What is a disciple? The dictionary define disciple as a follower, a pupil. When Jesus asked the twelve disciples “Will ye also go away?” was to cause them to seriously consider their position and make a firm faith commitment. Peter, being the spokesperson for the twelve, answered from the heart,..John 6:67-69– Then Jesus said to the Twelve, Do you also wish to go away?

6:68 Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the Words of eternal life.

6:69 And we have believed and have known that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. We all have to come to that conclusion in order to receive Jesus as our Savior. Many followed Jesus during his earthly ministry but not all stayed the course. His teachings were demanding and very unpopular for the accepted attitude of the day.

Sometimes when we try to be the best, we’re often dismayed to find there is always someone smarter more successful than we are, so we become discouraged , disappointed that we are second place.–second best. John the Baptist understood second place, following Jesus, who was his superior in every way. His life’s purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. Yet he never viewed his role as second best. Rather, he understood the honor of an unworthy servant being chosen for such a task…And preached, saying There comes one mightier than I after me the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. MARK 1:7. What fulfilment and freedom he found in humility. We too can find fulfilment by faithfully following Jesus and being content in our God-given tasks, even though they may not seem as important as others tasks.We need to humbly submit to Jesus and experience His freedom and fulfillment, and be happy in what we do.

Joseph set a good example of being just and obeying the laws. He obeyed God’s messenger and excepted Mary as his beloved wife, and thus, was part of the greatest event the world has ever known—The birth of our Saviour The Lord Jesus Christ. When we obey God, we are co laborers with every Christian who shares the Christmas story; and God includes us in His salvation plan. Let us share the Christmas story with everyone. And tell of the greatest event that has ever happened the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ….Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. Matthew 1:24…

Many times we may find ourselves in a situation that just seems unbearable. We try to cope with it but the problem just appears to get worse. We struggle to find the answers but there is none.  We may talk to our Pastor, friends, or even a psychiatrist. None of this works why? Because we are not looking in the right direction. We are not seeking the one who can and will help us through these times that seems hopeless or unbearable.  If we will call on Jesus He will give us the answers and hope we need to get through our life’s situations. No matter what the problems are we can count on  Jesus for the help we need to overcome them ..Romans 15:13 And may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

When issues or relationships are supremely significant in our lives, we should be on fire regarding those priorities and no one is more important to us than God. God is passionate about our relationships with Him. We are His top priorities. He proved His love by sending the promised Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He cared for us so much that He became Immanuel, God with us”… Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name Immanuel. which being interpreted is God with us. Matthew 1:23….So now its our turn . Shouldn’t we be passionate for God after all He’s done for us? Lets be on fire for our Lord…Therfore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14…….

The theme for the Annie Armstrong offering this year is Are We There Yet?. That is a question that as Christians we should ask our selves. You see some think the more works we do the more we will be blessed or the greater our rewards will be. By the grace of God we are saved not by works or how much education you have or even how much you have studied the Bible. It dosent matter how many seminarys you have been to. A degree dosent mean a thing to God. While all of these things are good to know or have. The truth is it is what is in your heart that matters to God.It is  love for one another. I wonder are we there yet?

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God,9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

We all sometimes have problems, whether it is family, church, work, or life they all sometimes become over whelming to us. We are caught up in a society that demands a lot. Stress is very common among many people. We can’t seem to cope with life as it is, we don’t understand why things happen  the way they do. We find ourselves wondering if things will ever get better. Is there no where to turn? The answer is yes. Jesus said come to me and I will give you rest. When we put our faith and trust in our Lord we can know that what ever happens God is in control. His way may not be our way but He sees the big picture and we only see what is in front of us. Faith and trust in the Lord will give us a better outlook on life as well as our problems…

Matthew 11:29-30 Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls.

30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

We all sometimes have problems, whether it is family, church, work, or life they all sometimes become over whelming to us. We are caught up in a society that demands a lot. Stress is very common among many people. We can’t seem to cope with life as it is, we don’t understand why things happen  the way they do. We find ourselves wondering if things will ever get better. Is there no where to turn? The answer is yes. Jesus said come to me and I will give you rest. When we put our faith and trust in our Lord we can know that what ever happens God is in control. His way may not be our way but He sees the big picture and we only see what is in front of us. Faith and trust in the Lord will give us a better outlook on life as well as our problems…

Matthew 11:29-30 Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls.

30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.