John 3:16 says that
For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 1:4 (AMP),
Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
This tells us, that before the very beginning of our world, you were on His mind and that He provided a way for you to be His sons and daughters. He actually hand picked you, chose you for His own. You didn’t just happen. You weren’t an accident. You were planned, on purpose, to be in His family.
On the first Christmas day so long ago when our Savior was born, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth; peace, good will toward men.” You see, the gift of Jesus brings peace. As a nation we have rallied together in unity. However, as the nation of God we need to rally around His Word and Him, allowing His peace to replace the pressures of life.
Truth That Sets You Free
The realities of His Word and promises are not just a temporary fix but they are truth and that truth sets us free from the pressures of fear and life. The Word says that He will meet all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. He said that by His stripes we were healed. If that is so then we will stand and be victorious. We will stand in victory with a peace and confidence.
This holiday season, we need to begin to push away the fears and pressures of life and receive His peace into our hearts. By this we are not trying to get to a place of peace with God but we are actually walking in His peace with a heart that is filled with God’s Love, Word and Presence.
No matter what is going on around us, or in our world, we can have His presence with us at all times. What a gift that is!
During this Christmas and New Year’s season, we need to begin to worship the Most High God. As we worship we will see His glory and peace come into the midst of our hearts, empowering us so that we can share the most wonderful gift of all, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
What A Wonderful Present!
To give someone a chance to be born again and receive the most wonderful gift of eternal life is what this season is all about. As we lead someone to Him, out of darkness and into the glorious light, we will be doing the Father’s will.
It is His desire for all to change and have light instead of darkness, life instead of death, health instead of sickness, and wealth instead of poverty. Oh what a wonderful eternal present that is!
Won’t you step out and let the Lord use you?
You can begin by sharing what Jesus did for you. People will be able to see Jesus in you and want what you have. You don’t have to be afraid, all you have to do is reach inside and there you will find the Father’s love that surpasses anything and everything.
Let’s be fishers of men and share the reason for this season. Merry Christmas and have a happy, prosperous New Year!
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Reverend Barbara A. Thorne was born again in 1945, at the age of nine and began fulfilling the call of God on her life in 1969. By 1970 she was working in the ministry as the pastor of a small Methodist mission house in Tuscumbia, Alabama. It was during this time that she experienced what most charismatic Christians would call revival.
During this six and a half-year outpouring of God's Spirit, Reverend Thorne saw many saved, healed and delivered by God's awesome love. When the revival ended God led her to Rhema Bible Training Center to learn the word of faith. Since then she has gone on to pioneer churches abroad, in South Africa and in Europe.
Currently, Rev. Thorne was founder and pastor of Harvest Family Church, a non-denominational Christian fellowship, located in Somerset Massachusetts.
She was also founder and dean of International Bible School. Rev. Thorne served the Lord for thirty-two years, traveling the globe, preaching and teaching the uncompromised Word of God and ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Her heart was to raise up faith-filled leaders, in the Body of Christ, for the work of the ministry, both in the U.S. and internationally - to teach believers to fulfill their calling and live victoriously in Christ through the unfailing love of God.
