Dear Fishing Friends,
Thank you so much for your prayers and for being there!
Time flies huh. Can you believe it? We are well into December again!
Man, I feel so good about what God has in store for us ahead.. during this day, this week, this year and on into the first quarter, regardless of the economy. He's blessed His people before even during hard times.
Hey, this is the right time for you to really get in the CHRISTmas Spirit if you are not already.
Why miss Him, the Reason, the greatest Gift during this holiday season? Think about it; the default of saying "Maybe tomorrow" ..or not saying "Yes" to making Jesus your Lord and Savior is basically giving God a big fat "No."
Well, not to say yes Lord, is to say no ..in reality. That's how it works—He said you're either for or against Him (Lk. 11:23). So whatcha waiting for? Jump in, full commitment.
Man, I can hardly believe that there is less than one month left before this year is gone.. before it is 2010. I want to finish right!
So how are you doing? What's the plan Stan n Jan? Got anything nailed down for Christmas Eve yet? How 'bout for Christmas week, for New Years Eve ...or for the upcoming New Year? Got any new goals?
On this cold drizzly Dallas evening, I just re-read the ole Christmas story. How cool that it's wrapped around everyday ordinary people. Some with clear plans and objectives and others with not so clear aims .. people in the Bible that we think we already know.
But what was really going on in the minds of Joseph, Mary and those lowly shepherd dudes ..as they saw and experienced what they each saw? Man, this Story still makes me want to ask questions.
Was it really cold outside and what was that stable with the manger really like (replicas in America are becoming so hard to find)? When did the wise men really arrive, cuz they sure didn't show up at the barn to see an infant. Did that inn keeper really come off like some heartless callously jerk, turning away our Jewish heros?
The pure and holy birth of the ultimate Soul-winner was such a wonderful gift to mankind—but it won't be for you unless you respond to His Gospel His way!
And for believers there's so more to Christmas than just getting and giving gifts! Based upon Luke's account, we want to…
1.) Remember the Lord's great love in sending us His only Son through a young girl named Mary who was engaged to a carpenter named, Joseph and that this was a parthanos conception (one that came about minus any sexual intimacy with a man – Lk. 1:26-27, Jn. 3:16). The Bible tells us: "Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary."
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Come on fishers, it's time to celebrate and chat about His birth to more people—not hiding all this away in some dark dingy corner! We have nothing to be ashamed about! I ENCOURAGE YOU TO BE STRONG AND WORSHIP THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS TODAY ..in spite of all that has been going on around you. When the outlook doesn't look so hot, look upwards.
Yes, there seems to be so much in massive flux these day on the horizontal plane—so many strange changes in our country and world now, but let's just rejoice in Jesus from the heart ..all through the day 24/7/365.
Most of us can afford to let up with TV watching and entertainment, but none of us during this season of social get-togethers can afford to let up in the areas of quiet time alone with Christ, in winsome witnessing, or in the area of fellowship and worship.
Therefore, I want to encourage you believer, to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.. like never before! Simply be ready to give an answer for that hope down deep inside of you. Be prepared to edify, equip and encourage other fishers. YEAH, BE BOLD IN GOD'S BOUNDLESS GRACE..TO FISH—taking the time to notice those around you who don't get noticed! Jesus would do that. May you have the best CHRISTmas time ever this year! Thanks again.
Sincerely,
kurt
