“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it” – Winston Churchill
A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time. (Isaiah 60:22)
What were 10 of the top spiritual stories in Culpeper in 2007?
What were 10 of the top spiritual stories in your community in 2007?
The main headline on the front page of yesterday’s local newspaper read “The top 10 of 2007.” The paper went on to list these top 10 stories of 2007 …

“Kindness is a language we all understand.” – Mother Teresa
When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. (Acts 15:31)
Who and in what way can you show appreciation to today?
I subscribe to the Simple Truths email newsletter. Yesterday I received the year-end message from Mac Anderson, founder of Simple Truths. Now I’d like to thank you for letting me be part of your life in 2007 by passing along Mac’s message and link to one of his all-time favorite inspirational movies. Enjoy!
“This is our last newsletter in 2007. And …

Prayer changes the spiritual climate! – Ed Silvoso
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (Matthew 2:10)
Do you have a heart to see your city and your state transformed by Jesus?
What is a lead domino to make that happen?
In the process of preparing our family Christmas card and letter each year, I review all my digital photos from the past year and reflect back on what God has done. Based upon my reviews, Rick Heeren has had the greatest influence on me over the past 3 years. …

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – President Calvin Coolidge
 
“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46)
What does it mean to believe in Jesus?
How does belief in Jesus change how you live?
My favorite thing to do during the Christmas season is to prepare and send our family Christmas cards and letters to …

“Tradition is a guide and not a jailer” – William Somerset Maugham
 
“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.” …

America is great because America is good. When America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.
Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites (Mark 12:42)
Have you given your all?
What simple thing can you do to offer hope to hopeless people this Christmas?
Yesterday morning I went to the monthly Culpeper Ministerial Association meeting held at Culpeper Hospital. Despite having a very full schedule, I chose to go primarily to honor Pastor Randy Orndorff for his two years of outstanding service as President of the Culpeper Ministerial …

“Work now, play later. Serious now, pleasure later.” – Rev. Matt Gregory
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” (Matthew 25:13)
If you knew Jesus was going to return in five minutes (300 seconds), what would be your reaction?
When Jesus returns, will you have oil in your lamp?
During the worship service at Soul Purpose Church on Sunday December 16, Pastor Matt Gregory preached a message titled “The Last Christmas Ever.” Today’s message comes from that sermon and my notes:
Matt began …

“The world would never starve for wonders, but only for the warmth of wonder.”  – G. K. Chesterton
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
Who can you share the wonder of Christmas with this year?
On December 10, I sent a devotional titled “Letter from Jesus about Christmas.” In response to …

History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats. – B. C. Forbes
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matt. 19:26)
How do you react when you see people develop their ability to do what seems impossible?
Yesterday as I was sorting emails in the Inbox of MS Outlook, I came across Jack Stagman’s email that he forwarded to his entire …

Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.  ~John W. Whitehead, The Stealing of America, 1983
“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.” (Luke 6:43)
What simple things can you focus on this month to bear much good fruit?
When I die, I want to leave a strong family legacy – children and grandchildren who love Jesus and have passion for the Word of God – family members who selflessly serve others out of the love they …