Merry Christmas

We Hope You
Have a
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year

We will be back with new devotionals the second week of January.

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

John 1:4-5 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.(5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

 

I love the lights at Christmas.  The great decorations in the small towns and cities are beautiful.  Some individuals have some spectacular light displays and I even like the ones that some people might consider over the top or gaudy.

 

As I write this we have a very small tree with the lights already built in but it is beautiful to me.  When the children were at home we always had a much bigger tree and now that we have an empty nest we have downsized.

 

I'm not sure what it is about the lights that I love so much but I like what they remind me of.  They remind me that Jesus truly is the Light of the world.

 

He came into the world to be a light to show us the way to God, through Him.  He came to light the way of men and when we accept Him we too have that light.  A light that is supposed to shine in through the darkness of this world and guide others to Jesus.

When you look at the lights during Christmas season, think of the fact that you to are to be a light in this dark world.  Men might not comprehend it but they didn't comprehend Jesus either.

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

IN THE BEGINNING

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

 

The Trinity is a hard thing for our feeble minds to comprehend.  Actually I am a little skeptical of anyone who says they fully understand the Trinity.  God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, one God in three persons.

 

What I do know is that God manifests Himself in these ways so that men might know Him.  Jesus has always been because He is God yet he came to Earth to be in human form for the sake of mankind.  He fulfilled the law because we couldn't.  He paid our sin debt because we were morally bankrupt.

 

No only has He always been, He always will be.  When He ascended into Heaven He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts of all those that would accept Him and believe on His name.

 

Since God is all knowing it means from the very beginning Jesus knew He would have to come and suffer in our place yet He loved us enough to come and be our Savior.

 

Do I understand all this?  Not really but I do believe it and I have comfort in knowing that God loved me enough to pay the penalties for my sins and offer me salvation through His grace.

 

By the way, I don't fully understand electricity either but I don't intend to live in the dark until I do.

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

Peace On Earth

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 

In light of some of the tragic things we have witnessed in the last year it is sometimes hard to imagine Peace on Earth.  Some even have trouble believing in God's good will toward men because  of the natural catastrophes that happen.

 

We must sometimes step back and take a look at the bigger picture.  God came himself in the flesh to pay the penalty for our sins.  He provided a way to reconcile us to Himself.  If there is peace on Earth it is to be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

Natural disasters happen but when we realize how small this is in the scope of eternity it should cause us to step back and give Glory to God.

 

There will always be bad things that happen but  we need to remember that God is always there for us to help us through these things.  I personally believe that as we get nearer to the end times we are going to see more and more tragic events, especially if America doesn't turn back to God.

 

Take time this Christmas to stop and Glorify God.  Know Jesus as your Savior, experience God's good will and peace in your heart that passes all understanding.

 

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

THE HOPE THAT CHRISTMAS BRINGS

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 

Many people fill out their wish list for Christmas hoping that it will be filled by someone.  I am afraid that many people fill their lives with wishes just hoping something good will come their way.

 

Thankfully we who know Christ do not have to fill our lives with wishes.  Our lives are filled with Hope.  This hope is rooted in our faith in the gift of salvation that God gave to us through Jesus Christ.

 

Over 2000 years ago, lying in a manger in a small town in Israel was the Hope of all mankind.  The hope of eternal life,  the hope of an abundant life in this world.  That Hope was Jesus.

 

I hope you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  You can receive Him into your heart and your the wishes in your life can be replaced by Hope.

 

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

No Room For Jesus

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 

I have often wondered about that inn keeper.  If he ever realized that he had caused the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to be born in a stable because he didn't have room for him in the inn. In today's world of advertising and capitalizing on every opportunity he would probably put up a neon sign proclaiming "Jesus Was Born Here".

 

With all the shopping, decorating, cooking and planning it seems like in many lives there is still no room for Jesus.  Fanatic groups are protesting manger scenes on public property and others are eliminating any mention of Christ during the season for fear they might offend someone.

 

It would be wise if people would make room for Jesus in their hearts today.  The day will come when
Php 2:10-11 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

WISE MEN STILL SEEK JESUS

Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

 

I sometimes wish I was more of a scholar and knew a little more about these wise men from the East. How did they know it was time?  How did they know who this baby born in Bethlehem was?  I am sure that there are men with more education and knowledge than me who can answer these questions.

I know they had studied the prophecies concerning the coming Messiah.  I know they recognized Him as the King.  I'm just not real sure how they knew all this and came to the right place at the right time.

 

I know they were wise because the Bible tells us they were wise.  They came bearing gifts and they came to worship this newborn Babe because they knew who He really was.

 

There are a lot of questions that I can't answer concerning this event but I do know one thing for sure.  Wise men still seek Jesus.

 

In a day and age when it seems that so many want to turn inward to themselves or turn to philosophies and other ideals...we need wise men who know that the world needs a Savior.  People who know that we as individuals need a Savior.

 

Yes, indeed, wise men still seek Jesus.

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

Tis The Season

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

 

Is it that time again already.  It seems like we just took the tree down and got rid of all the wrapping paper.  It must be though, because the stores have been decorated and the advertisements have been bombarding us since the first part of November (or earlier).

 

People enter this season with a lot of different attitudes.  There are those who are filled with excitement and anticipation and then there are those who are stressed.  They become stressed over decorations, gifts, parties and family gatherings. 

