The Best Gift

Good Morning Everyone,

At this time of year, many are sad. They are depressed,
lonely, and experiencing many other negative feelings. And
it is hard to carry and maintain those feelings. They drain you
and wear you down, till life seems joyless, and sometimes hopeless.

Something changed for me a few years ago. God delivered
me from depression. I had suffered from it for years. It
was heavy to my spirit, overwhelming, negative,
the never enjoying life kind of depression. I became
a very negative, unhappy person. It was a hard mindset to break!

I missed out on so much because I spent my time worrying,
and feeding that sorrow. I got professional help, and learned
new reasoning skills, and how to work out of depression,
and how to overcome panic attacks. Without medicine!
God was good to me indeed, to lead me to a counselor, that
not only listened, but talked with me, prayed with me, cried
with me, laughed with me and rejoiced with my successes.

This year, we have gone through so much, as I know many of
you have, and still are. This is the first year I did not feel well
enough to decorate the house. And this is the first year
we had no money to buy presents for our family. I am in
a fairly substantial amount of pain due to a degenerative spine
and arthritis. And my husband has rather severe heart problems,
but is one of the most persistent people I know about overcoming
them.

I imagine I could really feel sorry about some of this. I could be depressed. I am not.

This is one of the happiest Christmas times for
me. Why? No pressure. No stress. No depression. I have
learned to be content with what I have. I have a warm home,
food each day, a change of clothes, I have family who loves me,
even though some of them live far away, and each day God
gives me enough breath, strength and energy to enjoy my life.

I am truly blessed! You see, I am not going to feel sorry for myself,
no matter what we go through. I have learned, finally, that we
can overcome our circumstances with our thinking and the power
of prayer.

What good does feeling sorry for ourselves ever do anyway?
It is a thief.. it robs you of all joy.

Giving gifts does not Christmas make. Actually that part has gotten
out of hand. People are getting in debt that lasts them for years
just because they want to make each other happy at Christmas time.
Seems to me that might serve to make you more unhappy!

Maybe we should make this season more simple. Maybe it
should be less about shopping, and more about reflection and
enjoying each other. I would be willing to bet that many family
gatherings on Christmas are far less happy than people want.
Because of UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS, and the pressure
of finding the right gift, or not getting the right gift.

What if we didn't buy gifts, and just took time to sing carols,
eat a nice meal together, truly listen to each other, and just
enjoy life? What if we got back to a basic simple relationship
that wasn't built on what we can get or give but what we have
within our hands that very day that we can make positive and
beautiful?

No my friends, I am not poor, I am the richest woman in the world
today. I have a Savior who loves me, I have been saved by his
mercy and grace and atonement on the cross, and because I repented of
my sins and chose to follow Christ.

I am loved, forgiven, strengthened, hopeful, joyful, because I choose
to be, and because Christ came to give me life, and more abundant life,
just as He did you! Receive that.

I made the choice to be happy and to be content, no matter
what my circumstances are. You can too.

My friends, don't let your circumstances control you.
You control your mindset. Bring every thought captive. Look
around you, enjoy what you have. Invite people over who have
less than you for Christmas, share a meal with them, love others
and just make this a joyful holiday.

That is what God wants, and you will be happier for it, by far
more than many of you are now.

Christmas is not about gifts, or money, it is about Christ
loving us, about us loving others, and about the precious
gift of life we have. Savor every moment, these moments
are the memories of tomorrow.

Love always,

millie

´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·°°´·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°



Eight Gifts That Don't Cost a Cent ~


In the economy of the heart, these presents are priceless.
This simple checklist can help measure how you are nurturing your relationships.

The Gift of Listening

But you must really listen. Don't interrupt, don't daydream, don't plan your response. Just listen.

The Gift of Affection

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

The Gift of Laughter

Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

The Gift of Solitude

There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

The Gift of a Favor

Everyday, go out of your way to do something kind.

The Gift of a Written Note

It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime.

The Gift of a Compliment

A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition

The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone.

