As we step into this Christmas season, I'm reminded that we live in a place that celebrates the holidays but often misses the real reason for the season. It's my prayer that during this time especially, our lives would not be void of the presence of God but rather, we would "Behold His Glory" and see the true character of Christ revealed in our everyday lives.

In view of the terrorist attacks in Paris, France two days ago I bring you this word of encouragement and direction. Thank You Lord for Your Word, let it speak into our hearts bringing courage, hope and peace.

THANKSGIVING! No not the fourth Thursday of November, a day set aside to give thanks to God for all His benevolence. THANKSGIVING! I’m talking about a lifestyle of offering this most acceptable sacrifice to the Lord our God. THANKSGIVING! The praise offering that changes attitudes readjusts focus and brings the heart joy. Are you offering the daily offering acceptable to Father God?

Father God examine and scrutinize me, testing me for any worrisome or disturbing thoughts and discern if there is any way in me that would lead to the pain, the torture of the inward and the outward punishments of sin; and guide me to the moral character and course of life that is right, good and everlasting.

Indeed a bold, courageous request expressing how much confidence, hope and faith the Psalmist had in the God he knew because he knew FATHER GOD KNOWS!

GOD – omniscient – omnipresent – omnipotent – LOVING!

Guest speaker Pastor Paul Cole from Christian Men's Network shares a message of encouragement.

Our modern day world is filled with information, resources at our fingertips and a multitude of voices telling us what, why and how. From this information overload we must decide what is right, what is wrong, which is the best, which is the worst, should I believe this is or should I believe that… there is only one sure light shining through this obscurity, God’s Word.

Are you saved and do you know it? When the Day of Judgment comes and you are standing before Almighty God, who alone is fully holy and completely just, will the measure of the life you have lived declare your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord? Is it possible to answer this question and know for a certainty? YES!

The second letter Peter, the apostle wrote makes it clear that God has given us all we need to be certain, but it takes a diligent effort on our part.

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! This greeting runs through the course of Christian history as the followers of Jesus Christ have both encouraged one another through this greeting and proclaimed this truth, Christ Jesus died, was buried, yet He lives! The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a declaration to all that He alone is The Son of God. Do you know Him?