The Death Of Sin

Sin can you truly be as strong as you seem
And to overcome you is only a dream
Are you more powerful than all of us thought?
Are you a foe better not fought?

Sin are you a monster that cannot die
An enemy so cold that hearts only cry
Are you a beast that comes from within?
Or are you a thought that speaks like a friend

Sin are you a tempter that plays with the soul
A song of the wind that make us less whole
Are you so hideous that your face you must hide?
Are you a poison that speaks only lies?

Sin what ever you are this I have come to be sure
That all that you are I have found only one cure
As precious as a cure could ever be
Yes the blood of Christ Jesus has over come thee

So you may fight on, and some battles you may win
But be sure of this He is coming again
And on that day there will be no place to run
You will be completely destroyed by the glory of the Son

So sin no matter what battle you wage
No matter the poison, or how strong the cage
Fight you I must for He fights for me
And ask me to trust that one day I'll be free

By Don Stubbs Dec 26th 2013

Fear Not

I often think of the shepherds on that day, the day that Christ was born. How would you respond to an angel of the Lord appearing? Yes I think we all would be fearful, and then to hear the angel say, “fear not. What a relief, but that was just the beginning, that great news was coming. The greatest of all messages was about to be proclaimed. A message that would change everything, yes, a message that had never been spoken before. This Christmas morning as I read the story of the Birth of Christ in Luke chapter 2 the message brings hope to my heart. 

For the angel said “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Yes on that day, God came into the world that had no hope and gave us hope. He came that we could again be with him. On that day God the Son said to all who would hear Him, “I Am here” you don’t have to be afraid, you don’t have to be alone, you don’t have to be lost. I have come that you may have life in me. All who would have life I have come.  Put your trust in me, put your hope in me, put your dreams in me, and I will give you far more than you could ever imagine. For I will give you myself and you will always be with me.

So today on the day we call Christmas, remember the greatest gift that has even been given, the gift of God himself. And for those who have never accepted this great gift, God himself invites you into a relationship with Himself, FEAR NOT receive today the gift of Christ Jesus the Lord.

The Story Line of Our Lives

This morning I was reading C. J. Mahaney’s book, Christ Our Mediator, and this line grabbed my heart, “The cross climaxes the story line of the Bible as well as the story line of our lives.

This thought really struck me.  It is so true, without the Cross my life would be a mess.  My life would have no hope.  I would be in despair.  Often I forget that the cross is not just for those that need Christ, but just as much for those who have Christ. 

When I feel there is no hope, I can look to the Cross.  When I feel like I don’t matter, I can look to the Cross.  When I want to make life just about me, I need the Cross.  When I want to not love others, it is the Cross that reminds my heart how to love.  When I feel my sin is to great to forgive, the Cross shows me that the blood of Christ is greater still. When a loves one dies, it is the Cross that allows me to know I will see them again.

Yes, it is the Cross that has become the Story Line Of My Life.  It intersects my life at every point.  It is the Cross that now gives my life meaning and hope and purpose.

Luke 23:33-35;

“And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.  And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide his garments.  And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!’”

Lord I thank your for what you did at the Cross, for me and for all who do and will believe.  Yes I thank you for the Cross!!!!