~author unknown~

Imprint

copyright Millie Plastaras 12/17/07
Good Morning Everyone,

When you think about people who have been in your life
that made a impression on you which was positive
and inspiring, that you never forgot about, what did
they do to leave that impression? Of all the people
who have entered your life, what did they do that
left their imprint upon your heart?

Today as I was thinking about this, the word "imprint"
came to my heart. Below is the dictionary definition of
imprint:

1. To produce (a mark or pattern) on a surface by pressure.
2. To produce a mark on (a surface) by pressure.
3. To impart a strong or vivid impression of
4. To fix firmly, as in the mind

I thought about this in our relationships with others.
We make a imprint in the hearts and minds of every one we meet.
It would seem to me that as the years passed, and imprints
were built up in our memory that we would want to make
sure our imprint was one of love, compassion, forgiveness,
strength and hopefulness.

What will you be remembered for?

If you are not happy with that, well don't beat yourself up for it.
There is still time to change that! Make up with people you hold
grudges against, forgive them. Talk to people you have stopped
talking to. Say things to people you know you should have said
but never did. Life is not a dress rehearsal. It is happening
around us while we are planning on what to do with it.

Don't neglect the present while you are planning for the
future, or dwelling on the past. What you have within your hands
is today. Make it count. Make your imprint upon this world
filled with the love of Christ. Shining with love, and gifted with compassion,
and seasoned with the wisdom of God sprinkled in your hearts, thoughts
and actions.

Go out and follow your dreams. Accomplish something.
Make a difference. One day at a time, one person at a time.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness,
and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever
grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as
the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-13

Use hospitality to one another without grudging. As every man
has received the gift, even so ministering the same to one another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:9-10

Do others see Jesus in you? If not, its not too late!
Today is a new day.. seek that which is good, and repent
from that which is fruitless and unkind or even sin. Just
ask forgiveness and start again. Life is passing by folks.
Don't wait.

My dad's poem once again rings in my heart:

Only one life, will soon be past,
Only what is done, for Christ shall last.

He Has Come, the Christ Child!

Copyright Millie Plastaras 12/2004
may not be reproduced without written permission
from the author. If you share, please forward
in it's entirety with disclaimer. Thanks :)

And the angel said to them, "Have no fear, for observe,
I announce to you the good news of great joy that shall
be for all people; for today there was born for you in the
city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!
And this is a token for you. You will find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude
of the heavenly host, praising God and saying
"Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace among
men of his favor."
Luke 2:9-14

And so the journey to the manger began. With Angels
singing and a bright Star set apart just by God
to light the way, so that all could know
Our Savior, Jesus is born!

Oh how this world needed a Savior, someone with
compassion that could understand the pain of
each individual. Some one who had the power
to transform lives... to give them hope that there
situation could change. Someone who could
heal them, and comfort them, and forgive their
sins and love them anyway.

Where could such a one be found?

In very humble circumstances. Not the normal
place you would expect a small baby to be born.
Especially the King of Kings. A humble bed
filled with hay and animals around. A warm
setting in a barn, yet the greatest Savior of
all mankind had just come to change the world
forever.

Let us take a journey to that precious manger,
and see what we can find.

The roads are dusty on the way, but there is a
star to light my way. It is a bright star, is this a sign
of the Light of the World, Jesus? He is the bright
and morning star. If I get there, will He know I
am there? I am not very important, and I am afraid.
Perhaps He will not find me good enough... yet I have
to make this journey. Something within my heart cries
out to see this tiny infant that brings such hope to the world.

I have heard He has the power to change lives,
and came to earth to set our spirit and heart free.

How will he be able to do this? Such a great task for a small one.

It is getting colder as I journey towards the light,
and I pull the coat closer to me, seeking comfort
somehow. I shiver with the cold, and wonder
once again, if perhaps I should have stayed home.
Perhaps this is a rumor. Perhaps I am making this
journey in vain.

