A True Christmas Gift
I met a wonderful sister in the Lord recently. She recalled a particular gift that she received from her employer year after year. She wondered why they kept giving her the same unusual gift time after time. Each year she unwrapped her gift, it was the same thing. She made known that her employer was a church and the gift was a bible.
I supposed that they subscribed to the adage ‘if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.' The times that they gave the bible as a gift, she from her heart did not trust in, nor serve Jesus Christ-she just had a job at a church. Then, one day she gave in. She couldn’t hold out any longer. She accepted Christ in her life as Savior and Lord. Now she is serving the Lord with readiness of mind, great Godly passion, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
She found out that ‘Yes ’tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease; just from Jesus simply taking life and rest, and joy and peace.’
The gift she received was a true Christmas gift. It was thoughtfully given from one who saw significance in another. There was loving intent. Love should be the foundation for all giving for in giving by love you gain in return. The apostle Paul advised, “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3 New Living Translation)
That was just the way the first true Christmas gift was given. The first gift truly was not gold, or frankincense, nor myrrh. The first gift was the babe lying in the manger, the baby Jesus; the one who would save His people from their sins.
Our heavenly Father thoughtfully gave Him unto us. He saw value in us though sin had marred, stained us deep within. He knew us for He knows all men; He knows what is in our hearts. We were just like strangers to Him, aliens. We were alienated, ignorant, and blind because of our desperately wicked hearts.
Yet because of His loving nature, our heavenly Father desired intensely to give us a gift. How about that? Giving a gift to a stranger? But, a man’s gift makes room for him. (Proverbs 18:16) Then, how much more would God’s gift make room for Him in the heart of those who gladly welcome and receive His gift!
And, He gave not just any gift. But, He gave unto us a heavenly treasure. It came in the form of a pretty little package. A little baby boy wrapped in swaddling clothes. He gave unto us His only begotten Son. Love compelled Him to do it.
The reason His gift is so wonderful is because His gift meets our deepest need. Our deepest need is to be reconciled unto God. Our relationship with God was severed in the Garden of Eden. Sin ravaged, ruined our communion with Him.
God being concerned about our predicament, lovingly and thoughtfully gave His Son, delivering Him up to be crucified to redeem us from the curse brought on us by sin. According to the scriptures Jesus died for all our sin, was buried, and then was raised from the dead by God’s mighty power. Through faith in Jesus saving grace we can have eternal life. Christ Jesus is the true Christmas gift.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Larry D. Reed, Sr.
I Owe Jesus
12/19/06 Revised 11/30/07
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Shop smart this holiday season
Shop smart this holiday season By Julie McAdory
With the holiday shopping season approaching, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater New Orleans has assembled some money management advice to keep the season happy and meaningful.
When you don't plan, spending for gift-giving and other holiday related expenses can become a burden. Now is the time to compare your income and savings to your credit card debt, living expenses and other financial obligations. This should help you determine what you can afford to spend this year.
Draft a spending plan in November, stay the course in December and breathe easier in January. Consumer Credit Counseling Service these tips:
Spending plan
· Develop a holiday budget. Determine what financial expenses you'll have in November and December. This amount is not only for gift buying but postage, wrapping paper, meals, entertainment, travel and decorations.
· Find ways to cut back on expenses and at the same time increase your holiday money by volunteering for overtime at work or consider part-time employment.
· Make a shopping list and allocate a dollar amount for presents for each person you are buying for. The desire to give satisfying gifts is commonly a main concern. Remember it's the thought that counts.
· Make a list and stick to it.
· Make short shopping trips. It makes it easier to monitor purchases and spending.
· Shop alone so you can concentrate on making good selections and avoid impulse buying. Malls are slower Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
· Pay with cash whenever possible but if you do use credit limit your purchases to one card with a balance that can be paid off within 90 days or less.
· Once you've completed your list, stop shopping.
Stay the course
· Avoid last-minute shopping.
· Tis the season to be jolly, not vulnerable. Identity theft is more rampant the closer we get to Christmas so hold on to your purse and wallet.
· Be efficient. If you are looking for a specific gift, "let your fingers do the walking." Call stores to see if they have it.
· Use sales flyers to comparison shop to get the best buy.
· Avoid skip payment offers. You may not be required to send a payment in December but that doesn't mean the interest stops.
