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  • Worshiping and Witnessing

    Isaiah 12:4 “And in that day you will say: “Praise the LORD, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His name is exalted.””

    Our new life in Christ brings about the worship of God.  Rather than cursing the name of God we now exalt with praise the name of God.  Our new life brings a reliance on God as we call on His name. Rather than a disregard for God’s involvement in our lives, we now call out to Him in dependence.  As we call on Him and He answers we begin to witness about and for the Lord.  

    I trust you are known to others: 
    for your worship of God 
    and your waiting on God
    and your walk with God, 
    and your work for God 
    and your bold witness about God to others!

    As we experience growing deeper in our relationship with our awesome and mighty God it should be impossible not to witness (testify) of His work.  Who will you declare His deeds to today?

    Continue Strong  Worshiping And Witnessing,
    And Remember to Date the Word

  • Give Him Your Very Best For He Gave You His Best

    John 12:3 “Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” 

    Mary of Bethany demonstrated extravagant love to Jesus by pouring out her very best, very expensive, ointment over His body.  In the other gospels, we are told that she first anointed His head and some of the ointment came down over his clothing. John says that she anointed His feet and wiped His feet with her hair.  What a beautiful scene!  

    I trust as you read this sacred scene you are impressed to do something for the Lord. Mary’s extravagant act left a lasting impression on Jesus and everyone in the room. And even though some thought it was a waste Mary was not hindered one bit. 

    Today do something extravagant for Jesus! Don’t hold back – give Him your very best.  And don’t let any detractors hinder you.   

    Mary of Bethany says, “The best gets my very best!”

    Continue Strong giving your best,
    And Remember to Date the Word

  • Obtaining Favor From God

    Proverbs 12:2 “A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.”

    When asked what one might desire the most from God I answer you want His FAVOR! His favor speaks of His anointing – His blessings – His power.  Proverbs 12:2 tells us a good man who is doing what is good both in character and contribution receives God’s favor. God’s favor gives to the good man the ability to do more than he could do by himself. 

    On the other hand, a wicked man will find God against him.  This thought is conveyed numerous times in Proverbs.  For instance here are a few verses:
    Proverbs 3:33  The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just.
    Proverbs 10:3  The LORD will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But He casts away the desire of the wicked.
    Proverbs 10:27  The fear of the LORD prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened.
    Proverbs 10:28  The hope of the righteous [will be] gladness, But the expectation of the wicked will perish.
    Proverbs 10:30  The righteous will never be removed, But the wicked will not inhabit the earth.
    Proverbs 15:9  The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness.

    We are admonished to not be wicked and to stay away from the wicked;
    Proverbs 4:14  Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.

    Today put Proverbs 11:27 into action and “earnestly seeks good and you will find favor, knowing that trouble will come to him who seeks evil.

    Be good and do good for God and experience His favor,

    Continue Strong with His Favor,
    And Remember to Date the Word

  • Run Christian Run!

    Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”

    Our wonderful Savior not only saves us for eternity but saves us for service here on earth. He has a plan for your life that Hebrews 12:1 calls “the race.”  God has a race for us to run.  Because we are runners in a race we should prepare for the race. From Hebrews 12:1 two of the most important things to do to run the race is to remove any and all sin from our lives as well as any distractions that would weigh you down.  Like a runner, one does not want anything to HINDER their run. 

    Having prepared to run the race, one starts running and as they do they must quickly get past the excitement of running the race and RUN with ENDURANCE. The race is not easy so there has to be a never-quit mindset.  

    Run Christian RUN!