Oh yet, there is this star. And the songs of Angels
in the heavens. The music is beyond anything I have heard,
it fills the soul, and brings such resounding peace. How could one ignore such blessed events? I have never seen anything so wondrous in my life.
The star seems to wink at me, inviting, encouraging
me to go on my journey.

I arrive in Bethlehem. The streets are full of people.
So many people.. all here for the census. How will
I ever find the baby? The Messiah, Emmanuel (God with us)... I will look again to the heaven and the light of the star will show me the way.

The star is shining directly over a stable. I walk towards it,
and see a family huddled over a manger. A small baby
lay within the folds of cloth in the manger. A light
seems to glow from its tiny face. I feel such peace
within this place. Suddenly I feel warmth spread through me
and the pain of the journey has left me.
Something draws me as I have never felt before.
I hesitate in walking in, but
the young couple sees me and come over and gathers
me in their arms and take me to see their little one.
They greet me as if they had always known me,
and understand exactly why I am here.
How can it be so warm in here, in a stable?
And all the animals are so peaceful... it is as if they
are smiling. Can even the animals know?

Mary shows me the tiny one, and I reach out to
touch His hand. I feel such peace flood through me.
Ah .. this then is the Christ Child. I can sense His life
is going to be so different. Something about Him
even as a baby stirs my soul. I fall upon my knees
seeking to know what it is about this little one
that makes me feel as if I am in the presence
of a King. How could this be... it is a manger,
a stable, could a King be born in such surroundings?

Yet when I look at His face, even as a baby,
He seems to know me, and I feel such peace
coming from Him. It seems as if He has
been expecting me. Could this Be?
Could this child know me?

I bow my head in prayer and thank God for leading
me to the Child of Light, the Hope of the world.
He is bringing Joy where we felt sorrow.
He is bringing salvation, where we felt our failure
in following the law.
He is bringing healing to those who are broken,
and ill.
His love is all encompassing. No one has ever
loved like this. The room is suddenly filled
with singing. And once again I hear the choir
of Angels.

Singing: Peace on earth, Good will to men.

I stay there and pray a while, reluctant to leave
this Holy place. But my life will never be the same
again. I know now, that the world will never be the
same. Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away
the sins of the world.

My heart is yours Christ Child. I will follow your
light all the days of my life.
Your comfort sustains me.

I get up slowly from my knees, watching the little
child as He nods off to sleep. What a humble
beginning, what a glorious ending!
The King of Kings Has arrived.

I gather the hands of Mary and Joseph in mine,
and thank them for allowing me these moments.
My heart is overflowing with so many feelings,
I hardly know how to express them.
But it seems they understand.
They just smile at me. They know. They feel it
too. The day has finally arrived and
hope has been born within my soul.

As I walk off into the night... the sense of well being
never leaves. I truly have felt such comfort
and peace as I have never experienced before.
From now on, whenever I feel lonely, or in pain,
I will take my mind back to that manger, and
the beautiful child, that brought a light
into my life that I had never experienced before.
And I will find comfort in remembering
He knew me!
I will forever seek that child within my heart.
All will be well now.
God has heard the cries of my heart.

I hurry down the path. I must tell everyone I know,
to come worship the King.
WE will never be the same.

My heart rejoices and cries out:
Joy to the world, the Lord is Come!

He came for you and Me!

remember
Only one life
will soon be past
Only what is done
For Christ will last

The Nativity And The Winter Storm

The Nativity and the Winter Storm

by Millie Plastaras
Copyright December 21 2001
May not be reproduced without the Author's permission.


It became clear at once that this was no ordinary night.
The sky was becoming darker, and the snow flurries were building up quickly, till it was a cold blur outside. Cameron looked out the window watching the snow begin to fall harder and build up on the ground like piles of sand upon the beach. The snow glistened and grew into small hills of cold crystals glistening with the light of the moon.

She turned and faced the room, the chill beginning to reach her, she walked toward the fireplace gathering the wood sitting by it, and tossing in a log to add to the small fire she had started earlier.

As she gazed into the fire, she watched the fire grow and bring warmth to the room, but her heart felt cold within her. A coldness even the fire could not touch.

