Joy to the World

Merry Christmas folks! This day in history thrills my heart as it reminds us of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Everything about His life was miraculous starting with His supernatural birth. This day heralds the message of joy to the world!

When an angel appeared to Mary and gave her the game plan of how she was going to conceive a child without knowing a man, Mary could have said, “Listen angel, I know you look bright but this has never before happened in history?” Thank God Mary didn’t doubt and welcomed God’s divine plan for her life. She was a virtuous ordinary woman but God used her to change history.

Time and again, God used ordinary people to do extraordinary things. I think of Joseph who was a carpenter. Skilled at his job but a common man. God used Joseph and Mary to raise the Son of God! Today, you may not feel or look very bright but if you surrender your life to the will of God, you too will be used in an extraordinary fashion.

God’s dream for you is always bigger than your own. You may not see the circumstances in your life producing anything significant but God is working His Master Plan for your life. Where you are right now is not your final destiny. You’re on a journey. When God is through with you, you too, like Mary, will bring forth a miracle. God wants to use you to bring joy to the world!

When Isaiah prophesized the birth of our Lord hundreds of years before it happened, he declared, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

Let’s break it down. His name is called Wonderful Counselor. It means He will drive out confusion from our lives. Do you believe in one thing and everything in the natural looks another way? Do you have doubts and uncertainty about your future? With the arrival of Jesus, there is no more confusion; no more doubt. His name is Emmanuel — God with us. His Holy Spirit is our Helper and He will guide us into all truths. He is the best counselor money cannot buy!

What’s looking so impossible in your life? Is there anything too hard for our God? He brought water out of a rock. He parted the red sea. He caused millions of quails to fall to the ground to provide meat for the Israelites in the desert. What a mighty God we serve! Everything is possible when we put our unrestrained confidence in Jesus. Joy to the world, we don’t have to solve our problems on our own. We have a Mighty God we can depend on.

Today is Christmas but so many people are sitting on the sidelines of life. They made a mistake 17 years ago but they cannot forgive themselves. They’re down, depressed and discouraged. I don’t want to make light of your experience but I have good news for you. If you’re feeling down and out, we have a Father in Heaven who is full of compassion and forgiveness. You don’t have to condemn yourself. At the heart of God is mercy. Joy to the world our sins are forgiven. “Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18 NLT).

The last part of Isaiah 9:6 says that His name will be called Prince of Peace. Aren’t you glad that you have the peace through our Lord Jesus Christ? But you know what? There are millions around the world who have never heard His name. How can they call upon that name to be saved? Aren’t you glad someone shared the Gospel with you? How can we sit in the luxury of America and forget the lost and hurting world? There is no joy of Christmas in their hearts because they don’t know about Jesus. This is why we at Build International Ministries are aiming to reach half a million people with the Gospel this year. We’re almost there but we need your help. Will you pray? Will you help and share? Because of you, more and more people will come to know the Price of Peace.

Happy Birthday, Jesus and Merry Christmas to you!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).

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A Season of Miracles for You

I must admit, this is my favorite time of year. I love the festivities, the hustle and bustle of people shopping for their loved ones, and celebrating the greatest gift the world has ever known — Jesus. I love Christmas!

One of the ways to celebrate the birth of our Lord is to keep the right perspective. Things don’t always have to be perfect in order to enjoy life. The quality of our life depends on how grateful we are for the things we already have. If we’re only happy and content with stuff we want and having it our way all the time, then we’ll spend most of our lives disappointed.

Recently, I saw an advertisement where the man asked the genie for a million bucks. As he wished, boom it happened! The man expected cash but he was surrounded with male deer in and around his house. He was disappointed. This is comical but many of us respond to life in similar fashion. We don’t seem to enjoy the 99 things God has blessed us with but instead, mourn the one thing we don’t have. Don’t let that be you!

I’ve found that one of the best ways to draw God’s blessings into our lives is to be thankful for what we have. When we’re bragging, we won’t be nagging.

