We all have the same number of hours in each day; yet our use of these hours can be so different. We all have the ability to prioritize; yet what we think should be first may not even make it on a list for others. Effective life management is putting things first moment-by-moment, day-by-day, while fellowship with Christ is allowing Him to decide what “first things” are!

It’s that time again to celebrate. Let’s be sure we keep Jesus as the focus of the season and celebration. Decorations, gifts, and family gatherings are wonderful, but pale in comparison with the best gift the world has ever been offered. Will be it received? Will it be opened up and used?

St. Paul writes to the Philippians about a Peace that passes understanding, and to the Romans the fact that since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By nature, we sinners are at odds with God. But by grace we are no longer enemies, but cherished children and friends. The grace of God delivers pardon for the soul’s disturbance, and replaces that with the peace that his pardon provides. Peace is God’s Christmas gift to the world, but it’s not just for Christmas. It keeps on giving year-round. Let’s not let the gift remain unwrapped and not experienced.

Christmas is just around the corner. Christmas is not just the presents, lights, food and traditions. It was Jesus. Feelings don’t last. Jesus does. In fact, one of the Royal Titles that Isaiah 9:6 mentions about the Messiah is “Everlasting Father.” Jesus lasts. Forever. He is eternally one with the Father and has eternally committed Himself to our salvation. His presence doesn’t just come and go. It lasts.

The "Mighty God" title puts Jesus in a class all by himself. He is not just some spiritual superstar or exalted avatar. He is God. Every attribute of God applies to Jesus. He is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Only He has the qualifications to be the Savior of the world. His coming into the world is the most profound miracle of all. The impossible has happened, God became man yet remained fully God.

Do you need counsel and direction in your life? In Jesus, we have a Wonderful Counselor. He is willing to wisely direct our lives, forgive and correct our errors, and lead us into an abundant life. It begins when we admit, or confess, that we have problems and need Someone much wiser than we are. Then we go to His Word for biblical wisdom to guide and empower us.

THe Bible story follows Jesus in Luke 17, when there were 10 men afflicted with dreaded leprosy. Jesus did for them what Jesus typically does: He heals them. Their lives are restored! How joyful they must be and how eager to get back to normal life. But 9 of the 10 forgot something. They forgot to thank Jesus. We are close to a Day of National Thanksgiving, a summons issued by the United States government to do more than eat turkey and enjoy the blessings we have here. It is a call to give thanks, remembering all the blessings we have and where theyh came from. Most people can articulate what they are thankful for. At the same time not that many will articulate who they are thankful to.

The word Apocalypse brings several things to mind. Its actual meaning is a revealing or disclosure. The last book of the New Testament is frequently called The Apocalypse. It reveals some features of the final struggle and the second coming of Jesus.In popular culture, it implies global catastrophic destruction. Several Hollywood movies include “Apocalpyse” in their titles and plots include doomsday ranging from a destructive asteroid headed for the earth to overwhelming swarms of zombies threatening the collapse of society.Want the real story? It’s in the Bible.

Paul wrote that we should always be alert and aware. The Father of Lies is never far off and always looks for where we are vulnerable to deceptions. In an age that tells us there is no real or objective universal truth, we keep our focus on Jesus, who is the truth, and the Bible, which is God’s Word of Truth to us.

The Protestant Reformation was launched by Martin Luther on October 31, 1517 by posting 95 theses for debate on the community bulletin board, the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Saxony, Germany. These documents went viral and in a short time nearly everyone was aware that something was happening that would change everything. The rest is history. This action by Luther began a process that restored attention to the completed work of Jesus for us in the Cross and Resurrection, and underlined the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith alone. This is the issue on which the Church stands or falls. It is the core of what we preach and teach at Ablaze Church.