It was almost Christmas night, and she was alone in this cabin in the woods. She had come out here to get away from the cacophony of the city, the crowds, the loneliness and the problems. She just wanted to take time to get to relax, gather her thoughts, and perhaps this time, she could plan a future different from the life she was now living. Things had become so complicated, she didn't even feel like herself anymore.

The last few years had changed everything. She had built a company from the ground up, and worked endless hours to make it successful. It had taken all her time and energy. It had been more than she had hoped, and less than she had dreamed. It gave her all the financial security she had ever dreamed of, and none of the emotional security she seemed to need right now.

Why was this happening at this point in her life? Didn't she have all the financial security she ever needed? She was independent, and focused, successful to the eyes of most observers.

Yet, with all these accomplishments, it seemed so unfulfilling personally, something seemed like it was missing.

She sat on the couch gathering her coffee cup to her, and musing over the past. She remembered fondly so many Christmas times past with her parents. Both were gone now, and some of the memories had faded a bit. But the warmth and love they had showed her never faded. What a blessing they had been to her. The word blessing. That is what was missing!

This then is what was missing in her life, she had no spiritual life anymore! She had neglected the Christ Child. Now ... here she was stranded in the forest cabin, no way of getting out. Suddenly the success of her business didn't seem enough. She had forgotten a big part of her life. The part that sustains a person when times get rough. She felt drained, and weary.

Each Christmas her mother and Father had made a big ceremony of the nativity Scene. It started the first of December, and each night a new piece would come out of it's wrapping and take it's place on the table. They would sit and talk about the meaning of Christmas. And Mom would always make cookies or a new treat each day. What cozy times those were. Christmas day the final piece of the nativity scene was taken out and displayed, the small Christ child. The Christ Child was always the center of their celebration. And on Christmas day, they made a party of it. A cake to remember Jesus birthday, and songs to sing His praises.

This family celebration brought alive that story so old, that had forever changed the
world. The Christ Child, who bought hope to the world, that there is more to this life, than this life. That we all have a Father God who loved us enough to send his son to earth to bring the good news of his salvation and great love for us, and that the greatest gift of all, was found in that one Christ Child.

The lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world.

Cameron got up, suddenly feeling a great desire rose within her to celebrate like she once did with her precious parents. Someplace around here that nativity set was tucked away, she had brought it out here after her parents passed away, hoping to make this her Christmas retreat, and to decorate the cabin with the memories of her youth. She got up and walked towards the room that all the boxes were stored in. She rummaged until she found the box with all the dear images of the people from that beautiful Christmas night so long ago.

She took the box to the living room, set it down, and cleared a small table by the fireplace. One by one she pulled the pieces out, and set them up. The tiny lambs, the other animals, the angels, the shepherds, the visiting Kings, the small village buildings, the manger and the most important parts, Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus. Each piece became all the more precious as she drew them out.

She set back looking at the scene, and it bought a sense of peace to her spirit. Something she had not felt in a long time. She had been living totally for herself, focused on success and career goals. Nothing else. Now here it was Christmas Night, and once again she was alone. How had she ever allowed things to get this way? The tears started coursing down her cheeks. Her parents would be so surprised how she had changed, she had become hardened, and cold. She had conformed to the world.

Cameron picked up the Baby Jesus and held it tightly in her hands. She got down on her knees that cold night, and gave her heart to the Baby Jesus, asking forgiveness for her sins.

Her heart pouring forth countless thoughts, and pain that was inside. When finally she stopped. Everything somehow seemed different. She felt a sense of peace pervading her spirit that she had not felt in a very long time.

This then, was what Christmas was all about. The Baby Jesus. Nothing else. The quietness of this retreat and the pleasant memory of Godly parents drew her back to the truth of this life. Nothing is worthwhile, without a relationship with Jesus.