While most of us are celebrating the joyous season of Christmas, many are genuinely hurting. Some are disappointed about the way this year didn’t pan out for them. Others made deliberate mistakes and now they’re licking their wounds, feeling sorry for themselves. Yet there are some who experienced a tragedy of losing a loved one or they’re going through a physical, mental, or financial challenge. No matter what opposition you’re facing today, I’ve got good news for you. God is about to turn your mourning into dancing. He will take your mistakes and turn them into miracles. This is the crux of the message of Christmas. No matter how impossible your situation looks, it’s about to change! Luke 4:19 in the Amplified version says that Jesus came “To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” [the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound].”

This is why I love Christmas! I’m reminded of God’s free flowing favors abounding over me, my family, and friends like you. Religion is binding and it teaches us that we have to be good in order to receive God’s blessings. While I’m not trying to promote sloppy Christianity, we would be wise to understand that our best efforts to please God are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We cannot earn God’s favor with our good works but we can accept His free gift of Salvation and favor upon our lives. And for a sinner like me, that’s music to my ears! I accept everything God has for me with deepest gratitude in my heart. I recommend you do the same.

I love to watch parents shopping for Christmas for their children. One thing that always impresses me is the list. It has names and gifts matching to the names. This list is the most divine list in the world. Naughty or nice; no matter what the child has done through the year — his grades, her attitude, or even their history of disobedience —the list only contains blessings for their children. The Bible says, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him" (Luke 11:13). God has a list of blessings beside your name.

Friend, today let’s remember that we’re in a season of miracles. God is not keeping track of your wrongs but your faith in Him. He is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you. You don’t have to play an outsider anymore because God has circled you in. You’re not an outcast, you’re outstanding! If you come to Jesus just as you are, He will accept you and turn your sorrow into joy. You want to honor God with your life but you don’t have to impress Him anymore. Jesus has done that for you. Just embrace and accept the free favor of God’s love, forgiveness, and restoration over your life. Christmas is not just history it’s about God’s richest blessing coming over your life to meet you at the point of your need today. This is your season of miracles. What do you need? Ask boldly! God is in good mood to give you the miracle you need.

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things” (Romans 8:32 NIV).

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Reach Out

Holidays are charged with emotions. Some are going through the best times of their lives while others are experiencing the opposite. No matter what sadness or joy we’re experiencing, it’s always healthy to reach out to others.

The other day, I was in a business meeting where there were a bunch of new people in the room. I made my rounds and greeted everybody and prayed for a few in the room. When I sat down for lunch, I felt a tug on my heart to reach out to a certain individual.

When I looked at her, she looked poised and full of confidence. I thought to myself, “This woman is alright. She doesn’t need my encouragement.” The more I lingered, the more I could feel the Lord nudging me. I kept debating and reasoning in my heart.

Just before the meeting ended, she left the room. I gave a deep sigh of relief but the Holy Spirit kept bugging me. After a couple of minutes, I had to obey God. I left the room and found the lady in the parking lot about to speed off. I flagged her down and said, “Listen, I know we don’t know each other very well. I don’t want to embarrass you or myself. But I felt God sent me to ask you if everything was alright?”

I had barely spoken and she began to break down. With tears welling up in her eyes, she told me how her young son was sick and she’s worried about him and the upcoming holidays. I encouraged and prayed with her right there in the parking lot. By the time we’re done, she left with a big smile on her face and I knew that God had sparked a renewed hope in her life.

On my way back to my meetings, I asked God to forgive me for debating. I was glad that the Holy Spirit won in spite of my stubbornness.

Today I ask you to be open and willing to reach out to others during this holiday season. People may not look like they need help but some of them are going through terrible times. Let’s be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit to reach out to others. Be kind in traffic, the grocery store, and even to your own family members! When God puts a needy person in front of you, it’s your cue to act. You can’t help everybody but do something for the ones you can. This is the spirit of Christmas!

Once, Jesus was ministering in a remote region and it went late into the evening. There were no grocery stores around so the disciples recommended that the crowds be disburse to their homes. At once, Jesus corrected their thinking and asked them to provide the evening meal.

When the disciples took inventory, they only found five loaves of bread and two fish. They brought them to Jesus. He blessed it and the rest is history. Five thousand men plus women and children were fed and they picked up twelve baskets of leftovers! Friend, you may not have much in your hand as you’d like but if you give God what you have He will bless and multiply it.