    Continue Strong running His race,
    And Remember to Date the Word

  • 25 Verses of Christmas

    As we think of Christmas this December we want to focus on what God did for us!
    May each verse remind you the reason for the birth was so He could die to save you!
    1 John 3:1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 
    Micah 5:2  “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall COME forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”
    Luke 2:3 – 4 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also WENT up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, as he was of the house and lineage of David,  
    Galatians 4:4 – 5  But when the fullness of the time had come, God SENT forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5  to REDEEMthose who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
    I John 3:5  And you know that He was MANIFESTED to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.
    Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is GIVEN; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
    Philippians 2:7 – 8 But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and COMING in the likeness of men. 8  And being found in appearance as a man, He HUMBLED Himself and became OBEDIENTto the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
    Romans 5:8 God demonstrates His own LOVE toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died FOR us.
    1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has SENT His only begotten Son into the world, that we might LIVEthrough Him.
    Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man CAME to seek and to save what was lost.”
    Luke 2:10 – 11 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. 11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  
    Matthew 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and GAVE Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
    John 1:12 (11) He CAME to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12  But as many as RECEIVED Him, to them He GAVE the right to become CHILDREN of God, to those who BELIEVE in His name: 
    Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
    John 1:14  And the Word became flesh and DWELT among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
    Hebrews 2:14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise SHARED in the same, that through death He might DESTROY him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
    1 Timothy 1:15 “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus CAME into the world to SAVE sinners, of whom I am chief.” 
    Luke 2:16  And the shepherds came with HASTE and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
    Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made LIKE His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make PROPITIATION for the sins of the people.
    1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also SUFFERED once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might BRING US TO God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,
    Ephesians 3:19 (18) (I pray you) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height 19  to know the LOVE of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
    Luke 2:19  But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.  
    Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and GAVE Himself for me.
    Matthew 1:21 “She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will SAVE His people from their sins.”
    Acts 3:22  “For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The LORD your God will RAISE UP for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you.
    Matthew 1:23  “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “GOD WITH US.”
    1 Peter 2:24  Who Himself BORE our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed.
    Matthew 1:25 and he didn’t know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS. 
    Hebrews 7:25  Therefore He is also able to SAVE to the uttermost those who COME to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

    May you have a very Merry Christmas
    Dwayne and Donita Carson
    Date the Word

  • Living A Life That Brings And Gives Life!

    Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.”

    Living right brings LIFE to one’s life. If there is ever a question of whether there are any benefits to living right Proverbs 11:30a gives one of the greatest. Living life right brings life to life.  I say it that way because living wrong (sinfully) brings death to life. If you are wondering where this thought comes from notice James 1:14 -15 as it says, “But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”  When you yield to a temptation it gives birth (or life) to sin and then the sin gives birth to death.  When you do wrong (sinning) you bring death to life in your life.  But from Proverbs 11:30a when you do right you bring life to life in your life!  I believe you would rather bring life to life in your life than death to life in your life!

    The person living right and experiencing an abundant life will also want others to have life, here and hereafter. Proverbs 11:30b tells us that a WISE person wins souls.  The wise have come to understand their need for Christ and have gotten saved and now they want OTHERS to know how they can be saved.  

    Are you witnessing for the Lord?  Are you sharing Christ with anyone presently?  Do you have a burden to see a friend, a relative, an associate, a neighbor, or even a stranger come to know Jesus?  One of the characteristics of a wise person is they desperately desire to see lost people saved and will look for opportunities to share Christ with the lost!

    A wise person lives a life that brings life and tells others about how to have life.

    It has been said that soul-winning is one beggar telling another beggar where to find food!  Since you have found “food” tell someone else where to find it!

    Continue Strong living right and being the light!
    And remember to DATE The Word

  • Generosity And Christianity Should Be Synonymous

    Acts 11:29 “Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.”  

    From the very beginning of the church Christians have stepped into the gap during a crisis to share what they have with those who do not have.  Starting as early as Acts 2:44-45 we read “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45  and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”  As the Apostle Paul discipled new believers in Ephesus he wrote to them these words in Ephesians 4:28 saying, “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”

    The mindset of the early believers was to help one another out financially.  Generosity and Christianity were synonymous.

    Is your Christianity and generosity synonymous?  Do you work as the Apostle Paul taught to have something to give to him in need?  Do you see the needs of others and desire to send relief?  

    Living here in North Carolina these past few months have been very tough for those living in Western North Carolina.  The devasting effects of Hurricane Helene are almost indescribable.  In the midst of such devastation, there have been believers stepping into the gap – doing Acts 11:29.  The same has been seen in Florida.  

    May we always be Acts 11:29 people who look to send relief to others in need!

    Proverbs 22:9 reminds us that “He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.”

    Continue Strong living generously,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Pausing To Give Thanks

    It is THANKSGIVING DAY 2024 (HAPPY THANKSGIVING) and today we have the wonderful opportunity to pause and give thanks to God for all His gracious gifts to our lives.  We are indeed a blessed people and while every day should be filled with giving thanks we as a nation designate a DAY to give thanks. 

