THE THIEF

John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

For those of you who have understood what the 'thief' has done to the real meaning of Christmas will understand how subtle and destructive he is! Santa has replaced Jesus in popularity through the gifts he brings whilst the bible clearly tells us in James 1:17 that EVERY good and perfect gift comes from God! The Christmas tree brings great joy when it is put up and so did the 'tree decked with silver and gold that the heathen put up'- Jer 10:2-5! The festival is good but the focus is not!

Now that Christmas has come and gone, along with the merriment that accompanied it, let us settle down and contemplate on all that happened in the old year and resolve to set a theme for the new year that will keep us thoroughly focused on 'higher things'.

I suggest we decide to keep our eyes on our Lord at ALL TIMES and choose to follow Him and Him alone. Let us not look over his head, or sideways to try and look ahead at the path! Remember Peter? As long as he was looking at Jesus, he WALKED ON WATER! The moment he looked away, he was overwhelmed by the storm, wind and waves and began to sink! The 'thief' will employ every trick to distract you from your focus but be vigilant always!

If Jesus has come to us as the WORD made FLESH (Jn 1:1-5), and he came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:42 to 45), let us follow our great and humble 'king' and also SERVE in the coming year. The world badly needs to accept the saviour. WE KNOW WE CANNOT SAVE OURSELVES ... WE BADLY NEED A SAVIOUR! The sad thing is that many still need to know this truth and our CHRISTIAN LOVE seen through our life example is the only Gospel that others will be drawn to!

In serving others as Jesus did, we will be able to save other souls from eternal damnation. Are you ready to take on the great commission in 2013?