Yep. Resolution.

Usually around this time of year, we are making resolutions.....lose weight, make smart food choices and exercise are probably at the top of most of our lists. Commercials blare and everyone is a buzz about weight loss. But I would like to challenge you to make a different kind of resolution this year. Now before you stop reading, just give me a chance to explain.

A resolution is defined as the act of resolving or determining a course of action. Resolving to do healthy things and take care of yourself are admirable things. I'm not saying don't take care of yourself! I would like to challenge you to consider an eternal resolution.

Make the decision, be determined to deepen your walk with God. Prioritize reading your Bible and praying, just as you would making a healthy grocery list or menu. Taking in spiritual food has eternal value. Going to church and being involved in a community of believers is essential to your walk with God. But let me admonish you....you will one day stand before God the Father and answer for your life....you, yourself, on your own. There will not be an opportunity to blame anyone else for your choices in life. SO, with that said, I am encouraging you to put knowing God at the top of your resolution list. He is the One who sent His Son, the Reason for the Season we celebrate and all those wonderful sayings that we have for Christmas....now let's get real. Do you know Him?

If you don't know Him, it is as simple as admitting that you are a sinner, we all are; believing that He came to die for your sins and rose from the dead....He did!! Confess that you need Jesus to be the Lord of your life.

Tell someone in your life that you have accepted Jesus....they should rejoice and help you find someone to disciple you.

Here are a few things you can do to strengthen your walk with God:
1. Read the Bible, start with the Gospels...Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
2. Pray and journal...sometimes I write a lot, sometimes a little
3. Have at least 1 friend you can be accountable to about your faith, and when they ask you tough questions, don't balk...answer honestly because you give them permission!
4. Get involved in a church! Yes, churches are full of imperfect people, every one a sinner saved by grace. Do NOT expect perfection. You will be disappointed.

I believe if we would be as resolved or determined to really know and share Him as we are to lose a few pounds, that eternal influence will increase the line to stand before Him and receive eternal life.

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2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NRSV
To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of His call and will fulfill by His power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas as you celebrate our Savior's birth.  The Bible tells us that the wise men followed the star to the place where Jesus had been born.  When they found Him, Matthew 2 says they were overjoyed.  One version says they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy and they bowed and worshipped Him, because they recognized He was the Messiah, the Christ-child, the One who was prophesied.  Then, when the wise men left, they had been warned in a dream not to return the same way they came.  There is a lesson here for us as well, when we find the One who saves us from our sins, we can never turn back down the road we once traveled.

He was born to us, He lived....God loved us so much, He sent Jesus, to be one of us.  He's the One who died for all.

Rejoice, worship Him, and walk a different road.

Merry Christmas with His love.

Missi, Brian, Katie-Beth and Peyton Schmelzenbach