I’ve learnt that it’s not so much what we have but whether or not it has God’s blessing that makes all the difference. When you use what you have to reach out to others, God makes it His personal business to supply what you need. Don’t wait for a lightning strike to help others. Don’t ignore the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit.

Friend, this holiday season let’s reach out to others. Invite someone to your party or church. Be hospitable. Ask a single family to join you for dinner. Call and/or visit your aging parents. Check on the poor, lonely, and the destitute. If God puts people to remembrance, call and check on them. Don’t just buy gifts for your kids; pick up something for your struggling neighbors as well. What you do for others, God will make happen for you. If you’re struggling today, remember, Jesus is the reason for the season. He came for you! You’re His fatal attraction. You’re so vital and valuable to Him that He gave His life on the Cross for you. Friend, there’s hope. He will never leave you nor forsake you. God knows what you need and how to get it to you. Let’s rejoice and reach out to others. I’m praying for you!

“Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you"-- when you already have it with you (Proverbs 3:28 NIV).

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Emmanuel: God with Us

Merry Christmas my friends! Today is the best day of the year for me. Christmas is a reminder that there’s hope no matter how bad the situation may look like. God’s love for the human race was made perfect through the Gift of Jesus our Lord.

Christmas was the day when God became flesh. He sent heaven’s most prized possession to redeem us back from the eternal hell. For centuries, religion is man reaching out to God but Christmas is God reaching down to a fallen human race. Christ made a way for us to be reunited with our Maker in heaven. I just get excited thinking about God’s big idea to be born as a small human being. It takes a human to understand another. Jesus gave up His Sonship in heaven and was born to live among us. He name is Emmanuel: God with us.

Recently, I came across a poem from the famous Detroit folk poet Edgar Guest. He wrote for the Free Press for many decades, eventually publishing over 11,000 poems. I think this poem describe our Lord perfectly for me.

I’d rather see a sermon
            than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me
            than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil
            and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing,
            but example’s always clear;
And the best of all preachers
            are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
            is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it
            if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action,
            but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver
            may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons
            by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you
            and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding
            how you act and how you live.

Christmas is when God came to live among us. He didn’t just show us the Way to God; He walked with us. He was fully God and yet a total human being. He understands us.

Friend, if you’re a little unsure of where your life is right now, know that you’re not alone. God with us - Emmanuel is right there with you. He is leading the Way for you. He knows your name and your pain, tears, suffering, struggles and all. Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” For God so loved YOU that He gave His only Son... Christmas is a time of miracle. If God can orchestrate a supernatural virgin birth, He can handle any of our impossible situations. He loves you too much to leave you where you are right now. Better days are right in front of you. You don’t have to be alone anymore. His grace is made perfect in our weakness. Won’t you give your heart to Jesus? He’s Emmanuel: God with us. Merry Christmas my friend! You’re prayed for and celebrated. JOY to the WORLD the Lord has come. I love you!

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?” (Romans 8:32 The Message).

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Better Than We Deserve

One of the greatest expressions of Christmas is to realize God sent His Son to give us better than we deserve. We should never be arrogant with God but we should also not be fearful and timid to accept God’s best in our lives.

Christmas is the time when many people feel trapped in their past. They regret about what life could have been. While it’s not bad to do some soul-searching and not repeat our mistakes, it’s never right to feel condemned about our past. The Bible says that the devil is the accuser of the brethren. If you’ve done wrong and repented for it, you have nothing to regret about. There’s nothing you’ve done that is beyond God’s reach to forgive. Don’t beat yourself up for what happened in the past. Accept God’s love, forgiveness and mercy.

One of the things Jesus came to deliver on earth is God’s mercy. Unlike many people think, God is not waiting for us to make a mistake so He can punish us. Sin cannot be punished twice. He has already dealt with our sins on the cross. The gifts that are under your tree is nothing compared to the Gift that hung on the tree. He doesn’t give us what we deserve; He gives us what we can never earn for ourselves. God’s mercy is so great for us that He gave heaven’s most prized possession. While we were yet sinners, Christ loved and died for us. That is God’s mercy! We don’t have to perform, we don’t have to keep the rules and the laws; we just have to accept His mercy. When we humble ourselves at His mercy seat, we inherit the royal robe, the signet ring and the welcome home banquet. God has forgiven you. Now it’s time for you to forgive yourself.