She got up and walked towards the window. The snow was slowing down, and she could see a star twinkling through the clouds that were scattered in the sky. The star seemed to be twinkling just at her. It seemed so hopeful now. All was right with her heart. She knew now what to do. And this night had changed everything. It had reminded her of a blessed night when a precious Baby came to earth, that she might have life, and have it more abundantly.

Now, she was going to seek the abundant life her parents had taught her about. And she was going to remember how to touch the lives of others. This felt much better to her. She knew that this was the reason she felt such a urge to get away. She turned towards the manger scene once again, placing the baby in it's manger. She walked towards the kitchen. Perhaps she could find the ingredients for a cake here. It could be a birthday party after all.

Jesus was here now.

Remember:

Only one life
will soon be past
Only what is done
For Christ will last

Be Of Good Cheer

Good Morning Everyone,

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect
peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials
and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer -- take courage,
be confident, certain, undaunted -- for I HAVE OVERCOME the world --
I have deprived it of power to harm, and conquered it for you.
John 16:33

There is a commercial on tv, that has struck me lately,
and given me pause for thought. There is a singer singing:


Are you havin' any fun?
What y'gettin' out o' livin'?
What good is what you've got
If you're not havin' any fun?

Are you havin' any laughs?
Are you gettin' any lovin'?
If other people do,
So can you, have a little fun.
written by Sammy Fain / Jack Yellin


I sat and thought about myself and others, who have seemed
at times to have forgotten how to have fun and enjoy life.
Every day is full of worries or fears, and really it just saps our
strength. Sometimes we are so weary with our problems
and dread of life, we cannot even give or receive love.

Is this what God intended life to be like?

What a great thing to laugh. To sit and watch a funny movie,
or listen to friends tell good stories, or just get out of the house
and do some volunteer work, that you see brings a smile to someone's
face.

As this Christmas season approaches, take time to refresh your spirit.
Have some fun, do something you enjoy. Laugh more, worry less,
things always worked out before, and they will now. Just enjoy life
while you have it! Don't plan on having fun later, don't think life
lasts forever, seize the moments you have each day and make
them special. Then you can look back with accumulated days
that were purposeful, and enjoyable.

There is a balance to this life. A season for everything. Sometimes
we work, sometimes we rest, sometimes we play.

What good is what you got, if you are not having any fun?

All the money in the world does not bring happiness,
all the possessions you could buy do not bring lasting happiness,
they are so momentary, that the thrill wears off.

Happiness is a choice!

My precious friend, your life is a gift. Look at it like that,
take a fresh look, a new perspective. Take time today
to laugh, and enjoy the beauty of life, it will refresh your spirit
and restore your joy. Don't let life pass you by and miss
out on some great experiences, because you chose to live
life in despair rather than breaking out of that mold and JUST LIVING!

A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart
the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:13

All the days of the desponding (despairing) afflicted are made
evil (by anxious thoughts and forboding), but he who HAS A GLAD
HEART, HAS A CONTINUAL FEAST!
Proverbs 15:15

A happy heart is a good medicine and cheerful mind works healing,
but a broken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

Make a choice to be a cheerful person. This is a sign of true faith.
Just trusting in Christ to work out things, enjoying life, and bringing
cheer and joy to those you know. Don't you love being around
cheerful people? Be one. Be a blessing, for your own sake
and others.

Love
millie

ps..I used to suffer from severe depression. I remember once when
going through some very heavy things, that someone told a joke
and made me laugh so hard, and suddenly it was as if dark clouds
had lifted and the sun came out. It was such a stark contrast,
I realized how I had chosen to dwell in fear and depression
and that while I was doing that, there were still great things going
on in life I was missing by feeling sorry for myself and my circumstances.

What a waste of energy and time. Never let negative feelings control
your thinking. Take every thought captive, and enjoy the precious
life God has given you. Plan on making a difference in this world.
One for good, and not evil, One for joy and not despair, one for faith
and not fear. Be a Light!!

Comfort and Joy

copyright Millie Plastaras
9/1/2005

There is a wonderful Christmas song, that speaks of
comfort and joy.

As I was pondering on those words today God gave
me such a urge to write on it tonight.