    What might we give thanks for on this designated day to give thanks?  I am glad you asked.   Before you are 
    Give thanks for GOD!
    Give thanks for FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS who inspire faithful following of Jesus.
    Give thanks for God’s CREATION
    Give thanks for your CHURCH and those who lead and serve in the church, especially our PASTORS.
    Give thanks for WORK.
    Give thanks for ELECTED OFFICIALS
    Give thanks for CIVIL SERVANTS such as mail carriers, firemen, policemen and first responders.
    Give thanks for your PROFESSIONAL Providers such as Doctors; Nurses; CPA; Lawyers; Insurance Rep; 
    Give thanks for our precious FREEDOMS!! 
    Give thanks for things you do that are FUN.    
    Give thanks for the BIBLE.
    Give thanks for SOLDIERS and those who serve to protect us.    
    Give thanks for NEIGHBORS
    Give thanks for FINANCES 
    Give thanks for MENTORS, COUNSELORS and those you are/have mentored
    Give thanks for our FUTURE
    Give thanks for CONVENIENCES
    Give thanks for MISSIONARIES
    Give thanks for TEACHERS and the ability the receive an Education
    Give thanks for FRIENDS
    Give thanks for your HEALTH
    Give thanks for the simple JOYS OF LIFE.  
    Give thanks for TRIALS AND THORNS
    Give thanks for MEMORABLE MOMENTS you have enjoyed this year.
    Give thanks for your FAMILY
    Give thanks for our SALVATION!!
    Give thanks for FOOD!
    This list can go on.  If you are looking for ideas to lead your family in giving thanks you might have them write down words that begin with the letter F.  You can easily come up with 30 or more.  You might use the letters from THANKSGIVING as a way for each person to give something they are thankful for.  

    Please know, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3
    HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

  • Seeing The Invisible Who Can Do The Impossible

    Hebrews 11:27 “By faith Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.”

    Moses was not afraid of an earthly king (who happened to be one of the most powerful of all time at that time) because – because – he had His eyes set on God – described here as invisible!  Are you seeing the invisible hand of God that can do the impossible?

    We might ask how Moses overcame his fears.  I think it happened because he compared the powerful earthly king to the all powerful creator of the universe and it caused Moses’ fear to disappear!!

    Faith conquers fear! Moses by faith moved forward fearlessly forsaking Egypt! He endured or persevered, never looking back because by faith his eyes were fixed on the Invisible! 

    As we consider faith, specifically the faith of Moses, we conclude that faith sees the invisible hand of God.  Faith sees the invisible heart of God! Faith sees the invisible who can do the impossible!!!

    Faith sees the invisible who can do the impossible!!!

    May your faith in God conquer all your fears about doing what God has for you! May you move forward fearlessly into the future God has for you, walking by faith, not sight! 

    What fears do you have that require faith in God to conquer?  I pray you see with eyes of faith the invisible who can do the impossible with your life! 

    Continue Strong by Faith, Seeing The Invisible Who Can Do The Impossible,
    And remember to DATE The Word

  • Living Up To Your Name

    Acts 11:26 “And when Barnabas had found Saul, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year, they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

    As the people of Antioch began noticing that people who followed the teaching about Christ were living like Christ they started calling them CHRISTIANS. What is a Christian?  A CHRISTIAN is a FOLLOWER of CHRIST.  This name or title comes after a time in which those who followed Jesus had been called “followers of THE WAY” or, “Galileans” or “Nazarenes.”  Now in Antioch, those who follow Christ are called CHRISTIANS.

    I would like to present two questions to you based on the word “Christian.”  First, are you a Christian?  In Acts 26:28, “Agrippa said unto Paul, you almost persuade me to become a Christian;” While King Agrippa knew the truth, he still was not a CHRISTIAN.  Are you almost persuaded to be a Christian?  Are you still considering the claims of Christ?  Or has there been a time when you understood you are a sinner in need of a Savior and that Jesus Christ is that one and only Savior and you called on Him for salvation?  I respectfully but seriously ask are you a CHRISTIAN?  And also – you are not born a Christian.  You only become a Christian after being born again.

    My second question is for those who said yes to the above question.  Are you living like a Christian?  Are your beliefs and behavior like that of Christ?   Are you living up to your new title of being a Christian?

    A story is told of Alexander the Great that there was a day in which after a battle he saw a group of his men being marched to the back of the lines to be executed by his men.  The rules of battle from Alexander the Great were that if you deserted during battle you were to be executed.  Upon seeing the deserters Alexander the Great noticed one very young man, basically still a boy.  Alexander the Great rode up to him he asked the young man what had happened.  Trembling the young man said how he was in the very thick of the battle and seeing men die all around him he became fearful and he turned and ran.  

    At this moment Alexander the Great has compassion and extended a pardon to him.  Alexander the Great then asked the young man what his name was.  The young man lifted his head to say proudly that his name was like his, Alexander!   At this moment the smile on Alexander the Great’s face disappeared and he spoke firmly to the pardoned young man, “Either live up to your name or change it.”

    Are you living up to the name Christian? The apostle Paul would write to the Philippians in Philippians 1:27, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

    I trust you are a CHRISTIAN because you have been born again!  I trust that you are living up to the name Christian, giving clear evidence in belief and behavior that you are a follower of Christ!

    Continue Strong Living up to the name Christian!
    And remember to DATE The Word