim Caviezel and was directed by Mel Gibson. It is rated R. Please Note: This film is a depiction of Christ’ death. Due to this, the film may be too graphic for children.Music Must Hear- Andrea Bocelli
“My Christmas” by
Opera singer Andrea Bocelli is a beautiful holiday album filled with all of the classics we know and love. “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Clause is Coming to Town,” “White Christmas,” and “The Lord’s Prayer” are just a few of the tracks on this amazing album. Bocelli also performed several duets on this album with artists including; Natalie Cole, Reba McEntire, and the Muppets. It is a must hear!Bible Verse of the Month- “The angel answered and said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God'” Luke 1:35 NAS.
Final Thought- Look upward today for your future and purpose in life! Remember that the Lord is with you. He is familiar with your sufferings and every trial that you are walking through during this time of your life. This holiday season remember to give thanks for the greatest gift of all; the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
