Ten New Year's Resolutions Every Christian Should Make

Ten New Year's Resolutions Every Christian Should Make

The following is a list of 10 New Year's Resolutions a christian child should consider making as their personal goals for the coming of the new year. The information below was found on the Internet from a friend named Lori. I had read the list and thought the resolutions were very well written and were good to share with you all here. Please fee free to read the list down here below this paragraph or if you prefer you can go onto the actual page itself on the Internet, the following is the link to where you can access the article on the internet. http://www.christianpost.com/buzzvine/10-new-years-resolutions-every-christian-should-make-111628/.

10. Resolve to be content with what you have, and not worry about that others are amassing.

9. Resolve to speak about others only with truth and love, not gossip

8. Resolve to not take anything that's not yours, including stuff you can hold and put in your pocket, and plenty that you can't, like music downloads, streaming movies and hours on on your timeclock.

7. Resolve to honor your commitment to your spouse. Whether in thought or in deed, stay pure and loyal in the union God made.

6. Resolve to be angry less. Channel any feelings of rage, which Jesus are as severe as murder, into worshiping God and serving others.

5. Resolve to talk to your parents on a regular basis, and show them love and respect.

4. Resolve to prevent burnout by putting work a side one day a week. Trust God to provide for your needs that day and just enjoy the time He's given you.

3. Resolve to watch your language and not speak any destructive talk, especially involving the name
of God.

2. Resolve to not let anything -a career, a significant other, social media, a house -become an object of worship.

1. Resolve to stay faithful to Jesus Christ. He is the one Truth, Way and Life. There's no reason to
look elsewhere.

I hope that this post was a blessing to you and to other fellow brothers and sisters in faith. It is my hope that you enjoyed reading this post and it be used by the Lord for His Glory. :)

Happy New Year - 2016

New Year's Resolutions, Is It A Christian Thing To Do?

New Year's Resolutions, Is It A Christian Thing To Do?

Welcome back reader, and if you are new, welcome and I hope this post or any of the materials shared on this website will be of interest to you and be a blessing to you today, or maybe tomorrow, or maybe you can share it with a friend or talk to someone you know and share your thoughts with them or with us. Thanks for reading and let's get started :)
In my humble opinion, there's nothing wrong with making New Year's Resolutions as a Christian child of the Almighty God. I haven't seen it or read it in the Bible that it's wrong to do this practice.

However, Christian friend, please also be mindful or realize that God may or may not change those plans. It says in the Bible, in the book of Proverbs 16:9 it says: A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Deviseth is defined in the Strong's Concordance as:to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count. Isn't that interesting? :)

Below are a few questions you can ask yourself about the resolutions you make if you decide to make some for yourself this coming New Year 2016. I've asked myself these questions and am offering some insight for you also. Hope you will be blessed by it. :)

1) What is my motivation?

The Bible says in 1 Samuel 16:7:

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

a) Isn't it interesting that the Lord knows our motivations and intentions? The Word of the Bible says that the Lord sees what no man sees, we can't hide from Him my friend. As man, we tend to look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart or inside of others. Therefore, it is humbling to know we should follow the Lord's example and also examine our own hearts and do/say what is right and beautiful in His eyes and not be wicked or take advantage of others. Let us have a pure heart and have no bad motivations towards our fellow mankind, Amen?

b) In Timothy 4:18 it reads:

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

In other words, godliness is more profitable for us unto all things and that we should not focus too much heavily onto body exercises because there is much of a promise of life that is now and in the future. It is written in the Bible, and therefore I will hold onto this.

2) Am I Being Realistic?

Although many of us have many good intentions on trying to achieve our goals at the beginning of the year, many a times, we end up quitting when it is getting hard to reach the goal and sometimes we might even be giving us too much of a high expectation for ourselves. I know I've done this a few times, and I think the key to achieving goals is by starting off with small goals, work at them until they are achieved. Then as time goes on, one may give themselves another goal time with a bit more of a challenge and continue working on improving from the last goal achieved.

The goal is to achieve something that is doable and not to push yourself until you make yourself depressed for not reaching the goal. Too many times as Christians we sometimes forget that we may have goals in mind, but the Lord has bigger plans for us and He has our life and we should let Him direct our path and steps.

3) Is my New Year's resolution God-honoring or self-honoring?

