Living for Christ the rest of the year

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever."
Luke 1:46-55

Luke 1:46-55It's always a little sad, isn't it? Christmas is over, and soon decorations will come down and be put away in boxes for the next 11 months. It's like we experience this feel-good high that crashes to the ground on December 26th.

Unfortunately, that's the way many live the spiritual life, just waiting for the next big event so they can get their feel-good fix. But Mary's first Christmas was anything but feel-good.

Mary sang and praised God for the same reasons that we ought to be singing every day of the year: She sang because of her salvation. Mary knew the challenges that were on the horizon and was getting ready to face some severe scrutiny for turning up pregnant and unwed! And never mind the anguish she was going to cause her family, who would be forced to disown her or face the same rejection.

True praise isn't grounded in your circumstances. So as you unwind from Christmas, don't just settle back into business as usual. Take something special from this Christmas like a better appreciation of who Christ is and what he did. Because while you may celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th, you should experience the life of Christ every day as he lives through you.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE SHOULDN'T BE BASED ON FEEL-GOOD EVENTS BUT ON YOUR DAILY RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST.


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Get the best from 2012 to be your best in 2013


Dear Friend,

While many pastors shy away from addressing controversial issues, I sincerely believe you need to hear straight, “bulls-eye” biblical teaching on many of today’s hot topics. Not only to grow in your faith as a believer, but to give winsome, compassionate answers to the hard questions our culture is asking.

That’s why I want to send you a special new resource today – my CD series called The Best of 2012.

This series contains 10 of my most popular and compelling messages from 2012, and it’s a resource that’s sure to help you in 2013 because it includes messages such as, “Are All Religions the Same?”, “Lessons on Leadership,” and “What Is a Christian?”

The Best of 2012 is my gift to thank you for your donation to help PowerPoint continue to proclaim God’s Word and truth ’til the whole world hears. So please request your copy when you give today.

Thank you!

Jack Graham
PowerPoint Ministries