A Covenant With God by Ann Elaine Broughton

“When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said” (Numbers 30:2 NIV).

In the Old Testament there were many times that God made a covenant (promise) to people. God never broke this covenant. For example: God made a covenant to never again flood the earth and kill everything. He promised Abraham that from him would come a great nation, and the nation of Israel still exists today because of that promise.
Now I would like to have you think about a covenant that you can make with God. As we start a new year it is common for people to make resolutions, usually it is about losing weight, exercising, spending more time with family etc. But I would like to challenge you to make a promise to God to do something for Him this year. This should not be taken lightly. As the above verse says, a vow to the Lord is serious business and must not be broken so when you make your promise to God you really must keep it. Pray to God and ask Him what you can do for Him during this year and then write down what thoughts come into your mind concerning ways that you can serve Him. Make a covenant to Him, write it down and keep it where you can see it every day. The Lord has a purpose for you and this year you can grow in amazing ways if you surrender your will to Him. May God bless you as you search for a way to grow closer to Him by serving Him in whatever way you are led.
Dear Lord,
Help us as we search for a way we can serve you and make a promise to you to do it. Let us not take lightly this promise. Lead us to do what you want us to do, and give us the strength and courage even when we feel it is impossible. We know that nothing is impossible with God.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Proclaim the Good News by Ann Elaine Broughton

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10 NIV).

The shepherds were watching their sheep at night when suddenly an angel appeared and told them about the birth of Jesus. Can you imagine how they felt? Have you ever wondered why God would tell shepherds first about His Son’s birth? Interesting isn’t it? But if you recall David was a shepherd and a man after God’s own heart. Shepherds had a lot of time to think and pray to God. After the one angel told them the news, then a heavenly host appeared with angels praising God. Now, I don’t know about you, but I would have fallen on my face in wonder and fear. But these shepherds immediately went to Bethlehem to find the Christ child. They found Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger. Then they did something which actually made them Christ’s first disciples, they told everyone what had been told them about Jesus and everyone was amazed.
The shepherds did exactly what we should be doing. Those of us who are Christians are to proclaim that Jesus Christ was born and died for our sins so that we might have eternal life. Jesus commanded this by saying, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19 NIV). We can not act like this is a big secret. There are people all around us who are lost and need the Good Shepherd to lead them back to the path towards Heaven. It is up to us to tell them of this Savior who loves them so much and wants them to come out of the darkness into His wonderful light.
So this Christmas ask someone to come to church with you on Christmas Eve. Lead them to the manger and watch what God can do.
A miracle indeed is waiting for those who give their lives to Christ. The gift of salvation is the most precious gift of all.
Dear Lord,
As Christmas approaches quickly help us to remember to proclaim to others why Jesus was born. Help us to lead someone to the One who can forgive them of their sins and give them the peace that only Christ can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Be A Gift For Someone Else by Ann Elaine Broughton

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

Christmas is fast approaching and with all the busyness of the season, it is very easy to forget what we are celebrating. The most important gift was given to us over 2000 years ago. It is Jesus’ birth that Christians all over the world celebrate on Christmas Day. That birth brought God to us in human form. His birth was prophesied by Isaiah and Micah. Micah 5:2 prophesied that Bethlehem would be where a ruler would come who would be the shepherd of God’s people, Israel. Jesus’ birth fulfilled this prophecy. Jesus came to show us who His Father is.
He walked this earth as a human, with all the feelings and temptations that we have. It is because of His birth that we have hope of eternal life. He was the ultimate sacrifice. So not only should we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we also should praise God that He loved us so much to send His son to earth to give us the hope of eternal life.
As you look forward to Christmas and all the fun of the season, don’t forget to think about the one gift given at Christmas by God to us many years ago. His love is still so real today and can be seen through the acts of Christians who give to others in sacrificial form.
Do something for someone this season. Go out of your way to help those who are in need. Call a shut-in and visit with them. Give a financial gift to someone who really needs assistance. Send flowers to someone who needs encouragement. Help people unload their groceries. Do something wonderful for someone. This season isn’t about getting gifts. It is about you being a gift to someone else. I promise you will be blessed if you do.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be your gift to someone during this Christmas season. Help me to reach out to those who need a helping hand. Help me to carry someone else’s burdens. Help me to give humbly.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen