Prayers

Christmas prayer

"Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake, Amen!"

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Lord Jesus,

Please forgive me for being so grumpy as I trudge through the never-ending tasks set before me this holiday season...

My to-do list seems to keep growing with shopping, church services, and family gatherings---and I'm running short of time!

Restore the joy of Christmas to my heart . . .and help me to relax each day and make time for YOU--my one true Source of Joy.

 
Henry Van Dyke

As we venture into this season, let us never forget the real meaning of Christmas. It is our prayer that you to have the best holiday season ever!

May God’s blessing be upon you, and your family.

Randy and Lori

The Meaning of Christmas — Our Savior came!

God loves us very much and wants to bless us. He does not want to send us to hell. Before the birth of Jesus, for hundreds of years through his prophets God had promised a Savior to save us from our sins. To fulfill His promise, God Himself took on human flesh and became a man, Jesus Christ. God kept His godly supernatural nature and combined it in perfect union with human nature. By the supernatural power of God, Jesus was born of a virgin Jewish woman about 2000 years ago in the land of Israel. Jesus is called the Son of God.

Jesus' showed that He is God through His many miracles, demonstrating power over all the laws of nature and the unseen world. Jesus never sinned. While He was on Earth Jesus gave us new and clearer understandings of God. But Jesus came to Earth for a reason more wonderful than being a great teacher. He came to suffer and die in order to free us from the penalty of our sins. That's right! The meaning of Christmas is that Jesus was born in order to die for your sins and mine.

What is the gift?

Please remember, as we journey through this month of December not to forget the true meaning of the gift. Jesus Christ!

Fact or Fiction?

Fact or Fiction: One of America's Founding Fathers thought the turkey should be the national bird of the United States.
Fact. In a letter to his daughter sent in 1784, Benjamin Franklin suggested that the wild turkey would be a more appropriate national symbol for the newly independent United States than the bald eagle (which had earlier been chosen by the Continental Congress). He argued that the turkey was "a much more respectable Bird," "a true original Native of America," and "though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage."
Fact or Fiction: In 1863, Abraham Lincoln became the first American president to proclaim a national day of thanksgiving.
Fiction. George Washington, John Adams and James Madison all issued proclamations urging Americans to observe days of thanksgiving, both for general good fortune and for particularly momentous events (the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, in Washington's case; the end of the War of 1812, in Madison's).
Fact or Fiction: Turkeys are slow-moving birds that lack the ability to fly.
Fiction (kind of). Domesticated turkeys (the type eaten on Thanksgiving) cannot fly, and their pace is limited to a slow walk. Female domestic turkeys, which are typically smaller and lighter than males, can move somewhat faster. Wild turkeys, on the other hand, are much smaller and more agile. They can reach speeds of up to 20-25 miles per hour on the ground and fly for short distances at speeds approaching 55 miles per hour. They also have better eyesight and hearing than their domestic counterparts.
Fact or Fiction: Who is the author of thanks – Jesus Christ.
Fact: “for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth on him shall not parish, but shall have eternal life.”   John 3:16

10 ways to express a thankful heart

10. wear a smile
  9. be real - no one likes a phony
  8. look good, you'll feel good
  7. a heart that's pure
  6. speak the truth with kindness
  5. be a giving person
  4. love yourself, don't envy someone else
  3. be joyful no matter what comes your way
  2. walk in the fullness of God - he created you (know who you are)
  1. always look to help someone else, you'll be thankful you did.

Purpose 1

Did you ever ask yourself the question, what am I here for anyway?

God created you with a purpose. You might not understand that purpose yet, but you

will if you continue to seek God and His direction. However God did create you with

a special set of skills and talents. When God looked at you he saw endless possibilities.

The main purpose god had for you was for you to have relationship with Jesus. That relationship opens up so many possibilities for your life.