 

Sometimes we over do it.  We over spend, we over eat, we try to squeeze more into our schedule than we can possibly keep up with without being stressed.  Maybe we should just stop for a few minutes and think about what we are really celebrating.  God sent His Son into the world to be our Savior.

I don't like the phrase Happy Holidays.  It is Christmas...the time we celebrate the greatest gift man ever received.  A Savior.  It was a joyous time and I believe a tranquil time.  Now as we celebrate, I believe it should be a worshipful time.  It should also be a time of reflection on God's love for us and His marvelous grace.

 

Don't let the Christmas season stress you out.  Just look up, give thanks to God.  It is the season to celebrate God's love for us.

 

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

BEING CAREFUL 5

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.

Two small children were in their bedroom praying and one was telling God what he would like to have for Christmas and he was speaking in a very loud voice.  His brother said, "You don't have to pray so loud.  God is not hard of hearing."  "No, but grandma is in the other room and she is." he answered.

 

Maybe sometimes we ask God for things and hope someone else will hear and supply it for us.  God doesn't need any help.  He can supply our needs according to His own vast riches which are endless.

Many times we seem to hint about things to God instead of asking Him directly and making our true requests known.  Yes, God already knows your heart but sometimes he wants us to ask specifically for what we want.  I believe in asking for specific things it causes us to really meditate on our reason for wanting these things.

 

Daydreaming is not asking God.  Prayer is asking God.

 

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

BEING CAREFUL 4

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.

IN EVERYTHING

Sometimes it is hard to have a thankful heart during the bad times but it is important that we remember that God is with us and blesses us through these times too.

 

Sometimes I forget to be thankful for my heart trouble.  Yes, I know that sounds crazy but because of it I have really had some great opportunities to serve God that I might not have had if my health had been perfect.

 

Twice I have been told that my heart was in such a bad shape that I might not leave the hospital. In both cases I used that time to show those around me that I really believed what I preach and that I was not afraid of going on to be with Jesus.  In both cases I did leave the hospital and most of those who knew me attributed it to a miracle from God, therefore He received Glory from it.

 

If I had not had heart trouble I would not have had to leave the full time pastorate and ministry and would never have ended up filling the pulpit at the small church where I reach now.   I have been with this wonderful church family for over ten years and it has been a great experience and I would not trade it for anything.

 

Be thankful when you are going through difficulty.  God just might be preparing your for a miracle or to use you in a great way.  You could receive some of His greatest blessings through the difficulty.

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

BEING CAREFUL 3

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.

 

Some things we do are just using common sense. We  should fasten our seat belts..but it is just as important to stay within the speed limit.  We should watch what we eat and take care of our bodies, but they are the temple of the Holy Spirit...not an idol to be worshiped.

 

I guess I am more aware of my mortality than a lot of people.  Two weeks ago I had another heart attack and again one of the doctors was very skeptical that I would ever leave the hospital.  My heart has so much damage that there is nothing they can do for it but I know that no matter what happens I am in God's hands.

 

It is not my nature to worry.  While I was in the hospital I tried to witness to everyone who came into my room (maybe that is why God keeps allowing me to spend so much time there).  The reason I did this is that I am assured by my faith in Jesus of where I will spend eternity.  I wasn't sure if all the hospital staff knew this or not.

 

Sunday is coming and I will try to preach again for the first time since my heart attack.  I have some concerns but I am willing to let God have His way.  My life, my family, my ministry are not mine...they belong to Him and they are in His care.  It is His business how he cares for them, it is my business to trust Him to do it.

(At the time I was writing this it was before Sunday.  I was able to preach Sunday and I plan on preaching again this Sunday.  God always enables us to do what He has called us to do.)

 

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

BEING CAREFUL

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.

 

While Jesus was teaching He taught us to put all our cares upon Him and not worry about the things of this world.

 

I have been astounded all my life at the number of people who desire designer jeans and who would by a pair of athletic shoes that cost more than my first car.  Come to think of it I am amazed at the number of people who will spend way to much for an automobile because it is a status symbol.

 

I guess I am just a simple man who was raised in tougher times.  Times when we were thankful for the new pair of shoes because the old ones were coming apart, when we were glad to have any automobile that would crank and run, when a pot of dried beans was mighty good and if you had some fatback to flavor them with it was a feast.

 

Jesus described one of the signs of the last days as

 

Luke 21:26 Men's hearts FAILING THEM for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

 

Maybe we should focus on our true and eternal home and not fret so much over the things that are going on in this world.

 

Please feel free to contact me by email at

 

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

BEING CAREFUL

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.

 

My wife's last words to anyone leaving our home, especially our kids and myself are, "Be Careful."

Actually what she really means is "Take Heed" but we know that folks in the south just don't talk that way.  It is a common phrase that we use almost daily. "Be Careful".

 

The Bible actually tells us that in many cases that we should "Take Heed" but it tells us that we should "be careful for nothing".  What this means is that we shouldn't worry.  Actually worry is nothing but negative fantasy.  We can work our way up into thinking the most awful things are likely to happen to us when actually they usually aren't.

 

We should be aware of danger, of trouble, of temptation and all of the bad stuff out there but we need to do the best we can to avoid it and just Trust God to provide us with safety and security.  When we get right down to it we are in  God's care and if we worry we are trying to infringe on His territory.

 

Take heed today, but don't worry.

 

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know.  Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.