Comfort and Joy are companions. We find one,
we should have the other.

Comfort does not totally depend on a comfortable
home, lots of possessions, money or even how many
people we know or what a great job we have.

Comfort depends on our state of mind.

Paul said:
Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want,
for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the
point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever
state I am.
I know how to be abased and live humbly in
straitened circumstances, and I know how
to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned
in any and all circumstances, the secret of facing
every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry,
having a sufficiency and to spare or going without
and being in want.

I have strength for ALL things in Christ who EMPOWERS ME,
I am ready for anything and equal to anything through
Him who infuses inner strength into me,
(that is, I am self sufficient in Christ's sufficiency)
Philippians 4:11-13

How powerful the concept of these verses are.
We should read them over and over and receive
the depth of truth and the depth of a spiritual heart
that is displayed in them.

How do we come to that state of mind where we
can be content no matter what hits? It is huge mental
discipline, bringing every thought captive to the things
of God. It is also realizing God is in control, and whatever
is ahead, we know above all else, He will not leave
us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

Basically.. our sufficiency, our total dependency and
hope is from him. Not from our circumstances,
not from our friends, nor family, not from what we own
or don't own. Our hope is From Jesus Christ who came
to take away the sins of the world. He said when He left
this world He would send another comforter, The Holy
Spirit to guide us and lead us into all truth.

So how do we access the Holy Spirit?
The minute we receive salvation through Jesus Christ
that Holy Spirit dwells within us.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you
another comforter (counselor, helper, intercessor,
advocate, strengthener and standby) that He may remain
with you forever.
The spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive
(welcome, take to heart) because it does not see Him,
nor know and recognize Him, for He lives with you constantly
and will be in you.
John 14:16 - 17

My friend, knowing almighty God has sent the great
comforter to dwell within us to lead us into all truth,
to guide and direct us, and tell us what to do,
should bring awesome praise from our lips..
How very blessed we are.

We must find our sufficiency in him.

As the world changes, and grows worse. WE will
see many things, floods, famines, earthquakes,
typhoons, hurricanes, floods, pestilences, disease.

We cannot allow a spirit of fear to take root.

Our Father is God, how then can we fear,
knowing He cares about our needs, and has
angels watching over us.

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (cowardice,
of craven, cringing and fawning fear) but He has
given us a spirit of power and of love and
well balanced mind and discipline and self control.
2 Timothy 1:7

I can remember a time where my family was hit
with so many tragedies I was knocked to my knees.
I heard God speaking to my heart as clearly as could be.
You can either be full of fear or full of faith.

You can fall apart or you can believe everything you
have read about me. I am your sufficiency.. pray in
faith, cling to me, trust, do not let go of me, do not look
to the right or the left.. Rebuke the spirit of fear,
rebuke the spirit of death, walk in my way, walk in my
love, walk in My power and a sound mind, I am your
sufficiency, I am all you need.

I will never forget how that struck my heart,
it echoed within me, and I took it seriously,
and it forever changed me, and the life of my husband.
Because that very day, the prayers bought my husband
back from the grasp of death upon his heart.

From that day on, I learned to trust more consistently.
There are days where I fall apart, and God needs to remind me.. hey..
did you forget? I am on the throne, I am in control,
I am almighty God, I am the great I Am, I am all you need.

It is in that thought.. Joy returns.
Joy returns because our hope is in Jesus Christ.
We can rest in that.. He is driving, we are just taking
the trip. No matter what is ahead.. we will never
be alone. If we are not here on earth.. we will be
with him in heaven. There is nothing to fear.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1

Shout Hallelujah!

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under His
wings shall you trust. His trust shall be thy shield and thy
buckler, thou shall not be afraid for the terror by night,
nor for the arrow that flies by day, nor for the pestilence
that walks in darkness, nor for the destruction that waits
at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand
at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee.
Psalm 91:4-7

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any
plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall
give His angels charge over thee, to
keep thee in all thy ways.
Psalm 91:10-11

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation
of the wicked, when it comes. For the Lord shall be
thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being
taken. Proverbs 3:25-26

In righteousness shall you be established. You shall
be far from oppression, for you shall not fear, and from
terror, for it shall not come near thee.
Isaiah 54:14

Believe it and receive it and live in it.
Then God is your sufficiency.