Luke 14:7-14

Look to help someone other than yourself…

Respect

The third week of appreciation is about Respect. Lori and I have learned how to respect the man or woman who daily lives a Godly example. I have so much respect for pastors who demonstrate the love of God. Those whom I have watched week in and week out continue to preach and teach the word of God with power, grace, and authority. I respect the man of God who walks the walk and talks the talk of God. Pastor, I respect you because you have waited before the Lord to bury His word deep into your spirit. I respect you pastor because you practice Kingdom principles. These past three weeks we have given honor for three aspect of a pastor’s life. We love you for demonstrating a heart of Gratitude. We Admire you for reaching out and loving people. We Respect you for waiting on the Lord, receiving his direction in preaching, teaching, and leading with a godly heart.
Scripture: Malachi 1:5-7 "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the LORD Almighty. "It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name."But you ask, 'How have we shown contempt for your name?'

Admiration

This second week of appreciation is about Admiration. I admire the men and women of God who work hard to help people find their place in the Kingdom of God. I admire the way pastors pull hidden gifts out of ordinary people and raise them up to do the work of the Lord. I admire the pastor who takes the time to reach out to a community of people who need the gospel of Jesus Christ and lead them in the ways of the Lord. I admire the pastor who works hard, plays hard, and prays hard. Friends, learn to admire your pastor who lifts you up and makes you strive for the things of God.

Proverbs 22:1

Gratitude

The month of October is Pastor Appreciation month. I will take the next three weeks to share three aspects of appreciation.

The definition of appreciation is: Gratitude, expression of admiration, and increase in value.

The first week of appreciation is about Gratitude. We are so grateful for pastors who love people, preach the word with excellence, and live a life of Godly example before the people. Lori and I have served four different pastors in over 25 years of ministry and have appreciated each one for their own uniqueness that they have brought to the table. We have a heart of gratitude for each pastor we have been blessed to serve with. My challenge to you is to do your best in expressing your gratitude to your pastors. My wife and I are so grateful for each and every man and woman who live each and every day giving to the Lord. Pastors we appreciate you!

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:13-14
“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.” (NIV)

RandyDon 

Trust

Psalms 20:7 "some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
Simple word "trust" if not respected and appreciated can become just another word.

Like a child who trusts in his father to catch him when he jumps into his arms. Or to trust in someone with whom you have a close relationship with.

Trusting in something you cannot see takes faith. Hebrews 11:1 "now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Lord today I trust in who you are. You are creator, the power, the one in whom I place my trust. Jesus today I trust in who you are. My savior, my friend, the one in whom I experience everyday. Through your word, and connecting with you in prayer.

Now that's trust!

Outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this generation

Joel 2:28 "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. ²⁹ Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

This past week, I had the privilege of spending time with some of the greatest young people on the planet – the Penn/Del peeps.  I continue to be impressed by this generation of youth.  Although many people today stereotype and judge them by their appearance, style, clothing, tattoos and piercing, God is using them to minister in ways that are more effective than “old school” methods.  It would seem that the Lord is saving the best for last!  I am so thankful for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this generation.

One more shout out to the Penn/Del peeps…I am so proud of you.  Thank you for being open and allowing God to use you!  It’s all about choices…and the power of God in our lives, because…HEAVEN WILL BE A PARTY!

RandyDon

It’s all about the Praise

Psalm 150

“It’s all about the Praise”

There are many days in life where praise is not the main thought or my first thought.  There are also those situations when trials, troubles, sickness and disease, situations where others are telling you you’re just not good enough or acceptable just seem to get the best of us.  Our praise is not because of or in spite of our journey or circumstances.  Our praise is because of who He is…without Jesus, there is no praise.

I praise God for so many blessings in my life – a relationship with Christ, family, health, great friends, just to name a few.  Even in the transition of our life right now, God is still in control and I CHOOSE TO PRAISE HIM!

Today, make a choice.  Praise Him!

Verse 6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”

Shout outs

Here's the first of many for our new blog. I want to start this new blog by giving thanks to God for a wonderful family. Our personal family and then those in the church body...it gives us so much joy and comfort knowing we are surrounded by you that  pray for us, care for us, and stay loyal to us.

To my nephews and nieces: Brent, Tiffany, Ryan + Jeanie, Aubrey, Brittany, Colton, Danny + Angela, Justin, Alyssa, and Rebecca. Aunt Lori and I love each and everyone of you so much.

Next week we will start with scripture and encouraging words.

RandyDon

New website!

My brand new website is now up! Check it out at RandyDon.org