A great many people today are sick in their bodies. I have a friend who hasn’t had a good night’s sleep for weeks. Others are fighting terminal illness. No matter what your sickness or physical illness are God sent His Son to restore your health. We should respect medical science but never underestimate God’s power to heal. The Bible says that He’s the greatest Physician; He’s more than a doctor – He’s our Healer. No sickness is too hard for Him to heal. He can even bring the dead back to life and you’re not dead yet! Friend, I want you to muster up a new hope today. Visualize a mental picture of you – healthy, happy able to live the dream you once envisioned. I encourage you to put up your pictures on the mirror and walls when you’re strong. Every time you see yourself, say this prayer, “Thank you Lord for divine health springing forth in my life. My best days are ahead of me. I will live full and healthy life that you have for me through Jesus. By His stripes, I’m healed.” 

 

Many people cannot accept better than they deserve because they’re prisoners of drugs, alcohol, depression, addiction and emotional pain. If this is you, I have good news for you. Jesus came not only to give us eternal life (in heaven) but also abundant life here on earth. Friend, the Good News of Christmas is that captives will be released and the oppressed will be set free. God is not mad with you; He is madly in love with you. There’s never going to be a better time than this to let go of your hang ups and receive God’s free flowing mercy. God’s not like Santa checking His list twice to see if you’ve done good enough to bless you. He has already decided to bless you. Christmas is the evidence! He will give us better than we deserve.

A great way to show our gratitude to God’s grace and mercy is to forgive those who have hurt us. Too many Christians today are guilty of holding a grudge against one another. Don’t let that be you. The Scripture teaches that when we harbor unforgiveness and resentment, it becomes a root of bitterness. When the root is bad our fruits will be rotten also. When you forgive, you let a prisoner free – that prisoner is you. Don’t seek to pay people back. Don’t take revenge. When you let go and begin to trust God and trust people again, you’ll see the glory of God’s power in your life. God has better things in store than we deserve. What do you have for God?

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10 ESV).

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I Was In Prison

This is the time of the year when many lock themselves behind invisible walls. They have been hurt, betrayed or mistreated. It may have happened recently or a long time ago but they lock themselves in various prisons.

We should not underestimate the pain of others. It is never right when someone is hurt. However, if we allow bitterness, anger and resentment to fester us then we get locked behind self-imposed prison walls. It is not healthy for us and we hurt ourselves. Instead of holding grudges, Christmas is a good time to forgive and let go of past disappointments.

Yesterday, I was privileged to minister in a maximum security prison in east Texas. It was my first time in an American prison. I was very touched by the people we met. Eric is a forty four year old man. He’s serving a 38 year sentence for murder. I’ve never met a broken man like him. Eric lived a reckless life. He’s been HIV positive for almost twenty years. But he found the Lord in prison and now lives a God honoring life. His father is a minister and his family has been praying for him. When I asked him how I should pray for him, he said, “I’ve been holding grudges against my brothers because they don’t come to see me.” I told Eric what I’m telling you! I had the opportunity to pray with him and ask him to forgive his brothers. When I left him, he had a brilliant smile. Please remember Eric in your prayers. I told him that we’re going to pray for him.

When we don’t forgive, we’re allowing ourselves to be hurt and controlled by other people over and over. Prisons of anger, unforgivness, bitterness, self-pity, depression are far more dangerous than criminal prisons. Many people right now are trapped in the prisons of substance abuse, alcohol and other addictions. It is easy for us to point fingers and look down on them. Instead, we need to have compassion and pray for our friends.

In the twenty fifth chapter of Matthew Jesus welcomes those who offered a cup of water to the poor in His name. He said, “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” The surprised audience says, “When Lord? When were you in prison and we came to you?” Jesus replied, “When you do it for one of the least of my brothers, you did it for me.” What Jesus is saying is to reach out to the poor, suffering, crying humanity. People see God when they see us. Jesus can only touch people through us. He can heal and deliver people when we stretch out our hands of compassion.

Christmas is the season to be joyous and celebrate the festivities in honor of our Lord’s birth. It is good for us to take time off and spend it with our families. However, in the midst of our business, let’s not forget those who are captives in prisons. Not just the criminals but also those who are locked up in emotional prisons. Let us reach out and help those we can.

