Holy Scripture tells this story about the wise men and the child Jesus:

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.  And they said unto him, "In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 'And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.'"

Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also."

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.  And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him." 

When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. 

(Matthew 2:1-15, KJV)

Recognize Where Your Help Comes From

Scripture Reference:
Psalm 121 (NIV)

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Three times each year, the men of Israel were to go to the temple and present themselves before the Lord. (See Deut. 16:16). The fifteen Psalms (120 through 134) are the songs of degrees, meaning, elevation, a journey to a higher place or go up, were to be sung as they ascended the temple mount.

The first verse is referring to the City of Jerusalem located in the hill country of Israel. This city was the place that God had designated as His (See 2Chr. 6:6). Mount Zion, Moriah, and Olives are all names associated with the city of Jerusalem. The author is lifting his eyes to the one place designated as God’s dwelling place on earth.

“I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain” Joel 3:17. The Psalmist was not expecting help from the hills; he was expecting help from God. Many times when we pray, we raise our eyes toward heaven the place were our savior lives. However, God dwells in the believer through the Holy Spirit.

Believers should remember that our help comes from God the creator and master of the universe. God is our protector, in this scripture help mean to depend on Him. He is aware of each believer’s spiritual needs.

Satan never lets up he looks for every opportunity to attach. Nevertheless, God is forever present “He neither slumber nor sleep”. When night comes, our guard is down and we become confronted with temptation, do not worry you are not alone. God is there He is vigilant and will deliver and protect us.

This scripture tells us that God is forever, He never leaves us whether day or night. He has a hedge around us protecting us from all evil. He protects us from harm in the physical and spiritual existence. God is invincible, for the faithful it is impossible for the enemy to attack.

Christian friends we can trust in God completely for protection and guidance. “The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time for the, and even for evermore.” God is with us for now and until the end shielding us from all harm.

by: Barbara Stevenson

What A Blessing !

Scripture Reference
Ephesians 2:1-6
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,


All of us at one time were the walking dead; we were controlled by the flesh, being used by Satan. Until we accepted Jesus in our lives, we were the devil’s tools on earth. In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul reminds the Ephesians that they were followers of Lucifer doing his bidding on earth.

Believers today forget that they were once under enemy control; that as sinners we were doomed, separated from God. “Gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts” (verse 3). We must realize that as saints we have a new life we are born again; set apart for God’s use.

So many of us feel that because we attend church it is a reason to be treated special. We have the impression that God should be excited that we choose his side; with all of our old baggage; all of our worldly expertise. It is so amazing that He chose us when we were unlikable. While we were yet sinners, Jesus left glory, came to this earth, He became flesh and dwelled among. He who was sinless became sin so that we might live. Christ did what no man would do He willingly went to Calvary for us.

Paul tells the church of the wonderful blessing of God love bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ. By grace we were raised up and seated in heavenly places with Him. This stresses the divinely formed unity shared between Christ and Christians. What was accomplished in the past is still a reality today and forever.

As believers we should rejoice in the knowledge of Gods divine grace, and understand His immeasurable love for us. God’s love pursues us, makes a way for us, keeps us alive and does not give up on us until we finally accepts all that He wants to give us.

by: Barbara Stevenson

Why Gethsemane?

Scripture Reference
Matthew 26: 36-38


36Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I go yonder and pray. 37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and sore troubled. 38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: abide ye here, and watch with me. (American Standard Version)

Jesus led His disciples out of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley and over to the Mount of Olives to a garden called Gethsemane. Gethsemane means "Olive Press", and most likely it was a walled olive grove where Jesus would go to be alone with His Father.

Eight of the disciples were left at the gate and told to pray. Jesus took the other three, Peter, James and John, with Him further into the garden to pray. These three chosen for the more intimate view of Christ's agony, had previously enjoyed a closer proximity than the others at the raising of Jairus' daughter, and upon the mount of transfiguration.

Pastor Collins, asked the question, “Why Gethsemane?” The Mount of Olives was intimately connected with the private, and devotional life of the Savior. There He often sat with His disciples, telling them of wondrous events yet to come, of the destruction of the Holy City; of the sufferings, the persecution, and the final triumph of His followers (Matthew. 24).

Jesus went to the garden to retire each evening for meditation, and prayer, and rest of body, when weary and harassed by the labors and trials of the day (Luke 21:37); The Garden of Gethsemane is considered the holy of hollies. The place where Christ went on the night of his betrayal to utter the wonderful prayer, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39). And when the cup of God's wrath had been drunk, and death and the grave conquered, He led His disciples out again over the Mount of Olives as far as Bethany, and after a parting blessing ascended to heaven (Luke 24:50, 51; Acts 1:12).

The one purpose of Christ's coming into the world was to make an atonement, through death, for man's sin; Without Gethsemane there would be no agony of the cross. Christ in the garden, sinless and Holy God incarnate was able to perceive the horror of sin in a way we cannot. "Not as I will, but as thou wilt." This very human prayer gives insight into the sufferings of Christ and should enhance human appreciation of his unselfish deed.