· Keep receipts of everything you spend for the holidays this year so you will know how much to save for 2008.
Breathe easier
· Maintain financial planning momentum. If you have kept to your budget, you will start the year with less debt stress. Plan for the year. Balance your household budget and you could have more money to fuel your holiday spending spree in 2008.
· Start buying gifts during after Christmas sales and all through the year.
· Seek help from a credit counselor. If you have been unable to resolve your finances on your own, consider working with a certified credit counselor at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater New Orleans to create a plan you can live with, one that helps you budget your money and repay debt. A counselor can customize a plan to fit your lifestyle. Contact Consumer Credit Counseling Service at (800) 880-2221 or visit www.cccsno.org.
· Julie McAdory is the Mississippi educator director for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater New Orleans. Reach her at (800) 880-2221 or e-mail julie@cccsno.org.
With the holiday shopping season approaching, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater New Orleans has assembled some money management advice to keep the season happy and meaningful.
When you don't plan, spending for gift-giving and other holiday related expenses can become a burden. Now is the time to compare your income and savings to your credit card debt, living expenses and other financial obligations. This should help you determine what you can afford to spend this year.
Draft a spending plan in November, stay the course in December and breathe easier in January. Consumer Credit Counseling Service these tips:
Spending plan
· Develop a holiday budget. Determine what financial expenses you'll have in November and December. This amount is not only for gift buying but postage, wrapping paper, meals, entertainment, travel and decorations.
· Find ways to cut back on expenses and at the same time increase your holiday money by volunteering for overtime at work or consider part-time employment.
· Make a shopping list and allocate a dollar amount for presents for each person you are buying for. The desire to give satisfying gifts is commonly a main concern. Remember it's the thought that counts.
· Make a list and stick to it.
· Make short shopping trips. It makes it easier to monitor purchases and spending.
· Shop alone so you can concentrate on making good selections and avoid impulse buying. Malls are slower Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
· Pay with cash whenever possible but if you do use credit limit your purchases to one card with a balance that can be paid off within 90 days or less.
· Once you've completed your list, stop shopping.
Stay the course
· Avoid last-minute shopping.
· Tis the season to be jolly, not vulnerable. Identity theft is more rampant the closer we get to Christmas so hold on to your purse and wallet.
· Be efficient. If you are looking for a specific gift, "let your fingers do the walking." Call stores to see if they have it.
· Use sales flyers to comparison shop to get the best buy.
· Avoid skip payment offers. You may not be required to send a payment in December but that doesn't mean the interest stops.
· Keep receipts of everything you spend for the holidays this year so you will know how much to save for 2008.
Breathe easier
· Maintain financial planning momentum. If you have kept to your budget, you will start the year with less debt stress. Plan for the year. Balance your household budget and you could have more money to fuel your holiday spending spree in 2008.
· Start buying gifts during after Christmas sales and all through the year.
· Seek help from a credit counselor. If you have been unable to resolve your finances on your own, consider working with a certified credit counselor at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater New Orleans to create a plan you can live with, one that helps you budget your money and repay debt. A counselor can customize a plan to fit your lifestyle. Contact Consumer Credit Counseling Service at (800) 880-2221 or visit www.cccsno.org.
· Julie McAdory is the Mississippi educator director for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater New Orleans. Reach her at (800) 880-2221 or e-mail julie@cccsno.org.
Sweet Dreams Daddy, Goodnight
Sweet Dreams Daddy, Goodnight
After a long day of managing stresses,
Many times seemingly drained of all might,
My little girl opens her mouth and me she blesses.
When she says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”
How marvelous is the working of the Lord’s tender mercy,
No matter how deep or dark be my plight.
I am buoyed above any and all controversy,
When my daughter says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”
It is just like our Heavenly Father to reveal Himself in a child’s phrases,
Even in a decaying world where gross darkness seems to eclipse God’s light.
I thank my God for my faith and hope in and love for Him, He upraises.
When my girl child looks at me and says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”
Our Lord has given Himself to us; we are each other’s permanent possession.
With childlike faith trusting that He is ever with us, everything is truly alright.
That is what I get from my daughter’s simple soul stirring expression,
When she says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”
Make memories to last an eternity with your children,
teach them about and show them the love of Jesus Christ…
In time God will reward you with a wonderful return on your investment.
RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/28/07
After a long day of managing stresses,
Many times seemingly drained of all might,
My little girl opens her mouth and me she blesses.
When she says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”
How marvelous is the working of the Lord’s tender mercy,
No matter how deep or dark be my plight.
I am buoyed above any and all controversy,
When my daughter says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”
It is just like our Heavenly Father to reveal Himself in a child’s phrases,
Even in a decaying world where gross darkness seems to eclipse God’s light.
I thank my God for my faith and hope in and love for Him, He upraises.
When my girl child looks at me and says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”
Our Lord has given Himself to us; we are each other’s permanent possession.
With childlike faith trusting that He is ever with us, everything is truly alright.
That is what I get from my daughter’s simple soul stirring expression,
When she says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”
Make memories to last an eternity with your children,
teach them about and show them the love of Jesus Christ…
In time God will reward you with a wonderful return on your investment.
RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/28/07
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
It is well with my soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Words: Horatio G. Spafford, 1873.
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Words: Horatio G. Spafford, 1873.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Black Child Rise Above and Overcome…
Black Child Rise Above and Overcome…
Black child rise above and overcome…
You can rise above and overcome statistical declarations…
You can rise above and overcome societal reservations…
You can rise above and overcome your own hesitations…
Black child rise above and overcome…
You can do it in spite of what daddy didn’t do…
You can do it in spite of what mama couldn’t do…
You can do it in spite of what others who should have helped you wouldn’t do…
Black child rise above and overcome…
You can do it even if the ones you love won’t support you…
You can do it even if no one will stand up with or for you…
You can do it even if the whole world seems against you…
Black child rise above and overcome…
Don’t let where you are confine you…
Don’t let other people’s doubts define you…
Don’t let your own habits, hang-ups, or history bind you…
Black child rise above and overcome…
Being too angry will make it rough for you…
Being too lazy will handcuff you…
Being too careless will make it tough on you…
Black child rise above and overcome…
Listen to sound advice and learn from your mistakes…
Be ready to take advantage of even the smallest of breaks…
Be ready to sacrifice for success and put in what it takes…
Black child rise above and overcome…
You can make it if you really try…
Sometimes things may be hard enough to make you want to cry…
Don’t give up to soon for victory may be almost nigh…
Black child rise above and overcome
Let God’s mercy and truth perfect you…
Walk in humility with integrity and others will respect you…
Know that you may stumble; you may fall, but God is able to resurrect you…
Black child rise above and overcome…
Jesus rose above and overcame meager beginnings…
Jesus rose above and overcame to share His winnings…
Jesus rose above and overcame so you can too, by believing in Him you gain His all-powerful underpinnings…
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13
RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/11/07
Black child rise above and overcome…
You can rise above and overcome statistical declarations…
You can rise above and overcome societal reservations…
You can rise above and overcome your own hesitations…
Black child rise above and overcome…
You can do it in spite of what daddy didn’t do…
You can do it in spite of what mama couldn’t do…
You can do it in spite of what others who should have helped you wouldn’t do…
Black child rise above and overcome…
You can do it even if the ones you love won’t support you…
You can do it even if no one will stand up with or for you…
You can do it even if the whole world seems against you…
Black child rise above and overcome…
Don’t let where you are confine you…
Don’t let other people’s doubts define you…
Don’t let your own habits, hang-ups, or history bind you…
Black child rise above and overcome…
Being too angry will make it rough for you…
Being too lazy will handcuff you…
Being too careless will make it tough on you…
Black child rise above and overcome…
Listen to sound advice and learn from your mistakes…
Be ready to take advantage of even the smallest of breaks…
Be ready to sacrifice for success and put in what it takes…
Black child rise above and overcome…
You can make it if you really try…
Sometimes things may be hard enough to make you want to cry…
Don’t give up to soon for victory may be almost nigh…
Black child rise above and overcome
Let God’s mercy and truth perfect you…
Walk in humility with integrity and others will respect you…
Know that you may stumble; you may fall, but God is able to resurrect you…
Black child rise above and overcome…
Jesus rose above and overcame meager beginnings…
Jesus rose above and overcame to share His winnings…
Jesus rose above and overcame so you can too, by believing in Him you gain His all-powerful underpinnings…
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13
RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/11/07
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