This month, our goal is to reach 100,000 souls for the Lord in India, Nepal, China and other parts of Asia. We challenge you to extend your hand of compassion and bring hope and healing to the people in captivity. We are also ministering to children and old folks by providing sweaters, shoes, blankets and food. Every one of them will hear the Good News of Christmas. Thousands will accept Christ as their Lord. Will you participate with your prayers and gifts? When we help those trapped in various prisons, we’re ministering to our Lord. What can be more appropriate Christmas gift we can give to our Lord on His birthday? Let’s celebrate this season of joy and share with those who have none.

“I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36 NLT).

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Spend Time with Your Family

Most people I know love to spend time with their family. I do know a few who do not like each other. A family is God’s idea. Whenever God designs something special, the enemy will try to distort it. We must honor and protect our family.

 

Of all the relationships we have, our family is what God chose for us. We may not like some of our family members but when we talk down on them we discredit their Maker. When we’re in harmony as a family, God commands His blessing there.

 

With Christmas approaching, most of us will have plenty of interaction with our family members. If we’re not careful, we can easily miss the opportunity to make some great memories. Today, let’s talk about a few practical things we can do and avoid to make great memories with our families.

 

1. Make a decision to enjoy your family. We usually find what we’re looking for. When we have a made up mind, we can easily enjoy the company of others. People love to talk about themselves. Don’t let that be you. Take genuine interest in others. Ask about their family, work, recreation, vacation and such. Avoid controversy. Don’t allow your past experiences to clout your mind. Don’t just endure; enjoy your family.

 

2. Don’t be selfish. Your values and likes are important. However, when our attitude is my way or the highway, we’re being off balance. Let other people decide what and when to eat, what games to play and what show to watch. The more we engage other people in the decision making process, the more comfortable everybody will feel. Ask, “What do you think?” And then do what they’re saying.

 

3. Don’t have fun at the expense of others. Family times are a breeding ground for sarcasms. It’s a lot of fun. I used to be a master at it. Unfortunately, it is a sinister in straining relationships. When we laugh to belittle others, we’re hurting people to the core. Follow the rule of respect and honor. What we send out will come back to us.

 

4. Accept people the way they are. When we allow people to be who they are, we’re making them feel at home. Some people like to talk others don’t. Some want to jump in and help others want to lounge. Some like to socialize others want to take a nap at every opportunity they get. Don’t think, “What’s wrong with them?” Don’t judge. Allow people to be who they are. Live and let live!

 

5. Go easy with the rules. If you have small children, give them a break. Certainly, we don’t want them to act without manners but family get together is not an ideal place to train your child. Give them instruction beforehand. Teach them after. If you have to correct them, take them to a private place and do it as quietly as possible.

 

6. Get out of the house. Walking, playing and fresh air do wonders to our body. Encourage everyone to some sorts of movement. This is especially important if you’re planning to eat a big meal together.

 

7. Keep God in the conversation. Deposit something spiritual in each other. We all have much to thank God for. None of us got to where we are or have what we have without His blessings. We can whine about a renegade society or include Him in our time with our family. When we make room for God in our conversation we’re passing on a Godly heritage.

 

Enjoy your family. Also remember the lonely, elderly and broken hearted. Include them if you can. What you do for others, God will make happen for you. Spend time with your family. They’re a gift from God!

 

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (I Timothy 5:8 NIV).

 

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God is Not Finished Yet

As we come to the end of this year, many have mentally transitioned into the next year. Maybe it has been a tough year for some. They want to move on to the next. But I want to remind you, God is not finished yet!

If there’s one thing I don’t like about God is that He often shows up in the last minute. In my younger years, it caused me great frustration. He was never late but frequently last minute. I lodged many complaints but His reply was, “Have I ever failed you?” That was the end of our conversation because God was never late!

One thing we’ll do good to learn is to wait for God until the last minute. You may not have what you hoped for. But if you wait patiently till the end, God will come through. If you have a medical condition, don’t just accept what the doctor’s report say. Instead, remind yourself that God is restoring your health even right now.