Or reject it and live in that and fear.
Then comfort and joy will not enter your dwelling.
It is your choice.

What kind of God are you serving?

I am serving one who is all sufficient.
I need not be afraid.. and he has the same promises
for all who believe. We need never fear.

In God I have put my trust, I will not be afraid what
man can do to me
Psalm 56:11

Just trust

Remember

Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

The Strength In Community

Good Morning Everyone,

Everything that was written in the past was written
to teach us. The Scriptures give us patience and
encouragement so that we can have hope. And I pray
that God will help you all agree with each other the way
Jesus wants.
Romans 15:4-5

This verse struck me this morning, as such a wake up
call for everyone, including myself, who often deals
with fear, or trepidation, or concern about what is
happening in the world around us. I hear many feel
that way.

Let me tell you what I see happening to people around the world.

1. They are going to church less.
This isolation creates a loneliness that can be overwhelming.
Any excuse that keeps you out of church denies you the fellowship,
strengthening power of a community seeking God, and loving
each other. As the world gets worse, this is more than
a necessity, it is vital, it is emergency, it is a must!
A Christian has to have like fellowship, good teaching,
encouragement and the accountability of a church.

2. People are becoming less friendly with each other.
Families are torn apart for many reasons. Sometimes by
distance, sometimes by anger. Friends are too busy for
friends anymore. This creates a sense of insecurity,
and isolation which leads to despair.

3. People are neglecting their spiritual life.
They either don't have time, or don't take it serious enough.
They somehow think listening to a preacher or priest,
or bishop is enough. It is not! It teaches us, but we
have to be in the word of God ourselves, it offers hope.
Something we need daily, not just on Sundays!
We are merely surface Christians, religious at best,
but lost at the worst. Not seeking God, but only
being religious enough to feel like we have done our duty.

4. People are forgetting to encourage one another.
They are so worn down from their own problems,
busy life, hurts, afraid of relationships, they have
forgotten the art of encouragement. They have
forgotten the great need to be encouraging.
Someone today needs your input and love!
Are you too busy?

5. People have forgotten how to work together.
It is every man for himself. MY opinion is better than yours.
If you think different from me you cannot be my friend.
How can we be a community of believers if we cannot
get along with each other because of petty thinking?
Who will do God's work if we cannot as a community join
together to accomplish greater things through the strength
of combined effort?

I am struck by this. Did Jesus teach any of this?
NOOOOOOOOO. So, why are we doing it? Are we not
his followers? Doesn't that imply following Him, and what
He taught?

I think a refresher course in what Jesus taught is a good
goal for everyone. Open the book of Matthew and read
the first few chapters tonite, and let those words sink in.
Underline the meaningful ones, and think upon it. There is
so much wisdom within those chapters, that it takes a lifetime
to absorb it all.

It is a needful thing. My precious friends, I know many of
you are in a rut. We all are in some form, but I desire,
and long to see you come out from among the world,
live a life Christ called you to, and be faithful to Him.
IN word, in deed, in faithfulness to a church, and in
faithfulness to others.

WE have to be about our Father's business. If we do not,
the world that is your little corner, will not hear the
gospel from you or see it in you. This is a huge responsibility.
Who will be lost without Christ, because we were not
faithful? Who will go without encouragement because
we were too busy? Who will not be sharpened in the word
of God because we took time to speak it and thus both
of us grow in Christ?

So do not lose the courage you had in the past, which has
a great reward! You must hold on, so you can do what God wants
and receive what He has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36

Pray today, ask God to help you get right with Him. And
promise Him whatever door He opens for you to be of
service, that you will go through that door and be faithful.

love always
millie

copyright Millie Plastaras 12/03/07