Category: Bible

Categories
Bible Christian Church Food Football God Holidays Home Ministry Music Radio Scripture Sports Television

Merry Christmas

merry-christmas-calligraphy-with-baubles_1262-7024

On this Thursday before Christmas (next Wednesday) I take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you following me and reading my blog a very Merry Christmas.

My traditional family “Christmas” actually occurred 3 weeks ago today on Thanksgiving Day. For the past dozen years or so my family has enjoyed a hearty home-cooked Breakfast, and then shortly after that we’ve opened all of the presents underneath the Christmas tree. Once they are all opened it’s time to watch the Macy’s Parade, and then football for the rest of the day and into the night – pausing for about an hour to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner at around three in the afternoon.

On the day after Thanksgiving (“Black Friday”) Christmas is done and over for me. Well – sort of. For the first 3 weeks of December I get to observe and celebrate bits and pieces of Christmas here and there by putting up the Christmas tree and decorations in the church sanctuary, listening to Christmas music on the radio, watching Christmas shows on television, writing and sending out Christmas cards to friends from afar, and enjoying several Christmas luncheons with friends and coworkers.

We all celebrate Christmas in our own unique and traditional ways. May you spend this season with your loved ones. Make and share good memories that will last a lifetime. Honor each other. Love one another.

And may we remember why we celebrate Christmas.

And she will have a Son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21 NLT)

The LORD saves.

All rights reserved (c) 2019 Christopher M. Day, CountUp Ministries

Categories
Bible Christian Church God Ministry Scripture

Sunday Scripture

‘Twas 10 days before Christmas, and our Lead Pastor Bob delivered a Christmas sermon on “Why Christmas Has Lights”. He led us on how the “Season Of Light” got its start. Our Christmas tree was the backdrop of his sermon.

Living Waters Christmas Tree 2019

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:4-5 NLT)

God created light. God is light. Light and life are renewed through Jesus Christ.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me – you won’t have to walk in darkness – because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)

Christ’s light brings salvation to the whole world – if you believe – if you follow Him.

You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14 NLT)

Go forth my brothers and sisters, and be the light in the darkness of the world.

All rights reserved (c) 2019 Christopher M. Day, CountUp Ministries

Categories
Bible Christian Church God Ministry Scripture

Sunday Scripture

Today with my church body we praised and worshiped our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, and we shared testimonies of God’s Good News.

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good !  His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you ?  Then speak out !  Tell others He has redeemed you from your enemies. (Psalm 107:1-2)

Our Lead Pastor Bob preached on “Sin: Path To Heaven ?”  We are all sinners; however …

Even before He made the world – God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. (Ephesians 1:4-5)

All rights reserved (c) 2019 Christopher M. Day, CountUp Ministries

Categories
Bible Christian Church God Ministry

Church & State

IMG_4223

I recently stumbled across this meme on social media, and I instantly liked it and saved it. It fits right in with a new sermon that I began writing while on vacation with my family in North Texas. (My brother and sister-in-law randomly revealed to me that they are actually looking for a church to attend in their new town that they live in. My brother specifically stated that he wants to join a small church family of about 20 people.)

I’m part of a small church family where I live. In fact I’m the Associate Pastor at my small church family of about 20 to 30 people. This upcoming March will mark 5 years with my small church family. (I had previously spent 8 years with a large church family that rapidly evolved from a once small church family.)

There are a few things that I miss about a large church family, but after 5 years I’ve realized that I overwhelmingly prefer the small church family experience. When I retire and move away from here in about 4 years I hope to join a small church family in my new town. If God gives me the opportunity I’d love to Lead Pastor a small church family and walk with them towards God every day.

So back to the meme. There are dozens of churches where I live, and by “churches” I don’t mean the buildings. I mean the bodies that meet corporately inside those buildings – whether they are traditional church buildings, or movie theatres, or schools, or hotels, or former stores in shopping centers. Do what I did. Do research online and offline, and determine which of those churches (bodies) are closest to the Bible. Once you do that go and visit that church for a Sunday morning service. If you feel loved immediately by God’s children – then God probably led you there intentionally. Declare it your new home.

Don’t go to church. Be the church. Bring the church. Your life will change forever.

All rights reserved (c) 2019 Christopher M. Day, CountUp Ministries