This is what happened to a man sitting by the Pool of Bethesda waiting to be healed for thirty eight years! The Scripture says that he had a withered hand. One day Jesus showed up and saw this man in great despair. Jesus asked, “Do you want to be healed?” The man replied, “I have no man to help me!” This man had resigned to his fate that nothing ever will change. He had written himself off. May be you’re in a place in your relationship and you’ve written it off. May be you’ve lost a lot of money in your business this year and you see no way to recover it. You may have written off a child or a legal situation. I’m asking you – don’t! God is not finished yet. We still have more than fifteen days left of this year. God can and He is poised to do the miracle you’ve been waiting for. Don’t give up, don’t give in. God’s UPS van is en-route to deliver what belongs to you.

It is good to plan ahead and look into 2014. But don’t leave this year without fully appropriating what belongs to you. God has your dream job in store. He has connections lined up for you. He knows what medicine will work to restore your health. If you’re a teacher, you haven’t taught your best lesson yet. If you’re in sales, you haven’t made your biggest sales yet. If you trust Him and stay faithful, a flourishing finish is waiting for you. God is not finished yet.

In the gold rush days, Darby’s uncle from Maryland had gone west to Colorado and eventually came across gold ore. When financing was secured Darby and his uncle returned to work in the mine. Initially things were going according to plan. The first remnants of gold they discovered were shipped to a smelter and the returns provided a promise that they could have one of Colorado’s richest mines. They continued to drill then the unthinkable happened! The vein of gold ore suddenly disappeared. At first they continued to drill taking themselves deeper into debt and despair. Then they finally decided to quit. They sold the drilling machinery to a nearby junkman and returned home. The Junkman didn’t believe that their mine had no gold. He hired a mining engineer. The finding was shocking! They found the vein of gold that Darby and his uncle had been seeking, was just three feet from where they had stopped digging. Junkman continued drilling and that is precisely where the gold was found.

Let me ask you a question. If you knew you’re three days away from your healing, will you quit? If you knew you’re going the make the biggest sale of the day, will you be discouraged? If you knew God was going to give you that dream job you’ve been praying for, will you stop sending those resumes? If you knew you’re going to meet the person of your dream next week, will you be discouraged? What about the mountain of debt? Will you throw in the towel if God was to cancel that debt? Friend, you’re only three feet away from hitting your “gold.” God is orchestrating things and people in your favor. Give him some praise for your breakthrough. You will build that orphanage. You’ll build that church God placed in your heart. God has great things in store for you. 2013 is not over yet. Let’s work hard and hold on to our faith and confession. God is not finished yet! I’m praying for you.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 ESV).

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God will Use Your Shortcoming

What a wonderful season of the year this is! Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love to see happy faces, festivities and the hustle and bustle of shopping and good times. Unfortunately for many, this is the worst time of the year.

I know people who dread festivities, good times and enjoying themselves. They retrieve because they’d done something wrong in the past. Guilt, shame and regret engulf their lives. Some resort to alcohol, drugs and other self-inflicting vices. We should never judge people like that instead, reach out and try to include them in our circle.

I can speak for myself. I made many blunders in my life. Believe it or not, I used to be selfish, moody, insecure, unfaithful, unreliable, lying blankety blank. (I’m still working on some of these issues.) When I felt guilt and condemnation, I’d turn to do more of the same thinking, I’m good for nothing. I don’t deserve anything better. Thankfully, a series of event in my life catapulted me to take a hard, long look at myself. I had to decide whether to let the enemy’s voice win or accept God’s plan for my life. I chose the latter and what a ride it has been since then. Today, I’m able to minister to thousands facing those same issues.

Here’s what I’ve learnt. When you’ve done something wrong or something bad happens to you, there are three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you or allow it to strengthen you. If we have God’s perspective, we’ll always allow our weakness to strengthen us.

Many people sit on the sideline today because they made a mistake thirteen years ago. There are others who feel less of themselves because they don’t think they look beautiful nor have any talent. They constantly feel inferior amongst others. They look down on themselves and mistakenly give heed to the accusing voices of the devil. Don’t let that be you. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” God will use your shortcomings to thrust you into amazing things God has in store for you.

