Read John 6:47-59 - communion When Adhiambo E. Ochien'g, from Nairobi, Kenya, was a child, though his family was Christian, they didn't celebrate Christmas. He remembers seeing families going to church on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, singing carols, gathering to celebrate, and doing all the merry things; but not them. When Adhiambo asked why they celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus but not his birth, he was told that Jesus wasn't born non December 25th; but

Read Matthew 13:3-23 - the parable of the sower But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." Matthew 13:23 (NRSV) George T. Wilkerson lives in North Carolina. When he thinks about bearing fruit for Christ, he remembers a story he once heard on the news. at the drive-through window of a coffee shop, a customer spontaneously pa

"I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Gardner. He lops off every branch that doesn't produce. And he prunes those branches that bear fruit for even larger crops. He has already tended you by pruning you back for greater strength and usefulness by means of the commands I gave you. Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can't produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me. "Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Who

Sing out your thanks to him; sing praises to our God, accompanied by harps. He covers the heavens with clouds, sends down the showers and makes the green grass grow in mountain pastures. He feeds the wild animals and the young ravens cry to him for food. The speed of a horse is nothing to him. How puny in his sight is the strength of a man. But his joy is in those who reverence him, those who expect him to be loving and kind. Psalms 147:7-11 (TLB) Lisa Stackpole lives in Wisc

Read Hebrews 10:19-25 In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good. Hebrews 10:24 (TLB) "And so I am giving a new commandment to you now - love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35 (TLB) Belinda Jo "B.J." Mathias lives in Mississippi. The morning after a hurricane moved through the southern United State

How grateful I am and how I praise the Lord that you are helping me again. I know you have always been anxious to send what you could, but for a while you didn't have the chance. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything

Read Psalm 107:1-9 Say "Thank you" to the Lord for being so good, for always being so loving and kind. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies. Psalm 107:1-2 (TLB) But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow. James 1:17 (TLB) Cindy C. Ragland lives in Virginia. Her daughter loves to decorate for Thanksgiving. Each year, she fills their dining r

Read Psalm 142: 1-7 How I plead with God, how I implore his mercy, pouring out my troubles before him. Psalm 142:1-2 (TLB) Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid of them! For the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (TLB) D. Gerow Baker lives in Oklahoma. As she hurried by, she saw that the bike was still there - small. pink, and white, probably once a girl's greatest treasure. Now it sat unsecured and forgotten, str

Jesus asked, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story shall I use to illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed! Though this is one of the smallest of seeds, yet it grows to become one of the largest of plants, with long branches where birds can build their nests and be sheltered." He used many such illustrations to teach the people as much as they were ready to understand. In fact, he taught only by illustrations in his public teaching, but afterwards, when he w

The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. Day and night they keep on telling about God. Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it and moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom going to his wedding, or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race. The sun crosses the heavens from end to end, and nothing can hide fr