This might be to some a silly question to ask yourself, but I think it's very important to ask yourself this question and to honestly pray about the resolution you have set for yourself. You and I were bought with a price, and therefore do you agree that we should talk to our Lord who knows us better than we do and we should talk to Him and ask Him about the resolution? I agree it should be done.

In the Bible, the book of James 1:5 says?

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Simply put, we are commanded to ask God for wisdom and that He gives it to all men freely. So, isn't it reassuring to know that our Lord knows what is best for us and we should not trust into what we want because it might be self-honoring and not God-honoring? Selah my brothers and sisters.

Lastly, this is the last question of this post. I hope you've read through all of this post and it has been a blessing to you and that you learned something new.

4) Am I willing to let God help me?

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Such a simple verse but so many of us don't trust and obey the Lord with it, it is to take a moment to read that verse and notice that it has the word all in it which means entirely and completely. So again let's read the verse again and note that Christ gives us the strength to do all things through Him. Friend, we can't do all things by ourselves because we are human, we are not perfect and we have a sinful nature, so why don't we trust Him with our resolutions or even just day to day activities and our lives to our Creator who loves us and takes care of us? I know that it would be a blessing to you, if you would trust and just let Him lead you. I think there is nothing wrong with letting God help me with my Godly resolutions and He give me the strength to them.

Lastly, I am sharing 2 popular verses that so many us know but don't apply in our lives. Please read it over, look up the words that stick out to you as you read in the Strong's concordance, and may all your endeavors be favorable and honorable to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. :) Thanks for reading!

Psalms 37:4-5

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

I hope this blog has been a blessing to you and that you will apply the principles shared above. This article would not have been made possible without the Love of Jesus, the Word in the Holy Bible and the internet article online titled Should Christians Make New Year's Resolutions,? Please find the information to that link in the fine print below this blog, :)

This blog has been inspired by the web article entitled: Should Christians Make New Year's Resolutions and can be found on the internet. The site address is: http://www.412teens.org/qna/should-Christians-make-new-years-resolutions.php.

Sinking Deep - by Hillsong Y&F - WorshipMob cover

Poem written by BECCAONFIRE29

The following is a wonderful poem written by a sister in Christ on IMVU named BECCAONFIRE29. She's from NC and she shared this during a prayer meeting there yesterday evening. I hope you'll be blessed by her wonderful poem and the talent the Lord has given to her. This poem has been copied and pasted with her permission, and I don't know if she has a title for it. BECCAONFIRE29 wants you all to know it was the Holy Spirit that put the words into her heart to write down for others.

Oh how you loved me first

you saw through my pain

you saw through my hurt

you gave my your all

you reached out and catched me

when I stumbled and fall

you gave me your heart

you gave me your love

but all I did was spit in your face

but you showed me your will

your mercy

your grace

saw that I wasn't a waste

instead you poured out your love to embrace me

Oh how I remember that night I gave you my heart

you renewed it to give me a brand new start

Oh how I love you so much that nothing could never tear us apart

I give you my love

my spirit

my strength

my heart

I open up to you my king

to myself and everything

The Christmas Story According to the Gospel of Matthew and Luke Compared

Below, I am sharing the 2 different versions of The Christmas Story as shared by the Gospel of Matthew and of Luke. It's interesting to read the differences between the 2 gospel texts quoted off from the King James Bible. Hope that you will enjoy reading it as much as I did. Merry Christmas!

This is the Christmas Story based on the Gospel of Matthew:


Matt 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Matt 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

Matt 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matt: 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

Matt 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Mat 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.

Mat 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Matt 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matt 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

Matt 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Matt 2:1Now 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,

Matt 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Matt 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matt 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

Matt 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

Matt 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Matt 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

Matt 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

Matt 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Matt 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Matt 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

This is the Christmas Story based on the Gospel of Luke: 

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

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

Luke 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

Luke 2:4 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:)

Luke 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

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.

Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luke 2:9 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.

Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

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

Luke 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

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

Luke 2:15 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.

Luke 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Luke 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Luke 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:21 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.

Joy to The World, (The Story Behind The Song)

Joy To The World


No Christmas carol list would be complete without the exuberant celebration song, “Joy to the World.” This lively tune is easily memorized and simple to play on an instrument. But do you know the interesting story behind this well loved hymn?

