It is always wonderful to do something for God and then see the results. He does great things for those that believe in Him. I know this to be true. God has done things through me that I never thought was possible. And all it takes is trusting in the Lord and He is able to do the rest. Take tonight, for instance. The Spirit of God was drawing me to share the good news with everyone on the streets and just by doing what God commanded, many people’s lives were changed. Some by listening to the message, some by receiving a gospel tract and others by interacting with me. Why is this? Because the Lord God speaks through me and has the power to convict the hearts of men, not me. 1As I was proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and his glorious birth many people were rejoicing as they passed by me. Many of them also took tracts. Two men also came up to me. They had been moved by what was being preaching, when they tapped me on the shoulder. They looked me in the eyes, while one of them asked me why I was out there. I proclaimed that God is the reason. His love has come into my life and I want everyone to feel of His love. He then responded, in tears, “You truly are genuine. Thank you.” I shook both their hands and told them how much God loved them. I then offered them a gospel of john booklet and they took it with great joy. They said they had seen a lot of fake Christians but were happy to see one that was genuine in his beliefs. I thank God for shining His light, that they could see. To God be all the glory for the seeds planted in their hearts this day.
Shortly after talking with these two gentlemen, my walk led me to another awesome discussion with a wonderful young man. I had been walking down the street, passing out gospel tracts and proclaiming the reason for Christmas is Jesus when I saw this man standing in front of a cross walk. I just knew, upon first glance, that he was ready to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. So I went up to him and introduced myself. I asked if he celebrated Christmas. His response was yes but not in the same way I did. He said he was Muslim and celebrated differently. I told him the reason for Christmas is Jesus. 1We celebrate the magnificent birth of our Lord and Savior. 3I explained that only Jesus proclaimed that He was a God. That we can be saved only by following Jesus. Neither Mohamed or any other religious man has ever said this. This is a bold statement to make and if it is true, it is important to open our hearts to know so. I asked if he would be willing to think about what I had told him about Jesus and he said he would. 2I then asked if he believed in forgiveness and he said yes. I asked him how so since only the Bible teaches this and not the Koran. His response was that he believed in these words from Jesus, as well. I also told him that Jesus did mighty miracles and we can also heal people, through Him, today. He was shocked by all this. His heart seemed very open. I invited him to visit my devotional site, before leaving him, which he accepted. I surely enjoyed my time getting to know him. I thank God for leading me to him. I am so grateful for His open heart to hear the gospel.
Let us pray:
Thank You Lord for this magnificent night. It was wonderful proclaiming the good news of Your birth to those on the streets. I loved to share with them how You were born to save us from our sins. Nobody could do such a thing as this but You took it upon Yourself to die for us. Thank You for laying this burden upon Yourself. From the beginning of time, Your birth was prophesied of. People looked to a Savior that could free them from their sins. Oh how they longed for mercy and forgiveness and You came and did it all. We can now find rest from our sins in You. Lord, I give everything to You. Take everything that is displeasing to You and remove it from my heart. I need Your forgiveness. I know Your blood was spilt for me as well. I need Your mercy and grace to sustain me in life. You are what keeps me going strong. You breathe new life into my soul. I thank You for Your birth. I thank You for the cross. Thank You for sacrificing so much that we might be saved. Thank You for leading me tonight. I am grateful to be Your messenger. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Matthew 1:18-25 (KJV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
2Mark 2:1-12 (KJV)
1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
3John 8:34-59 (KJV)
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