This is what happened to Zacchaeus in the Bible. He had two things going against him. He had a bad reputation as a tax-collector and he was short in stature. Understandably, Zacchaeus allowed his self-esteem to drop but deep in his heart, he had a desire for God. He wanted to do the right thing. He wanted to see Jesus. There was no way for sinner Zacchaeus to get close to the Holy Man but he was determined. So he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree. You know, today, people everywhere are looking for Jesus. If we Christians were a little more sensitive to their need and less judgmental to their sins, many more will follow Him. That’s exactly what happened to Zac. Jesus overlooked all the people pressing on Him and looked straight to Zac and said, “Come down, we’re going to dinner together.”  Jesus saw the heart of Zacchaeus while people looked at his shortcomings. Friend, Jesus is looking at you today. If you’re wrestling with your past, let it go; there’s no future there. The enemy has kept you crippled for too long. Why don’t you accept God’s free gift of forgiveness and mercy? He has a life waiting for you that you cannot comprehend. Today is your day. Will you turn to Christ?

Friend, there’s no better time to get your life right with God than this time of Christmas. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” That’s Good News my friend. It doesn’t matter where you have been. What matters is where God can take you. Will you say this prayer with me? “Dear Jesus, I know I have sinned. I need a Savior. I accept you as my Lord. I repent from my sins. Give me the strength to overcome sin and bad habits by the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name.” Friend, if you prayed that prayer, you’re born again. Tell someone about your experience today and let the God of peace lead and guide you in all Truth. I’m praying for you!

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10 NLT).

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10 Ways to Eliminate Holiday Stress

Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of the most joyous times of the year. Holidays are a lot of fun but they’re also very stressful in modern times. Many people endure the holidays instead of enjoying them.

We live in a fast-track society. If we’re not careful we let busy-ness run over most savoring moments of our lives. Instead of enjoying each other, we feel drained and dread our times together. Today, let’s discuss how to keep peace in a stressful time.

1. Keep the right perspective. Holidays are about making memories. It’s not the time to display perfect housekeeping or how late you can work to provide for your family. Better is a little where there is joy, love and laughter than a house full of strife. Celebrate what you have and each other.

2. Be like Santa. Make a list. When we take time to write down and prioritize the zillion things we’ve to do, it makes it easier for us to accomplish certain tasks within a certain time. Make a list of gifts to buy, people to invite and chores to do. A “To Do” list provides direction and reduces stress.

3. Delegate the jobs. Don’t try to be a superman or a super woman trying to do everything yourself. Be secure. When we engage others, we allow them to create memories together. Communicate clearly who does what and by when. Post your job list in a prominent place such as your fridge or water dispenser in the office.

4. Have a relaxed, easy going attitude. People will make mistake. Things will go wrong. When we jump on each other over spilled milk, we’re destroying the memory of our times together. It’s easier to replace broken things than to repair broken people. People are the most important thing to celebrate.

5. Overlook offense. Holidays are emotionally charged times. Somebody will say or do something offensive. Forgive quickly. Don't hold a grudge. Make up your mind not to fall in the trap of getting into an argument. Unite not divide! Now is not the time to voice your opinion on who should be the next President or who should be the next player in our favorite NFL team.

6. Keep a positive environment. I’ve had to ask people to change the subject when they get into a negative conversation with me. Great people discuss plans, visions, ideas and accomplishments of others. Small people talk about themselves and the faults of others. If you join in the gossip, eventually they’ll talk about you.

7. Spend time not money. Money and expensive gifts don’t buy happiness. Have a budget for gifts. Love is not expressed in price tag. Time spent together making and building a family tradition is cherished for a lifetime. Put up the Christmas tree, bake and make special food together. Jump in the family wagon and drive around the neighborhoods to rate their lighting decorations. The internet is full of ideas.

8. Take time for yourself. Only you are responsible for your own happiness. Don’t sacrifice yourself at the altar of responsibility. When you’re fulfilled, you serve better.

9. Give thanks. Recognize and vocalize that all of the blessings in our lives are a gift from God. When we gather together and acknowledge Him, we make God proud. Thanksgiving ensures that the blessings will continue to flow and sets Godly tradition.

10. Reach out to others. Holidays are most depressing times for some. Make sure to include people you know who are less fortunate. Get in a group together and pick people to make them your “Christmas Project.” You can also consider partnering with Build International Ministries and bring the message of Hope to men, women and children in Asia who have never heard the name of Jesus.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1 NIV).

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