​Identity theft is a very serious thing, but it’s not a new thing.  Now, I am not referring to the type of identity theft that involves someone using your personal/financial information so as to obtain something under your name; I am referring to the efforts of the evil one. 
Satan is in the business of attempting to steal your identity.  You are one who has been endowed with the Spirit or breath of God.  This is what we find that makes humanity too unique amid all the created.  Where different forms are represented in plant life and the animal kingdom, what makes humanity unique is that we alone are the ones who have been given the very breath of the Creator, and Satan tries to get you to forget that every second of every day.  You see, if he can get you to forget that, then he can get you off track long enough to forget who and who’s you are. 
My challenge to you is that you would not allow Satan to forget who it is that has given you your identity.  Your identity does not have to be in the things that you struggle with.  You can give those things over to the one who gives your breath.  Use that breath to help you call out to Him.
Think about it.  Pray about it.  God bless.

​As the venture in the sermon series for 2020 now makes it way into Luke chapter two, we find ourselves amid a manger.  After doing some research, one can find that a manger or trough is a rack for fodder, or a structure or feeder used to hold food for animals.  The word comes from the French manger (meaning "to eat"), from Latin mandere (meaning "to chew").  Mangers are mostly used in livestock raising and generally found at stables and farmhouses. They are also used to feed wild animals, e.g., in nature reserves.  A similar trough providing drinking water for domestic or non-domestic animals is a watering trough and may be part of a larger watering structure called abreuvoir.
So, what’s the point with all this research?  Why might we even be interested in knowing this?  You see, it comes down to the fact that the moment Jesus encountered the manger that we now view mangers differently.  We do not view them the same; we see them differently.  They are forever changed.  Sound familiar?  This kind of sounds like humanity’s story.
Think about it.  Pray about it.  God bless.

​And I choose joy.  Let it move you, let it move, let it move you.  Oh, I choose joy.  Let it move you, let it move, let it move you.  Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of night.  Oh, with You by my side, I'm stepping into the light.  I choose joy.  Go let it move you, go let it move you, go let it move you. 
(Partial lyrics to “Joy” by For King and Country)

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy.  Down in my heart (where?)  Down in my heart (where?)  Down in my heart.  I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy.  Down in my heart (where?)  Down in my heart to stay                            
(Partial lyrics to “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy”)
​
In both songs we find an obvious theme; JOY!  But do you see what’s also involved in each of these songs?  A choice.  Now I know that the second song doesn’t use the word “choose”, but it’s there.  You see no matter how joy comes into one’s life, it comes by way of a choice.  In our choosing to follow Jesus, we are choosing joy.  This choice does not mean that life will be a breeze, but more so our choice of trusting in and following Jesus will lead us to discover the one upon whom we are able to lean on amid the valley.  Because remember this important fact, on the other side of that valley is a mountain.
Think about it.  Pray about it.  God bless.

​How would you define the word LEGACY?  Immediately what comes to mind for me is the song “Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns.  Let me take this time to share a few lyrics with you concerning this song and our subject theme for 2020. 

Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself
Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else
Make a name the world remembers
But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams
I got lost in the light when it was up to me
To make a name the world remembers
But Jesus is the only name to remember
​
You see, we can seek to do a lot of good things as disciples, but if in the midst of it all we do not give and lead others to remember to Jesus, what have we done?  We can open doors, rake leaves, build houses, feed the poor and sit with the sick; but if we do not intentionally give them and lead them to remember Jesus, what have we done?  Let’s choose to be a people who is more about doing good things, but let’s choose today to be a people that leads others to remember the only name to remember.
Think about it.  Pray about it.  God bless.