Isaac Watts (1674-1748), author of around 750 songs, is commonly called “The Father of Hymns” due to his popularity as the first English hymn writer. A few of his most well-known songs still sung today include: Come ye that Love the Lord; When I Survey the Wondrous Cross; At the Cross; and the topic of today’s post, Joy to the World. Isaac Watts was a young man when hymns other than the Psalms were allowed to be sung in the Church of England. This gave way to Watts developing many beloved songs. Watts still based many of his songs on the Psalms, but he was especially interested in writing hymns based on the “Christian experience.”

Joy to the World was written in 1719 and based on Psalm 98:

4  Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. 5  Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. 
6  With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. 
7  Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 
8  Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together. 
9 Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
 
If you notice the lyrics of the song, Joy to the World, you will see nothing about shepherds, a manger, wise men, angels, or any other character or element that we normally associate with the Christmas story. The reason being that Isaac Watts did not write Joy to the World to be a Christmas song. The original theme of this song was the second coming of the Lord. Christmas won’t always be a joyful time, but when Jesus comes back, even the rocks will sing!

Over 100 years later, in 1839, Lowell Mason adapted and arranged this song into a melody many believe to have been written by Handel. In my research, however, I have not been able to establish when or why this hymn became associated with Christmas. Certainly we can look at the message in the song and see that it can be applied to Christ’s appearance as a babe in Bethlehem. We must prepare room for Him in our hearts and lives. This is a joyous occasion!

As you hear and sing this beloved carol this season, think about the words. Yes, they apply to the Christmas story in that the Lord is come! We should rejoice! But, let the lyrics all point you to the reason Jesus came: to save the world. Be ready because He is coming again! What a glorious day THAT will be when the whole earth celebrates His appearing!

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns; 

Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Please note:

None of this writing is of my own therefore i deserve no credit for the writing of the blog entry. It was found on the internet when i did a search for the story behind Joy to The World. I hope you enjoyed reading about the story as much as i did. The url to this information may be found as follows: :http://agodlyheritage.org/story-behind-the-song-joy-to-the-world.

Dispelling the Myth of Santa Claus

Dispelling The Myth Of Santa Claus (Putting CHRIST back in Christmas)

As many of us grew up knowing, we believe there was such a person who comes every Christmas (December 25th) with presents for good children and lumps of coal for the naughty ones. We all would therefore then work so hard every day of the year to just please this person that we were brought up to believe existed and that he really would bring us all the gifts we wanted. We were also taught to write a letter to Santa Claus and to send it to his address in the North Pole where he would read our letters and grant us our wish list.

What a sad sad lie that we've been told my dear friends and readers of this blog. We have been deceived to believe that Santa Claus was also known as St. Nicholas who was a bishop of Myra, dating back to the fourth century. The King James has several references that teaches us that we should not be deceived and I feel led to share one of these verses with you to consider and/or to focus on and it's my prayer that you can see the truth for yourself.

1 John 4:1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

As the above verse advises to do, we are not believe every spirit but try them and see whether they are of God or not. It is so important that we should not teach our children to believe in all these false stories of Santa Claus because they deserve to know the truth.

Then there's also a big focus on materialism and blowing big money on lavish gifts . The meaning of giving to those in need (out of love) is also losing its' meaning in this prosperous world where most of us reside in and little thought is given to those who are in need even those who are in the very heart of the center of where we live.

Proverbs 19:17 "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."

Isn't that such a wonderful promise of what the Lord has given to us? He wants us to remember that we that has pity upon the poor, we can lend it to them unto the Lord, and that for those of us who given to them, He will pay us again.

But I can't end this message without what the Lord really desires me to do which is to make mention of how as a Christian, I would like to put CHRIST back into Christmas.

This is the Holy Bible's account of how Christ came into the world via the miracle conception that His mother Mary encountered and that she was the chosen one to give birth to Him.

Matthew 1:18: "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost."

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."

My Lord Jesus is the reason for this Christmas season, He came to this Earth in human form, so He may know our feelings, our thoughts and our cares of the world. But, He is the almighty Savior and He loves us very much. There are people who feel they must fill their lives with all the latest gadgets, the fastest car(s), the largest house, but the Lord tells us not to focus on these things.

Please consider to follow the Lord today, and know in your heart that You know where Your soul will be after you passed from this earth. Please fill your hearts with joy and also with the spirit of Jesus in you and to remember others during this season whether it be friends, family or even a stranger in need. It's my prayer that you have or will have Christ in your Christmas this year and always. <3