Knowing the difference between the things we can control and the things we can’t is very important. “Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” Steve Maraboli

Daniel 10 reveals to us a cosmic struggle between the forces of good and evil. It tells of angels and demons locked in a kind of mortal combat somewhere between heaven and earth. This is like Star Wars only this isn't science fiction. It's real. God's church is advancing around the world, and dark principalities are indeed at work. Whenever the Lord makes an advance into the realm of darkness, the empire of Satan always strikes back. -Keep Believing Ministries

What effect should the holiness of God have upon the life of the believer? Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness had a profoundly humbling effect upon him. Does it do the same for us today? How can a greater understanding of the infinite holiness of God create in our hearts a deeper reverence toward God? What impact should the holiness of God have upon our everyday lives?

The phrase “crossover” appears 48 times in the Bible. This idea is woven like a

thread through the fabric of scripture. Jesus used it himself when he challenged his disciples to

“crossover” to the other side of the lake. There are times in our lives that calls upon us all to be

cross over people, to leave our own comfort zones, step out on faith and cross over. The New

Year provides us with a crossover moment, it affords us with great opportunities. O. S. Hawkins

Jentezen Franklin in his book, “Fasting,” mentions several benefits of fasting:

(1) A fresh encounter with God. (2) It releases the anointing of God. (3) It releases the favor of

God. (4) Releases the blessings of God. (5) It brings one into a deeper, more intimate and

powerful relationship with the Lord. (6) It is a secret source of power. (7) Your spirit becomes

uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God.

Someone said that: Prayer, “the hand of faith strengthening its hold on the invisible God.”

Fasting, “the hand of flesh loosening its hold on the visible things of the world.”

Bible scholars have concluded from much research that, hundreds of years

before Jesus was even born, more than 300 prophecies were recorded to tell of His coming, His

life and journey to the cross, and the power of His Resurrection. These prophecies point to the

exact location, circumstances, and even timing of Christ’s birth. God alone is the only One who

could plan those specific details and ensure they all come to pass. How can anyone think that

Jesus just “happened” to be in the right place at the right time? (Illustration: The stack of silver

dollars in Texas.) The decree of the Roman Emperor helped on the fulfillment of Micah 5:2.

The imperial order, Joseph traveling 90 grueling miles, all designed by God.

I remember a few years ago at DMIP during the Christmas season that Dub Karriker said something that is very true. He said that the Christmas season forces our culture and the world to deal with Jesus. They can call it Happy holidays and do their best to remove Jesus from the season but even in doing that they are confronted with who he is and his Gospel. However, if you were to ask, most today do not know the full implications of what Jesus came to earth to do. If asked, you would get broad answers like he came to save the world and man from sin but as we see from the scriptures, the mission of Jesus is very clear and specific. This morning we will look at 10 reasons why Jesus came to earth, 9 of which are directly from the Lord himself.

Special guest Mike Manuel, brings a word of encouragement to the church to remain steadfast focused on Jesus during perilous last days.

Gratitude arises from the lived perception and acceptance of all of life as grace as an undeserved and unearned gift from the Father; an acknowledgement of the giver. Research has shown that giving thanks makes people happier and more resilient, it strengthens relationships, it improves health, and it reduces stress. -An article by Psychologists Dr. Michael McCollough of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and Robert Emmons of the University of California.

Peter knows how important faith is and he gives us a great picture of faith, a faith that we can anchor deep with, and a faith which will hold us during the storms of life. He is writing to a people who are finding it increasingly difficult to live their faith. In the matter of faith and unbelief men may be divided into four classes.