As believers, we should be in awe of what we see in the Garden of Gethsemane, and we should be moved by that awe to surrender or wills, service and worship as we see the Father and Son’s Love in the plan of our redemption.

"Life's Sinking Situations"

Scripture Reference
Matthew 14:30-31 14-25

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

New International Version (NIV)

Matthew, Mark and John saw God in distinct lights, each wrote about the same accounts but from three different prospective. Only Matthew wrote about Peter walking on the water.

Jesus had stayed behind to pray, while the twelve disciples took a boat seven miles on the Sea of Galilee toward Capernaum from Bethsaida. About three miles out they were having trouble rowing against the winds and high waves. Jesus saw their distress and showing His Godhead walked upon the water. He found them out on the sea in the darkness of night. “It is I; be not afraid” (verse 27). Only Christ could have given courage and comfort under such conditions.

A similar manifestation of His power and goodness is required as we are tossed with difficulties and temptations each day. When Christ proclaims himself in the soul all sorrow, fear and sin are at an end.

Peter walked on the water-Christ will gives us power to accomplish the impossible if we receive His word by faith. We must however take care never to put Christ’s power to the proof for the pleasure of vain curiosity.

When Peter heard the wind, he became afraid. It was by faith in the power of Jesus that he was able to walk on the water. When that faith failed, he begain to sink. It was not the violence of the winds or waves that endangered his life but his lack of faith.

“Jesus stretched forth is hand” (verse 31). Every moment we stand in need of Christ we are held up by His power. When we are falling, we can be saved by His mercy. Always remember the power of Christ, which holds us up, instead of the dangers we are exposed.

"Jesus the True Vine"

Scripture Reference: John 15: 1-5

1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.(KJV)

Jesus is the true vine, as truth is opposed to pretence and counterfeit; he is really a fruitful plant, a plant of renown. He is not like the wild vine which deceived those who gathered of it (2 Ki. 4:39), but a true vine. Unfruitful trees are said to lie (Hab. 3:17), but Christ is a vine that will not deceive. Christ is that true vine symbolized by Judah’s vine, which enriched him with the blood of the grape (Gen. 49:11), by Joseph’s vine, the branches of which ran over the wall (Gen. 49:22), by Israel’s vine, under which he dwelt safely, (1 Ki. 4:25.2). Believers are branches of this vine, and Christ is the root of the vine.

The Father is the husbandman, the land-worker. He had an eye upon Christ, the root; He upheld him, and made him to flourish out of a dry ground. God has an eye upon all the branches, and prunes them, and watches over them, that nothing hurt them. The sense of duty taught us by this similarity, which is to bring forth fruit, and, in order to this, to abide in Christ. We must honor God, and do good, and exemplify the purity and power of the religion we profess; and this is bearing fruit

Pastor Craig Smith in the Sunday’s sermon, described John 15:1-5 as “A Formula for Fruitful Living.” From a vine we look for grapes (Isa. (Isa. 5:2), and from a Christian we look for Christianity; this is the fruit, a Christian temper and disposition, a Christian life and conversation, Christian devotions and Christian designs. We must honor God, and do good and exemplify the purity and power of the religion we profess; and this is bearing fruit.

Pastor Smith’s message was based on three principles:
1. Jesus is the one and only vine
2. God the Father is the gardener (husbandman)
3. We are nothing but a branch.

Christians are to remember that Jesus is the center of God’s plan and the source of the believer’s power. We are to be faithful and let no trials turn us away from the truth. Continue closely in unity with Christ so our souls may receive help that is required to preserve and save us to eternal life.

"Where Is God?"

Scripture Reference
John 11:32-36

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "LORD, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, LORD," they replied. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

Here was a house where the fear of God was, and on which his blessing rested; yet it was made a house of mourning. Grace will keep sorrow from the heart, but not from the house. When God, by his grace and providence, is coming towards us in ways of mercy and comfort, we should, like Martha, go forth by faith, hope, and prayer, to meet him.

Sunday June 13, 2010 was a sad time for our pastor and church family, a dear friend departed this life. As believers we have read the words of Christ about the great things of the the eternal world. And as we gathered for worship the questions in my heart were "we have studied the things of eternity, do we believe them truth?" Would the crosses and comforts of this present time make such an impression on us if we did not believe?

Pastor Collins, full of emotion asked "Where is God?" When we are overwhelmed with pain we often do not see clearly. As believers we are to cast our burdens upon the Lord, "He will sustain us" -- hold us together and hold us up! It's our faith, life, love, and final salvation that is uppermost to God. Our greatest cares and burdens He promises to take care of.

In all the afflictions of believers Christ concern for them was shown by his kind inquiry after the remains of his deceased friend(verse 34). Being found in fashion as a man, he acts in the way and manner of the sons of men. It was shown by his tears. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. Believers are to draw from this example that we may comfort the afflicted.

Believers remember that Christ has taken upon Himself our greatest burden. He took up the cross for our sins. He did this when we did not seek Him! Shall He not hold us up and hold us together now, without question? Peter writes to us: "Cast all your care upon Him, for HE CARES FOR YOU." (I Peter 5:7)