Gloria | December 2022

Christmas time is here! We love this time of year. During this season, we are reminded to look back at the story of Christ’s birth and what it means to us as His followers.

So let’s keep it simple: Here’s a passage from Luke 2 depicting His arrival and the glory of this miraculous birth…

Gloria

December 4th, 2022

Luke 2:1-21

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

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.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

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

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

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

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

We echo what the angels said, “Glory to God in the highest!” Merry Christmas to you and your family. Keep your Christmas season centered around the message of Christ’s birth and for all of the Earth to know Him.

Outlive Your Life | November 2022

Here is a challenge all of us can take to heart: Live a life that leaves a legacy. That’s the message of “Outlive Your Life” from our new project entitled “Meet Me At The Cross.” This month, let’s take a closer look at this powerful reminder…

Outlive Your Life

November 6th, 2022

The Bible says in Proverbs 20:7…

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

How do you leave a legacy for those coming behind you? How do you truly outlive your life? It all comes down to your walk. Notice that the verse said we must walk in integrity. It’s more than just talking, it’s WALKING. We can say all the right things, but we are defined by our actions. What we DO is what will outlive us and be cemented in the spirits of those around us. Your children need to see someone REAL; a person of integrity. Someone who doesn’t just say the right thing, they LIVE IT.

None of us will be the perfect example to those around us. But that’s what makes it beautiful… Flaws and all, you can leave a legacy with the people around you and those who will carry it on when you’re gone. And according to the verse we just read, they will be blessed because of you. Think about that. Those coming after you will experience blessing because of your integrity. You may never see certain blessings in life because of the way you live, but those coming after you may very well walk in the blessing of fruit that you planted.

Who is going to reap from your life? What legacy are you leaving behind? Are your children or grandchildren going to benefit from the life you lived? Are those who know you going to remember your life of faith when you’re gone? Are you going to OUTLIVE YOUR LIFE?

• BFA

Liar, Liar | October 2022

Our new single is a great reminder: The devil is a liar! This month, let’s take a look at a passage that helps us cope with the enemy’s deception…

Liar, Liar

October 2nd, 2022

Matthew 4:1-11

When Jesus encountered the devil in the wilderness, He was met with lie after lie. As we well know, that’s all the enemy does. He is a LIAR! But how should we respond? When Satan accuses you, what do you do? When he says hurtful things to you, what is your response? When he harasses, discourages, and plagues you with thoughts that are hurtful, what should your action be? We can learn from Christ’s response when he encountered the devil in the wilderness.

Every time the devil said something to Jesus, His response was, “It is written…”

3). And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

4). But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

5). Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6). And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

7). Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

8). Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

9). And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

10). Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

11). Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

The best response to lies? TRUTH! This is why it is so important for us as Christians to hide the word in our heart. When the enemy comes against us, we can tell him what GOD SAYS! Whatever Satan says about you, remind him and remind yourself of what God says about you! The devil is a liar. God’s truth is the answer to his lies.

So don’t be defeated. Don’t be discouraged. God has called and equipped you to walk in victory. You have abundant life. You already have everything you need to live above what the devil tries to speak over you. Remind yourself today of what the word says. Let each verse bring to mind the truth of what God says about you. Be reminded of what God says about the devil. He’s a liar and he’s headed for a lake of fire!

⁃ BFA